Applicability
Instructional track faculty
Policy purpose and description
This procedure provides a clear and equitable process for faculty on the instructional track who wish to request a change in title from assistant/associate/full professor of instruction to assistant/associate/full professor of practice at the same rank, or from assistant/associate/full professor of practice to assistant/associate/full professor of instruction at the same rank. The goal is to ensure rigor, fairness, and transparency in evaluating such requests while maintaining the integrity of the professor of instruction and practice designations.
Procedure
Procedure for instructional track faculty requesting change from instruction to practice track
Criteria
In alignment with the criteria for appointment/reappointment of practice-track faculty, faculty requesting a change to the professor of practice track must have an established record of effectiveness in their area of professional expertise, providing real-world practitioner experience necessary for the curriculum. This should include:
Experience and achievement in a profession relevant to the position
Evidence of a record of work in a professional industry outside academe.
Clear demonstration that professional experience substantially informs and enhances their teaching portfolio.
Distinct professional sphere of activity
Evidence that professional practice constitutes a separate and ongoing sphere of activity beyond teaching and service.
This sphere will form a third category for annual review, in addition to teaching and service.
Procedure
During the fall semester:
The faculty member must first discuss the possibility of a change in appointment from instruction to practice track with their DEO. In the case of a faculty member that is jointly appointed, they must discuss the possibility of a change with the DEO of each department.
By October 1:
If the DEO supports a change from the instruction to practice track, the faculty member submits a formal written request to the Dean of the College (and copies the DEO), specifying the change requested and the reasons for the request. For a change in appointment to be considered for the subsequent academic year, this letter must be submitted to the Dean of the College by October 1. The letter must:
Describe the faculty's established record of effectiveness in their area of professional expertise as it relates to providing real-world practitioner experience necessary for the curriculum.
Provide evidence that the faculty's practice constitutes a distinct and ongoing sphere of professional activity separate from teaching and service.
In addition to the letter, the faculty member must also provide:
A curriculum vitae highlighting professional or industry experience.
Documentation of professional practice (e.g., portfolio, employer verification, contracts, publications, or equivalent evidence).
October:
The Dean asks the DEO to submit a letter by November 1, evaluating the request and addressing the candidate’s alignment with the practice criteria.
Late fall/early winter:
The CLAS Executive Committee advises the Dean on all requests for changes to the practice track during the annual discussion of proposals from departments for new faculty searches in the subsequent academic year. After consultation with the Executive Committee, the Dean responds to the request on behalf of the college. If the request is approved, the faculty member, the DEO, and the Area Associate Dean meet to prepare or revise an agreement clarifying the unit's expectations and the faculty member’s responsibilities. A shift from the instruction to the practice track does not necessarily result in a change of teaching effort.
Procedure for instructional track faculty requesting change from practice to instruction track
Criteria
In alignment with the criteria for appointment/reappointment of instructional-track faculty, faculty requesting a change to the professor of instruction track are no longer required to maintain a professional practice that constitutes a separate and ongoing sphere of activity beyond teaching and service.
Procedure
During the fall semester:
The faculty member must first discuss the possibility of a change in appointment from practice to instruction track with their DEO. In the case of a faculty member that is jointly appointed, they must discuss the possibility of a change with the DEO of each department.
By October 1:
If the DEO supports a change from the practice to instruction track, the faculty member submits a formal written request to the Dean of the College (and copies the DEO), specifying the change requested and the reasons for the request. For a change in appointment to be considered for the subsequent academic year, this letter must be submitted to the Dean of the College by October 1. The letter must:
Describe why maintaining a professional practice that constitutes a separate and ongoing sphere of activity beyond teaching and service is no longer necessary for the curriculum.
In addition to the letter, the faculty member must also provide:
A curriculum vitae.
October:
The Dean asks the DEO to submit a letter by November 1, evaluating the request and addressing the candidate’s alignment with the instruction criteria.
Late fall/early winter:
The CLAS Executive Committee advises the Dean on all requests for changes to the instruction track during the annual discussion of proposals from departments for new faculty searches in the subsequent academic year. After consultation with the Executive Committee, the Dean responds to the request on behalf of the college. If the request is approved, the faculty member, the DEO, and the Area Associate Dean meet to prepare or revise an agreement clarifying the unit's expectations and the faculty member’s responsibilities. A shift from the practice to the instruction track does not necessarily result in a change of teaching effort.
Key contact
If you have questions, please contact your area associate dean.
Last date reviewed or updated
February 2026