Faculty Ranks

The basic definitions of Faculty/faculty ranks are the following:

1.         Assistant Professor

This rank is normally the entry level rank for tenure-track Faculty holding the doctorate in Sociology, Criminology or a related discipline. 

2.         Associate Professor

Hire to or promotion to this rank presumes prior service as an Assistant Professor, significant academic achievements, and possession of the doctorate in Sociology, Criminology or a related discipline (See, Section V of this Handbook). 

3.         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 their discipline (See, Section V of this Handbook). 

4.         Research Associate and Research Assistant

These ranks are reserved for individuals who are engaged in research and who are not normally assigned teaching responsibilities.  Such positions are typically supported by extramural grant funds and are not tenure-track appointments.  Faculty who hold these ranks do not vote on Department committees and do not participate in Department governance.

5.         Adjunct Faculty Appointments

These appointments are held primarily by faculty from other institutions or persons on the staffs of community-based agencies and organizations.   Adjunct faculty appointments are made at the discretion of the Chair in consultation with the FAC.  Adjunct faculty members do not vote on Department Committees and do not participate in Department governance. The Chair should consult with FAC before appointment.

 6.      Full-Time Non-Tenure Track Faculty (NTT) Appointments

Full-time non-tenure track faculty (NTT) appointments are made on an annual basis (See, Section VI of this Handbook).  NTT appointments are not included under the umbrella of the University policy and procedures regarding faculty tenure (See, University Policy Register 3342-6-14) and NTT faculty members are not entitled to any rights with regard to tenure.

7.         Part-Time Faculty Appointments

 When the Department cannot meet its teaching needs from the ranks of its full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty, full-time non-tenure track (NTT) faculty and graduate students, part-time faculty appointments will be made by the Chairperson with the consultation of the FAC from a pool of qualified applicants.  The Chair should consult with FAC before appointment.

8.         Graduate Faculty Status

As a doctoral degree granting department, the Department normally requires that all Faculty hired for tenure-track positions be eligible for appointment to the graduate Faculty as associate or full members.  The administrative policy regarding graduate Faculty is included in the University Policy Register.  (See, University Policy Register 3342-6-15.1)