XIII. General Qualifications for Tenure-Track and Tenured Appointments

It is the responsibility of the academic department, in conjunction with the School Dean and Provost, to appoint new tenure-track faculty members whose academic and professional qualifications and achievements demonstrate the potential for achieving tenure.

Full-Time Tenure-Track and Tenured Appointments must be made according to the Hiring Procedures outlined in the Faculty Manual.

A. Assistant Professor. Qualified candidates will possess a terminal degree in the relevant discipline —or at least one degree above the level at which they teach. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In extraordinary cases, a history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.

Qualified candidates will possess demonstrated or strong potential for success in teaching and teaching-related activity, professional distinction in an area of scholarship or creative endeavor and the capacity and intention to continue to make  contributions in the  relevant discipline; and the ability to provide meaningful service to the College, profession and community.

B. Associate Professor. Qualified candidates will possess a terminal degree in the relevant discipline —or at least one degree above the level at which they teach. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In extraordinary cases, a history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.

Other qualifications for candidacy include:

• At least five years of experience as an Assistant Professor, or the equivalent in exceptional cases, and evidence of:
• significant skills in the appropriate disciplinary pedagogy as shown by curricular design; construction of assignments; evaluation of students’ performance and application of grading standards; and course management;
• professional distinction in an area of scholarship or creative endeavor and the capacity and intention to continue to make contributions in the relevant discipline, and
• a record of sustained, excellent service to the college, profession and community.

C. Professor. Candidates must meet the qualifications for Associate Professor, and must also possess:

• at least five years of experience as an Associate Professor, or the equivalent in exceptional cases;
• a distinguished academic career of leadership and exceptional accomplishment in all of the Evaluation Areas for Tenured Appointments, and
• strong evidence of sustained distinction at the national level.