VCRO HR & AP Resources

2025 Hiring Freeze Program

VCR Hiring Freeze Exception Process

The VCRO is introducing a hiring freeze exception process for units within the research division in accordance with the system-wide hiring freeze that began on April 11th.

Impacted Positions

Exempt - no exception request form required

Staff
- Student Assistants
Academic
- GSRs
- Academic Reappointments

Not Exempt - exception request form required

Staff
- All new and backfill positions (Contract, Career, Limited)
- Appointment Extensions (Contract and Limited)
Academic
- All new and backfill positions

Exceptional Approval Process and Form

To request exceptional approval for a hire, submit the form linked below. The full approval process is outlined in the process map below.

Form: Hiring Freeze Exception Request (link)
Process: VCR Hiring Freeze Exception (ProMapp link)

Approval Timelines

As of the rollout of this process (4/28/2025), we aim to provide a response within a week of receiving the request.

Other Resources and Information

If you have any questions, please contact the VCRO HR/AP Team at vcrohr@berkeley.edu (Staff) or vcroap@berkeley.edu (Academic).

Academic Personnel Resources

Academic Calendar for Case Submission Deadlines to the VCR

Non-Senate Merit/Promotion Submission Deadlines

November 15, 2024 - Promotion/threshold cases/above scale (all titles)
March 1, 2025 - Merit cases (all titles)

Appointments

Please review checklists for a list of materials required for appointment cases in the respective title

Academic Appointment Checklist

Please note: Checklist must accompany all cases

Layoff Resources

Please consult with the VCRO on all layoff matters.

Review & Case Materials

Please note: Checklists (Found in Appointments) must accompany all cases and is the reference for all materials required for a Merit or Promotion Case.

Postdoc Information

All Postdoc appointment cases must include the following:

Postdoctoral Scholar Request Form (Actual link to form)
Updated C.V.
Proof of Ph.D. Acceptable forms include:
- Official diploma from the granting university (certified translation in English if in other language)
- Official copy of transcripts that indicate degree has been conferred
- Letter from the Dean or Registrar’s Office of the degree granting institution indicating that the individual has passed his/her thesis defense and has met all the other requirements for the Ph.D. degree (for those that have not obtained the Ph.D. diploma)

All other documents will not be accepted as proof of degree completion.

All Postdoc appointment renewals must be accompanied by a Postdoc Evaluation form in addition to the Postdoctoral Scholar Request Form (linked above)

Additional Resources