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Criteria for Promotion, Appointment, Evaluation, and Reappointment of Appointment Stream Faculty

Criteria for Appointment, Evaluation, Promotion, and Reappointment of Appointment Stream Faculty


Promotion submission date for all tracks: end of January

PROMOTION RANK CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT-STREAM FACULTY IN THE TEACHING PROFESSOR TRACK

Faculty in the teaching track typically hold a terminal degree in their discipline or a closely related field. In rare cases, substantial professional experience in a relevant area may be considered as a substitute for a terminal degree. Teaching Assistant Professors, Teaching Associate Professors, and Teaching Professors will generally have some curricular duties as part of their role.

Teaching Assistant Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose primary responsibility is teaching. Responsibilities may also include additional activities, such as student advising, supervision of graduate student teachers, program administration, and technical or artistic support. The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for two years (see CBA 17.1.3.d).

Evaluation and recommendation for initial contract renewals will be by a vote of the tenured faculty and of the faculty at the ranks of Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Professor. After completing the fifth year, a Teaching Assistant Professor may be considered for promotion to Teaching Associate Professor (see CBA 17.2.5.a.i). In rare cases, early promotion may be approved by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. In such circumstances, unit heads should contact the Associate Dean well before beginning a case.

Teaching Associate Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose duties are the same as those of Teaching Assistant Professor and who has demonstrated consistent excellence as a teacher. Faculty at this rank should also have a demonstrated record of significant and successful service to the unit, the University, the community, or the profession. Scholarship or creative work that supports the University’s teaching or service missions may be considered for appointment to the rank of Teaching Associate Professor. The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Teaching Associate Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for three years (see CBA 17.1.3.e).

Evaluation and recommendation for initial contract renewals will be by a vote of the tenured faculty and of the faculty at the rank of Teaching Professor. After completing the fifth year as a Teaching Associate Professor, faculty may be considered for promotion to Teaching Professor (see CBA 17.2.5.a.ii). In rare cases, early promotion may be approved by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. In such circumstances, unit heads should contact the Associate Dean well before beginning a case.

Teaching Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream for individuals with an outstanding track record of leadership, teaching, and service contributions. Teaching Professor is a title reserved for faculty of considerable professional attainment, sustained excellence, and exemplary performance in teaching and highly impactful service contributions to the unit, Dietrich School, University, community, and/or profession. Highly impactful scholarship or creative work that supports the University’s teaching and/or service missions may be considered for appointment to the rank of Teaching Professor. The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Teaching Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for five years (see CBA 17.1.3.f). Evaluation and recommendation for initial contract renewals will be by a vote of the tenured faculty and of the faculty with at least 5 years of service at the rank of Teaching Professor.

Revised March, 2025

PROMOTION CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR APPOINTMENT-STREAM FACULTY IN THE TEACHING INSTRUCTOR TRACK

Instructors are required to have a MA or MS degree in the discipline or closely related discipline. Instructors do not have curricular duties as part of their role.

Instructor I

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose primary responsibility is teaching, who may also have other assigned duties. Initial appointment is for two years and may be renewed for up to two additional years. In the third year, an Instructor I who has demonstrated consistent excellence as a teacher and any other assigned duties may be recommended for subsequent renewals of up to three years. After completing the fifth year, an Instructor I may be considered for promotion to Instructor II. Previous teaching experience (full-time) in the same subject or other relevant experience may, at the discretion of the department and the Dean, be taken into account to allow early promotion. Evaluation and recommendation for contract renewals or promotion to Instructor II will be by a vote of the tenured and tenure stream faculty and faculty at the ranks of Teaching Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate Professor, Teaching Professor, Instructor II, and Senior Instructor.

Instructor II

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose duties are the same as those of Instructor I, but who has demonstrated consistent excellence in teaching and other assigned duties. Appointments are for normally three years and are renewable. After completing the fifth year as an Instructor II, they may be considered for promotion to Senior Instructor. Previous teaching experience (full-time) in the same subject or other relevant experience may, at the discretion of the department and the Dean, be taken into account to allow early promotion. Evaluation and recommendation for contract renewals or promotion to Senior Instructor will be by a vote of tenured and tenure stream faculty, and faculty at the ranks of Teaching Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate Professor, Teaching Professor and Senior Instructor.

Senior Instructor

A title reserved for persons who have demonstrated consistent excellence in teaching and other assigned duties. Renewable appointments are normally for five years. Evaluation and recommendation for contract renewals will be by a vote of tenured and tenure stream faculty and faculty at the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Professor.

Revised December 5, 2024

PROMOTION CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR APPOINTMENT-STREAM FACULTY IN THE RESEARCH PROFESSOR TRACK

Research Assistant Professors, Research Associate Professors, and Research Professors have a terminal degree in the discipline (or closely related discipline. Research Assistant Professors, Research Associate Professors, and Research Professors will generally have research and service duties but no curricular duties as part of their role.

Research Assistant Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose primary responsibility is generally research and/or service (including center management and research support). The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Research Assistant Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for two years (see CBA 17.1.3.d). Appointments contingent on external funding will be for the period equivalent to the duration of the funding and subject to termination based on the lack of funding. Notice of such contingency will be provided in the Notice of Appointment.

After completing the fifth year in rank, a Research Assistant Professor may be considered for promotion to Research Associate Professor (see CBA 17.2.5.a.i).

Research Associate Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose duties are the same as those of Research Assistant Professor and who has demonstrated consistent excellence in research and/or other assigned duties (center management, research support, or other forms of service). Faculty at this rank with service duties should have a track record of substantial service to the unit, the University, the community, or the profession. Unit guidelines may take into account mentoring, publication record, external funding, and plans for future research. The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Research Associate Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for three years (see CBA 17.1.3.e). Appointments contingent on external funding will be for the period equivalent to the duration of the funding and subject to termination based on the lack of funding. Notice of such contingency will be provided in the Notice of Appointment.

After completing the fifth year as a Research Associate Professor, faculty may be considered for promotion to Research Professor (see CBA 17.2.5.a.ii). In rare cases, early promotion may be approved by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. In such circumstances, unit heads should contact the Associate Dean well before beginning a case.

Research Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream for individuals with a significant track-record of leadership, research, and/or contributions to the unit, the University, the community, or the profession. Unit guidelines may take into account mentoring, publication record, external funding, and plans for future research. Research Professor is a title reserved for persons of considerable research output and experience and/or highly impactful service contributions.

The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Research Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for five years (see CBA 17.1.3.f). Appointments contingent on external funding will be for the period equivalent to the duration of the funding and subject to termination based on the lack of funding. Notice of such contingency will be provided in the Notice of Appointment.

Revised March, 2025

PROMOTION CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR APPOINTMENT-STREAM FACULTY IN THE RESEARCH INSTRUCTOR TRACK

Research Instructors are required to have, at minimum, an MA or MS (or equivalent) degree in the discipline or closely related discipline. Research Instructors at all ranks will generally have research and service duties but no curricular duties as part of their role.

Research Instructor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose primary responsibility is research and/or service (including research support).

The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Research Instructor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.g). Subsequent terms are normally for two years (see CBA 17.1.3.g). An appointment contingent on external funding will be for the period equivalent to the duration of the funding and subject to termination based on the lack of funding. Notice of such contingency will be provided in the Notice of Appointment.

After completing the fifth year, a Research Instructor may be considered for promotion to Research Instructor II. In rare cases, early promotion may be approved by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. In such circumstances, unit heads should contact the Associate Dean well before beginning a case.

Research Instructor II

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose duties are the same as those of Research Instructor and who has demonstrated consistent excellence in research and/or other assigned duties (center management, research support, or other forms of service). Faculty at this rank with service duties should have a track record of substantial service to the unit, the University, the community, or the profession. Unit guidelines may take into account mentoring and educational training of students, staff or faculty, support of unit programs, and publication record.

The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Research Instructor II who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.g). Subsequent terms are normally for three years (see CBA 17.1.3.g). An appointment contingent on external funding will be for the period equivalent to the duration of the funding and subject to termination based on the lack of funding. Notice of such contingency will be provided in the Notice of Appointment

After completing the fifth year as a Research Instructor II, faculty may be considered for promotion to Research Senior Instructor. In rare cases, early promotion may be approved by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. In such circumstances, unit heads should contact the Associate Dean well before beginning a case.

Research Senior Instructor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream for individuals with a significant track record of leadership, research, research support, and/or contributions to the unit, the University, the community, or the profession. Unit guidelines may take into account mentoring and educational training of students, staff or faculty, support of unit programs, and publication record. Research Senior Instructor is a title reserved for persons of considerable research output and experience, and/or highly impactful service contributions.

The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Research Senior Instructor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.g). Subsequent terms are normally for five years (see CBA 17.1.3.g). Appointments contingent on external funding will be for the period equivalent to the duration of the funding and subject to termination based on the lack of funding. Notice of such contingency will be provided in the Notice of Appointment.

Revised March, 2025

PROMOTION CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR APPOINTMENT-STREAM FACULTY IN THE CLINICAL PROFESSOR TRACK

  • The clinical track is designed for faculty whose primary responsibilities include health service provision and professional training, particularly through the supervision of students.
  • These faculty members are integral to professional programs, bridging academic learning with practical experience to prepare students effectively for their careers. They are primarily hired to mentor and teach students in clinical disciplines and/or in clinical settings.
  • Minimum qualifications for appointment in the clinical track include an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field, along with the necessary licensure or certification in their specialty.
Clinical Assistant Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose primary responsibilities include health service provision and professional training, particularly through the supervision of students. Responsibilities may also include teaching courses and additional activities, such as student advising, clinical program administration, and technical support. The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for two years (see CBA 17.1.3.d).

Evaluation and recommendation for initial contract renewals will be by a vote of the tenured faculty and of the faculty at the ranks of Clinical Associate Professor and Clinical Professor. After completing the fifth year, a Clinical Assistant Professor may be considered for promotion to Clinical Associate Professor (see CBA 17.2.5.a.i). In rare cases, early promotion may be approved by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. In such circumstances, unit heads should contact the Associate Dean well before beginning a case.

Clinical Associate Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream whose duties are the same as those of a Clinical Assistant Professor and who has demonstrated consistent excellence in the clinical specialty, particularly with respect to supervision of students in professional training and clinical program support. Faculty at this rank should also have a demonstrated record of significant and successful service to the unit, the University, the community, and/or the profession. Scholarship that supports the University’s clinical or service missions may be considered for appointment to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor. The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for three years (see CBA 17.1.3.e).

Evaluation and recommendation for initial contract renewals will be by a vote of the tenured faculty and of the faculty at the rank of Clinical Professor. After completing the fifth year as a Clinical Associate Professor, faculty may be considered for promotion to Clinical Professor (see CBA 17.2.5.a.i). In rare cases, early promotion may be approved by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs. In such circumstances, unit heads should contact the Associate Dean well before beginning a case.

Clinical Professor

A full-time faculty appointment outside the tenure stream for individuals with an outstanding track record of leadership, clinical program support, clinical supervision of students, and teaching contributions. Clinical Professor is a title reserved for faculty of considerable professional attainment, sustained excellence, and exemplary performance in clinical activities and highly impactful service contributions to the unit, Dietrich School, University, community, and/or profession. Highly impactful scholarship that supports the University’s Clinical and/or service missions may be considered for appointment to the rank of Clinical Professor. The initial contract length of appointment stream faculty members to the rank of Clinical Professor who have not previously held a full-time faculty appointment and are not covered by presumptive renewal shall be for a two (2) year term (see CBA 17.1.3.a). Subsequent terms are normally for five years (see CBA 17.1.3.f). Evaluation and recommendation for initial contract renewals will be by a vote of the tenured faculty and of the faculty with at least 5 years of service at the rank of Clinical Professor.

Revised March, 2025