Criteria, Performance Expectations, and Department Procedures Relating to Merit Awards

Merit Awards are established pursuant to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. Procedures and timelines for determining Merit Awards for any given year shall be conducted in accordance with guidelines issued by the Office of the Provost. 

When Merit Awards are to be made, a pool for this purpose shall be established for the Department of Philosophy.  Twenty-five percent [25%] of the pool will be used to recognize documented meritorious performance in teaching (including graduate and undergraduate advising), twenty-five percent [25%] of the pool will be used to recognize documented meritorious performance service (including service to the department, college, university, and profession), and fifty percent [50%] will be used to recognize documented meritorious performance in Research. 

The Chair will submit to the FAC a proposed update of the “Department Procedure with Schedule” and “General Guidelines” for the consideration of the FAC. After FAC has edited and approved the “Department Procedure with Schedule” and “General Guidelines” for candidates to be considered for Merit Awards, the chair will submit to all eligible Faculty copies of the Procedure and Guidelines. Faculty may apply for a Merit award in any or all categories: (i) Teaching (ii)Service, and (iii) Research. 

Faculty must use the Department of Philosophy Merit Award Summary Form (see appendix) and provide all requisite supporting documentation in order to be eligible for consideration.  If something is not appropriately documented, it may not be counted.  Merit is performance above and beyond job expectations for faculty.  The responsibility lies with each faculty member who applies to demonstrate truly meritorious performance in each category.   Demonstration may take the form of additional materials or narrative that articulates why a performance is meritorious per the criteria contained in the Evidence sub-section of the Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion section of this handbook.