DATE
[Insert Dean First and Last Name]
[Insert School/College]
[Insert Address]
[Insert City, State, Zip Code]
Dean [Insert Dean First Name],
This information request concerned the employment records of Professor [insert first and last name], who is a finalist for a tenured appointment in the [enter department, if applicable] within the [insert school/college] at the University of Michigan.
In accordance with the University of Michigan’s hiring procedures applicable to faculty who are hired with tenure, Professor [insert candidate last name] signed a release form, authorizing their previous academic institution(s) to release to the University of Michigan, information related to any misconduct Professor [insert candidate last name] may have been found to have engaged in related to teaching, research, and service at their former institution(s). This authorization included a release of information of a confidential or privileged nature, or any information which may have been sealed or agreed to be withheld pursuant to any prior agreement or court proceeding.
We, therefore, asked that these former institutions provide to my office, specifically, Alexandra Matish, Associate Vice Provost for Academic & Faculty affairs and Sr. Director of Academic Human Resources, at UM-IRCheck@umich.edu, copies of any reports or letters that substantiate violations by Professor [insert candidate last name], as well as, any of the institution’s policies governing faculty conduct pertaining to teaching, research and service. This included, but was not limited to policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, and/or other forms of harassment or discrimination. The University of Michigan considers sexual misconduct and other forms of harassment or discrimination with students or trainees to be related to teaching, and with staff or colleagues to be related to service.
There were no instances of substantiated misconduct by Professor [insert candidate last name], as confirmed by a return email to Associate Vice Provost Matish at UM-IRCheck@umich.edu. If you have any questions related to this specific individual or about our process, please contact Linda Mills at lsmills@umich.edu.
Alexandra S. Matish
Associate Vice Provost for Academic & Faculty Affairs
Senior Director, Academic Human Resources