Faculty and Administrators Share Guidance for Non-Tenure Track Faculty on Promotion and Reappointment
“Our job is to help you achieve and succeed,” said Executive Vice Provost Mohamed Noor at a Duke Faculty Advancement workshop for non-tenure track faculty. “Feel free to reach out. We’re all here for you.”
Excerpts From the Discussion
Understand the indicators for successful appointments
“Understand what the processes are and what the expectations are. If there’s not clarity, ask for it.” –Lisa Huettel, Edmund T. Pratt, Jr. School Professor of the Practice of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Focus on your goals
“Try to clarify the expectations for promotion [and then ask yourself] ‘how do I align this framework with what I want to do?’” –Asher Hildebrand, Professor of the Practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy
“Ask yourself what do you really want to achieve? Be proactive about getting those things.” –Lisa Huettel
Choose service opportunities wisely
“I decide to take on a service role when it connects to my teaching. It gives me a chance to connect with scholars from across Duke and tackle a big question.” –Lisa Merschel, Associate Professor of the Practice of Romance Studies
Take the opportunity to really punch up a call to service, vs. ‘I participated in’ or ‘I was on this committee.’ Where is your agency? Were you invited or asked or awarded the opportunity? Say ‘I was asked to do this work’ or ‘I proposed this idea.’ –Molly Martin, Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Keep track of everything
“Keep your CV up to date on a regular basis. Keep track of everything as it happens. Think broadly about your impact and how it shows up on your CV.” –Lisa Huettel
Cultivate relationships
“Continue to cultivate relationships off campus with peers who could be recommenders.” –Asher Hildebrand
“I have found the most valuable thing at Duke is to be part of small learning communities, and out of those communities come opportunities. They bring connections and opportunities that help lead to promotion.” –Lisa Merschel
Target any gaps
“Reflect back on your most recent appointment or promotion experience. What felt comfortable and where were there some gaps? What felt like [an area] where you needed something more? Then go gangbusters at it for your next round.” –Molly Martin
Resources
- School and departmental promotion guidelines
- Faculty Affairs guidance for non-tenure track faculty
- Faculty Handbook Appendix E: Schools’ Appointment, Promotion, Tenure and Other Procedures
- Office for Faculty Advancement
- NCFDD institutional membership and Faculty Success Program