Academic Qualification

In order to maintain faculty qualifications to accomplish the mission of the School of Public Policy and NASPAA accreditation, faculty on tenure track appointments must be academically qualified. Academic qualification is defined by the receipt of a doctoral degree in a subject related to the faculty member’s area(s) of teaching. The initial academic qualification lasts five years from the award of the doctoral degree. To maintain academically qualified status, each faculty member has to engage in research related to their area of teaching. Academic qualification status is not considered in academic merit, promotion, and tenure evaluations.The expectation is that faculty will publish in peer-reviewed journals or peer-reviewed research books. To maintain academic qualification, the expectation is a minimum of three quality peer-reviewed publications in each consecutive period of five years, or a published peer-reviewed book, or equivalent research related activity. Equivalent research activity is determined on a case-by-case basis by program level annual review committees and affirmed by the Director of the School of Public Policy.

Note: publication “quality” will be under the purview of the Economics, Political Science and Sociology Programs.

Professional Qualification

In order to maintain faculty expertise to accomplish the mission of the School, we expect faculty on non-tenure appointments to be professionally qualified. Professional qualification consists of a doctoral degree in a subject field related to the faculty member’s area(s) of teaching and active engagement by professional faculty in development activities linked to their courses taught including research and publication. Professionally qualified faculty do not serve on student committees but can teach relevant courses. Professionally qualified status is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Program Director, School Director, and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.