The Division of Education, Human Development and Social Sciences represents diverse disciplines and requires a balanced, flexible, and equitable promotion policy for full-time non-tenure-line faculty consistent with the directives and spirit of University Academic Policies AC21 and AC23. In broad terms, this policy is intended to ensure that the non-tenure-line faculty members of our Division are effective teachers, exhibit ongoing efforts to remain current in the discipline(s) being taught, and are responsible members of university and professional communities. Reviews shall be conducted with due respect and confidentiality.
The Division Non-tenure-line Faculty Promotion Review Committee, formed via the process described below, will make its recommendations for full-time non-tenure-line faculty promotion on the basis of careful review of all of the available evidence in relation to the following criteria:
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Effective teaching is critical for promotion. Although most teaching occurs in the classroom, teaching is understood in its broadest sense and may include a variety of contacts with students such as advising, independent studies, and engaged scholarship. It is essential that the instructor communicates effectively, is fair and objective, and maintains sound academic standards in evaluation of students. Evaluation of teaching effectiveness will go beyond the administering of SRTEs. Peer evaluations will be conducted in accordance with the Division's Guidelines for Peer Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness and the Second Form of Student Evaluation.
Efforts to Remain Current in the Discipline(s) Being Taught
It is essential that non-tenure-line faculty maintain currency in their teaching discipline to perform as effective program instructors. In addition, this enhances the degree of continuity among all faculty—tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty—teaching in a disciplinary program for the College. Promotion as a non-tenure-line faculty requires some concrete evidence of having remained current in the discipline; however, achievements in this domain are not construed narrowly. Traditional ways of keeping current in the discipline include attending professional conferences and enrolling in continuing education courses. Additional criteria supporting the awarding of promotion may include, but are not limited to, the following: Publishing professional research or academic articles, books, and/or reports; presenting at professional conferences, workshops, symposia, or seminars; designing pedagogical, evaluation or assessment materials; developing curriculum or program materials; submitting research, program or grant proposals; creating community-based projects or programs aimed at supporting students and community partners; and, developing and/or implementing outreach activities that utilize the candidate’s expertise.
Service and the Scholarship of Service to the University, Society, and the Profession
The Division values service as part of a long-term professional trajectory for faculty. Service comes in many forms but primarily falls into four categories: service to the institution, community and civic engagement, community outreach, and service to the discipline or profession. The Division’s statement on Service and the Scholarship of Service to the University, Society, and the Profession provides guidance. The scope (e.g., short-term or ongoing), the method of attainment (e.g., elected, invited, volunteered), the leadership potential (e.g., member or chair), and the impactful nature (e.g., robust participation versus mere attendance) are all considered in the evaluation of the faculty member’s service commitments. Ultimately, the Division does not view service as a series of disconnected actions or “add-ons” to a busy schedule. It is viewed as an essential part of a well-functioning academic unit, College and University.
Division Non-tenure-line Promotion Review Committee Composition
As mandated by AC21, the Division will form a Non-tenure-line Promotion Review Committee by the second week in April. All eligible Division non-tenure-line faculty members will be asked to indicate if they would be willing or unable to serve, and from the willing faculty a committee will be elected within the following constraints:
Composition
- The committee will be composed of three members
- Only full-time non-tenure-line faculty members of the second or third rank for non-tenure-line faculty (teaching, research or clinical) are eligible to serve on the committee.
- The Division Head will appoint committee members from outside the Division (or the College) if necessary to meet these requirements or to replace elected members who are unable to serve.
Selection
- A slate of eligible non-tenure-line faculty members will be created.
- Only full-time non-tenure-line faculty members are eligible to vote for the members of the review committee.
- An election will be conducted using approval voting.
- The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes will serve on the committee. In the event multiple seats are open, those receiving the next highest vote totals will also serve on the committee.
- In the event of a tie, a second vote by full-time non-tenure-line faculty will select the candidate. Should a tie remain after this vote, the Division Head will select from the remaining candidates.
- In the event that there is only one eligible full-time non-tenure-line faculty member available to serve on the committee, the Division Head automatically appoints that person to the committee. In the event that this faculty member is unable to serve, the Division Head will appoint a committee member from outside the Division (or the College) to meet the requirements.
- In the event that there are no available higher-ranked non-tenure-line faculty outside of the College, exceptions to this provision may be requested from the Chancellor. The Division Executive Committee shall be responsible for making recommendations on how to deal with exceptions. Once approved by the EDHDSS Executive Committee, recommendations will be forwarded by the Division Head to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Chancellor. The requested exception is then vetted for final approval through the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
- Committee terms are for one promotion and tenure cycle.
Division Promotion of Full-time Non-tenure-line Faculty Guidelines
- Approved by Division Non-tenure-line faculty February 14, 2018
- Revised by Division Non-tenure-line Review Committee March 19, 2019
- Approved by Division Non-tenure-line faculty May 7, 2019