College of Health Professions —Guidelines for Tenure and Promotion

A. Overview

The Wichita State University (WSU) Policies and Procedures Manual is the overall guide for promotion, tenure, appeals, and professor incentive review (Chapter 4 – Faculty Policies). These College of Health Professions (CHP) guidelines elaborate on that document to reflect the college’s unique context. Departmental role statements must be consistent with University and College T&P policies and guide reviews of tenure track (TT) and non‑tenure track (NTT) faculty. Guidelines are not rigid rules; each candidate’s materials are reviewed on individual merit.

CHP faculty are scholars, educators, and clinicians. Programs educate health care clinicians and decision makers, requiring excellent teaching effectiveness, individualized/clinical instruction, innovative pedagogy, and substantial practicum/community work. Workload demands unique to clinical education must be considered so teaching, scholarship, and service expectations remain reasonable and balanced. As WSU policy states, judgments “will always be made primarily at the departmental and college levels” (4.21).

Reviews consider positive, substantial, and significant contributions in teaching, scholarship (as appropriate), service, and (if appropriate) practice. For tenure, there must be high confidence performance will continue and grow, considering assigned workload percentages. These areas are evaluated for their contribution to the CHP vision, mission, and guiding principles.

B. Alternative Models of TT/NTT Documentation for Tenure and Promotion

Following University Faculty Senate endorsement of the UniSCOPE Scholarship model (Hyman et al., 2002), CHP faculty integrated aspects of UniSCOPE into their work. These guidelines complement University policy by focusing on CHP‑specific criteria and standards for TT and NTT faculty. Candidates may use UniSCOPE language as it fits departmental guidelines; application details are determined at the department level. See Appendix A for examples.

C. Review of Teaching

Teaching facilitates learning toward specified goals and may include classroom, laboratory, field, clinical, and individual/small‑group instruction. Types and emphasis vary by role and are defined by each department consistent with CHP guidelines. See Appendix B for example teaching activities and documentation (first four documentation items are required).

D. Review of Scholarship

Scholarship advances teaching, research, and practice with dissemination beyond the academic unit. It should expand knowledge, include refereed work, and be reproducible or extensible. Types and emphasis vary by role and are defined by departments consistent with CHP guidelines.

Forms of scholarship may include (not limited to):

• Discovery — generating new and/or unique knowledge.
• Teaching — building bridges between faculty understanding and student learning.
• Application — applying knowledge to societal problems.
• Integration — discovering relationships among disciplines; interpretation and synthesis.
• Leadership — demonstrating expertise/role modeling that advances the University and/or profession, including administration, teaching, mentoring, practice, and service.

See Appendix C for examples of forms, documentation, and quality indicators.

E. Review of Service

Service benefits the University’s units, the scholarly community, and broader communities by virtue of one’s academic role. Service must relate to the faculty member’s professional role and includes administrative roles and responsibilities. See Appendix D for examples and documentation.

F. Tenure Track Faculty: Standards According to Rank

Recommendations for tenure/promotion follow the standards below. A favorable tenure recommendation automatically carries a favorable recommendation for promotion to Associate Professor (General Faculty Meeting Minutes, 05/04/2018). A terminal degree appropriate to the discipline is normally required for appointment or promotion to Assistant, Associate, or Professor. Department Role Statements provide discipline‑specific guidelines; departmental guidelines may exceed these standards. Exceptions require careful documentation with adequate rationale. Tenure candidates must also show potential for continuing growth.

1. Assistant Professor

Evidence of teaching ability and potential for ongoing achievement in research/scholarship/creative activity, plus appropriate University or professional service.

2. Associate Professor

Documented effectiveness in teaching; a record of research/scholarship/creative activity recognized regionally or nationally; and professional or University service.

3. Professor

Evidence of sustained effective teaching; a record of excellence in research/scholarship/creative activity with significant national impact; and academic leadership in service to the University and profession, OR evidence of excellence in teaching; a record of sustained accomplishment in research/scholarship/creative activity with national recognition; and academic leadership in service to the University and profession.

G. Non‑Tenure Track Faculty: Standards According to Level (Policy 4.27)

NTT faculty are significant, broadly engaged contributors to academic programs. They must demonstrate effectiveness in teaching and service per their role statement. Research is not required, though some departments may include it per the role statement. A terminal degree (as determined by the department) is normally required for appointment or promotion to Assistant/Associate/Teaching Professor and Assistant/Associate/Clinical Professor (or equivalent Teaching/Clinical Professor levels). Candidates may be hired as Assistant/Associate/Senior Educator without a terminal degree; transitions upon obtaining a terminal degree are determined by the department. Typically, promotion is not expected with fewer than six years in level; successively higher achievement is expected at each level.

1. Assistant Teaching/Clinical Professor or Assistant Educator

Demonstrated adequacy in teaching and some University service (per role statement).

2. Associate Teaching/Clinical Professor or Associate Educator

Documented continuous improvement and effectiveness in teaching and professional/University service (per role statement).

3. Teaching/Clinical Professor or Senior Educator

Sustained effectiveness in teaching and demonstrated academic leadership in service to the University and the profession (per role statement).

Where NTT faculty engage in research, departments determine if research should be evaluated alongside required teaching and service when applying for promotion.

H. External Reviews

The college follows University guidelines for external review (4.24). External reviews are required for tenure‑track faculty and not required for NTT faculty.

I. Preparation of the Dossier

Candidates are responsible for providing sufficient, well‑organized evidence of productivity, quality and rigor of scholarship, relevance to discipline/role, and teaching effectiveness, in compliance with University guidelines. Clear, unambiguous documentation is required for evaluation at department, college, and University levels. See University Policies 4.24 (Review for Tenure or Promotion: Procedures) and 4.29 (Review for NTT Promotion: Procedures) for details.

J. Pre‑Tenure/Pre‑Promotion Review

In addition to annual evaluation, a pre‑tenure/pre‑promotion review is required in the third probationary year (required for TT; optional for NTT). The pre‑review document must be submitted to the Dean’s Office by the first Monday after spring break of the third probationary year. See Appendix E for procedure details.

K. Early Promotion

Normally, candidates should not expect promotion consideration with fewer than six years in rank/level. See WSU Policies: 4.27 (NTT Promotion), 4.21 (Tenure and Promotion: Guidelines and Criteria), and 4.18 (Probationary Period — Early Consideration for Tenure).

L. Full Professor/Teaching Professor Incentive Review Program

The college follows University guidelines for the voluntary incentive review program for tenured Full Professors (4.25) and for NTT faculty at Teaching Professor, Clinical Professor, or Senior Educator (4.30).

M. Post‑Tenure Review

In accordance with Kansas Board of Regents policy (Chapter II, C.8d(iv)), all tenured faculty undergo post‑tenure review at five‑year intervals, first occurring five years after tenure. All evaluation aspects follow applicable WSU policies (WSU Policies and Procedures Manual). Scheduled reviews may be altered due to approved leave or administrative appointment (see WSU Policy 4.20).

N. Roles and Responsibilities in the College Tenure and Promotion Process

The process involves the College Dean, Department Chairperson, Candidate, Department T&P Committee, College T&P Committee, and the Assistant to the College Dean. See Appendix F for detailed responsibilities.

O. Procedures of the College Tenure and Promotion Committee

See Appendix G for procedures applicable to reviews of both TT and NTT candidates.

Reference

Hyman, D., Gurgevich, E., Alter, T., Ayers, J., Cash, E., Fahnline, D., et al. (2002). Beyond Boyer: The UniSCOPE model of scholarship for the 21st century. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 7(1&2), 41–65.

Appendix A. UniSCOPE Model of Scholarship (adapted from Hyman et al., 2002)

Appendix B. Examples of Teaching Activities and Documentation

Teaching Activities (examples, not exhaustive)

• Undergraduate and/or graduate teaching
• Curriculum development (experiential learning, new learning activities)
• Use of new technology to improve teaching
• Experimental/innovative, interprofessional, or interdisciplinary teaching
• Developing unique methods to evaluate student learning, skills, and professionalism
• Workshops and/or professional continuing education related to teaching
• Developing methods to evaluate individual teaching, courses, or curricula
• Professional development to improve teaching or clinical expertise
• New courses or major revisions of existing courses
• Advising; thesis/project committees; facilitating student publications, practice, and presentations
• Coordinating team, interprofessional, or interdisciplinary courses
• Other activities that intellectually stimulate students, colleagues, or the University community

Teaching Documentation

Required (per departmental role statements):

• Department chairperson evaluation (consistent with department/University guidelines)
• Student evaluations (standardized or normative where available)
• Candidate’s reflective statement (teaching philosophy, methods, evaluation; role in department)
• Peer evaluation (department, college, university, or external peers)

Recommended (not required) examples:

• Awards/honors to mentored students
• Evidence of student learning
• Faculty honors/awards/recognition for teaching
• Grade distribution patterns
• Syllabi and other materials (including web‑based)
• Evidence of improvement in teaching and student learning
• Teaching and/or course portfolios
• Employer evaluations of graduates
• Course load, including contact hours
• Classroom observation and/or course material review
• Pass rates on national/state certification and licensure exams

Appendix C. Examples of Scholarship, Documentation, and Scholarship Quality

Scholarship of Discovery

• Publications (research, theory, philosophical essays)
• Presentations (research, theory, philosophical essays)
• Grant proposal submissions/awards for research
• Recognition as a scholar (state/regional/national/international)
• Positive peer evaluations of the body of work
• Books, monographs, or book chapters reflecting new knowledge

Scholarship of Teaching

• Publications on teaching methodology/learning outcomes; case studies; theory/model development/testing
• Successful applications of technology to teaching & learning
• Positive peer assessments of innovations or excellence in teaching
• Recognition as a master teacher within the university and/or profession
• Published textbooks or learning aids
• Grant proposals/awards supporting teaching and learning
• Outcome studies or evaluation/assessment program design
• Presentations related to teaching and learning

Scholarship of Practice

• Publications (research, case studies, technical applications, practice issues)
• Practice‑related presentations
• Consultation reports
• Reports analyzing patient/public health/health service outcomes
• Products, patents, licenses/copyrights
• Peer review of practice
• Grant proposals/awards supporting practice
• Recognition of excellence in practice (state/regional/national/international)
• Professional certification, degrees, and specialty credentials
• Policy papers related to practice

Scholarship of Integration

• Publications (research, policy analysis, case studies, integrative reviews)
• Copyrights, licenses, patents, or products
• Published books, monographs, book chapters
• Peer evaluations of integrative contributions
• Reports of interdisciplinary programs or service projects
• Interdisciplinary grant proposals/awards
• Meta‑analyses related to practice problems
• Clinical demonstration project reports
• Presentations
• Policy papers designed to influence organizations/governments
• Citations in disciplines outside one’s own

Scholarship of Leadership

• Publications and/or presentations
• Mentorship resulting in publications or presentations
• Accreditation or other comprehensive program reports
• Recognition of leadership (state/regional/national/international)
• Recognition of leadership within department/college/university
• Innovation in program or curriculum development

Scholarship Quality (Indicators)

1. Journal Publications: Refereed journals are essential. Invited works indicate recognized expertise. Practitioner and academic journals are acceptable. “Refereed” aligns with Faculty Senate definition (carefully reviewed by experts).
2. Books / Chapters / Monographs: Desirable; often refereed in health disciplines; special consideration for works integrating discovery, application, and integration.
3. Professional Presentations: Desirable; value depends on quality, competitiveness, refereeing, and publication in proceedings.
4. Professional / Practice / Research Reports: Desirable but not essential.
5. Competitive Scholarly / Research Grant Proposals: Desirable; value depends on competitiveness (internal/external) and research output.

Appendix D. Examples of Service and Documentation

• Committee service (University, College, Department; member/chair/coordinator)
• Administrative roles (Chair, Coordinator, Director, etc.)
• Task forces/committees
• Faculty Senate or Graduate Council service
• Student recruitment participation
• Advisor to recognized student organizations (RSO)
• Professional speeches/panels not otherwise listed
• Professional consulting
• Editorial service for journals/other publications
• Proposal/policy review panels for granting agencies
• National/regional boards with research/scholarly functions
• Professional organization committee assignments
• Community presentations
• Service to profession (committees, offices, program organization)
• Service to community in professional capacity (boards, volunteer work)
• Reviewer for professional conference proposals
• Special assignments by department/college/university
• Participation in practice settings related to professional role (unless listed as scholarship)
• Other activities that enhance or represent the university, further its goals, or employ professional competence to benefit the public

Documentation should reflect departmental role statements.

Appendix E. Policies and Procedures for Pre‑Tenure/Pre‑Promotion Review

1) Overall Procedure

Pre‑Tenure review is mandatory for TT faculty; Pre‑Promotion review is optional for NTT faculty. Department and College T&P Committees conduct the respective reviews.

1. The department chair notifies probationary faculty of the mandatory review by the second Friday in September (start of the third probationary year).
2. The pre‑review document is due the first Monday after spring break of the third probationary year.
3. Committee composition:
   • TT candidates: Three tenured faculty from the candidate’s department.
   • NTT candidates: Two NTT faculty (at or above target level) and one tenured faculty.
   • Departments with ≤2 tenured faculty: the chair convenes a core committee with tenured faculty from within CHP (may include the department’s own tenured faculty). Departmental review deadline: second Friday in April.
4. The College Committee consists of elected/appointed members per college bylaws. College review deadline: fourth Friday in April.
5. After both reviews, the faculty member meets with the chair and College Dean to discuss the reviews and develop goals for the remainder of the probationary period.

2) Preparation of the Pre‑Tenure/Pre‑Promotion Dossier

Prepare materials in the same manner as a tenure/promotion dossier. Complete primary and secondary dossiers using University guidelines. See Appendices B–D of this document, WSU Policies and Procedures Manual (Chapter 4 – Faculty Policies), and the Faculty Senate Handbook.

3) Expected Outcomes

The committee writes an evaluative statement reviewing teaching, research/scholarship (if applicable for NTT), and service; it comments on progress toward tenure/promotion and provides recommendations for success. Statements go to the faculty member, department chair, and College Dean. A positive pre‑review does not constitute a definitive tenure/promotion review.

Note: Pre‑review evaluative statements are not required in the final T&P dossier but may be included at the candidate’s discretion.

Appendix F. Roles and Responsibilities in the College Tenure and Promotion Process

Responsibilities of the College Dean

1. Notifies candidates for tenure/promotion.
2. For chair candidates (during their evaluation period), provides annual evaluation materials (faculty annual evaluation, Dean/other evaluations, role statement).
3. External Review (TT only): Contacts/obtains commitments from reviewers; secures addresses; sends materials by the first Friday of June.
4. Distributes materials from the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President (calendar, criteria, format/procedure).
5. Calls the first academic‑year meeting of the College T&P Committee and provides the charge; does not participate in subsequent meetings.
6. Manages additions to dossiers (informs candidate; provides copies; places requested additions appropriately in primary/secondary dossiers).
7. Informs candidate of departmental decisions and procedures (chair decision; rebuttal/appeal rights and process).
8. Informs candidate of college decisions and procedures (committee decision; Dean recommendation; rebuttal/appeal rights and meeting options).
9. Submits results to the Provost/Senior Vice President (department committee vote/statement; chair vote/statement; college committee vote/statement; Dean recommendation/statement).

Responsibilities of the Department Chairperson

1. Notifies the Dean of faculty applying for tenure/promotion.
2. Provides annual evaluation materials for the review period.
3. Calls the first meeting of the Department T&P Committee; provides primary dossiers; notifies about secondary dossiers.
4. Informs the Dean of the department committee decision/vote and submits the chair’s recommendation/statement.
5. Confers with the Dean and nominee as requested.

Responsibilities of the Candidate

1. Confers with the chair on criteria and procedures.
2. Follows the University T&P calendar.
3. Prepares documentation:
   • Primary dossier per University guidelines
   • Secondary dossier supporting materials
   • Optional peer review of dossiers for clarity, organization, and compliance
4. Confers with the chair and/or Dean about review decisions and rebuttal/appeal procedures (if desired).
5. Prepares/submits rebuttals or appeals as needed.

Responsibilities of the Department Tenure and Promotion Committee

1. Meets with the chair; elects a chair and recorder.
2. Reviews candidate documents.
3. Casts votes based on departmental criteria:
   • TT: Combined vote on tenure and promotion
   • NTT: Vote on promotion
   • Optional non‑binding straw vote after discussion
   • Records final votes
4. Prepares a signed statement supporting the decision.
5. Informs the chair of decision/vote tallies and provides the evaluative statement.
6. Committee chair meets with candidate to discuss decision upon request (4.24).

Responsibilities of the College Tenure and Promotion Committee

1. Meets at the call of the Dean; elects a chair and recorder.
2. Reviews documentation for each TT and NTT candidate.
3. Casts votes based on departmental and college criteria:
   • TT: Combined vote on tenure and promotion
   • NTT: Vote on promotion
   • Optional non‑binding straw votes after preliminary discussion
   • Records final votes
4. Prepares a signed statement supporting the decision.
5. Informs the Dean of decisions and vote tallies.
6. Committee chair meets with candidate to discuss decision upon request (4.24).

Responsibilities of the Assistant to the College Dean

1. Assures all signature pages are complete.
2. Submits the original primary dossier (hard copy) and signature pages to Academic Affairs.

Appendix G. Procedures of the College Tenure and Promotion Committee

1. For purpose/scope, membership/electorate, eligibility criteria, and terms, see the CHP Bylaws.
2. Procedures follow WSU “Review for Tenure or Promotion: Procedures” (4.24) for College/School/Libraries review:
   • Regular meeting schedule established at the first meeting each semester, aligned with the University T&P calendar.
   • The Dean is available for consultation on process/content and may present college concerns.
   • Deliberations and candidate materials are confidential; members do not communicate about them with candidates.
   • Votes are by secret ballot; results recorded as numbers for/against/abstaining.
     • All TT/NTT committee members are present for respective deliberations and votes (see University Policy 4.29). Abstentions are only for declared conflicts of interest.
     • Tenure and promotion constitute one combined vote.
     • Considerations receiving negative votes from ≥50% of ballots are interpreted as negative committee votes.
   • Communication of results follows WSU T&P policies (4.24).
   • Minutes are kept by the recorder, distributed to members, and archived in the Dean’s office binder.
   • The committee may adopt rules consistent with WSU/CHP policies for conduct of its affairs.
   • The chair (or designee) reports committee activities at CHP faculty meetings and submits an annual written report (respecting confidentiality).