Section 4: Tenure-Track & Tenured Faculty Policies

4.3 Tenure Track & Tenure Faculty Ranks

Tenure-track and tenured faculty are expected to contribute to the missions of teaching, research / scholarship / creative activity, and public service. Specific expectations of tenure track and tenured faculty appointments will be identified in the faculty appointment letter.

The exact apportionment of effort in the missions of teaching, research / scholarship / creative activity, and service is a function of the skills of the faculty member and the needs of the department, academic unit, and university. All tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to provide high quality instruction, pursue excellence in research / scholarship / creative activity, and contribute meaningful service to the university.  

Although the general scope of performance at a particular rank is consistent across the university, the specific requirements of the varying ranks are a function of the discipline and are typically defined by the faculty of the department in which an appointment resides. The minimum credentials for tenure-track and tenured faculty of all ranks at the university are described in Section 3.1.7. All tenure-track and tenured faculty at the university must hold a rank and/or title in accordance with those described in the Faculty Handbook.

Assistant Professor

• Evidence of potential ability in instruction, service, and research.
  
  
• Professional comportment consistent with the Faculty Code of Conduct
  
  

Associate Professor

• Documented evidence of ability in instruction, service, and research.
  
  
• Served at least five years at the rank of assistant professor. Exceptions to this minimum rank qualification can be approved by the provost.
  
  
• Documented evidence of high-quality professional productivity which is leading to national recognition in the academic discipline.
  
  
• Professional comportment consistent with the Faculty Code of Conduct

Professor

• Documented evidence of sustained ability in instruction, service, and research.
  
  
• Served at least five years at the rank of associate professor. Exceptions to this minimum rank qualification can be approved by the provost.
  
  
• Documented evidence of sustained high quality professional productivity and national recognition in the academic discipline.
  
  
• Professional comportment consistent with the Faculty Code of Conduct