Section 2.26

College/School Procedures

Each college and school is responsible for maintaining in writing a clear and unambiguous set of promotions procedures approved by a faculty majority. These procedures must be approved by the Senate Committee on Appointment and Promotions initially and after each substantial modification. In the event of disapproval, the Senate Committee on Appointment and Promotions decision may be appealed to the full Senate.

Promotions committee membership will be determined in the following manner.

• Members should be selected according to procedures approved by the faculties of the respective schools and colleges. It is recommended that about one-third of the membership of any committee be carried over to the next year for continuity.
• All faculty ranks and students should be appropriately represented.
• Chairpersons of college and school promotion committees are elected by the committees themselves.

Individuals who are seeking promotion during the term in question will not be eligible for election to the committee.

Criteria for promotion to the various ranks should be prepared in writing and made a part of the promotions procedures. Qualitative, if not quantitative, written statements should clearly express the requirements for promotion to the various ranks, including discussion of the various activities that faculty members engage in and their relative importance in each particular college. The normal minimum times in rank for promotion to the next higher rank are stated in Section 2.23.

The operation of college promotions committees includes the following:

• Provision must be made for peer contribution to members of the committees; student and faculty members will consult with other students, faculty members, and administrative personnel.
• Ample notice of meetings, in writing, must be given committee members.

Each promotions committee maintains a record of the following activities, and will send a copy of this log to the Senate Promotions Committee along with the recommendations of each college committee.

• The times and locations of all meetings.
• The list of attendees at each meeting.
• The duration of each meeting.
• Significant actions taken at each meeting.
• Copy of letter to candidate indicating approval or denial of application for promotion.
• Initiations of recommendations.

All members of the faculty who have achieved minimum time in rank will be informed by the dean by the end of the spring semester of their eligibility for consideration in the following academic year, and will automatically have their eligibility for promotion reviewed at least every two years. Normally, recommendations come through departmental channels including promotions committee representatives of all ranks. However, all members of the faculty are at liberty to initiate recommendations.

In exceptional cases, recommendations may be made in less than the prerequisite time in rank. Requests for exceptional consideration must be initiated by the department chairperson.

Action favorable to the candidate by the school or college promotions committee is considered final subject to endorsement by the Senate and concurrence of the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.

Action unfavorable to the candidate by the college promotions committee may be appealed to the Senate Committee on Appointment and Promotion by either the candidate or the department, provided the grievance pertains to procedural matters. Action by the Senate Committee on Appointment and Promotions, if approved by the Senate, is considered final.

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