Introduction
As authorized by Texas A&M University System Policy 12.07, fixed-term, non-tenure track faculty provide a specific, professional skill -- in teaching or in research -- to the academic institution, faculty, staff and students. In creating these new ranks, the academic institution is acknowledging that those skills are an essential part to the overall success of the academic institution and its mission.
Initial Appointment to Fixed-Term Track Faculty
Initial appointments are made by the Provost on the recommendation of the Dean of the college. Rank placement is made considering the candidate’s education, experience and expertise together with the needs of the college or school. Initial appointments are for three years with renewal appointments for up to five years at a time. Appointment and renewal letters will specific the title, job duties and expectations, and annual salary. All appointment letters must indicate that the appointment is non-tenure track and will expire upon the completion of the appointment, unless the appointment is extended pursuant to Section 3.2 (TAMUS Policy 12.07), or the faculty member is dismissed pursuant to Section 5 (TAMUS Policy 12.07).
Annual Evaluation of Fixed-Term Faculty
All fixed-term academic faculty will be reviewed on an annual basis by their Department Chair or supervisor. The evaluation will be based on the faculty member’s performance of all requirements established in the initial letter of appointment and any additional requirements added during annual reviews. In preparation for the annual evaluation, fixed-term faculty will prepare a Professional Portfolio Evaluation (PPE) in accordance with the specific requirements of each individual college or school.
Promotion of Fixed-Term Faculty
A review of fixed-term faculty for promotion shall be in conjunction with the process used for tenure-track faculty. The Promotion & Tenure committees from each college and/or school’s departments will oversee this process. The process will apply for all fixed-term faculty -- both Instructional Academic Professors on the Professional Track and for Lecturers seeking promotion to senior status.
Promotion Review Process
Fixed-Term faculty interested in promotion will submit a letter of intent to their Dean by August 1, and a dossier (up to 25 pages) to their Department Chair by September 1. A binder of supplementary supporting documents may also be submitted with the 25-page dossier. The letter of application, the dossier, and any supporting documents will be made available to all faculty committees and academic administrators involved in the promotion process
A. The dossier for promotion should include the following
1. A copy of the letter to the Dean requesting the promotion.
2. A statement outlining the faculty member’s philosophy of teaching and service, including a discussion of their relationship with the mission of their college or school and the university.
3. Current curriculum vita (10 pages maximum).
4. A synopsis of their achievements in service and in teaching or research. Emphasis in teaching should be given to any evidence of success and growth, such as evidence of student achievement, curriculum development, implementation of successful pedagogical innovations. Emphasis in service should be given to active engagement in department, college, or university committees, especially evidence of leadership, and in engagement with student organizations or the community at large. Fixed-term faculty hired to conduct research rather than to teach should emphasize how their research has made a significant contribution to their field.
5. Copies of annual performance evaluations since being hired or since last promoted.
6. If hired to teach and provide service, a narrative delineating the faculty member’s summative course evaluations and grade distributions over the previous three years.
B. A supplementary binder of supporting documents may also be submitted along with the dossier, as long as it is understood that faculty and administrators are required to study only the dossier and to consult the supplementary binder as needed. A supplementary binder might include such items as the following:
• Examples of supportive documents for teaching may include a statement of teaching goals; teaching load information, including level and class size; evaluation of curriculum development, including sample syllabi and course materials; evidence of use of technology and innovative pedagogy to complement instruction; and/or professional development in teaching, including workshops and seminars presented and attended.
• Examples from students regarding teaching may include student evaluations, articles co-authored with students, Honors and awards to supervise students, and/or community-based projects guided and produced in connection with courses. Examples from peers regarding teaching may include letters from peers who have observed classes or reviewed course materials, Honors or awards for teaching excellence, extramural funds awarded for instructional innovation, and/or student support.
• Examples of supportive documents for service to the University may include service on departmental, College, or University committees; student advising; and/or faculty or staff mentoring. Examples of service to community, regional, national, or international organizations may include service on boards, consulting work, letters from professionals, organizational leadership on project development, Honors, and/or awards for mentorship.
• Examples of research may include copies of publications, reviews of publications, awards, and external letters from prominent scholars in the field evaluating the faculty members contribution to the field.
C. The P&T committee will make a recommendation, along with a rationale for the recommendation, to the Department chair prior to October 1. The report of the committee will state its recommendation and provide a justification for that recommendation.
D. The Department Chair will write a letter either agreeing or disagreeing with the committee’s recommendation and forward the committee’s recommendation to the Dean by October 1.
E. The Dean will forward the P&T Committee’s report, the Department Chair’s letter, and the Dean’s recommendation to the Provost by November 1.
F. The Provost will submit by December 1 a letter of recommendation along with the committee report and the letters of the Department Chair and the Dean to the President for a final decision.
G. The President will make a final decision and notify the faculty member by December 15.
H. Promotions go into effect at the beginning of the following academic year. Faculty denied promotion remain in their current rank, and, if applicable, such faculty will be informed as to how they may improve qualifications for promotion.