G-34-3.1.4 Rank with Associated Criteria

Revised 9/18/2024

Assistant Professor I:

This is the rank at which most faculty are hired. Faculty members at this rank are expected to focus on establishing their expertise in their primary assignment. In addition to this, faculty should regularly attend department meetings, mandatory College wide meetings, and a selection of campus activities that will help them understand the workings and culture of the College. During the first year, a faculty member will develop their professional improvement plan (PIP). At the beginning of their second year and every year to follow, faculty members will submit their annual report of activities (ARA). Beyond the first year, faculty members should be gradually expanding their engagement with the larger College community. This may include serving on peer teams or other College committees and exploring options for further professional development and service.

In most circumstances a faculty member should be in their third year of service at the rank of Assistant Professor I at the time they are first considered for promotion to Assistant Professor II.

The following provides a guideline for promotion to Assistant II with respect to each criterion:

Primary Assignment: Evidence of improvement and refinement of teaching ability or, in the case of non-teaching faculty, evidence of improvement of performance in one’s assignment. The individual shows regular, significant improvement in the quality of teaching or performance in non-teaching assignment. The individual contributes to maintenance and development in their curricular or program area.
Professional Improvement: The faculty member should have an approved PIP on file and have demonstrated progress toward completing PIP goals as noted in the ARA.
Service: The faculty member demonstrates that they are finding meaningful ways to contribute to the work of the College. Prior to achieving the rank of Assistant II, faculty are not discouraged from taking on leadership roles or positions depending on experience; however, this is not an expectation.

Assistant Professor II:

Faculty members at this rank must continue to focus on developing their expertise in their primary assignment. They should also seek out ways to contribute to the success of their department and begin to reach beyond the department by, for example, serving on a variety of College committees, task forces, and/or peer teams. They are now reaching out to the community to share their expertise through various activities. Once faculty have achieved this rank, they should begin exploring more engagement with leadership roles at the College.

A faculty member is usually in their fourth year of service at the rank of Assistant Professor II at the time they are first considered for promotion to Associate Professor. The following provides a guideline for promotion to Associate Professor with respect to each criterion:

Primary Assignment: The individual demonstrates significant competence while striving for excellence in teaching ability and performance in the primary assignment. The individual contributes to maintaining and developing the existing curriculum or program area.
Professional Improvement: In most circumstances, the individual preparing for the rank of Associate Professor should have a final PIP report on file for the first PIP cycle and, in most cases, documented progress toward completion of the second PIP cycle.

Service: Service at the Assistant Professor II level includes engagement within the College and community, and active pursuit of leadership roles. College service should move beyond the department level. Community service expands the faculty member’s role in the community as an expert resource by accepting local, statewide, or national roles.

Faculty may focus on either category within an academic year, but should make contributions in both service categories over the time until their next promotion.

Associate Professor:

At the rank of Associate Professor, a faculty member should demonstrate significant competence while striving for excellence in the primary assignment, and contribute to the success of their department. They should also demonstrate reaching beyond the department level to take on leadership roles within the College. This person has now contributed their expertise in the community beyond the College and participated in leadership roles within and beyond the department level.

A faculty member is usually in their fifth year of service at the rank of Associate Professor at the time they are first considered for promotion to Professor. The following provides a guideline for promotion to Professor with respect to each criterion.

Primary Assignment: The individual demonstrates regular and significant improvement and refinement in maintaining excellence in teaching ability and performance in all areas of the primary assignment. The individual demonstrates leadership in curricular or program development.
Professional Improvement: The individual has a long-term documented record of broad commitment to professional growth.
Service: Faculty applying for the rank of Professor should demonstrate service by taking on leadership roles within and beyond the department level and serving the community as an expert resource by accepting local, statewide, or national roles.

Faculty may focus on either category within an academic year, but should make contributions in both service categories over the time until their next promotion.

Professor:

At the rank of Professor, a faculty member should demonstrate consistent excellence in the performance of their primary assignment. The individual demonstrates an ongoing commitment to sharing their expertise and knowledge by regularly accepting leadership roles on campus committees or task forces that help to create meaningful change for the College and engaging in consistent and meaningful contributions of their professional expertise at the local, regional, or national level.

Faculty may focus on either category within an academic year, but should make contributions in both service categories over time.