Terms of Appointment
Texas A&M International University, a member of The Texas A&M University System, recognizes that the faculty is the heart of any teaching institution, and much care is given to the selection of each faculty member. A serious attempt is made to hire faculty from a variety of geographic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and to represent a distribution of undergraduate and graduate colleges and universities. In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order of 11236, Texas A&M International University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contract Form
The University shall provide all faculty members with an annual statement in writing of the terms of their employment, including special conditions, responsibilities, and any special prerequisites. Such a document should cover such items as rank, salary, tenure provisions, whether the position is full-time or part-time, and the inclusive dates of service. When the document includes a reference to a specific rule of the institution, the rule should be excerpted from its source and affixed to the document. If the document refers to a large part of a lengthy publication (TAMIU Faculty Handbook or TAMUS Policy Manual), a copy of the publication should be placed in several readily accessible locations or be provided to the faculty member. (TAMUS Policy 12.01 Section 6).
Search, Appointment, and Orientation of New Faculty
The faculty search procedures employed by Texas A&M International University will strive to recruit the most qualified faculty members without discrimination or violation of appropriate equal opportunity policies. Faculty positions will be advertised in recognized national scholarly publications. The University is also committed to the principle that faculty should participate actively in the writing of job descriptions for faculty positions, in the screening of applicants, in the selection and interviewing of finalists, and in the formation of hiring recommendations to be submitted to department chairs and Deans or directors. To ensure maximum faculty participation and to provide the University with the largest pool of qualified applicants, the search process for permanent, full-time tenure-track faculty (excepting Library faculty) should commence and end, whenever possible, within the regular academic year and not carry over into the summer. Search policies are available from the Office of Human Resources.
Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action
No individual will, on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefit of or be subjected to discrimination under any system program or activity. This University will not enter knowingly into any contractual agreement for services or supplies with any firm failing to follow fair employment practices. (TAMUS Policy 08.01).
Applications for teaching positions are submitted electronically through the TAMIU jobs portal, where they are accessed and evaluated by faculty search committees and appropriate academic administrators. Each faculty job search will specify the specific documents required of an applicant, but customarily applications require a letter of interest, a complete curriculum vita, and a list of professional references.
Once faculty committees have made applicant recommendations to their department chair and Dean. Deans submit recommendations for filling faculty positions to the Provost, and the Provost issues a formal offer letter to the selected candidate. The job offer letter will specify all the terms and conditions of employment, including salary, faculty rank, credit toward tenure, and any possible research “start-up” commitment. It will also specify as well, a deadline for accepting the offer. All faculty job offers are contingent upon receiving authorization to work in the U.S., submitting official transcripts to the Office of the Provost, and passing a criminal background check.
New faculty members will receive an academic orientation from senior faculty and/or academic unit administrators. New faculty members (especially faculty members in their first tenure-track appointment) will be assigned for at least the first year to a senior faculty member as a mentor.
Pre-employment
Each faculty member is required to sign an Employee's Affidavit prior to the beginning of employment. This affidavit consists of an oath of office, a statement concerning holding more than one office or position, a statement regarding nepotism, and certification of receipt of certain state laws relating to accountability and responsibility for state-owned property, legislative influence, political aid, and use of state-owned automobiles.
During orientation the new faculty member will be given the current version of the TAMIU Faculty Handbook, which is the basis for the employment contract of all faculty. Acceptance of the employment contract is an explicit acceptance of the terms and conditions of employment described in the TAMIU Faculty Handbook.
Personnel records on employees are maintained in the President's Office, the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Deans of the colleges, and the Office of Human Resources. It is important to keep these records updated when significant changes occur in professional training or qualifications. This is accomplished by notifying the chair of the respective department; the chair will in turn notify the President's Office, the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Dean, and the Office of Human Resources.
The "official file" for each faculty member is maintained in the Office of the Provost. The Human Resources Office maintains records of all salary data, elections, deductions, etc.
If a faculty member is party to a grievance, the records of that proceeding will become a part of the "official file".
Major Faculty Responsibilities
While academic preparation, experience, and professional responsibilities form the basis for faculty competence, faculty seeking promotion and tenure must demonstrate achievements in the areas of Teaching, Service, and Scholarship. In addition, there is an expectation that faculty seeking promotion generally impact their department and college in a positive, constructive fashion. Once promoted and tenured, senior faculty are expected to take on leadership responsibilities within their college and the university that are not expected customarily of junior faculty.
Texas A&M International University has evolved over the years to create a healthy balance between its commitment to teaching and to research. This pursuit ensures a balance between two pivotal activities that are interrelated. Teaching, however, remains its primary mission. Teaching includes knowledge in the field, quality in teaching, and academic advisement and career counseling. Consistent with its strong commitment to instruction, the University requires that teaching effectiveness count in promotion to all ranks. Each college must maintain a clear and fair process for evaluating teaching effectiveness. Student evaluation, peer review, and self-evaluation are recommended avenues for evaluating teaching performance. Teaching activities encompass classroom instruction as well as those professional development activities aimed at making one a better teacher or enhancing one's expertise in the teaching subject area.
The teaching responsibility for Library faculty is fulfilled through Professional Assignment. Professional Assignment includes the coordination and management of library resources and services as it relates to each librarian’s area of expertise. Texas A&M International University places a high value on the opportunity the Library Provides for students and faculty to engage in independent learning and scholarly research. Consistent with its recognition of the importance of library service, the University requires that effectiveness in Professional Assignment count in promotion to all ranks. Self-evaluation, using the position description as the basic criterion, with review by the Library Director, is the recommended avenue for evaluating performance.
Service encompasses a variety of professionally related activities through which members of the faculty employ their academic expertise for the benefit of the University, the community, and the profession. Texas A&M International University places a strong emphasis on service to the University and its mission. A faculty member provides service to the University through active participation and leadership in college and University committees, councils, special projects, or duties for which the faculty member is held accountable.
As a comprehensive University located on the South Texas-Mexico border, Texas A&M International University has a significant role in multi-cultural and international issues, local and regional business and industrial development, work force development, and community, educational, health, and social development. Community service by TAMIU faculty is recognized in any and all of those areas. For purposes of evaluation, however, activities must relate to one's academic field or discipline or else be clearly approved by the University.
In general, as faculty move up in rank, they are expected to build a record of increasing leadership responsibilities within the university in activities essential to the preservation of the concept of “shared governance.”
Participation and leadership in professional activities and associations may be considered service when it does not include peer review. Certificates of recognition, letters of appreciation, official minutes, newsletters, products of projects, and other tangible evidence of service rendered may document Service of all types.
Fundamental to any definition of scholarship is the expansion and application of knowledge and understanding about the world in which we live. For an endeavor to be considered scholarship the following criteria must apply:
Scholarship at Texas A&M International University consists of three separate yet interconnected elements: Scholarship of Discovery, Scholarship of Integration and Teaching, and Scholarship of Application.
In respect to Library Faculty, Scholarship responsibility is fulfilled by Professional Enrichment activities, which include professional development and scholarly activities. Professional development enhances the professional skills, knowledge, and abilities of the Library faculty member to contribute to the mission of the Library and the University, and to the library profession. Productivity may include, but is not limited to, course work and continuing education activities, documented study and reading relating to the improvement of library services, and participation in professional societies. Scholarly activities include activities in librarianship or another academic discipline, which demonstrate the librarian's research acumen and scholarship efforts. Productivity may take the form of professional and scholarly publications or bring learning and knowledge to bear upon the solution of practical problems.
Definition of Faculty Status
For the regularly appointed full-time faculty, there are two basic groups: fixed-term faculty, and tenure-track and tenured faculty. Fixed-term faculty are authorized by and subject to Texas A&M System Policy 12.07. For regularly appointed full-time Library faculty, there are three levels of rank: Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, and Librarian.
As authorized by TAMUS Policy 12.07, fixed-term faculty are full-time faculty who provide a limited, special service to the institution. They are hired to provide service to the institution and either to teach or to conduct research, but not both, as are tenure-track and tenured faculty. Though they cannot serve on select committees requiring tenure or serve in academic administrative positions requiring tenure, they retain all the other rights and responsibilities of full-time faculty.Fixed-Term Faculty: Lecturer Track
1. Lecturer
The position of Lecturer is a non-tenure-track full-time faculty appointment for an agreed upon period of time. Lecturers generally teach developmental courses or core curriculum courses and other lower-division undergraduate courses. In addition to fulfilling faculty responsibilities, faculty holding this rank must meet the following requirements:
2. Senior Lecturer
After a minimum of 6 years of successful service in the position of Lecturer, a faculty member may apply for promotion from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer. The promotion application must document excellence in both teaching and service and be supported by the department-level or college-level faculty promotion committees, the department chair, the Dean, the Provost, and the President.
Fixed-Term Faculty: Academic Professional Track
Academic Professional Track faculty are non-tenure-track faculty who hold advanced degrees in their field. Clinical faculty – typically in nursing and health sciences – are hired for their expertise in their fields as well as for their academic credentials. By Texas A&M System Policy, Academic Professional Track faculty may be hired to provide service and either to teach or to conduct research.
Instructional Assistant Professor or Clinical Assistant Professor
Instructional Associate Professor or Clinical Associate Professor
After a period of at least 5 years of successful experience as Instructional Assistant Professor, faculty may apply for promotion to Instructional Associate Professor. The promotion application and process follow that of all fixed-term faculty and as described above in the description of promotion to Senior Lecturer.
Instructional Professor or Clinical Professor
After a period of at least 5 years of successful experience as Instructional Associate Professor, faculty may apply for promotion to Instructional Professor or Clinical Professor. The promotion application and process follow that of all fixed-term faculty and as described above in the description of promotion to Senior Lecturer.
Fixed-Term Faculty: Librarian Track
Assistant Librarian
This rank is usually the entry-level assigned to individuals who are beginning their Library professional careers. In addition to fulfilling Library faculty responsibilities, Library faculty holding this rank must meet the following requirements:
Associate Librarian
This rank represents maturity, experience, and leadership in the academic library profession. In addition to fulfilling Library faculty responsibilities, the following qualifications must be met for consideration of appointment to this rank. The achievement of this academic Library preparation and experience does not in itself ensure appointment to this rank. The deciding factor in promotion to Associate Librarian is the evaluation of Professional Assignment.
1. Academic Preparation: An earned master's degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program.
2. Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in full-time library professional employment, including at least three years in the rank of Assistant Librarian, and a minimum of two years of experience at Texas A&M International University at the time of promotion.
In addition, to be promoted to Associate Librarian, the Library faculty member must meet the following requirements:
1. Professional Assignment: The Associate Librarian has a broad knowledge of librarianship and an in-depth knowledge in one or more parts of the field; has the ability, experience and expertise to perform all duties in assignment area and is able to contribute to new services and innovative programs; assists in the training of new librarians and/or other employees; and demonstrates consistently meritorious professional performance.
2. Service: Has begun to assume a position of leadership in the Library and the University by serving on committees or special projects. May also participate and lead in professional community service.
3. Professional Enrichment: Has actively pursued opportunities for professional development in areas related to academic librarianship. May also have produced scholarly publications or engaged in other scholarly activities.
Librarian
This is the summit of Library academic rank conferred by the Library and is reserved for individuals whose performance judged over an extended period of time has been considered exemplary. The standard of performance required for promotion to Full Librarian is substantially higher than that required for promotion to Associate Librarian. The deciding factor in promotion decisions is the evaluation of Professional Assignment; however, other criteria apply. The achievement of this academic Library preparation and experience does not in itself ensure appointment to this rank.
1. Academic Preparation: An earned master's degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program.
2. Experience: A minimum of ten years of experience in full-time library professional employment, including at least five years in the rank of Associate Librarian.
In addition, to be promoted to Librarian, the Library faculty member must have a minimum of three years of full-time experience at Texas A&M International University at the time of promotion and meet the following requirements:
1. Professional Assignment: Has demonstrated maturity and skill in a library specialty, a proven record of outstanding performance and continued demonstration of interest in improving Library services. Has assumed leadership in areas related to library specialty, developing and managing new programs and services, and improving existing programs and services. Is familiar with basic issues and developments in all areas of the Library and library profession. Is a mentor and advisor to colleagues.
2. Service: Has assumed a position of constructive and effective leadership and service to the University on committees, councils, and special projects. May also participate and lead in professional and community service insofar as the activities relate to the candidate's discipline or serve the University's mission.
3. Professional Enrichment: The Full Librarian has established a consistent record of professional development; assists in the professional development of other librarians; and has produced a significant output of scholarly activity, as defined above.
Tenure-Track and Tenured Faculty
Faculty hired with tenure or to be on tenure-track are expected to teach classes, conduct and publish research (and apply for grants, as appropriate), and to provide service to the University. With rare exceptions, they are expected to hold terminal degrees in their field and have the potential to achieve excellence in teaching and in research and publication in their disciplines. Once tenured, they are expected to provide faculty leadership not customarily expected of fixed-term faculty or tenure-track faculty.
This rank is usually the entry level for a tenure-track position. In addition to fulfilling faculty responsibilities, the following qualifications must be met for consideration of appointment to this rank. The achievement of this academic preparation and experience does not in itself ensure appointment to this rank.
1. Academic Preparation:
a. Holds an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree, or
b. Is in the final stages of a doctoral dissertation or terminal degree project.
2. Experience: Part-time teaching experience or related professional/work experience is required.
As an Assistant Professor, the faculty member must meet the following requirements:
1. Teaching: Show continuing progress in teaching proficiency by expanding knowledge in the teaching specialty and developing the expertise needed to teach graduate as well as undergraduate courses. Participate in professional development activities aimed at making one a better teacher or at enhancing one's expertise in a teaching subject area. Understand University and college degree requirements and other matters related to academic advisement as well as requirements for graduate study and professional entry into the field. Actively participate in academic advisement and career counseling.
2. Service: Participate in service to the department, college, and University through committees, councils, and special projects. May also participate and lead in professional and community service insofar as the activities relate to the candidate's discipline and/or serves the University's mission.
3. Scholarship: Continue to advance in scholarly or creative activity beyond instructional assignments. Areas of accomplishment should be appropriate to the academic discipline. Applying for grants to support research is a critical expectation in most academic disciplines.
This rank represents maturity, experience, and leadership in the academic profession. In addition to fulfilling faculty responsibilities, the following qualifications must be met for consideration of appointment to this rank. The achievement of this academic preparation and experience does not in itself ensure appointment to this rank.
1. Academic Preparation: An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree.
2. Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in full-time faculty employment at an accredited institution of higher education, including at least three years in the rank of Assistant Professor.
To be promoted to Associate Professor, the faculty member must also meet the following requirements:
1. Teaching: Has a broad knowledge of the discipline and an in-depth knowledge in one or more parts of the field. Has the ability, experience, and expertise to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses. May be involved in experimental, innovative teaching. Knows degree requirements for both undergraduates and graduates and is experienced in academic advisement and career counseling. Serves as a mentor for students desiring advanced degrees and career entry.
2. Service: Has begun to assume a position of leadership in the department, college, and University by serving actively and productively on committees or special projects and has, in general, demonstrated the potential to become a constructive and effective faculty leader in the University as well as at the department and college level. May also participate and lead in professional and community service insofar as the activities relate to the candidate's discipline and/or serve the University's mission.
3. Scholarship: Has demonstrated competence and productivity in scholarly or creative activities related to the candidate's discipline.
This is the summit of academic rank, representing a position of leadership in the University. Faculty promoted to the rank of Professor should model to junior faculty the highest professional, scholarly, and ethical standards of academic life. In addition to fulfilling faculty responsibilities, the following qualifications must be met for consideration of appointment to this rank. The achievement of this academic preparation and experience does not in itself ensure appointment to this rank.
1. Academic Preparation: An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree.
2. Experience: A minimum of ten years of full-time faculty employment at an accredited institution of higher education, including at least five years in the rank of Associate Professor.
In addition, to be promoted to Professor, the faculty member must be tenured and have a minimum of three full academic years of faculty employment at Texas A&M International University prior to promotion and meet the following requirements:
1. Teaching: Has demonstrated maturity and skill in teaching, a proven record of teaching excellence, and continued demonstration of interest in improving pedagogical skills. Has assumed leadership in curriculum development and issues related to teaching improvement in the discipline. Is thoroughly familiar with University and college degree requirements and other matters related to academic advisement, career development and opportunities, and placement. Is a teacher and advisor to colleagues.
2. Service: Has assumed a position of constructive and effective leadership and service to the department, college, and the University on committees, councils, and special projects and has been an effective mentor to junior faculty. May also participate and lead in professional and community service insofar as the activities relate to the candidate's teaching or research and/or serve the University's mission.
3. Scholarship: Has recognized and substantial achievements in scholarly or creative activities, has obtained program or research grants, as available and applicable to the discipline, and is capable of advising colleagues in such activities.
From time-to-time it may become necessary to add members of the faculty whose ranks and positions have not been previously defined. At the time of appointment, these definitions need to be clarified. Typical ranks and positions not elsewhere defined are the following: Adjunct Instructor, Special Appointment, Emeritus, Visiting, and Administrators with Faculty Rank.
1. Adjunct Instructor. Adjunct Instructors are part-time faculty who have the academic credentials or extensive experience in the subjects that they are hired to teach, as per SACSCOC requirements. The appointment is made to ensure that classes that could not be offered by otherwise qualified full-time tenure-track faculty may be offered. These appointments are made at the discretion of the various academic Deans, with the guidance and approval of the Provost.
2. Special Appointment Faculty. From time to time the University may appoint a faculty member as a Poet-, Writer-, or Artist-in-Residence. Special Funding faculty, or as some other title not elsewhere defined. Normally these appointments are of a temporary nature (usually one year or less), and they are not normally positions that can be tenured.
3. Emeritus. The Emeritus title is conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the University through long and distinguished service in administration, teaching, research, and/or service while holding positions identified by these titles. As a general rule, over ten years of employment would be considered long service. Nominations must begin at the department or college level and be supported by both disciplinary faculty and by their department chair, Dean, Provost, and President. Emeritus titles are granted by action of the Board of Regents upon nomination by the President and recommendation of the Chancellor. (For more detail see TAMUS Policy 31.08 Section 1 and TAMIU Rule 31.08.01.L1).
4. Visiting. Visiting faculty may be appointed at any rank. They are not eligible for the rights and privileges granted to tenure-track and tenured faculty until they are given a tenure-track appointment. Normally these renewable appointments (at the University's option) are of one-year duration.
5. Administrators with Faculty Rank. Anyone who holds faculty status is expected to participate in the teaching process a minimum of once per year. Failure to participate in the teaching process for a period of more than two years is justification for the Faculty Senate to request that the Provost seek revocation of the faculty status, rights, and privileges of the non-participating party. If faculty status is revoked, the administrator would be entitled to appeal as specified in the sections of the Faculty Handbook describing appeals in the promotion and tenure process.