Tenure and Promotion Guidelines
The policies and procedures for tenure are included in the University policy and procedures regarding Faculty tenure (see University Policy Register 3342-6-14) and the policies and procedures for promotion are included in the University policy and procedures regarding Faculty promotion (see University Policy Register 3342-6-15). Before the start of each academic year, the Office of the Provost provides specific guidelines for the preparation and review of reappointment, tenure, and promotion cases. Copies will be provided by the Chairperson of the Department to all Faculty eligible members.
Candidates for tenure are expected to have developed a sustained or focused research or creative program in their chosen subfield(s), evidenced by publications or creative scholarships (for example, journal articles, book chapters, books, directing/creative productions, film/documentaries/audio books, performances). Probationary Faculty are encouraged to submit at least one scholarly/creative piece per academic year. Evaluation of publication record will include an assessment of contribution to the field and its quality. The Department of Pan-African Studies values and recognizes publication in academic multi-disciplinary and disciplinary specific journals and presses. Only work that has been published or formally accepted for publication can be considered for tenure and promotion. A book contract or conditional acceptance of a manuscript will not be considered as evidence of scholarly achievement in tenure and promotion reviews. Critical editions with introductory material, notes, and textual apparatus will be considered the equivalent of a single-authored critical work; other editorial work, such as editing a learned journal, special issues of learned journals, or collections of essays, will be weighted according to the scholarly contributions of the editor. Multiple-authored works will be weighted according to the scholarly contribution of the candidate.
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Tenure
a. Decisions on tenure and promotion are made separately. The granting of tenure in the Department of Pan-African Studies will be based on documented evidence that a Faculty member has achieved (a) a strong record of scholarship (research/publications) and/or creative scholarship, served as an effective teacher, and provided adequate service, (b) has demonstrated the potential for continued success (as evidenced by works in progress).
b. While published research or creative scholarship carry greater weight than non-published/performed, tenure considerations may also include grant proposals submitted but not funded, pending proposals, creative scholarship plans, papers “under review” or a book manuscript “in press,” graduate students currently advised, and other materials that may reflect on the candidate’s potential for a long-term successful career.
c. When time to tenure is recognized in the Probationary Faculty member’s offer letter, previous publications prior to arriving at Kent State will be considered. -
Promotion
a. Decisions on promotion to associate professor will be based on a Faculty member’s accomplishments that have been completed during the tenure review period as well as other accomplishments prior to Kent State University.
b. Promotion to Associate Professor will be based on evidence of a strong record of research/publications and/or creative scholarship, effective teaching, and effective service.
c. Candidates for Promotion to Associate Professor are expected to have developed a sustained or focused research or creative program in their chosen subfield(s), evidenced by publications or creative scholarships (for example, journal articles, book chapters, books, directing/creative productions, film/documentaries/audio books, performances). Evaluation of publication record will include an assessment of contribution to the field and its quality.
d. Only work that has been published or formally accepted for publication can be considered for promotion. A book contract or conditional acceptance of a manuscript will not be considered as evidence of scholarly achievement in promotion reviews.
e. Critical editions with introductory material, notes, and textual apparatus will be considered the equivalent of a single-authored critical work; other editorial work, such as editing a learned journal, special issues of learned journals, or collections of essays, will be weighted according to the scholarly contributions of the editor. Multiple-authored works will be weighted according to the scholarly contribution of the candidate
f. Promotion to Full Professor is the recognition of the highest level of university achievement in terms of national/international stature. This will require evidence of strong and continuous accomplishments in scholarship (research/publications) and/or creative scholarship, teaching and service. Documentation for the promotion to a Full Professor should follow the same guidelines as files for tenure and promotion to associate professor.