Revised and Approved
by the Faculty and Staff of the School - March, 1995
Amended and Approved by the Faculty and Staff of the School - May, 1995
Amended and Approved by the Faculty and Staff of the School - November, 1995
Amended and Approved by the Faculty and Staff of the School - April, 1997
Revised and Approved by the Faculty and Staff of the School - September, 1999
Revised and Approved by the Faculty and Staff of the School - February, 2002
CHARTER
OF THE
SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
APPENDIX
A Promotion/Tenure, Reappointments, and Interim Reviews
APPENDIX B Definitions of Positions
CHARTER
OF THE
SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
This document sets
forth the mission, organization, policies and procedures to facilitate the operation
of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (SFRES) under the
policies and procedures of Michigan Technological University (the University
or MTU). This Charter applies to all regular employees of the School. Each employee
within the School is responsible for familiarity with and adherence to the precepts
embodied in this document. In the event these precepts are in conflict with
University policies and procedures, the University policies and procedures shall
take precedence. In any event in which these precepts are in conflict with the
policies and procedures of any unit within the School, the School Charter shall
take precedence.
I.
Mission
We prepare students
to create the future.
VISION
Michigan Tech will
be a national university of choice.
The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science will be nationally
prominent and internationally recognized for excellence in undergraduate and
graduate education, scholarship, and research.
OUR
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
· The success
of our students will always be the most important measure of the success of
the institution.
· Everyone's contribution to our success is needed, and will be valued
and rewarded.
· Through collaborative efforts we will serve the people of Michigan,
the nation, and the world.
· Hallmarks of this university will be the creativity and leadership
of our graduates, the relevance and benefits of our research, and the value
we place on ethics, sustainability, diversity, and quality of life.
· MTU's faculty will emphasize scholarship, research and inspirational
teaching. Our faculty should be read and respected by leaders of science, industry,
government, policy groups and business.
The School of Forest
Resources and Environmental Science is an organization within Michigan Tech
dedicated to education and research in forestry, applied ecology and environmental
science, wood science, and biotechnology. We achieve our mission by:
A. Maintaining outstanding
undergraduate and graduate programs in forestry, applied ecology and environmental
science, wood science, and biotechnology.
B. Developing and maintaining an excellent research program which includes interdisciplinary
research, complements educational objectives, and stimulates conservation and
sustainability of natural resources, and maintenance and development of the
forest products industry with efficient and ecologically sound use of federal,
state, and private forests.
C. Advancing the intellectual climate of the University through a competent
and responsible faculty and research staff, and a cadre of excellent students.
D. Encouraging students and School personnel to accept positions of leadership
in the University, the community and their profession.
E. Maintaining a prominent role in education and research in the state and region,
as well as both nationally and internationally.
II.
Organization
The
SFRES administrative structure is outlined in Figure 1. The Dean has overall
administrative responsibility for the School, with primary responsibilities
for budget management, representing the School within and external to MTU, space
utilization in the Noblet and Sands buildings, student recruitment, the Ford
Center, the School Research Forest and overall School fundraising. The Associate
Dean has responsibility for administration and coordination of the academic
programs.
Figure 1. Organizational Chart
Dean - The principal
administrative officer is the Dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental
Science, who functions under the supervision of the Provost. The Dean's responsibilities
include, but are not limited to:
· Working to fulfill the School's mission
· Administration of the School budget
· Recommending hiring, promotion, tenure, and termination actions to
the Provost
· Performance evaluations of the faculty
· Performance evaluations of Dean's office staff and Associate Dean
· Reviewing performance evaluations conducted by the Associate Dean
· Representing the School within MTU, within the State, nationally, and
internationally
· Student recruitment
· Space utilization
· Advancement
· Coordinating School Advisory Board meetings
· McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program
· Performing an annual "State of the School" review with School
Faculty and Staff, including a review of the current year's budget
· Administration of the SFRES Research Forest and Ford Center
Associate
Dean -
functions under the supervision of the Dean. The Associate Dean's responsibilities
include, but are not limited to:
· Administration of graduate degree programs
· Administration of the undergraduate degree programs
· Advising the Dean on hiring, promotion, tenure, and termination actions
· Assist the Dean with performance evaluations of faculty and staff
· Representing the School within MTU, within the State, nationally, and
internationally in the absence of the Dean
· Coordination of University fellowships and other graduate awards with
guidance from the Dean and Graduate Studies Committee
· Working with the computer committee to implement SFRES computing policies
· Responsibility for staff, annual planning and budget for instructional
computing facilities
· Undergraduate and graduate assessment and accreditation
· Teaching and research in area of expertise
· Assumes the Dean's responsibilities in the Dean's absence
There may be additional
positions added either on a temporary or regular basis as needed. Changes expected
to become regular shall result in changing the organization chart and do not
require amendment of this charter, but must be confirmed by simple majority
vote of the tenure-track and research faculty. A person may occupy more than
one administrative position.
Ad
Hoc Committees - The Dean and Associate Dean may, in addition to the designated standing committees,
appoint ad hoc committees to accomplish tasks within specified periods of time.
All appointed committees shall elect their own chair.
III.
Secret Ballot Procedure
Secret ballots will
be conducted using a double envelope process. The marked ballot will be placed
into a small sealed envelope. This envelope must be sealed into a larger envelope,
which must be signed by the voter across the flap. The Promotion and Tenure
Committee must be present when the votes are separated from the large outer
envelope by the Dean's Administrative Associate. The Dean's Administrative Associate
also will record the names of the voters. Finally, the Dean's Administrative
Associate will mix the smaller envelopes and give them to the Promotion and
Tenure Committee for vote counting.
IV.
Performance Evaluations
The Dean, Associate
Dean, and other supervisors within the School shall conduct an evaluation at
least annually on the performance of regular School employees that report to
them. The Dean, with assistance of the Associate Dean shall prepare an annual
written evaluation for each faculty member detailing the positive aspects of
performance and areas requiring improvement. They will review the goals of the
faculty members. In all cases, the results of the written evaluations shall
be recorded with a copy provided to the employee and a copy placed in the permanent
records of the School. The written evaluation shall be followed by an oral review
of annual performance before the beginning of each new academic year. For academic
faculty members, the evaluation shall consider, but not be limited to, the following
items:
Teaching
· undergraduate courses
· graduate courses
· seminars and workshops
· special courses
Research
· number and size of active and proposed research projects
· scholarly publications (including those not directly related to research)
· papers presented at professional meetings
Advising
· graduate students
· major professor of masters candidates and/or doctoral candidates
· additional committee membership
· advisor to student organizations
Professional
activities
· membership in professional societies
· officer of professional organizations
· committee member of professional organizations
· participation in professional meetings
· editorships/peer review panels
Service
· committee / other assignments in the School, University, Profession
· professional and academic service to the community, region, nation
(including consulting)
· mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
Research faculty
and staff will be evaluated based upon appropriate activities from those listed
above.
Every third year,
the Dean shall be evaluated to determine whether he/she will be re-appointed
to the position of Dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental
Science. A reappointment evaluation may also be done if, 1) requested by the
Provost, or 2) a majority of the faculty and staff of the School (as defined
in Section 3) request a special reappointment evaluation. This evaluation will
be conducted by the School's Promotion and Tenure Committee using the guidelines
adopted for University-wide usage and concentrating on performance in, 1) establishing
objectives consistent with the School's mission and, 2) meeting those stated
objectives. Membership of the committee may be augmented by faculty and staff
from other colleges, schools, or universities as is deemed necessary by the
faculty and staff of the School in consultation with the Provost. Students as
well as members of the School's Advisory Board may also serve on the committee
as is appropriate. The evaluation process will include a written self evaluation
by the Dean, survey of faculty and staff opinions of the Dean's performance
of his/her responsibilities, a summary of the faculty and staff comments and
opinions compiled by the Committee, and the Dean's response to their report.
A secret ballot of the tenure-track and research faculty will be conducted to
solicit input on whether the Dean should or should not be re-appointed. The
Committee's report, Dean's response, and the results of the vote will be disseminated
to all School faculty and staff, and submitted to the Provost. A copy of the
evaluation shall be placed in the permanent records of the School. The Provost
should meet with the faculty and staff of the School to discuss the evaluation
results before action is taken on reappointment. The final decision to reappoint
or replace the Dean is made by the University upper administration as specified
by MTU policies.
Every third year, the Associate Dean will also be evaluated to determine whether
he/she will be re-appointed. A reappointment evaluation may also be done if,
1) requested by the Dean, or 2) a majority of the Charter eligible employees
of the School (as defined in Section X.) request a special reappointment evaluation.
This evaluation will also be conducted by the School's Promotion and Tenure
Committee using the guidelines adopted for University-wide usage and concentrating
on performance in the duties listed above in the Organization section for the
Associate Dean. Membership of the Committee may be augmented by faculty and
staff from other colleges or departments as is deemed necessary by the faculty
and staff of the School in consultation with the Dean. Students may also serve
on the committee as is appropriate to the evaluation criteria. The evaluation
process will include a written self evaluation by the Associate Dean, survey
of faculty and staff opinions of the Associate Dean's performance of his-her
duties, a summary of the faculty and staff comments and opinions compiled by
the Committee, and the Associate Dean's response to their report. A secret ballot
of the School tenure-track and research faculty will be conducted to solicit
input on whether the Associate Dean should or should not be re-appointed. The
Committee's report, Associate Dean's response, and the results of the vote will
be disseminated to all School faculty and staff, and submitted to the Dean.
A copy of the evaluation shall be placed in the permanent records of the School.
The Dean will meet with the faculty and staff of the School to discuss the evaluation
results before action is taken on reappointment. Final responsibility to retain
or replace the Associate Dean rests with the Dean and the Dean's decision to
reappoint the Associate Dean must be confirmed by a simple majority vote of
the tenure-track and research faculty using a secret ballot.
Grievable issues
of the faculty are covered by the University Faculty Grievance Policy and Procedures.
For unrepresented staff, complaints are processed through the procedures outlined
in the University Procedure Manual. In the event that a written grievance is
filed by a faculty member in the School in accordance with the University Faculty
Grievance Policy and Procedures, the Dean shall direct the chair of the Promotion
and Tenure Committee to call a meeting of the faculty to form a committee to
evaluate the complaint. The grievant and the supervisor(s) will not attend the
meeting, are not eligible to serve on the committee, and are encouraged not
to discuss the issues with colleagues in the School prior to meeting with the
committee. All committee members must be tenured. The committee size may vary
depending on the situation, but will consist of at least five members of the
School faculty and may be as large as to include all tenured faculty of the
School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. The Dean and Associate
Dean are not eligible to serve on a grievance committee. The committee shall
examine the written record and may solicit testimony as the committee deems
necessary, to comply with the University Grievance Policy and Procedure.
V.
Standing Committees
Graduate
Studies - Responsible for working with the Associate Dean to: 1) develop policy and
guidelines, 2) distribute graduate awards, and 3) respond to inquiries concerning
graduate studies in the School. This Committee is composed of three faculty
members elected by the tenure-track and research faculty. The chair shall serve
for one year, the third year of membership on the Committee.
Promotion
and Tenure - Responsible for evaluating promotion and tenure candidates and forwarding
the faculty's recommendations for promotion and tenure to the Dean and Associate
Dean following University procedures (Appendix A). The Committee also makes
recommendations on promotion of research personnel following University procedures.
The Committee conducts the reappointment evaluations of the Dean and Associate
Dean. The Committee is composed of three tenured faculty members of the School.
Each year one new member will be elected by the tenured faculty of the School
for a three-year term replacing the member whose term has expired. The Dean
and Associate Dean, as well as other higher-ranking university administrators,
cannot serve on this Committee. No faculty member is eligible to serve consecutive
terms. The Committee member in his or her third year automatically becomes the
chair of the committee. In case of absence of a Committee member for a considerable
length of time, the Dean shall appoint a temporary replacement to the Committee.
Recruitment
and Retention - This Committee is responsible for developing and carrying out procedures to
enhance recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students. The
Committee is composed of three or more members appointed by the Dean.
Computer - This Committee is responsible for policy and recommendations regarding computers
and computer use within the School. Each member of the Committee also acts as
a liaison with the University Computer Advisory Committee. The committee is
composed of three academic faculty and research staff members elected by the
academic faculty and research staff. The Dean and Associate Dean cannot serve
on this Committee. The chair shall serve for one year, the third year of membership
on the Committee.
International
Programs - This committee is responsible for promoting awareness and collecting information
on international applied ecology, forestry, biotechnology and wood science activities.
It will also identify opportunities for collaborative work and any other opportunities
that would enhance programs in the School and the University. It will work with
University committees on international programs. It is composed of three members
appointed by the Dean. The chairperson of the Committee (also appointed by the
Dean) will be the Coordinator of International Programs.
Curriculum - This
Committee is responsible for all graduate and undergraduate curricula, including
the Forestry, Applied Ecology and Environmental Science, Wood Science, Biotechnology
and Peace Corps Curricula. The Committee receives proposed course and curriculum
changes and makes recommendations to the Associate Dean based on the opinion
of the faculty. The Committee keeps the curriculum coursework guides current.
It is composed of three tenure-track and research faculty members with a new
member elected by the tenure-track and research faculty each year to a three-year
term. The chair serves for one year, the third year of membership on the Committee.
Ad hoc subcommittees may be formed within the curriculum committee when substantial
changes to degree programs are necessary. Subcommittees are appointed by the
Associate Dean and may include faculty not currently serving on the curriculum
committee. Any appointed subcommittee must elect its own chair.
School
of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Research Forest and Ford Center
Management Committee -This Committee is responsible for assisting the School Forester and Dean in
developing and maintaining a master plan for the SFRES Research Forest and the
Ford Center. This includes a business plan for the Ford Center (Conference Center,
rental housing, sawmill, etc.) and a management plan for the SFRES Research
Forest. The Committee will also assist the Dean in preparing an annual report
of activities in the Forest and at the Center to be presented to the School
faculty. All research on the forest must be approved by this Committee. The
five members will be appointed by the Dean for three-year terms. Committee members
may not be reappointed to consecutive terms without confirmation by the tenure-track
and research faculty. Confirmation of consecutive terms requires a simple majority
vote by the tenure-track and research faculty.
Web - Responsible for working with the Dean to insure that information on the web
site is current and complete. Normally this will be done by advising and guiding
staff responsible for web creation and design. This Committee will be made up
of one representative of each of the following school Committees: Graduate,
Recruiting, Curriculum, International, in addition to the School's Advancement
Officer.
VI.
Advisory Board
The overall mission
of the School Advisory Board is to make recommendations to the Dean regarding
the performance and direction of academic, research, advancement and service
activities of the School. In this role, the Board:
· provides guidance and feedback on ideas and efforts which are undertaken
by the School's leadership and employees
· assists in setting overall direction for the School through evaluation
of its strategic and tactical planning efforts.
· serves as an advocate for the School and its programs.
Meetings are held at least annually. The Board is composed of members appointed
by the Dean in consultation with the faculty and staff of the School. Members
serve three-year terms and may be reappointed.
VII.
Administrative and Faculty Search Procedure
In the event of a
vacancy in the Dean's position, the Provost shall appoint a search committee
consisting of at least five faculty members from the School. One faculty member
from another unit on campus, a member of the advisory board, and a staff representative
will also be appointed by the Provost in consultation with the faculty of the
School. One student member will be chosen by undergraduate student organizations
in the School. One graduate student member will be chosen by the School graduate
students. The search committee shall conduct an international search, in accordance
with all applicable State and Federal laws and University policies and guidelines,
to identify the best-qualified individual. Final selection of the new Dean will
be made by the Provost. Approval of the Board of Control is also necessary if
the appointment includes tenure.
In the event of
a vacancy in the Associate Dean's position, the Dean shall appoint an Associate
Dean from the tenure-track members of the School faculty. The Dean's choice
for Associate Dean must be confirmed by simple majority secret ballot vote of
the tenure-track faculty within 60 days. In the event the Associate Dean is
not confirmed by the faculty, a new Associate Dean will be chosen by the Dean
from the tenure-track members of the School faculty and confirmed by a secret
vote of the faculty.
In the event of a
vacancy in a faculty position or the creation of a new faculty position, the
Dean shall appoint a search committee consisting of at least three tenure-track
faculty members; faculty members from other campus units, as well as student
members who may be added as appropriate. The search committee shall conduct
an international search, in accordance with all appropriate University policy
and guidelines, to identify the best qualified available individuals. After
interviews are complete, the committee will produce a written evaluation of
the strengths and weaknesses of the two or three top candidates, and bring forward
a recommendation to the faculty. Approval of the search committee selection
must be confirmed by a simple secret ballot majority vote of the tenure-track
faculty. The Dean, Provost, and President must also then approve any new faculty,
and approval of the Board of Control is necessary if the appointment includes
tenure.
If the tenure-track faculty rejects the selection of the search committee, or
the Dean rejects the selection of the faculty,
1) an alternative recommendation may be made by the search committee to the
faculty, and then to the Dean after a majority secret ballot, or
2) The search committee may initiate a new search
The secret ballots shall be conducted as specified above.
VIII.
Meetings
At least two meetings
of School faculty and staff shall be held each academic year, exclusive of the
summer session. Additional faculty and staff meetings can be called as necessary.
In addition, an annual faculty and staff meeting will be held early in each
new academic year. At this annual meeting, the Dean will review the state of
the School and present the School budget and goals for the year. All meetings
shall be conducted using Robert's Rules of Order. Minutes will be recorded,
and sent to each School employee. Formal agendas must be distributed to all
faculty and staff before each of the meetings.
IX.
School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Research Forest and Ford
Center
The SFRES Research
Forest and Ford Center are facilities of the School of Forest Resources and
Environmental Science that are used for education, outreach, and research. The
SFRES Research Forest is comprised of the contiguous acreage at Alberta and
other parcels identified in the SFRES Research Forest Research Management Plan.
The Ford Center is composed of the facilities (Conference Center, rental housing,
sawmill etc.) located at Alberta.
The Dean is the principal
administrative officer of the SFRES Research Forest and the Ford Center. The
Dean will work with the SFRES Research Forest and Ford Center Management Committee
to develop and maintain a master plan for the Forest and Center. The master
plan will include a business plan for the Ford Center and a management plan
for the research forest. The Dean, with the aid of the committee, will ensure
efficient use of resources for education, outreach, and research. Together,
they will also prepare and present an annual report to the School faculty on
these issues. The report will summarize the year's activity, including financial
information, describe the next year's planned activity, and explain any deviations
from the master plan.
X.
Revision
Revisions to the
Charter necessitated by changes in University policies or procedures will be
made by the Dean. Amendments, revisions or other changes to this document may
also be initiated by written petition to the Dean, signed by a majority of the
School academic tenure-track and research faculty and all permanent, non-faculty
SFRES employees who: (1) receive at least 50% of their salary from the General
Fund, or (2) have been employed at least five years in the SFRES. Within two
weeks of submission of such petition, the Dean shall request that a revision
committee consisting of at least three members be nominated and elected by the
School faculty and staff as defined above. This committee shall carefully consider
all requests for changes and present them together with its recommendations
for adoption or rejection. Changes should be identified using the track changes
function of MS Word, which tracks and highlights both deleted and added text.
Adoption of each proposed change requires approval by a two-thirds majority
vote of the School faculty and staff as defined above.
APPENDIX
A
Promotion/Tenure, Reappointments, and Interim Reviews
Promotion and/or
tenure decisions, reappointments, and interim reviews will be conducted according
to University policy. The Promotion and Tenure Committee (P&T) has oversight
responsibility for this policy. The P&T Committee cannot require faculty
members to include teaching evaluation results, but strongly encourage their
inclusion. If any evaluations are included, all evaluations for the past year
must be included. The steps within the School are:
1. For promotion
and/or tenure: Each candidate prepares (early in Fall Semester) a Form F, a
full vitae, reprints of recent publications as requested, and a list of four
possible external experts from whom references could be obtained (noting all
relationships or contacts with the persons suggested). This file will be submitted
to the P&T Committee. No reference letters should come from former major
professors or students or other obvious conflicts of interest.
For reappointment (major review): Each candidate prepares a Form F by a date
set annually by the P&T committee and submits it to the P&T Committee.
For interim review: Each candidate prepares a Form F by a date set annually
by the P&T Committee and submits it to the P&T Committee.
2. For promotion
and/or tenure: All those tenure-track faculty members (excluding the Dean, Associate
Dean as well as other high ranking university administrators) in the School
review the Form F and publications and respond to a secret ballot for or against
promotion and/or tenure. The P&T Committee conducts the secret ballot, and
includes a list of who voted.
The Committee is composed of three tenured faculty members of the School (excluding
the Dean and Associate Dean). The School P&T Committee adds four additional
possible names of external experts and then requests the Dean to obtain at least
six letters from the total pool of external experts. External experts from all
fields are appropriate, but care must be taken to include at least three experts
from top-tier universities across the country familiar with rigorous academic
promotion/tenure procedures. Reference letters are available to the P&T
Committee, the Associate Dean, and the Dean. Tenure-track faculty may also request
to see the entire promotion/tenure package, excluding the reference letters,
before any ballots are conducted. Any additional local information thought necessary
by the School Promotion & Tenure Committee is obtained through the Dean
or Associate Dean's office. After reviewing the candidate's file, the secret
ballot votes, and the reference letters and other materials, the Committee makes
their recommendation to the Associate Dean and Dean.
In no case should
the candidates themselves request letters of reference; there is a standard
letter used University-wide. When the file is compiled and submitted, it must
be affirmed that all of the letters received are included (to avoid less-complimentary
ones being omitted).
The Dean's request
to external experts should enclose a complete Form F and copies of at least
four relevant publications and manuscripts.
For reappointment
and interim reviews: After reviewing the candidate's file and other materials,
the committee members vote on whether the candidate should be reappointed. The
committee gives their recommendation to the Associate Dean and Dean.
For promotion and/or
tenure: The Interschool Promotion and Tenure Committee consists of the Chairs
of the Schools' (Business, Forestry, and Technology) Promotion and Tenure Committee,
and one representative from each of the two Colleges (Engineering and Sciences
and Arts). The representatives from the colleges are non-voting members. The
Interschool Promotion and Tenure Committee reviews the candidate's file and
materials compiled and submitted by the School Promotion and Tenure Committee.
After this review, the Interschool Promotion and Tenure Committee make their
recommendation to the Dean.
4. For promotion
and/or tenure and reappointments: After reviewing input from previous steps
in the process, the Associate Dean and Dean prepare a written recommendation
to the Provost who in turn makes a recommendation to the President, who lays
positive recommendations before the Board of Control for consideration at its
May meeting.
For interim review:
After considering the input from the Promotion and Tenure Committee, the Associate
Dean and the Dean make a written recommendation to the Executive Vice President/Provost,
who in turn makes a recommendation.
APPENDIX
B
Definitions of Positions - from the Michigan Technological
University Faculty Handbook and Senate.
1. Tenured/Tenure-Track
Academic Rank Definitions
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR:
An appointment requiring an earned doctoral or terminal degree or equivalent
and the potential for excellence in teaching and research.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR:
An appointment requiring an earned doctoral or terminal degree or equivalent
and demonstrated quality teaching, recognition for scholarly activities, and
service to the university community.
PROFESSOR: An appointment
requiring an earned doctoral or terminal degree or equivalent and demonstrated
sustained quality teaching, wide recognition for scholarly activities, and substantial
service to university and appropriate outside communities.
All tenure-track
appointments entail full responsibility for teaching, performing research, advising
students, and performing professional and university service. (Senate Proposal
4-95)
2. Non-Tenure-Track
Academic Rank Definitions
ADJUNCT (Assistant
Professor/Associate Professor/Professor): An appointment at this rank is offered
to persons not regularly or primarily employed within the academic unit to which
the appointment is made. Such individuals--because of training, experience,
credentials, and interest--are invited to participate in the teaching, research,
and/or instructional programs of academic departments. Ordinarily no remuneration
is associated with adjunct appointments, but on the approval of the President,
remuneration may be provided for teaching and/or research activities. Appointments
shall be for no more than three years with the possibility of subsequent appointments.
INSTRUCTOR: An appointment
requiring a master's degree, or a bachelor's degree and professional qualifications.
Such appointments entail full responsibility for teaching undergraduate courses,
with limited or no responsibility for advising, research, and service. Appointments
shall be for no more than one year with possible subsequent appointments of
up to one year at a time, depending on the University's instructional needs.
LECTURER: An appointment
requiring at least a master's degree or equivalent professional qualifications.
This position entails full responsibility for teaching courses, advising students,
serving on committees, and being active in professional societies. It may also
have limited research responsibilities. Appointments are for up to three years
followed by possible subsequent appointments of up to three years at a time.
ROTC FACULTY APPOINTMENTS:
An appointment conferred upon ROTC officers assigned to duty with the Army or
Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps units at the University. The senior
commissioned officer of the Army and Air Force units shall be appointed Professor
of Military Science and Professor of Aerospace Studies, respectively. Commissioned
officers or other warrant officers shall be appointed Assistant Professor of
Military Science/Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies or Instructor of Military
Science/Instructor of Aerospace Studies. Non-commissioned officers shall be
appointed Instructor of Military Science/Instructor of Aerospace Science. These
appointments involve no compensation from the University and terminate when
the duty assignment ends.
VISITING (Assistant
Professor/Associate Professor/Professor): A guest appointment normally offered
to a faculty member from another institution and appointed at the rank of that
institution. Responsibilities will normally be similar to those of tenure-track
faculty in the department to which the appointment is made. Visiting appointments
shall normally be for one year or less. (Senate Proposal 4-95)
RESEARCH FACULTY
RANK DEFINITIONS: The Senate approves the following faculty rank definitions.
Research faculty appointments are intended to promote and expedite the research
activities of the University. Tenure cannot be earned in these ranks, nor can
the time in these ranks count toward the probationary period in any tenure-track
appointment. Those individuals assigned teaching responsibilities must obtain
an approved academic faculty appointment.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
PROFESSOR: Persons appointed to this rank are required to have a doctoral or
terminal degree. Qualifications are consistent with those required for appointment
as tenure-track Assistant Professor. Appointment is contingent upon continuity
of external funding, the individual's accomplishments, and the needs of the
program. The appointment entails full responsibility for research activities
(including serving as principal investigator on grants and contracts) and limited
responsibility for advising (direct graduate theses and dissertations and serve
on graduate committees), and service activities.
Compensation levels should be consistent with tenure-track Assistant Professors
within the discipline.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR: Persons appointed to this rank are required to have a doctoral or
terminal degree. Qualifications are consistent with those required for appointment
as tenure-track Associate Professor. Appointment is contingent upon continuity
of external funding, the individual's accomplishments, and the needs of the
program. The appointment entails full responsibility for research activities
(including serving as principal investigator on grants and contracts) and limited
responsibility for advising (direct graduate theses and dissertations and serve
on graduate committees), and service activities.
Promotion to this rank shall be made after an indication of continuous improvement
and contribution in research or creative activity supported through grants and
contracts and regional recognition. Compensation levels should be consistent
with tenure-track Associate Professors within the discipline.
RESEARCH PROFESSOR:
Persons appointed to this rank are required to have a doctoral or terminal degree.
Qualifications are consistent with those required for appointment as tenure-track
Professor. Appointment is contingent upon continuity of external funding, the
individual's accomplishments, and the needs of the program. The appointment
entails full responsibility for research activities (including serving as principal
investigator on grants and contracts) and limited responsibility for advising
(direct graduate theses and dissertations and serve on graduate committees),
and service activities. Promotion to this rank shall be made after an indication
of outstanding research or creative activity supported through grants and contracts
and national and/or international recognition.
Compensation levels should be consistent with tenure-track Professors within
the discipline.
3. Graduate Faculty
Status
A. Membership
The Graduate Faculty
consists of members of the academic faculty holding the rank of ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, or PROFESSOR who have been appointed by the Dean of the
Graduate School.
The Dean of the Graduate
School may also grant graduate faculty status to LECTURER, ADJUNCT, and EMERITUS
faculty and faculty holding a rank with a prefix of VISITING, but these appointments
are for one year and must be reviewed and reappointed on an annual basis.
Under special circumstances,
the graduate dean may appoint individuals with special technical expertise to
the graduate faculty for a specific term and purpose, such as serving as a member
of a student's advisory committee.
Only graduate faculty
members are eligible to teach graduate courses (500 level and above), serve
as examining members on Masters and PhD committees, and supervise Masters and
PhD students.
B. Qualifications
of Graduate Faculty
1. Qualifications
expected for graduate faculty appointment:
a. Experience and continued interest in the conduct of research.
b. The necessary background for, and a continued interest in, teaching graduate
courses.
c. Continued interest in serving as a graduate student advisor.
2. Evidence of Qualifications
Faculty may meet the qualification requirements if they:
a. Are currently involved in research work or graduate instruction or in advising
graduate students.
b. Regularly publish articles in recognized journals having national distribution
or books related to their field of study.
c. Have earned the terminal degree in their field.
C. Appointment Procedures
Graduate Faculty
appointment and retention decisions are made by the Dean of the Graduate School
with recommendations and advice from department chairs, deans of colleges and
schools, and the Graduate Council.
Recommendation for
Graduate Faculty status is made in writing by the department chair of the appropriate
academic unit or by the deans of the Schools of Business and Forestry. These
recommendations are forwarded to the college dean, where appropriate, and then
to the Graduate Dean.
D. Review of Graduate
Faculty
It is expected that
department chairs/school deans will continually review the performance of all
individuals holding graduate faculty status in their respective units using
criteria outlined in Section B above.
When, in a department
chair/school dean's professional judgment, a faculty member holding a graduate
faculty appointment is no longer satisfactorily functioning in this capacity,
s/he must recommend that the individual in question be removed from graduate faculty
status. The Dean of the Graduate School may also initiate the removal process
in consultation with the appropriate chair/dean. The Dean of the Graduate School
will act on recommendations with the advice and consent of the Graduate Council.