Determination of academic rank is a function of the combination of earned academic credentials and demonstrable experience and achievement appropriate to the level of appointment. A table depicting the required degree and the terminal degree for Kent campus tenured/tenure-track and full-time non-tenure track faculty is provided in Appendix A of this Handbook.
The basic definitions of faculty ranks are the following:
Full-Time Non-Tenure Track (FTNTT) Ranks
Lecturer
This rank is intended for persons initially hired as full-time non-tenure track faculty who do not possess the terminal degree in their discipline or a related field, and may not have the credentials to qualify as an Associate Lecturer or Senior Lecturer.
Full-time non-tenure track Lecturers are hired by the Dean in consultation with the CAC and the applicable Academic Program Area Coordinator/Director. Full-time non-tenure track Lecturers may vote and serve on some College committees.
Associate Lecturer
Hire to or promotion to this rank is based upon academic achievement, professional development, performance, professional experience, and University Citizenship according to the criteria defined by the college for the Associate Lecturer rank. (Refer to Section III.2 Renewal of Appointment, Performance Reviews, and Promotion of Full-Time Non-Tenure Track (FTNTT) Faculty of this Handbook.) Persons assigned to this rank do not hold the terminal degree in their discipline or a related field.
Senior Lecturer
Promotion to this rank requires credentials and achievements beyond those required for promotion to Associate Lecturer. This rank is reserved for senior faculty members who have achieved significant recognition in and impact on their discipline, and on academic achievement, professional development, performance, professional experience, and University Citizenship according to the criteria defined by the college for the Senior Lecturer rank. (Refer to Section III.2 (Renewal of Appointment, Performance Reviews, and Promotion of Full-Time Non-Tenure Track (FTNTT) Faculty) of this Handbook.) University Citizenship/Service is evaluated only when it is part of a full-time non-tenure track faculty member’s assigned workload. Persons assigned to this rank do not hold the terminal degree in their discipline or a related field.
Assistant Professor (Full-Time Non-Tenure Track)
This rank is normally the entry level rank for full-time non-tenure track faculty holding the terminal degree in an appropriate discipline, and who may not have the credentials to qualify as an Associate Professor (full-time non-tenure track) or Professor (full-time non-tenure track).
Associate Professor (Full-Time Non-Tenure Track)
Hire to or promotion to this rank is based upon possession of the terminal degree in an appropriate discipline, and significant academic achievement, professional development, performance, professional experience, and University Citizenship according to the criteria defined by the college for the Associate Professor (Non-Tenure Track) rank. (Refer to Section III.2 Renewal of Appointment, Performance Reviews, and Promotion of Full-Time Non-Tenure Track (FTNTT) Faculty of this Handbook.) University Citizenship/Service is evaluated only when it is part of a Non-Tenure Track faculty member’s assigned workload.
Professor (Full-Time Non-Tenure Track)
Promotion to this rank requires credentials and achievements beyond those required for promotion to Associate Professor (full-time non-tenure track) rank, and is reserved for senior faculty members who have achieved significant recognition in and impact on their discipline. Promotion is based upon possession of the terminal degree, and on academic achievement, professional development, performance, professional experience, and University Citizenship according to the criteria defined by the college for the Professor rank. (Refer to Section III.2 Renewal of Appointment, Performance Reviews, and Promotion of Full-Time Non-Tenure Track (FTNTT) Faculty of this Handbook.)
Tenured/Tenure-Track Ranks
Assistant Professor
This rank is normally the entry level rank for tenured/tenure-track faculty holding the terminal degree in an appropriate discipline, and whose professional experience and/or demonstrated academic performance warrants this rank according to the criteria defined by the college for the Assistant Professor rank. (Refer to Section III.1 Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion of Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty of this Handbook.)
Associate Professor
Hire to or promotion to this rank is based upon possession of the terminal degree in an appropriate discipline, and significant academic achievement, professional development, professional experience, and University Citizenship according to the criteria defined by the college for the Associate Professor rank. (Refer to Section III.1 Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion of Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty of this Handbook.)
Professor
Promotion to this rank requires credentials and achievements beyond those required for promotion to Associate Professor, and is reserved for senior faculty members who have achieved significant recognition in and impact on their discipline and on academic achievement, professional development, professional experience, and University Citizenship according to the criteria defined by the college for the Professor rank. (Refer to Section III.1 Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion of Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty of this Handbook.)
