The rank of associate professor upon achieving tenure is the only “automatic” promotion
at UVU. Subsequent promotions are not based on the length of time at a particular
rank; rather, each promotion is evaluated on its own merit, recognizing not merely
what has been accomplished, but also the promise for future achievement. The rank
of professor is reserved for individuals who are judged to be exemplary. Such individuals
shall have achieved distinction clearly above that of associate professor.
Exemplary: A consistently high level of professional work in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service over and above competency.
Promotions are awarded by the Board of Trustees based upon the recommendations of the RTP committee, department chair, dean, Provost, and the President of the University. Currently, rank advancement from Associate Professor to Professor includes a guaranteed increase in compensation. This guaranteed increase is not currently in place for non-tenure track faculty who achieve promotion, as of Spring 2021, though individual colleges/schools may choose to award this increase.
In all cases, faculty are encouraged to apply in order to receive recognition for their work, but must also weigh the effort required to complete the portfolio.
Promotion Timeline
Should they choose to do so, associate professors may submit their portfolio and apply for rank advancement by December 15th (or earlier, if required by the department) of the sixth year after they were awarded tenure or later, at their discretion and in consultation with their mentor, the department chair, and the RTP committee, and must demonstrate exemplary teaching, scholarship, and service, in accordance with university policies and approved department rank advancement criteria. Note that this timeline may be altered by sabbaticals or other interruptions to teaching.
Non-tenure track faculty may submit their portfolio and apply for rank advancement by December 15th (or earlier, if required by the department) of their eighth year of employment in a full-time faculty position or later, at their discretion and in consultation with their mentor, the department chair, and the RTP committee, and must demonstrate exemplary teaching, in accordance with university policies and approved department rank advancement criteria. Non-tenure track faculty may have additional requirements in service or scholarship depending on their specific rank and position requirements.
Planning for Promotion
University policy does not currently require that faculty write a plan for promotion. However, they are strongly encouraged to meet with their department chair and the chair of the RTP committee to develop the expectations of the faculty member’s performance, consistent with established department rank advancement criteria. This plan for promotion could then be evaluated during each annual review with written feedback from the department chair.
At a minimum, faculty should review university policies and the approved department rank advancement criteria to ensure they understand the requirements. Goals for annual reviews should be set in accordance with those requirements.
