Policy 211: Appointment and Promotion for Part Time and Community Faculty

Policy Number: 211

Date Approved: 12/19/2024

Executive Responsibility: Faculty Assembly

References: Wright State University Policy 2035, Wright State University Policy 2120

211.1 Introduction

The Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM) sustains a faculty that supports the unique mission of the school. University faculty members have the responsibility to achieve academic growth and development in the areas of teaching, scholarly and research activity, and service. Any one of these areas may be the primary area of achievement. Each faculty member can accomplish this in a unique way that fits the mission of their department(s). Each department is responsible for a balance of teaching, scholarly and research activity, and professional service.

As a community-based medical school, BSOM  values the contributions of its part time and community faculty members. The appointment and promotion of part time and community faculty are predicated on their tangible contributions to the teaching, scholarship and service missions of BSOM.

211.2 Definitions of Part Time and Community Faculty

Part time faculty are defined by BSOM as those who are employed below 0.75 FTE by Wright State University / BSOM.

The modifier Adjunct is used for part time non-clinical faculty:

  • Adjunct Instructor
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor
  • Adjunct Associate Professor
  • Adjunct Professor

Community faculty are defined by BSOM as those who are employed below 0.75 FTE by BSOM’s institutional partners.

The modifier Clinical is used for clinical faculty:

  • Clinical Instructor
  • Clinical Assistant Professor
  • Clinical Associate Professor
  • Clinical Professor

211.3 Appointment and Promotion of Part Time and Community Faculty

Part time and community faculty seeking promotion should be able to demonstrate sustained contributions to BSOM, as well as local recognition of their efforts on behalf of BSOM and the communities it serves.

Promotion in academic rank is a mark of distinction and recognition among the academic community of BSOM. Time in rank alone, without evidence of academic activity, does not merit promotion to the next academic rank. Furthermore, BSOM considers the rank of adjunct/clinical associate professor a respected and honored academic rank that will be the highest rank achieved by many valuable faculty members.

Faculty seeking promotion to the rank of adjunct/clinical associate professor or adjunct/clinical professor will be expected to meet the following guidelines. The faculty member, together with the department chair, should discuss the faculty member's progress toward promotion.

211.4 Ranks

211.4.1 Adjunct/Clinical Instructor

This is an initial rank usually pending either completion of training or board certification.

211.4.2 Adjunct/Clinical Assistant Professor

The academic rank of adjunct/clinical assistant professor is ordinarily an entry rank. Appointment requires the terminal degree and, if the department so stipulates, board certification.

211.4.3 Adjunct/Clinical Associate Professor

The following criteria are those ordinarily expected in BSOM for appointment or promotion to adjunct/clinical associate professor.

For the academic rank of adjunct/clinical associate professor, the candidate must have documented evidence of sustained and high performance that is recognized by peers in their field within the local community.

211.4.3.1 Adjunct/Clinical Associate Professor Criteria

  1. Degree. Candidates must hold the terminal degree in their fields.
  2. Certification. Physician faculty must have board certification in their specialties or sub-specialties. Other faculty members shall be certified in their fields if such certification is available or applicable.
  3. Time in previous rank. A minimum of five years at the adjunct/clinical assistant professor level is ordinarily required to demonstrate the sustained superior performance expected for appointment or advancement to adjunct/clinical associate professor.
  4. Sustained and high performance in medical education and service relevant to BSOM. Because of the close relationship with its affiliated institutions, BSOM recognizes activities in the affiliated institutions. Performance should be documented as high in quality as well as in quantity. Evidence of quality includes leadership (as contrasted to membership or simple participation) and significant impact from the candidate's efforts. Expected activities are:
    1. Teaching involving either medical students, residents or practicing physicians, or a combination thereof.
    2. Service involving significant committees, advisory bodies or administration, or a combination thereof.
    3. Scholarly consultation and collaboration.
  5. Recognition by peers. The candidate must have achieved broad recognition and respect by peers as a superior practitioner in the field. The candidate should have an outstanding local reputation.

211.4.4 Adjunct/Clinical Professor

The following criteria are those ordinarily expected in BSOM for appointment or promotion to adjunct/clinical professor.

For the academic rank of adjunct/clinical professor the candidate must have documented evidence of sustained and high performance that is recognized by peers in their field within the local community.

The value of professional achievements may be documented by testimonial letters.

211.4.4.1 Adjunct/Clinical Professor Criteria

  1. Degree. Candidates must hold the terminal degree in their fields.
  2. Certification. Physician faculty must have board certification in their specialties or sub-specialties. Other faculty members shall be certified in their fields if such certification is available or applicable.
  3. Time in previous rank. A minimum of ten years at the adjunct/clinical associate professor level is ordinarily required to demonstrate the sustained superior performance expected for appointment or advancement to adjunct/clinical professor.
  4. Academic activity. Sustained and superior performance in medical education and service relevant to BSOM. Because of the close relationship with its affiliated institutions, BSOM recognizes activities in the affiliated institutions. Performance should be documented as superior in quality as well as quantity. Evidence of quality includes leadership, as contrasted to membership or simple participation, and significant impact from the nominee's efforts. Expected activities would include:
    1. Teaching involving either medical students, residents or practicing physicians, or a combination thereof.
    2. Service involving significant committees, advisory bodies or administration.
    3. Scholarly consultation and collaboration.
  5. Other distinguished professional achievement. Quality should be considered and documented as well as quantity.
    1. Clinical care. The candidate must have achieved broad recognition and respect by peers as a superior practitioner in the field. The candidate should have an outstanding local reputation.
    2. Professional organizations. Candidates should have made major contributions and held a major leadership position in a professional organization appropriate to the field. If local, the candidate should have been a senior officer. If state, the candidate should have been an officer or served either on important committees, or as an editor especially in a leadership position. If national, the candidate should have served as an officer or served in a significant way on important committees or in a senior editorial position.
    3. Community leadership related to the profession. Both quantity and quality of service should be documented as distinguished.
  6. Recognition by peers. The candidate should have an outstanding local reputation and, preferably, recognition at the regional level as well. Letters of support from at least three peers should evaluate the candidate's academic activities and document the candidate's professional recognition. The evaluators should hold at least the rank of adjunct/clinical professor, if they have an academic appointment.