How the System for Academic Promotion Works

The entire process for academic promotion, from establishing the criteria for each academic rank and track to official announcement of promotions and awards of tenure, is governed by formal policies and procedures that should be strictly enforced to protect applicants, reviewers, and the institution. The process differs by school but usually involves review at several levels in the institution. Typically, reviews are conducted by one or more faculty committees that make recommendations to a senior administrator, often the dean of the medical school. The final decision may take months and require approval from the governing board or highest administrative levels of the parent university. Each applicant must be assured a fair, objective, and thorough review. Evidence of achievements are assessed from several perspectives, including peers and external reviewers, to facilitate a balanced and unbiased assessment. At each stage, the outcome must be supported by well-documented evidence that the criteria for the requested promotion or award of tenure have been met. Applicants generally have a right of appeal, but the basis of appeals may be restricted to demonstrating flaws in the process, rather than the merits of decisions. The associate dean for faculty affairs (or equivalent administrator) is responsible for the function and integrity of the process. Recommended best practices stress clarity and consistency in standards, procedures, and decisions; objectivity and candor in evaluations; confidentiality; and professional behavior by all involved in the promotion process.