2.01 Recruitment and Hiring of New Faculty
Faculty recruitment and hiring are coordinated by the Office of the Provost/VPAA in concert with Deans and Department Chairs. Employment decisions are based on the needs of the University. The search/interview process for all faculty positions shall include a class presentation, preferably the teaching of a lesson. Such decisions are determined by qualifications and suitability, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin or veteran status, and in keeping with applicable state and federal laws. Detailed employment policies and procedures are available from the Office of Human Resources. (Refer to Policy 04:001.)
2.02 Classification of Faculty
The University of Montevallo faculty is composed of tenured, probationary (tenure-track), and non-tenure track members, who may be either full or part-time. Non-tenure track faculty members may be adjunct faculty and are not eligible for tenure. Other titles which may be applied to non-tenure track members include but are not limited to Clinical Instructor, Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Professor, Teacher-in-Residence, Artist-in-Residence, Scholar-in-Residence, Clinical Coordinator, Clinical Director, and Clinical Supervisor. Individuals with these titles may be employed for one- to three-year periods, determined at the time of the hire and with the possibility of renewal. They are not eligible for tenure.
Librarians holding faculty rank are considered an academic department, and the Director of Carmichael Library shall fulfill the corresponding roles and duties ascribed to Chairs and/or Deans.
Full-time and part-time faculty who teach graduate courses must be approved for Graduate Faculty or Adjunct Graduate Faculty status. This action is initiated in the academic department, and subsequent approval is required of the College Curriculum and Educational Policies Committee and the college dean. Approvals are reported to Graduate Council.
Tenured faculty members are considered continuing employees. Annual appointments are certified each year because appropriations by the State Legislature are required to make continuing employment a reality. A faculty member who does not wish to return to the University for the next academic year should notify the Department Chair and/or Dean at the earliest possible date.
Employment with the University of Montevallo shall be the primary obligation for regular, full-time faculty members. Appropriate outside employment is allowed, however, if it does not interfere with University responsibilities. (Refer to Policy 04:001.)
2.06 Employment of Relatives (Nepotism)
(Refer to Policy 04:001.)
2.07 Academic Freedom and Responsibility
As defined by the AAUP’s 1940 Statement on Academic Freedom, and its 1970 Interpretive Comments, academic freedom provides rights and imposes special obligations: “Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good and not to further the interest of either the individual teacher or the institution as a whole. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition.
Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic freedom in its teaching aspect is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and of the student to freedom in learning. It carries with it duties correlative with rights. . . .”
Academic Freedom
(Association of University Professors, “1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure with 1970 Interpretive Comments,” Policy Tenth Ed. 2, p. 3-4)
In addition to these general rights and responsibilities, faculty members also have the responsibility to maintain proper and complete records, accounts, enrollments, grades, and related academic documentation in accord with the State's and the University's record retention requirements. (Refer to Policy 01:050.)
All instructors, assistant professors, associate professors, and professors will serve a pre–tenure probationary period unless they are given an adjunct and/or part–time appointment, in which case they are not eligible for tenure. The probationary period will be six years, with the tenure review and decision occurring no later than the sixth probationary year. No later than the end of the sixth probationary year, the probationary faculty member will be either granted tenure or issued a terminal contract for the next academic year. No more than three years of prior service at another institution may be considered as a part of this requirement. Credit for prior service must be written into the initial appointment and must be approved by the Department Chair, Dean, Provost/VPAA, and President.
At least once a year, the Department Chair, Dean, or a department committee should have an informal meeting with the probationary faculty member for the purpose of reviewing performance and, if necessary, making suggestions for improvement. During the faculty member's first year, this meeting should take place at the end of the first semester as well as at the end of the academic year. Determination of whether faculty members will be renewed during their probationary period will be based on recommendations by the Department Chair (or Dean in the colleges without departments), the Dean, and the Provost/VPAA.
A one-year extension of the tenure probationary period may be requested when a tenure-track faculty member encounters one or more of the following situations: (a) birth or becoming the parent of a child, adoption of a child, or placement of a child with the faculty member for foster care—extension occurring only during the first 12 months following the birth, adoption, or placement of the child, (b) the need for a faculty member to care for herself/himself or spouse/partner, child, or parent who has a serious health condition—the extension occurring only during the first 12 months following the diagnosis of a serious health condition (including a physician’s statement of illness or injury), or (c) an exigency arising out of a faculty member or spouse/partner who is either on active duty or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty in the Armed Forces in support of a contingency operation—extension occurring only during the first 12 months following the call to active duty.
Such an extension is not leave in that the faculty member continues regular employment. The extension adds one academic year to the typical probationary period of six years, and shall call for a revised letter of appointment. The quantity and quality of work submitted in a tenure application should equal that of a full-time tenure track faculty member who did not receive an extension of the probationary period.
An extension may be used only once during the tenure probationary period, and for the reasons described above, unless a petition for exception has been approved by department committee, department chair/director, dean, and the vice president for academic affairs—in consultation with the president. Extensions for ABD faculty may be given at the college level, in consultation with the department committee, department chair, dean and Provost/VPAA, in consultation with the President.
2.09 Tenure Criteria and Procedures (for faculty employed prior to Fall 2009)
As defined by the AAUP, “Tenure is a means to certain ends; specifically, 1) freedom of teaching and research and of extramural activities and 2) a sufficient degree of economic security to make the profession attractive to men and women of ability. Freedom and economic security, hence, tenure, are important to the success of an institution in fulfilling its obligations to its students and to society.” (American Association of University Professors, “1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure with 1970 Interpretive Comments,” p. 3)
The following general criteria apply in determining recommendations concerning tenure: demonstrated excellence in teaching or as a librarian and in the performance of professional responsibilities; demonstrated excellence in research or other creative activities beyond that merely required for the adequate preparation of classes or the performance of other professional duties; active participation in professional organizations; contributions to University activities such as committee work and other University service; and collegiality and compatibility with the University's mission.
Applicants for tenure shall follow the "Tenure and Promotion Information and Procedures" provided in Appendix B. Recommendations of whether probationary faculty members will be tenured originate with the tenured members of their department/college. This group, serving as a department tenure committee (or college committee in colleges without departments), will review the application along with any supporting documentation provided by the candidate. The chair of the department or college tenure committee will make a recommendation to the Department Chair or to the Dean in colleges without departments. The Department Chair will forward to the Dean the recommendation of the department tenure committee along with her/his own recommendation. The Dean will forward her or his recommendation along with those of the Department Chair and the department/college tenure committee faculty to the Provost/VPAA. The Provost/VPAA shall forward her or his recommendation along with those of the Dean, Department Chair, and department/college tenure committee to the President. Wherever recommendations are not unanimous, differences will be noted and attempts should be made to resolve them. Should there not be unanimity, majority and minority opinions should be forwarded to the next level. The decision to award tenure shall in every case be made by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation by the President.
All members of the faculty are entitled to protection against illegal or unconstitutional discrimination by the institution or discrimination on a basis not demonstrably related to a faculty member's professional performance including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, or veteran status, and in keeping with applicable state and federal laws and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action guidelines.
The Board of Trustees and the University reserve complete discretion as to whether and when any faculty member is awarded tenure. No provision in this Handbook or any other document shall be construed or applied so as to limit the University's discretion with respect to decisions on tenure. In no event shall a candidate for tenure be deemed to have a contractual, vested, or legally enforceable right to attainment of tenure on the basis of mere passage of time, alleged attainment of tenure criteria, or by default based upon actual or alleged substantive or procedural deviation from the substantive or procedural norms described in this Handbook.
2.09 Tenure Criteria and Procedures (for faculty employed Fall 2009 and thereafter)
As defined by the AAUP, “Tenure is a means to certain ends; specifically, 1) freedom of teaching and research and of extramural activities and 2) a sufficient degree of economic security to make the profession attractive to men and women of ability. Freedom and economic security, hence, tenure, are important to the success of an institution in fulfilling its obligations to its students and to society.” (American Association of University Professors, “1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure with 1970 Interpretive Comments,” p.#3)
Candidates for tenure shall demonstrate a strong and sustained pattern of meeting or exceeding expectations for performance in Teaching (or Professional Responsibilities as a librarian), Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation as defined institutionally and departmentally. A terminal degree is required.
Each department shall expand institutional definitions of Teaching, Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation to provide the best possible guidance for faculty. Departments shall consider and reach consensus on expectations to define the departmental (or other unit within the department) standard. Departments should consider standards at peer and aspirant schools, as well as those of accrediting bodies—and then invite peer response from at least one compatible unit on or off campus. The department shall submit its statement of standards/expectations, along with rationale, to the ad hoc University Committee on Faculty Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure for review. Standards shall be filed in the offices of department chairs, deans, and the Provost/VPAA. Standards shall be reviewed every five years, and proposed changes to approved standards shall be submitted to the same approval process as described above. This process shall include all faculty members, tenured and non-tenured.
The academic “department” is the default unit referred to in the above. Departments may decide to work on the basis of smaller units, i.e., programs or disciplines, subject to the approval of the ad hoc University Committee on Faculty Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure.
In the event of changes or alterations to the standards by which tenure/promotion decisions are made, faculty members may decide to apply for tenure/promotion using either the standards in effect at the time of their employment or the revised standards.
Membership on the ad hoc University Committee on Faculty Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure shall be open with regard to rank and tenure, and will represent the four colleges and the library. The primary role of the Committee shall be to (a) review departmental statements of standards/expectations for promotion and tenure; and (b) review policies and procedures related to faculty evaluation, promotion, and tenure. Committee recommendations on Items (a) and (b) shall be sent to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Applicants for tenure shall follow the "Tenure and Promotion Information and Procedures" provided in Appendix B. The annual evaluation portfolio shall serve as the “core” of the tenure and/or promotion application, along with cover letter, current vitae, and selected support materials.
Recommendations of whether probationary faculty members will be tenured originate with the department’s Tenure Committee, a committee consisting of all tenured faculty members within the department (or college in colleges without departments). When there are not at least three tenured faculty members available to serve, the Department Chair and College Dean, in consultation with the candidate, shall select the needed number of Committee members elsewhere within the respective college or if necessary the University.
This Tenure Committee will review the application along with any supporting documentation provided by the candidate. The Chair of the Department/College Tenure Committee will make a recommendation to the Department Chair, or to the Dean in colleges without departments. The Department Chair will forward to the Dean the recommendation of the department tenure committee along with her/his own recommendation. The Dean will forward her or his recommendation along with those of the Department Chair and the department/college tenure committee to the Provost/VPAA. The Provost/VPAA shall forward her or his recommendation along with those of the Dean, Department Chair, and department/college tenure committee to the President. Wherever recommendations are not unanimous, differences will be noted and attempts should be made to resolve them. Should there not be unanimity, majority and minority opinions should be forwarded to the next level. The decision to award tenure shall in every case be made by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation by the President.
All members of the faculty are entitled to protection against illegal or unconstitutional discrimination by the institution or discrimination on a basis not demonstrably related to a faculty member's professional performance including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, [as per Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy 1:100] age, disability, national origin, or veteran status, and in keeping with applicable state and federal laws and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action guidelines.
The Board of Trustees and the University reserve complete discretion as to whether and when any faculty member is awarded tenure. No provision in this Handbook or any other document shall be construed or applied so as to limit the University's discretion with respect to decisions on tenure. In no event shall a candidate for tenure be deemed to have a contractual, vested, or legally enforceable right to attainment of tenure on the basis of mere passage of time, alleged attainment of tenure criteria, or by default based upon actual or alleged substantive or procedural deviation from the substantive or procedural norms described in this Handbook.
2.10 Criteria for Academic Rank and Procedures for Promotion (for faculty employed prior to Fall 2009)
2.10.1 Criteria. The following are criteria for initial appointment and promotion in faculty rank. For promotion decisions, only accomplishments since the last promotion shall be considered. All of the minimum years specified for promotion are true minimums to be observed for only the most outstanding faculty members. Library faculty shall hold the appropriate terminal degree defined in the American Library Association's Faculty Status for Academic Librarians. Promotion prior to tenure in no way implies or guarantees the subsequent awarding of tenure.
Professor: To be eligible for this rank, a faculty member must demonstrate: (1) outstanding performance in teaching or in professional duties as a librarian; (2) strong performance in research and/or creative endeavors; and (3) strong professional contributions and service. Candidates must possess a doctorate or the highest degree otherwise obtainable in their fields or possess, in lieu of the degree, a distinguished record of scholarly, artistic, or creative productivity. Candidates must have a minimum of five years' experience at the associate professor level, which may include two years of service in that rank at another institution if such service is recognized in writing at the time of initial appointment.
Associate Professor: To be eligible for this rank, a faculty member must demonstrate: (1) strong performance in teaching or in professional duties as a librarian; and strong potential for further development as a scholar and teacher or as a librarian; (2) strong record of performance in research and/or creative endeavors; (3) strong professional contributions and service. Candidates must possess a doctorate or the highest degree obtainable in their fields or possess, in lieu of the degree, a distinguished record of scholarly, artistic, or creative productivity. Candidates must have a minimum of five years' experience at the assistant professor level, including two years of service in that rank at another institution if such service is recognized in writing at the time of initial appointment.
Assistant Professor: To be eligible for this rank, a faculty member must demonstrate strong potential for further development as a scholar and teacher or as a librarian. Candidates must possess a doctorate or the highest degree obtainable in their fields or possess, in lieu of the degree, a distinguished record of scholarly, artistic, or creative productivity.
Instructor: To be eligible for this rank, a faculty member must possess at least the master's degree in the discipline.
2.10.2 Application Procedures for Promotion. Applicants for promotion shall follow the "Tenure and Promotion Information and Procedures" provided in Appendix B. Recommendations for promotion in rank originate at the department level. Serving as a department promotion committee, the department's tenured faculty members of rank higher than that of the faculty member under consideration for promotion shall review the candidate's application, and the chair of this committee shall make a recommendation to the Department Chair or to the Dean in colleges without departments. The Department Chair will forward to the Dean the recommendations of the department promotion committee along with his or her own recommendations. The Dean will forward his or her recommendation along with those of the Department Chair and department promotion committee to the Provost/VPAA. The Provost/VPAA shall forward his or her recommendation along with those of the Dean, Department Chair, and department promotion committee to the President. Wherever recommendations are not unanimous, differences will be noted and attempts should be made to resolve them. Should there not be unanimity, minority and majority opinions should be forwarded to the next level. The promotion of faculty shall in every case be made by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation by the President.
2.10 Criteria for Academic Rank and Procedures for Promotion (for faculty employed Fall 2009 and thereafter)
2.10.1 Criteria. The following are criteria for initial appointment and promotion in faculty rank. For promotion decisions, only accomplishments since the last promotion shall be considered. All of the minimum years specified for promotion are true minimums to be observed for only the most outstanding faculty members. Library faculty shall hold the appropriate terminal degree defined in the American Library Association's Faculty Status for Academic Librarians. Promotion prior to tenure in no way implies or guarantees the subsequent awarding of tenure.
Professor: To be eligible for this rank, a faculty member must demonstrate a strong and sustained pattern of truly distinguished performance in Teaching (or in Professional Duties as a librarian), Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation as defined by the institution and the department. The high quality of the candidate’s work has been widely acknowledged and the candidate has provided meaningful professional leadership. A terminal degree is required. Candidates may apply for promotion to full professor after five years of service at the rank of Associate Professor. Candidates may petition to include two years of service at the rank of Associate Professor from another institution if such service is recognized in writing at the time of initial appointment.
Associate Professor: To be eligible for this rank, a faculty member must demonstrate a strong and sustained pattern of meeting or exceeding expectations for performance in Teaching (or in Professional Duties as a librarian), Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation as defined institutionally and departmentally. A terminal degree is required. Candidates apply for promotion to associate professor simultaneously with application for tenure or thereafter; they may not apply for promotion to associate professor before application for tenure. Candidates then must have six years of service at the level of Assistant Professor before making application for promotion to Associate Professor, including two years of service in that rank at another institution if such service is recognized in writing at the time of initial appointment. Tenure track instructors at the University of Montevallo may petition to include up to three years of service at that rank toward promotion to the rank of Associate Professor as long as annual evaluations have been positive—meeting expectations in Teaching (or in Professional Duties as a librarian), Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation.
Assistant Professor: To be eligible for this rank, a faculty member must demonstrate potential for a strong and sustained pattern of meeting or exceeding expectations for performance in Teaching (or in Professional duties as a librarian), Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation as defined institutionally and departmentally. A terminal degree is required.
Instructor: The candidate is employed in a tenure-track position but has not earned the terminal degree; promotion to the rank of assistant professor will occur upon successful completion of the terminal degree. These candidates may petition to include up to three years of service as a tenure track Instructor at the University of Montevallo toward promotion to associate professor rank, if the petition is submitted no later than the end of the third year of the probationary period and if annual evaluations have been positive—meeting expectations in Teaching (or in Professional duties as a librarian), Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation.
2.10.2 Application Procedures for Promotion. Applicants for promotion shall follow the "Tenure and Promotion Information and Procedures" provided in Appendix B. The annual evaluation portfolio shall serve as the “core” of the tenure and/or promotion application, along with cover letter, current vitae, and selected support materials.
Recommendations for promotion in rank originate at the department level. Serving as a department promotion committee, the department's tenured faculty members of rank higher than that of the faculty member under consideration for promotion shall review the candidate's application, and the chair of this committee shall make a recommendation to the Department Chair or to the Dean in colleges without departments. When there are not at least three tenured faculty members at the appropriate rank available to serve, the Department Chair and College Dean, in consultation with the candidate, shall select the needed number of Committee members elsewhere within the respective college or if necessary the University. The Department Chair will forward to the Dean the recommendations of the department promotion committee along with his or her own recommendations. The Dean will forward his or her recommendation along with those of the Department Chair and department promotion committee to the Provost/VPAA. The Provost/VPAA shall forward his or her recommendation along with those of the Dean, Department Chair, and department promotion committee to the President. Wherever recommendations are not unanimous, differences will be noted and attempts should be made to resolve them. Should there not be unanimity, minority and majority opinions should be forwarded to the next level. The promotion of faculty shall in every case be made by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation by the President.
Each department shall expand institutional definitions of Teaching, Research/Creative Endeavor, and Service/Professional Obligation to provide the best possible guidance for faculty. Departments shall consider and reach consensus on expectations to define the departmental (or other unit within the department) standard. Departments should consider standards at peer and aspirant schools, as well as those of accrediting bodies—and then invite peer response from at least one compatible unit on or off campus. The department shall submit its statement of standards/expectations, along with rationale, to the ad hoc University Committee on Faculty Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure for review. Standards shall be filed in the offices of Department Chairs, Deans, and the Provost/VPAA. Standards shall be reviewed every five years, and proposed changes to approved standards shall be submitted to the same approval process as described above. This process shall include all faculty members, tenured and non-tenured.
The academic “department” is the default unit referred to in the above. Departments may decide to work on the basis of smaller units, i.e., programs or disciplines, subject to the approval of the ad hoc Committee on Faculty Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure.
In the event of changes or alterations to the standards by which tenure/promotion decisions are made, faculty members may decide to apply for tenure/promotion using either the standards in effect at the time of their employment or the revised standards.
Membership on the ad hoc University Committee on Faculty Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure shall be open with regard to rank and tenure, and will represent the four colleges and the library. The primary role of the Committee shall be to (a) review departmental statements of standards/expectations for promotion and tenure; and (b) review policies and procedures related to faculty evaluation, promotion, and tenure. Committee recommendations on Items (a) and (b) shall be sent to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
2.11 Termination of Faculty Employment/Settlement of Financial Obligations
Papers and/or records, including video and/or audio recordings, in particular those related to student academic performance or assessment as well as those of an advisory or evaluative nature, remain the property of the University and should not be destroyed or removed from the appropriate offices. All faculty leaving the employment of the University must ensure that before leaving all debts are paid, all books and equipment on loan are returned, and that keys and charge cards are turned in. Failure to do so may result in final pay being withheld. (Refer to Policy 04:310.)
2.11.1 Termination of a Probationary Faculty Member. Continued employment of probationary faculty members will be determined by the President and Provost/VPAA with consideration of recommendations from the appropriate departmental faculty, department chairs and deans. If a probationary faculty member is not to be renewed, the President or designee will inform her or him in writing. First–year faculty members will be so informed by March 1. Second-year faculty members will be so informed by December 1. Those with two or more years of service will be so informed by May 1 with their employment continuing through the next academic year. No reasons for non-renewal of probationary faculty need be given. Reappointment of probationary faculty to a succeeding academic year or the award of tenure shall be accomplished only by notice by the President or designee. No de facto tenure will be awarded to a faculty member. Should it occur that no notice is received by the maximum time prescribed, it is the duty of the probationary faculty member concerned to make inquiry to determine the decision of the President, who shall without delay give the required notice to the probationary faculty. Failure of the University to comply with the maximum probationary period policy shall not entitle a faculty member to tenure.
2.11.2 Termination of a Tenured Faculty Member. Termination of a tenured faculty member may be instituted by the University only for valid cause. Valid cause includes, but is not limited to, the following:
2.11.3 Dismissal of Faculty Members Before or at the End of an Appointment Period. Faculty members may not be dismissed before or at the end of their appointments except for cause. In such cases, the President or designee will inform the faculty member of the charges and the action to be taken. Additionally, the President may, for good cause, suspend or dismiss a faculty member when the continuing presence of the faculty member poses a danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process. In the event of a financial exigency declared by the Board of Trustees or in the event of dismissal for cause, the notification dates described in Section 2.11.1 may be adjusted or waived.
2.12 Grievance Policy and Procedures
The composition of the Faculty Grievance Committee is described earlier under "University Committees" in this Handbook. Detailed information about the University's grievance policy and procedures may be found under "Policies" on the University web site or in the University Policy Manual, available in departmental offices. (Refer to Policy 04:300.)
Faculty members are required to teach a specified number of semester hours, in addition to fulfilling other responsibilities such as research, scholarly activities, and service. Normally, full-time University faculty are assigned to teach from 12 to 15 hours per semester.
Teaching in the University's summer session is not part of a faculty member's normal teaching load. Employment during the summer months is not guaranteed by the University.
2.15 Access to Personnel Files
Personnel files are the property of the University, and access to information they contain is restricted. Generally, only administrative officials and representatives of the University who have a legitimate, verifiable reason may review information in a file. (Refer to Policy 04:020.)
The University may provide time off to eligible University faculty to continue their education, to participate in research, grants or fellowships, or due to illness or injury of an employee and/or other personal reasons. (Refer to Policy 04:105.) Other aspects of the University's leave policies, including Family Medical Leave Act Policies, are governed by Policy 04:100 and Policy 04:130.
2.17 Re-employment of Retired Faculty
(Refer to Policy 04:001.)
All new employees, regardless of employment status, are required by Federal law to complete a Form I-9 before or immediately following employment. This form attests to the individual's eligibility for employment in the United States and is maintained in the Office of Human Resources.
Service date is used in the calculation of benefits. This is the date of initial employment at UM, unless there has been a break in service by termination of employment. When a break occurs, the service date becomes the most recent date of employment. For those who change from part-time to full-time and/or regular to temporary status or vice versa, the following applies:
Those faculty members who have a regular part-time appointment will retain their service date when going to regular full-time.
Those faculty members who are regular full-time and go to regular part-time will retain their service date.
Those faculty members going from temporary to regular status or vice versa will receive a new service date.