Guidelines for Adjunct Faculty Appointments and Renewal

Department of Oncological Sciences

Approved by faculty vote December 2002

Adjunct faculty members play an integral part in the functions of the Department of Oncological Sciences. Adjunct appointments significantly broaden the perspectives and strengthen the community role of the department. The expertise and skills of adjunct faculty make a valuable contribution to the department, and help us to initiate and maintain connections with other departments on campus as well as in the general medical community in Utah. Adjunct faculty appointments may be granted to individuals who have special skills or expertise of value to the department.

Purpose of Guidelines

Adjunct faculty members are individuals whose continuing professional activities may not span the full range of responsibilities of regular faculty members, but who make a substantial regular contribution to the academic or administrative activities of the department. Adjunct faculty appointments in Oncological Sciences recognize the contributions and expertise of individuals outside the department who participate in the teaching and/or research missions of the department. The adjunct appointee may be from outside the University or from another department or administrative office within the University. Adjunct appointments foster collaboration and breadth in unifying teaching, research, and clinical care. These guidelines establish standards and procedures for making and renewing such appointments.

Eligibility Criteria

The department faculty shall be responsible for evaluating the academic credentials of the candidates and making recommendations for adjunct appointments. Appointment as an adjunct faculty member in the department will only be considered for individuals with academic or other qualifications which could qualify the individual for appointment as a regular full-time faculty member. The individual should bring a special expertise or honor to the department. To assure the integrity of future academic relationships, adjunct faculty must be willing to devote a portion of their time to research, teaching or training at the graduate or post-graduate level, administration, or service to the department as detailed below.

Rank of appointment

Adjunct appointments will be commensurate with the academic qualifications and professional experience of the individual. These academic ranks will be determined at the initial appointment by the level of prior qualifications and experience, professional contributions, demonstrated expertise, and favorable regional or national recognition in a manner consistent with the criteria for appointment of regular faculty positions. Generally, the initial appointment as well as subsequent reappointment will be made at the same level as the individual’s primary appointment in another university department.

Procedure

1. Application

The appointment process is initiated by a written request by the applicant to the Department Chair. This request must be accompanied by:

· a letter from the chair of the applicant’s primary university department or supervisor of private employment, supporting the proposed adjunct appointment

· letters of support from 2 professionals from outside the University of Utah

· a curriculum vitae in the approved School of Medicine format http://www.med.utah.edu/som/academic/fac_admin/a-approvedcv.html

The Department Chair and/or departmental committee will review the research interests and qualifications of the prospective faculty appointee in relation to the mission of the department.

2. Review Process

If the Department Chair decides that the applicant’s background and expertise is consistent with the needs and goals of the department, the applicant may be asked to:

· present a seminar to the Oncological Sciences faculty members (at the discretion of the Chair)

· interview with Oncological Sciences faculty members (at the discretion of the Chair)

· A letter of support from one member of the department

The Department Chair or the chair of a departmental committee will then present the applicant’s file to the faculty for a formal appointment vote at a regularly scheduled faculty meeting. With the approval of the regular faculty, the Chair will address a letter to the applicant confirming the adjunct appointment, pending University procedures.

3. School of Medicine

The appointment file is completed by addition of the following:

· An appointment letter to the Dean endorsing the appointment and reiterating expectations for the faculty member as detailed in department guidelines.

All documentation will be sent to the Dean through the office of Faculty Affairs for University approval.

4. Renewal Process

Appointments will expire annually on June 30, and must be renewed by vote of regular faculty. Adjuncts may be asked to submit an annual letter requesting reappointment, in which a brief summary of activities related to the department’s mission is included. Adjunct status may be revoked at the discretion of the department at any time.

Responsibilities of Adjunct Faculty Member

The Chair will assign any specific responsibilities expected of an adjunct faculty. The initial letter of appointment will outline these specific responsibilities, and will indicate that the first year of the appointment is a critical period. During this time, the adjunct faculty member must demonstrate commitment to the research and education mission of the department. The level of participation in departmental activities will figure strongly in the annual reappointment process. Examples of opportunities for adjunct faculty to contribute to the departmental mission include:

· Maintenance of an active basic or translational research program in an area that contributes intellectual diversity to the department and promotes our research mission

· Attendance and participation in departmental Research in Progress meetings and journal clubs through faculty or student presentations

· Attendance at regular faculty meetings

· University-level teaching related to the mission of the department

· Administrative activities and/or departmental committee service as needed

· Mentoring pre- and post-doctoral trainees in a research role consistent with the mission of the department

· Contribute national or international recognition of department based on professional achievements

Note that the adjunct appointment is not directly coupled to nomination for membership in a Graduate Program. Departmental sponsorship of an adjunct faculty member’s application for membership in one of the university’s graduate training programs will require a history of interest and active participation in the educational mission of the department.