Faculty Titles

EMU offers a variety of faculty titles to provide programs flexibility in meeting their teaching, research and program needs.  The tenure-track contract system is the primary mode of faculty relationship to the university.  Alternative titles may be offered as appointments at the discretion of the deans upon recommendation by program directors, and with authorization by the provost.  All alternative appointments follow appropriate search and hiring procedures, and use the screening criteria and procedures previously established for the hiring of adjunct and non-tenure-track annual contracts.

Tenure-track contracts

Titles: Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor

Definition: Long-term faculty appointment.  Qualifications, duties, terms, and promotion procedures as defined in EMU Faculty Handbook.

Continuing, Non-tenure-track Contracts

Titles: Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor

Definition: Person whose qualifications and duties are similar to tenure track contract faculty, but whose appointment is renewed based on the needs of the university.  Appointments are half-time or more. 

Visiting Contracts

Titles: Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor

Definition: Person whose qualifications and duties are similar to tenure track contract faculty, but whose appointment is designated for a specific term.  Appointments are half-time or more.  

Adjunct

Titles: Adjunct Faculty Member

Definition:  Person who is qualified to teach a particular course either through academic training or professional expertise.  Employment as an adjunct is part-time and normally discontinuous.

Lecturers

Titles: Lecturer, Senior Lecturer

Definition: Person who is hired either part-time or full-time whose primary duty is to provide classroom or lab instruction.  There are minimal advising expectations and no expectations for scholarship or university service.  Qualifications include strong teaching skills and appropriate academic or professional training or experience.  Appointment is renewable annually based on university needs.  Promotion to Senior Lecturer is indicated after serving successfully as Lecturer for at least five years.

Affiliate

Titles: Affiliate Assistant Professor, Affiliate Associate Professor, Affiliate Professor

Definition: Appointments are made to meet particular university needs and may be renewed on an annual basis. Person who holds a part-time or full-time faculty appointment, but is not eligible for a tenure-track contract.  Typically, persons with affiliate appointments have previously been employed outside the academy, but are otherwise qualified for the faculty position.   Duty expectations are specified at the point of hire, but typically will include scholarship and service along with teaching. The nature of the affiliation is specified in writing and approved by the appropriate dean/s.

Clinical or “of Practice”

Titles: Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Professor, Associate Professor of the Practice, Professor of the Practice

Definition: Person whose primary duties are to provide training, instruction or mentoring in the practice of a discipline or profession. “Of the practice” refers to a person who demonstrates extensive and distinguished service in the practice of a discipline or profession. Typically, these titles are used in disciplines or professions that require licensure, but may be used for analogous purposes in other disciplines or programs.  Specific duties and terms of the appointment are specified in the letter of appointment.  Rank is determined by relevant academic and professional accomplishments.

Artist or Scholar -in-Residence

Titles: Artist or Scholar -in-Residence, Distinguished Artist-in-Residence

Definition: An artist in residence is a person in the creative or performing arts whose duties are related to artistic practice. A scholar in residence is a person with a strong record of research or scholarly activity whose duties are primarily focused on scholarly practice or research. These may include lectures, performances, or demonstrations or master classes.  Qualifications are based on previous experience.  Rank is based on experience and stature.  Terms of appointment may vary and are specified in the letter of appointment.

Emeritus Status

Emeritus status may be conferred in recognition of continuing membership in the university community after faculty retire. Faculty emerita/us are faculty who retire from Eastern Mennonite University with at least ten consecutive years of full-time service. Faculty emerita/us are nominated by program directors or deans. (link to policy)

Responsible Party

The provost is responsible for this policy.

Policy Review

This policy is to be reviewed annually.