As recommended in the 2010 report of the Faculty Development and Diversity Task Force and required by the LCME, all ladder faculty (i.e., Full- and Part-time Instructors, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors, Professors of Clinical X) plus Professors in Residence are required to have an annual academic review with their immediate supervisors, division chiefs, or Department Heads. Faculty with secondary appointments are required to have annual reviews in both their primary and secondary departments. Annual reviews are also recommended, but not required, for non-ladder faculty.
The purpose of the review is to address academic progress; review expectations for promotion and tenure for those at ranks other than Professor; to clarify and confirm teaching, research and, where applicable, patient care responsibilities; and evaluate other issues related to job performance. A best practice form for Annual Career Conferences available on the Office for Faculty Affairs website may be adapted and/or augmented with additional departmental documentation and be completed and signed by the faculty member and the individual completing the review and retained within the Department. Department heads will be asked annually to confirm completion of the annual academic review for their faculty.
The department should provide mentorship to all faculty members represented by, at a minimum, appointing of a faculty mentor for initial appointees below the rank of professor and an annual query of mentorship needs for all faculty during the annual career conference.
The initial letter of appointment will note the name of the mentor, and each reappointment will document the completion of an annual career conference. Department Heads should be able to attest that each faculty member has received an annual career conference. In addition, every five (5) years for instructors, six (6) years for assistant professors, and ten (10) years for associate professor, the department will conduct a formal review beyond the annual mentorship career conference and will submit documentation of the review to the Dean. If the department opts to terminate an annual or term faculty appointment at times other than the standard renewal date, the Department Head or designee will provide written notice of non-renewal to the faculty member, with a copy to the Office for Faculty Affairs (OFA). Terminations for cause and non-renewals at the standard renewal date do not require such written notice.
Last updated June 2023