Employment Preferences

The State of Texas has established employment preferences for applicants for all state jobs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University's compliance with this policy.

For additional information, please refer to the Non-Discrimination Policy (EI-PO-04)

 

Veteran’s Employment Preference

Pursuant to Chapter 657 of the Texas Government Code, The University of Texas at Arlington is proud to provide preference in employment to:

  • veterans, including veterans with disabilities;
  • veterans’ surviving spouses who have not remarried; and
  • orphans of veterans who were killed on active duty

Individuals who qualify for veteran’s employment preference are entitled to a preference in employment with or appointment to the University over other applicants for the same positions who do not have greater qualifications.

Section 2308.251 of the Texas Government Code defines a veteran as a person who:

  • has served in:
    • the army, navy, air force, coast guard, or marine corps of the United States, or the United States Public Health Service under 42 U.S.S. Section 201 et seq., as amended;
    • the Texas military forces as defined by Section 437.001 of the Texas Government Code; or
    • an auxiliary service of one of those branches of the armed forces; and
  • has been honorably discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served

Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for a position will be shown preference in multiple aspects of the hiring process:

  • Interviews
    • If the total number of applicants interviewed for a position is 6 or fewer, then at least 1 of those applicants must be a qualified individual eligible for veteran’s preference.
    • If the total number of applicants interviewed for a position is more than 6, then at least 20% of the total number of those applicants must be qualified individuals eligible for veteran’s preference.
  • Employment Decisions
    • If two applicants are finalists for a position, and both are equally qualified for the position in every way except that one is eligible for veteran’s preference and the other is not, then the applicant eligible for veteran’s preference will be selected for hire.

No, it does not. For an eligible individual to be interviewed, the individual must meet the same required qualifications for the position as every other applicant. If the individual does not meet the required qualifications, then the individual will not be interviewed.

For an eligible applicant to be hired, the applicant must be the best qualified applicant for the position as determined by the hiring manager. If the applicant is not the best applicant for the position, then s/he will not be hired. If two applicants are finalists for a position and equal in all respects, the veteran would be offered the job. If veteran's preference is granted, the veteran or surviving unmarried spouse/orphan would be required to produce form DD214 or similar document at the point of hire to verify eligibility.

There are many organizations that can help veterans and their family members find and prepare for meaningful employment. Links to many of those organizations can be found on the Texas Veterans Portal webpage.

The Veterans Job Matcher tool helps veterans find civilian careers that might be a good match for their military skills. The occupation information provided in the tool may assist veterans as they review UTA job openings.

The Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop program provides a Resume Guide to assist veterans in writing or updating their resume.

Former Foster Child Preference

Texas Government Code 672.002: Former Foster Child Preference Hire if Equally Qualified with Top Candidate.

Employment Preference

An individual who was under the permanent managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services on the day preceding the individual's 18th birthday is entitled to a preference in employment with a state agency over other applicants for the same position who do not have a greater qualification.

This chapter does not apply to:

  • The position of private secretary or deputy of an official or department, or
  • An individual holding a strictly confidential relation to the employing officer.

Age Limit

An individual is entitled to an employment preference under this chapter only if the individual is 25 years of age or younger.

Note: The applicant must produce a government document certifying their right to such a preference if the preference is used in the hiring decision.