VCOM Faculty Handbook

well as identifying a mentor who will offer assistance to improve the application. o If approved for promotion in rank or award of tenure by the Provost, the letter of promotion in rank or award of tenure, pending Board approval, will be sent to the faculty member. o All promotions and awards of tenure will be conferred by the Board on an annual basis in the Board’s Spring meeting. All promotions in rank and awards of tenure are considered temporary for a period not to exceed one year until confirmed by the Board.

The Review Process for Equity in Promotion and Tenure

Any faculty member who believes they were not treated fairly or equally in the APT review process may request a formal review through the Provost. The Provost will appoint a special committee, which shall include the faculty member’s peers, to review the case and a new APT decision will be rendered by the Provost should the committee’s findings support the faculty member’s allegations. Every 3 years the APT Committee will participate in equity education. In addition, the Committee will perform a review of the APT decisions over the last 3 years for equity in faculty promotion and tenure. The review shall assure that VCOM has followed the guidelines for faculty promotion and tenure regardless of background or identity, and that all faculty have had an equal opportunity to be considered for promotion and tenure. If any appointments, denials, or difficulty in promotion is identified to have potential bias due to age, gender, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law, the Provost will appoint a special committee to hear the case and to review the APT Committee and shall cause the Committee to undergo further education. Such review may also result in the removal of APT Committee members or further disciplinary action. Honorary Appointments Honorary appointments may be awarded for significant contributions to the osteopathic profession through outstanding achievement. Honorary appointment candidates are nominated by the Provost and must be confirmed by the Board. The following honorary appointments may be awarded: Distinguished Professor The title of Distinguished Professor may be awarded, at the discretion of VCOM, to faculty in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. Endowed Faculty Status Endowed faculty status in education, research, or meritorious service may be awarded or designated in accordance with the terms agreed upon by a donor and VCOM, and after completion of the terms as specified by the Board. Emeritus Faculty Status Retired full-time faculty, with concurrence of a majority of the full Faculty, the Provost, and the Board may be awarded the emeritus title (i.e., Emeritus Professor, Emeritus Associate Professor, etc.).

64