Appointment of Graduate Faculty Policy

Purpose:

This policy describes the requirements and procedures involved in the appointment of graduate faculty members at Winona State University (WSU).

Policy:

The Appointment of Graduate Faculty Status policy reflects the philosophy that graduate education can flourish only in a climate in which faculty scholarship and professional activity is expected. To sustain a graduate culture requires a genuine commitment to scholarship and professional activity in all its forms, as well as to effective teaching and advising. Discipline specific requirements related to accrediting organizations or regulatory agencies are identified on the department, program or college website.

Only faculty with Graduate Faculty appointments may teach, advise graduate students as they develop capstone projects, direct research, direct graduate-level independent studies, chair or serve on graduate student committees and oral examinations, participate in departmental decisions concerning graduate studies, serve on Graduate Council, and supervise graduate assistants.

Related definitions:

[3-18] Doctoral Faculty Status:

Tenure/Rank Status: Full-time tenured or probationary appointment/ assistant, associate, or professor rank.

Eligibility for Chairing and Serving on Committees, Teaching, and Advising: Doctoral, Master’s, and Graduate Certificate Committee Chair or Committee Member for Projects, Theses, and Papers; Teach and advise Doctoral, Master’s, and Graduate Certificate Students.

Research/Expertise Record: Education: doctoral degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency in the United States. International doctorate from a university approved by the ministry of education in the country where the university resides. Record of scholarship and preparation to teach at the doctoral level. Research and scholarship appropriate to the program and degree offered. Evidence of mature, independent work continuing to the present in scholarly, research, or creative activities. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, published books, scholarly monographs, articles or other appropriate refereed journals, presentations, consultancy, or other significant scholarly and professional activity.

[3-18] Graduate Faculty Status I:

Tenure/Rank Status: Full-time tenured or probationary faculty appointment or fixed term appointment/ assistant, associate, or professor rank.

Eligibility for Chairing and Serving on Committees, Teaching, and Advising: Master’s, and Graduate Certificate Committee Chair for Theses and Papers; Doctoral, Master’s, and Graduate Certificate Committee Member for Theses and Papers; Teach and Advise Master’s, and Graduate Certificate Students.

Research/Expertise Record: Education: doctoral or master’s degree from an institution accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies (North Central Association, Southern Association, etc.). Record of research, scholarship, or achievement appropriate for the graduate program.

[3-18] Graduate Faculty Status II:

Tenure/Rank Status: Adjunct faculty or expert practitioner, and community or content expert

Eligibility for Chairing and Serving on Committees, Teaching, and Advising: Doctoral, Master’s, and Graduate Certificate Committee Member for Theses and Papers; Teach Master’s, and Graduate Certificate Students.

Research/Expertise Record:

Education: Master’s Degree and one of the following criteria (may teach a maximum of 10 credits per year), in the discipline in which they are teaching:

1. 18 graduate credits in discipline (according to Higher Learning Commission (HLC) “Faculty Guidelines”);
   
2. Professional certification; or
   
3. Significant experience in the relevant area of specialization and/or professional field.
   

Subsequent Procedure:

• 3-18A Appointment of Graduate Faculty Procedure

History:

Date of Revisions: 2009, 2013

Adoption date: 02/23/1992
Implementation date: 05/02/2018