Appointment and Reviews of NTT Faculty

Full-time non-tenure track (NTT) faculty members are appointed in one of the following tracks:  Instructional, Clinical, Practitioner and Research.  Renewal of appointment is contingent upon programmatic need, satisfactory performance of previously assigned responsibilities, and budgeted resources to support the position.  Appointments for (NTT) faculty members are governed by the NTT Collective Bargaining Agreement and are made annually.

The Full Performance Reviews of NTT faculty members who are in their third or sixth year of consecutive employment are governed by the applicable CBA.  Each academic year, guidelines for the Full Performance Reviews for NTT faculty are distributed by the Office of the Provost. The Full Performance Review concludes with the College’s level of review and determination.  The period of performance to be reviewed is the three (3) full academic years of consecutive appointments including that portion of the third appointment which is subject to evaluation and assessment at the time of the review.  Each NTT candidate who must complete a Full Performance Review will submit a dossier as described in the CBA.  The file should contain at least an updated curriculum vita, self evaluation of performance, and supporting documents.  Additional information about the dossier for a Full Performance Review is included in the applicable CBA.

NTT faculty members who are in their ninth year of consecutive employment and any subsequent third year of consecutive employment thereafter (e.g., 12th, 15th, 18th, et. seq.) must successfully complete a “simplified” performance review as described in the applicable CBA.  Each academic year, guidelines for the “simplified” performance reviews for NTT faculty are distributed by the Office of the Provost. The “simplified” performance review concludes with the College’s level of review and determination.  The period of performance to be reviewed is the three (3) full academic years of consecutive appointments including that portion of the third appointment which is subject to evaluation and assessment at the time of the review. NTT faculty who must complete a “simplified” performance review will submit documentation as described in the CBA.

NTT faculty are reviewed by the College’s RTP Committee on the specific criteria outlined in their letter of appointment and elsewhere, including consideration of the track (Instructional, Clinical, Practitioner or Research) to which the NTT faculty member is assigned.  An inherent part of the review process is to provide feedback to the NTT faculty member based on clear and consistent performance criteria.  Rubrics for the assessment of teaching performance, recruitment and/or retention, research, etc. will be developed and shared with the candidate, and used to evaluate performance.  Student assessment of teaching and mentoring may also be used to assess performance, as necessary.  NTT faculty members are also to be evaluated by at least two (2) Faculty members in the College appointed by the Dean.  Written reports are submitted to the Dean for inclusion in the candidate’s dossier.

The College’s RTP Committee will discuss each full-time NTT faculty member who is being reviewed.  The NTT faculty member’s dossier will serve to document the faculty member’s performance.  Performance reviews should ensue with a holistic approach which reflects the highest standard of personal and professional integrity and ethics. Any evaluation of an NTT faculty member shall include consideration of the faculty member’s personal integrity and professional behavior as recognized by the University community.  A sound ethical approach is expected of all NTT faculty members who seek renewal of appointment in the College.

The College’s RTP Committee will forward its recommendation on renewal of appointment to the College Dean who will make an independent assessment of the candidate’s performance.  The review process should be as transparent as possible with the candidate receiving information from the Dean as to the committee deliberations and the recommendation made to the Dean.  Nonrenewal of an appointment which results from programmatic or fiscal needs should be distinguished from nonrenewal of appointment which results from performance issues when communicated to the candidate.  NTT faculty members whose appointments will not be renewed must be notified by the timelines established in the applicable CBA whether lack of satisfaction with performance or the absence of anticipated continuing programmatic need or budgeted resources to support the position is the reason.

Beginning in academic year 2011-12, NTT faculty members who have completed at least six (6) consecutive years of service and at least two (2) successful Full Performance Reviews may apply for promotion at the time of their second Full Performance Review or with any scheduled performance review thereafter.  Information about NTT promotions is included in the applicable CBA.  As required by the CBA, evidence of significant accomplishments in performance and professional development is required.  Accomplishments and/or contributions in the area of university citizenship, when they exist, will contribute to the NTT faculty member’s overall record of accomplishment.  The College’s Non-Tenure Track Promotion Advisory Board (NPAB) shall be composed of NTT faculty representatives.  The NPAB will review the applications for promotion and make a recommendation to the Dean.