Reappointment

The policies and procedures for reappointment are included in the University policy and procedures regarding faculty reappointment (See, University Policy Register 3342-6-16).  Each academic year, reappointment guidelines for Kent and Regional Campus Faculty are distributed by the Office of the Provost.  Probationary Faculty members are reviewed annually by the College’s ad hoc RTP Committee.

The Dean, in consultation with the CAC, assigns two (2) Faculty members to visit the classes of each probationary Faculty member, interview students in the classes, and generally evaluates the Faculty member’s teaching performance.   A written report of the evaluation is submitted to the Dean for placement in the Faculty member’s reappointment file.  Probationary Faculty members will also create an updated file that is presented to the Dean who will make these materials available to the ad hoc RTP Committee.  Each probationary Faculty member is discussed by the committee which then votes on the Faculty member’s reappointment.

The Dean informs probationary Faculty members of the ad hoc RTP Committee's recommendation and provides a copy of her/his recommendation.  Probationary Faculty members who are not to be reappointed must be notified according to the schedule established in the CBA.  For Faculty members whose appointment is in the Regional Campuses, recommendations on reappointment are made by the Dean, and the appropriate Regional Campus Dean.

For probationary Faculty, reappointment is contingent upon demonstration of adequate progress toward the requirements for tenure.  While each year of the Probationary period is important, by the third year review, the probationary faculty member must demonstrate progress towards tenure which suggests likely success.  If not, that individual should not be reappointed.  Moreover, the Faculty member must have established and articulated short- and long-term plans for achieving these goals.

A successful candidate presents documented evidence of progress appropriate to the time spent in a tenure–track appointment.  This progress shall be demonstrated through peer review of the candidate’s scholarship.

Specific concerns expressed by the ad hoc RTP Committee and/or the Dean during the probationary period should be addressed by the candidate in subsequent reappointment reviews.  Finally, the overall evaluation of a candidate for reappointment must include consideration of the Faculty member's personal integrity and professional behavior as recognized by the University community.  A sound ethical approach to all aspects of teaching, scholarly research and creative activity, and service is expected of all who seek reappointment in the College.

Concerns about a candidate’s performance as articulated during the reappointment process shall be addressed, the ad hoc RTP Committee and the Dean.  If concerns arise during a reappointment review, the Dean, in consultation with the CAC, will advise and direct the candidate on a plan for realignment with the College’s tenure and promotion expectations; however, the candidate is solely responsible for her/his success in implementing this plan.

Personal circumstances may require an untenured Faculty member to request that her/his probationary period be extended.  Upon request, a Faculty member may be granted an extension of the probationary period which has been traditionally called “tolling” or “stopping the tenure clock.”  The University policy and procedures governing modification of the faculty probationary period is included in the University Policy Register (See, University Policy Register 3342-6-13).