5.4 Criteria for Tenure

All faculty members at the University of Mount Saint Vincent are expected to manifest a high degree of professional competence. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the faculty and will be used to determine consideration for tenure and promotion.

• The degree considered terminal in the discipline will be required for tenure. This is a doctorate (Ph.D.) or valid equivalent.
• Proficiency in teaching with evidence of continued growth as a teacher as shown through:
  • Successful performance in teaching assignments;
  • Evolution of teaching strategies in response to changing student needs, and goals for future development;
  • Responsiveness to changes in the discipline and pedagogy as evidenced by course syllabi of upper and lower division courses (and appropriate course materials);
  • Continued responsiveness to changing student skills, motivations, and needs;
  • Teaching and evaluation instruments (tests, paper assignments, portfolios, etc.);
  • Use of creative teaching strategies;
  • Fairness in setting standards for and evaluating student achievement as evidenced by grade distribution records.
• Continuous professional development in the scholarship of teaching, discovery, integration and/or application, and evidence that the applicant will continue to grow professionally, as shown through:
  • Participation in workshops and organizations devoted to pedagogy;
  • Presentation at workshops and organizations dedicated to pedagogy;
  • Involvement in pedagogical research;
  • Development of discipline-related materials such a video tapes, films, computer software, multimedia presentations, and other forms of information technology;
  • Membership in professional societies; attendance at professional association certification courses (or equivalents);
  • Attendance at discipline-related conferences;
  • Elected office in professional societies;
  • Peer-reviewed publications in journals or on-line publications, or in the public arena (art, music, literature);
  • Direction of or participation in research projects;
  • Creative work in the discipline;
  • Grant writing for individual scholarly projects.
• Verification that the applicant has assumed department responsibilities as evidenced by:
  • Participation in department committees or subcommittees;
  • Involvement in departmental meetings and activities (e.g., Accepted Student Day);
  • Active participation in curriculum evaluation and reform;
  • Responsiveness to student and department needs;
  • Mentoring or acting as an advisor to a departmental activity (e.g., Honor Society; departmental event);
  • Grant writing for department or College initiatives;
  • Fulfillment of the responsibilities of the faculty (refer to the Full-Time Instructional Faculty Responsibilities and the Faculty Handbook).
• Dedication to the mission, values, and goals of the University of Mount Saint Vincent as shown through:
  • Presence on campus and availability to students;
  • Participation in College wide committees;
  • Participation in service roles in the College community;
  • Active support and endorsement of the College’s mission; and,
  • Assistance in executing the College’s mission

Approved May 15, 2014