V605.01.03 FACULTY PROMOTION

At the end of September each year, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will announce to the faculty the list of faculty eligible for tenure consideration and those seeking promotion.

Effectiveness of instruction will be based on such factors as multiple student assessments, peer evaluations, administrative evaluations, and self-evaluations. Documentation examples may include new syllabi and revisions of syllabi, copies of new materials, and evidence of improved instruction, in addition to letters of recommendations from peers and administrators.

Professional Development will be based on such factors as formal and informal continuing education. Documentation examples may include: A list of reading done; transcripts of coursework completed; and evidence of leadership positions and attendance/participation at meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences in professional organizations, and certifications.

Scholarship will be based on research, publications, performances, and creative endeavors. Documentation examples may include published and unpublished writings, copies of papers presented at meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences, and concert and exhibition programs.

Service to the University and Community will be based on such factors as committee work, offices held, special assignments, involvement at departmental and divisional levels, advisement, recruiting and public relations activities, and public and community services.

Normally promotion to the position of Assistant Professor assumes the attainment of a terminal degree. Terminal degrees will be defined as earned doctorates except in discipline areas where an advanced graduate degree, certification, or licensure other than a doctorate is considered terminal.

Faculty in the 'Professionally Qualified' pathway to tenure and promotion, as defined in Policy V605.01, B 1 and 2, may be promoted to Assistant Professor at tenure. Earlier promotion to Assistant Professor or further promotion is dependent on completion of additional qualifications, as described in V605.1, B, section 3.

See Policy V605.01 for full discussion of terminal degrees, tenure, and promotion pathways.

Faculty seeking promotion without the terminal degree/professionally qualified status should consult with their Division Chair and then the VPAA before beginning the promotion process. Documentation that might warrant special consideration includes the publication of significant work, or the development of a state-wide or national reputation.

The rank of Lecturer shall be for performance of specifically assigned academic duties only without general faculty responsibilities. These appointments should originally be either part- time or temporary. Minimum qualifications are a sound educational background for the specific task or duty and the attainment of the Bachelor's Degree.

The rank of instructor is assigned to new faculty who have not yet attained the terminal degree. Only in exceptional cases will a candidate be appointed to the rank of Instructor prior to attainment of the Master's Degree.

Normally the rank of Assistant Professor assumes the attainment of a terminal degree. The untenured faculty member holding the rank of Instructor who completes a terminal degree will, upon documentation and the completion of form AA-45, be automatically awarded the higher rank of Assistant Professor. The corresponding salary increase will take effect the semester subsequent to the semester in which the work is completed.

Faculty who are Professionally Qualified (a second master's degree in a related field or appropriate professional certification) will also qualify for the Assistant Professor rank; untenured faculty holding the rank of Instructor who complete either a second master's degree in a related field or substantial professional certification (as agreed upon with their Division chair and VPAA) will, upon documentation and completion of form AA-45, be automatically awarded the higher rank of Assistant Professor. The corresponding salary increase will take effect the semester subsequent to the semester in which the work is completed. Refer to V605.01 for further information.

Generally, promotion to Associate Professor assumes at least six years of teaching experience at VCSU at the rank of Assistant Professor, along with evidence of continued professional or scholarly development, excellence in teaching, and significant service contributions to the university or community.

Promotion to Full Professor generally denotes 10-12 years of teaching experience at VCSU above the instructor rank, notable professional or scholarly performance, excellence in teaching, and leadership in chairing significant university committees or initiatives. In addition, one who seeks promotion to the rank of Professor must have demonstrated extraordinary competence according to the General Criteria which appear at the beginning of this section.