Criteria for Faculty Tenure, Promotion, and Reappointment - Kent campus

1.  Tenure Criteria
     a.  General Criteria
           i.  The policies and procedures for tenure are included in the University policy and procedures regarding faculty tenure (see, University Policy Register 3342-6-14). The minimal criteria for tenure in the School of Communication Studies at Kent State University are based on and consistent with that policy. (Quotations used herein are derived from that document.)
          ii.  Minimum requirements in scholarship must be exceeded by candidates whose appointment includes graduate student instruction.
          iii.  As a minimum requirement, a candidate for tenure at any rank in the School of Communication Studies must exhibit teaching effectiveness and university/professional citizenship.
                (a)  In addition to standardized student evaluations, which must be included, other evidence of teaching effectiveness and the scholarship of teaching include: self, peer, former student, and external colleague evaluations of teaching (these must be performed in a detached and dispassionate manner); pedagogical materials prepared for teaching classes; significant involvement in curricular design and development; development of new academic programs, courses, and/or workshops; teaching innovations (including distance and online learning); undergraduate and graduate student advising; directing masters' theses, doctoral dissertations, and graduate and undergraduate student research and projects; mentoring resulting in achievements of current and former students; teaching awards.
               (b)  Evidence of effective university/professional citizenship includes: public service related to one’s discipline, significant service to professional organizations; service as panel moderator or chairing sessions at conferences; critical responses to conference papers community service; chairing or membership on university, college, or school committees; service awards.
          iv.  As a minimum requirement, candidates for tenure at any rank in the School of Communication Studies must provide evidence of a sustained record of scholarly productivity.
               (a)  Examples of scholarship include, but are not limited to: original research and literature review articles published in refereed scholarly journals, books, book chapters, or monographs; presentations of original research and presentations that synthesize research presented at regional, national, or international conferences; authoring/ editing scholarly books; funded grants and extramural funding resulting in new knowledge; pedagogy publications in refereed journals and books; grant reviews; conducting instructional/training workshops; copyrighted electronic media or computer programs; teaching/training grants; and additional forms of scholarship where the candidate provides evidence of peer review.
               (b)  As a minimum requirement, candidates for tenure must demonstrate (a) a sustained record of programmatic research; (b) scholarly publications in the form of books, book chapters, and/or refereed articles in regional, national, or international communication journals; and (c) a record of paper presentations at international, national, and/or regional communication conventions.
               (c)  Candidates for tenure must establish scholarly independence through a sustained record of sole- and/or first-authored publications and papers.
               (d)  Candidates for tenure must establish the impact of their scholarship. Evidence of impact can be demonstrated through assessment of the quality and reputation of the journal publishing the research and citations indexes such as Google Scholar, external adjudication, invited reviews and presentations based on one’s research, and demonstrated visibility of one’s research in the wider community and society.
               (e)  These minimum requirements are explained for tenure at each rank In Section B.
          v.  Many factors and criteria, both subjective and objective, are considered in recommending a faculty member for tenure. The overall evaluation of a candidate for tenure shall 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, research, publication, and the academic profession are expected of all who seek tenure and tenure in the School.

     b.  Application to the Ranks

          i.  For tenure at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor:

               (a)  Academic Credentials and University Experience:

                    (1)  The candidate must possess an earned doctorate degree in the discipline.

                    (2)  If the appointment carries no years of credit toward tenure, the candidate in the School of Communication Studies is normally expected to have completed 5 years in rank as an Assistant Professor. Note: It is expected that candidates for tenure will have met criteria for promotion.

                (b)  Scholarship, Teaching, and Service:

                     (1) The candidate must provide documented evidence of teaching effectiveness described in section A 3(a) above and university citizenship/service described in section A 3(b) above.

                     (2) The candidate must provide documented evidence of scholarship described in section A 4(a) above since the last promotion or since joining the faculty at Kent State   University. This must include of (a) a sustained record of programmatic communication research; (b) scholarly publications in the form of books, book chapters, and/or refereed articles in regional, national, or international journals; and (c) a record of paper presentations at international, national, and/or regional conventions.

                     (3) The awarding of tenure must be based on convincing documented evidence that the faculty member has achieved a significant body of scholarship that has had an impact on her/his discipline, has demonstrated excellence as a teacher, and has provided effective service. The candidate also is expected to continue and sustain, over the long term, a program of high quality teaching, and scholarship relevant to the mission of the candidate’s academic unit(s) and the mission of the University.  Tenure consideration can include evaluation of accomplishments prior to arrival at Kent State University to examine consistency, as well as grant proposals submitted but not funded, proposals pending, papers “in press,” graduate students currently advised, and any other materials that may reflect on the candidate’s potential for a long-term successful career. The tenure decision is based on all of the evidence available to determine the candidate’s potential to pursue a productive career. Tables 1, 2, and 3 provide guidelines for the assessment of a faculty member’s performance and a rating scale for use in the evaluation of candidates. For tenure at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, the faculty member must meet the criteria for an “excellent” rating in either scholarship or teaching with at least a “very good” rating in the other category. University citizenship must exceed the minimum Department criteria as outlined in Table 3. 

          ii.  For tenure at the rank of Full Professor:

                (a)  Academic Credentials and University Experience:

                      (1)  The candidate must possess an earned doctorate degree in the discipline.

                      (2)  If the appointment carries no years of credit toward tenure, the candidate is normally expected to have completed 3 years in rank as an associate or full professor. In extraordinary cases, the candidate may have completed fewer years in rank.

                (b)  Scholarship and Service:

                      (1)  The candidate must provide documented evidence of teaching effectiveness described in section A 3(a) above and university citizenship described in section A 3(b) above.

                      (2)  The candidate must provide documented evidence of scholarship described in section A 4(a) above since the last promotion or since joining the faculty at Kent State University. This must include of (a) a sustained record of programmatic communication research; (b) scholarly publications in the form of books, book chapters, and/or refereed articles in regional, national, or international journals; and (c) a record of paper presentations at international, national, and/or regional conventions.  

                      (3)  Tenure at the rank of Full Professor recognizes the highest level of university achievement and national/international prominence. Evidence for this distinction includes a record of increased prominence in and impact on the field as evidenced by a sustained and ongoing scholarship. Tables 1, 2, and 3 below provide guidelines for the assessment of a faculty member’s performance and a rating scale for use in the evaluation of candidates. For tenure at the rank of Full Professor, the faculty member must meet the criteria for an “excellent” rating in scholarship and teaching. University citizenship must exceed the minimum Department criteria as outlined in Table 3.

                 (c.)  The School of Communication Studies will follow the tenure procedures detailed in the University Policy Regarding Tenure

Table 1.  Evaluation components for assessment of scholarship for promotion and tenure

Scholarship

Definition

Accomplishments Corresponding to the Assessment Score

Excellent

Nationally/Internationally recognized research program

Demonstrated and sustained record of scholarship,1 invitations to give presentations, research-related service to federal/state agencies and/or organizations, awards, recognition from scientific societies.2

Very Good

Emerging nationally recognized research program(s)

Demonstrated record of scholarship, presentations at well recognized meetings with rigorous criteria for paper review and Grant applications.

Minimum acceptability

Active research program(s)

Some peer-reviewed publications or “seed” grants, some presentations at meetings/seminars

 

 

 

Note:

[1]  Excellence in scholarship includes consideration of factors such as:

   (a) publications (e.g., articles in peer-reviewed journals of recognized quality, books, and book chapters). Evaluation of publication record will include an assessment of quality and impact on the field as well as quantity. Articles of exceptional length, impact and quality are given particular consideration.

   (b) grants and other extramural funding where the role of the faculty member in securing the funding is clearly demonstrated and which are of sufficient magnitude to fully support research at a level and duration appropriate for the discipline, including funds for supplies, materials and personnel (graduate students, research technicians and/or post-doctoral associates. It also will include consideration of “Seed” grants -- extramural grants that are not of sufficient magnitude to fully support doctoral students or are intramural grants.

2  Recognition from scientific societies includes, for example, election to office, editorial board membership, editorship, etc.  Service to federal/state institutions includes service on federal proposal panels, site visits, and other research related activities.

 

Table 2.     Evaluation components for assessment of teaching for promotion and tenure

Teaching

Definition

Examples of Accomplishments Corresponding to the Assessment Score

Excellent

Innovative teacher; provides leadership in instructional development

Develop/revise courses, develop research projects for students (undergraduate and/or graduate), excellent student and peer perceptions, instructional creativity, actively participate in curricular revisions, significant involvement in directing doctoral dissertations and master’s theses, and undergraduate projects

Very Good

Innovative teacher

Develop/revise courses, strong student and peer perceptions, work with graduate and/or undergraduate students in research

Minimum

Meets obligations well

Good student and peer perceptions

Table 3.   Assessment of University Citizenship for promotion and tenure

Citizenship Assessment

Examples of Accomplishments Corresponding to the Assessment Score

Exceeds Obligations

Significant role in School, Campus, College and/or University as evidenced by productive service on committees, active participation in significant events, effectively chairing committees, specific administrative assignments, meaningful public outreach; and significant service to the discipline including editorships, editorial boards, manuscript reviewing, holding professional office, professional committee membership, etc.

Meets obligations

Meets the minimal School/Campus obligations and evidence of professional involvement and assumption of service responsibilities

 

2.  Promotion Criteria

     a.  General Criteria

          i.  The policies and procedures for promotion are included in the University policy and procedures regarding faculty promotion (see University Policy Register 3342-6-15).  The minimal criteria for promotion in the School of Communication Studies at Kent State University are based on and consistent with that policy. (Quotations used herein are derived from that document.) 

          ii.  Minimum requirements in scholarship must be exceeded by candidates whose appointment includes graduate student instruction.

          iii.  As a minimum requirement, a candidate for promotion to any rank in the School of Communication Studies must exhibit teaching effectiveness and university/professional citizenship.

                (a)  In addition to standardized student evaluations, which must be included, other evidence of teaching effectiveness and the scholarship of teaching include: self, peer, former student, and external colleague evaluations of teaching (these must be conducted in a detached and dispassionate manner); pedagogical materials prepared for teaching classes; significant involvement in curricular design and development; development of new academic programs, courses, and/or workshops; teaching innovations (including online and distance learning); undergraduate and graduate student advising; directing masters' theses, doctoral dissertations, and graduate and undergraduate student research and projects; mentoring resulting in achievements of current and former students; teaching awards.

                 (b)  Evidence of effective university/professional citizenship include: public service related to one’s discipline, significant service to professional organizations; service as panel moderator or chairing sessions at conferences; critical responses to conference papers community service; chairing or membership on university, college, or school committees; service awards.

          iv.  As a minimum requirement, candidates for promotion to any rank in the School of Communication Studies must provide evidence of a sustained record of scholarly productivity.

                  (a)  Examples of scholarship include, but are not limited to: original research and literature review articles published in refereed scholarly journals, books, book chapters, or monographs; presentations of original research and presentations that synthesize research presented at regional, national, or international conferences; authoring/editing scholarly books; funded grants and extramural funding resulting in new knowledge; pedagogy publications in refereed journals and books; grant reviews; conducting instructional/training workshops; copyrighted electronic media or computer programs; teaching/training grants; and additional forms of scholarship where the candidate provides evidence of peer review.

                  (b)  As a minimum requirement, candidates for promotion to the ranks of associate and full professor must demonstrate

                       (1) a sustained record of programmatic communication research; 

                       (2) scholarly publications in the form of books, book chapters, and/or refereed articles in regional, national, or international journals; and

                       (3) a record of paper presentations at international, national, and/or regional conventions.

                   (c)  Candidates for promotion must establish scholarly independence through a sustained record of sole- and/or first-authored publications and papers.

                   (d)  Candidates for promotion must establish the impact of their scholarship. Evidence of impact can be demonstrated through assessment of the quality and reputation of the journal publishing the research and citations indexes such as Google Scholar, external adjudication, invited reviews and presentations based on one’s research, and demonstrated visibility of one’s research in the wider community and society, and other indicators of the impact of one’s work.

                   (e)  These minimum requirements are explained for promotion to each rank In Section b. below.

          v.  Many factors and criteria, both subjective and objective, are considered in recommending a faculty member for tenure and advancement in academic rank. The    overall evaluation of a candidate for promotion shall 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, research, publication, and the academic profession are expected of all who seek promotion in the School.

     b.  Application to the Ranks

          i.  For promotion to the rank of Assistant Professor:

                    (a)  Academic Credentials and University Experience:

                        (1)  The candidate must possess an earned doctorate degree in the field.

                     (b)  Scholarship, Teaching and Service/Citizenship:

                        (1)  The candidate must exhibit teaching effectiveness and university citizenship.

                         (2)  The candidate must exhibit evidence of published and presented scholarship consistent with the ability to achieve higher professorial rank. At a minimum, this should include presentation of papers at regional, national, or international communication conferences/conventions, and publication in regional, national, or international communication journals.

          ii.  For promotion to the rank of Associate Professor:

                     (a)  Academic Credentials and University Experience:

                          (1)  The candidate must possess an earned doctorate degree in the discipline.

                          (2)  Typically, the candidate in the School of Communication Studies is expected to have completed 5 years in rank as an assistant professor. The University Policy provides that the candidate must have completed at least 4 years in rank as an assistant professor to be considered for promotion.

                      (b)  Scholarship, Teaching, and Service:

                           (1)  The candidate must provide documented evidence of teaching effectiveness described in section A 3(a) above and university citizenship described in section A 3(b) above.

                           (2)  The candidate must provide documented evidence of scholarship described in section A 4(a) above since the last promotion or since joining the faculty at Kent State University. This must include of (a) a sustained record of programmatic communication research; (b) scholarly publications in the form of books, book chapters, and/or refereed articles in regional, national, or international journals; and (c) a record of paper presentations at international, national, and/or regional conventions. The record of programmatic research must be confirmed by outside reviewers per university policy.

                           (3)  Promotion to Associate Professor is recognition for establishing a career likely to achieve national/international prominence as evidenced by factors such as those described in section B 2(b) above. Tables 1, 2, and 3 provide guidelines for the assessment of a faculty member’s performance and a rating scale for use in the evaluation of candidates. For promotion from Assistant to Associate Professor, the faculty member must meet the criteria for an “excellent” rating in either scholarship or teaching with at least a “very good” rating in the other category. University citizenship must exceed the minimum Department criteria as outlined in Table 3.   

          iii.  For promotion to the rank of Full Professor:

                       (a)  Academic Credentials and University Experience:

                            (1)  The candidate must possess an earned doctorate degree in the discipline.

                            (2)  Typically, the candidate is expected to have completed 5 years in rank as an associate professor. In extraordinary cases, the candidate may have completed fewer years in rank as an associate professor.

                        (b)  Scholarship, Teaching, and Service:

                             (1)  The candidate must provide documented evidence of teaching effectiveness described in section A 3(a) above and university citizenship described in section A 3(b) above.

                             (2)  The candidate must provide documented evidence of scholarship described in section A 4(a) above since the last promotion or since joining the faculty at Kent State University. This must include of (a) a sustained record of programmatic communication research; (b) scholarly publications in the form of books, book chapters, and/or refereed articles in regional, national, or international journals; and (c) a record of paper presentations at international, national, and/or regional conventions. The record of significant research must be confirmed by outside reviewers per university policy.  

                             (3)  Promotion to Full Professor recognizes the highest level of university achievement and national/international prominence. Evidence for this distinction includes a record of notoriety in and impact on the field as evidenced by a sustained and ongoing scholarship. Tables 1, 2, and 3 below provide guidelines for the assessment of a faculty member’s performance and a rating scale for use in the evaluation of candidates. For promotion from Associate to Full Professor, the faculty member must meet the criteria for an “excellent” rating in scholarship and teaching. University citizenship must exceed the minimum Department criteria as outlined in Table 3.

                         (c)  The School of Communication Studies will follow the promotion procedures detailed in the University Policy Regarding Promotion.

3.  Criteria for Quality in Scholarship

Examples of Scholarship.    (Note: these are examples of scholarship and do not reflect a priority order).

  • Article in refereed journal
  • Book that primarily is a report of original research
  • Book that primarily synthesizes previous research and integrates the research into a new or existing theoretical framework
  • Book that primarily is an application of principles from pedagogy and research
  • Chapter in a book that reports original research
  • Chapter in a book that synthesizes and integrates previous research
  • Chapter in an applied communication book
  • Refereed conference paper or panel
  • Research grant or major grant application for original research
  • Research grant or major grant application for integrative research
  • Research grant or major grant application to test application of principles from research
  • Paper that is invited due to reputation as a scholar 
  • Participation in learning communities or other interdisciplinary scholarship teams; or  
  • a textbook designed to be used in undergraduate or graduate courses
  • Chapter in a pedagogy book or in a textbook
  • Refereed conference paper or panel
  • Paper that is invited due to reputation as a scholar of teaching
  • Research grant or major grant application for teaching research
  • Development of new academic programs, courses and/or workshops

The impact and consequences of one's work and consideration of scholarship beyond what is listed above will be give appropriate weight in each area, based upon adequately presented evidence.

Scholarship is an essential and critical component of University activity. The originality, quality, impact and value of the work must be assessed. To assist this process, the candidate shall submit the names of at least five (5) experts in her/his field who are considered capable of judging the candidate’s work in a detached and dispassionate manner. Moreover, the candidate must provide the Ad Hock RTP Committee with ample descriptive evidence of his/her scholarly activity.

In addition to scholarly publications or funded research, other scholarly activities including but not limited to serving on national grant review bodies, presenting at refereed professional meetings, chairing society committees, and presenting papers before learned societies should be considered. These later activities complement scholarly publications and grant funded research. Faculty members are expected to hold membership in professional societies, attend and participate in institutes and seminars, organize institutes, seminars, and workshops, insofar as such activities enhance their professional competency.