Office of Human Resources

Letter of Offer Guidelines

Unclassified Positions
A sample unclassified staff letter of offer is attached and available online at hr.osu.edu/hrpubs/offer/olmain; however,
alternative letters may be used if they have been carefully evaluated for adherence to the letter of offer standards set by the
Office of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, (614) 292-1050.

The essential components of every offer letter are listed below.

Position title
Employing department
Terms of appointment

Full time regular

Part time (%) regular
Full time specials
Part time (%) specials

Start date
Duration of appointment (if applicable) i.e. March 30, 2012 through January 2, 2013
Compensation
Rate of pay
Frequency of pay
Date of first pay

Benefits
Vacation, sick leave, etc. (be sure data is consistent with university policy)
Letters of offer should be sent to each candidate on your department/unit letterhead and the following statement must be
included in all letters of offer or within an offer letter addendum that requires the new employees signature or initials:
The Ohio State University is required by federal law to verify the identity and work authorization of all
new employees. Accordingly, this offer is contingent upon such verification.
Additionally, the following statement must be included in the letter of offer:
This offer is contingent upon the universitys verification of credentials and other information required by
law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check.
Please note that in the sample letter a number of optional phrases have been included. These have been italicized and it is
up to your discretion to either include the information or omit the information as appropriate. For example, the
unclassified letter of offer includes an optional paragraph concerning relocation, which is often used with senior
administrative and professional (SAP) positions. A copy of the Relocation Policy, 2.30 should be enclosed when
relocation is offered. Also note that the offer letter asks the candidate to sign the bottom indicating acceptance.
Clearly important to any letter of offer are those comments that personalize the offer, provide additional information in
response to questions by the candidate, and communicate enthusiasm regarding the possibility of the candidate joining the
Ohio State staff. The warmth generated in your letter will positively impact the candidates impression of Ohio State and
your department.

The Ohio State University

Letter of Offer Guidelines Unclassified
Issued 01/06/14

Office of Human Resources

Page 2 of 5

Letter of Offer Guidelines

Unclassified Positions
Language in letters of offer may create a contract. Because of this, letters should not include the following:
1. References to permanent employment, termination for just cause, probationary periods, specific expectations of
performance, or salary increases.
2. Specific causes for termination or dismissal.
Offer Letter Paperwork/Addendum

Ohio State Values (these could be included or added as a link in the offer letter osu.edu/eminence/values)
Required Employment Forms (See Additional Required Forms on the Letter of Offer home page, online at
hr.osu.edu/hrpubs/offer/olmain)

Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9

Ohio Ethics Law and Related Statutes booklet and acknowledgement form

New Hire Paperwork

Department information (i.e. organizational chart, mission and values, etc.)

Benefits Description Brochure, online at hr.osu.edu/hrpubs/#overview
Relocation policy and relocation information (if applicable); information online at hr.osu.edu/policy/policy230.pdf

The Ohio State University

Letter of Offer Guidelines Unclassified
Issued 01/06/14

Page 3 of 5

{Office/VP Unit Name}

Street
City, OH Zip
Phone:

{Date}
Dear {name}:
Welcome to The Ohio State University. We are thrilled that you have joined one of the best universities in
the country! As a new member of the Buckeye community you are now part of an outstanding institution
rich in tradition and values. You are poised for a bright and exciting future.
I am pleased to offer you the position of {title} within the {department} at The Ohio State University. The
offered position is {full-time/part-time} beginning on {date}, at a {salary/pay rate} of {$$$}. You will be
paid {bi-weekly/monthly}.
[In addition, we will reimburse you for documented moving expenses up to {$$$}. We will also cover all
approved expenses associated with one visit to the Columbus area for you and your spouse or partner
prior to your relocation to the area. The {department name} will provide you with {whatever is being
provided in addition to compensation and position}. {Name} is prepared to discuss the details of these
provisions with you at your convenience and can be reached at {number}.]
[Paragraph about Ohio State department if desired.]
You may indicate acceptance of this position by signing below and returning a signed copy of this letter,
and the attached addendum, to me at the above address. I would appreciate receiving a response to this
offer by {date}. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about the department, the university,
or the terms of this offer.
Once again, welcome to The Ohio State University. We are delighted to have you join the university and I
look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
{Name and Title}
Enclosures/ Addendum Attached
cc:

Department Fiscal Officer

Department Human Resource Professional

I acknowledge receipt of this letter and I accept the position offered

Signature ___________________________________________ Date ____________________

Addendum to Offer Letter

Beginning your first day of employment you are eligible for many of the outstanding benefit programs at
Ohio State. Be sure to check out the benefits section of our website (hr.osu.edu/benefits) as you are
given 31 days from the date of hire to make choices regarding health, life, disability and flexible spending
and 120 days to choose a retirement plan. As a new employee of The Ohio State University, you are
strongly encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit (controller.osu.edu/pay/pay-dirdep.shtm) with a
U.S. financial institution of your choosing.
The position offered is an unclassified position, not subject to the provisions of section 124.34 of the Ohio
Revised Code. Accordingly your employment is at-will, and may be ended at any time by either you or
the university. The Ohio State University Office of Human Resources web site ( hr.osu.edu/policy)
contains the universitys human resource policies, including those for unclassified employees. The rules,
regulations, and policies of The Ohio State University, as well as applicable state and federal law govern
your employment. Please familiarize yourself with these.
The Ohio State University is required by federal law to verify the identity and work authorization of all
new employees. Accordingly, this offer is contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to be
employed in the United States. Please consult with {name} for further information regarding this
requirement. This offer is contingent on the universitys verification of credentials and other
information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal
background check.
The Ohio State University, in an effort to promote the health and well-being of all of its faculty, staff,
students, and visitors, has chosen to maintain a tobacco-free environment. The use of all types of tobacco
products is prohibited in all university buildings and on all university-owned, leased, or managed
properties, including parking lots, garages, and all outside areas.
According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), Chapter 102, Ohio State faculty and staff must receive and
acknowledge a copy of the Ohio Ethics Law for public officials and state employees. The legislation is
enclosed. Please return a completed acknowledgment, along with your signed letter of offer, by the date
specified.

I acknowledge receipt of this addendum and accept the conditions therein.

Initials________

Date________