Skip to main
News

Faculty Guidance on Advancement and Promotion

Loading...

Going up for tenure, promotion or reappointment can be a nerve-wracking process. At the same time, said Thavolia Glymph, Peabody Family Distinguished Professor of History, it should also be a celebration of the work you have done up to this point.

“You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t up to the challenge,” noted Alec Gallimore, provost and Alfred J. Hooks E’68 Distinguished Professor.

“You are here because we’re really excited about you and your work,” added Chris Nicchitta, professor of cell biology. “View it as a process, not an event.”

Duke Faculty Advancement hosted two recent workshops on navigating the appointment, promotion and tenure process — one for tenure track and the other for non-tenure track faculty.

Excerpts From the Discussions

Update your CV on a regular basis.

“Different departments have different ideas about what counts for scholarship. Keep your CV up to date. Keep track of everything as you go along. You need to have good documentation of all the things you’ve participated in.”

–David Malone, Professor of the Practice of Education

Don’t spread yourself too thin at first. Make yourself the “go-to person” in a few topics rather than making incremental progress in many.

“Put your time and intellectual energy in a place where the return on investment is maximal. Distinguish yourself intellectually. Take the part of the field you are interested in and push it in a new direction.”

–Chris Nicchitta, Professor of Cell Biology

Elaborate on your independent contributions to collaborative projects.

“Duke is well known for its interdisciplinary profile. We want to know what your role has been in interdisciplinary projects. What were your contributions? Make sure you address that adequately in your intellectual development statement.”

–Abbas Benmamoun, Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement

Follow advice given by your chair.

“The three-year review is critical. That report you get back should tell you about your chair’s assessment. Usually, it has something about what you can enhance. Show that you took it seriously.”

–Thavolia Glymph, Peabody Family Distinguished Professor of History

Carefully review relevant policies and capture any clarifications in writing.

“Be aware that chairs and deans rotate in and out, so capture [expectations] in writing as you go along — for example, if book chapters count [for reappointment] or if it has to be peer-reviewed scholarship.”

–Sherryl Broverman, Professor of the Practice of Biology

“Base hits” really do count. Don’t wait to publish until the year you go up for tenure

“You’ll be asked to list your top ten publications. If you don’t have ten, don’t list ten. We’re not looking for things in progress … We’re going to be looking for peer-reviewed articles [for tenure and promotion]. Wherever you publish, that work should announce that you have something important to say.”

–Thavolia Glymph, Peabody Family Distinguished Professor of History

Get your research well-known. Offer to give presentations and accept invitations to present.

“Engage your colleagues and attend conferences. Your mid-level and senior colleagues have a lot to offer you. Develop relationships with them and ask their advice.”

–Chris Nicchitta, Professor of Cell Biology

Find a mentor and ask for feedback.

“Begin early to reach out to your chair and find a mentor, someone outside your department. Have a timeline right away. Ask for feedback; it can help guide you.”

–Luciana Fellin, Professor of the Practice of Romance Studies

“Be open to looking for an advocate, even in sources external to the department.”

–Aaron Franklin, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Pratt School of Engineering

Review teaching evaluations with your director of undergraduate studies and your chair.

“The university has certain priorities. One is inclusive and equitable teaching. Work backward from knowing the expectations and keep track of those things.”

–David Malone, Professor of the Practice of Education

Resources