VCOM Faculty Handbook

• After careful consideration of the facts and deliberations of the APT Committee and the Campus Dean, the Provost will notify the faculty member, in writing, of the decision regarding promotion in rank within 14 calendar days from the time the appeal from the faculty member was received. The Provost may recommend approval of the faculty member for promotion in rank, denial of the faculty member for promotion in rank, or delay in making a decision for promotion in rank due to the need of further documentation.  A letter of approval of promotion in rank by the Provost must outline the reasons upon which the recommendation was based and specify both the track and rank recommended. o A letter of denial of promotion in rank by the Provost must detail the reason(s) for denial and any recommendations to improve the application.

o A letter of delay in making a decision regarding promotion in rank by the Provost must detail the reason(s) for their inability to make a decision and must include any recommendations to improve the application, as well as identifying a mentor who will offer assistance to improve the application. o If approved for promotion in rank by the Provost, the letter of promotion in rank and request for confirmation of promotion in rank will be sent to the Board for confirmation within 30 days of the date of the letter.

New Hires and the Probationary Period VCOM is an at-will employer. All employees begin in a probationary period for a minimum of the first 90-days of employment, which allows the supervisor time to evaluate the employee’s initial performance and ability to perform the job. At the end of the 90-day probationary period, the employee’s supervisor will review and evaluate the employee’s performance and make a decision as to one of the following: • To continue the employee’s employment without probation • To continue the employee’s employment with an additional probationary period of 30, 60, or 90 days • Terminate the employee’s employment if the employee is not meeting expectations. In the case of termination during the probationary period, it is anticipated the employee will have been made aware of deficiencies and provided information on expectation during this time, whether verbally or in writing 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.

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