Appointment, Promotion or Tenure for Nursing Faculty
Degree requirements for eligibility for appointment and promotion for Nursing faculty are either:
- the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with advanced practice nursing licensure or professional certification which signifies excellence in the practice of professional nursing; or
- a doctoral degree from an accredited graduate program in nursing or related field.
For tenure, Nursing faculty must possess a doctoral degree from an accredited doctoral program and meet the criteria for tenure as outlined under Consideration for Tenure. Ongoing scholarship is expected of nurses as defined in this manual and as clarified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s statement of March 15, 1999, entitled “Defining Scholarship for the Discipline of Nursing.”
Scholarship in nursing can be defined as those activities that systematically advance the teaching, research, and practice of nursing through rigorous inquiry that 1) is significant to the profession, 2) is creative, 3) can be documented, 4) can be replicated or elaborated and 5) can be peer-reviewed through various methods. (AACN: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/position-statements-white-papers/defining-scholarship)
The policy became effective on June 15, 1999. Revised by Berea College Nursing Faculty, May 11, 2022.
Tenure and Promotion for Business Faculty
For faculty in business, the suitable master’s degree, appropriate professional certification, and one additional year of graduate study are required for tenure and promotion to the Associate Professor rank.
Criteria and Procedures for Evaluation and Promotion of Librarians
Each member of the professional library staff is expected to understand and support the College’s unique mission embodied in the Great Commitments. He or she must be able to serve the purposes of the library and the related needs of the College, and to contribute to a collegial atmosphere. Beyond these fundamental considerations, evaluation and promotion are based on the following criteria, arranged in order of importance.
- Excellence in performance of all assigned responsibilities as a librarian, including (a) appropriate support of library programs in bibliographic instruction, reference service, collection review and development, and special collection development, and (b) management of library operations as required.
- Continuing professional growth demonstrated through (a) participation in professional organizations and (b) research in a field of academic interest or accomplishment of special projects requiring substantive creativity or knowledge of current developments in library/information science or archives management.
- Mentoring Students. Berea College faculty are expected to support students through informed and effective academic advising and, as appropriate and possible, through other means such as labor supervision, informal consultation, and support of student activities and organizations.
Evidence may include responses from advisees, information about supervision of labor students, participation in residence life programs, advising student clubs, leading student travel, helping students pursue career and graduate school opportunities, sponsoring internships and independent studies, and arranging for special opportunities.
- Service. Berea College faculty are expected to contribute constructively to governing and serving the College at the departmental, divisional and College level.
Evidence may include engagement in meetings, discussions and decisions; willingness to serve on committees; involvement in program review and revision; participation in activities that enhance campus curricula; contributions to the mission of the College and its programs; and service to professional and community organizations.
The Promotion Procedures apply to the professional library staff as they do to other members of the College Faculty. The printed information in the individual’s file reviewed by the Faculty Status Council is somewhat different, however. It includes, but need not be limited to, the following:
- A letter of recommendation from the Director of Library Services, describing the individual’s performance and contributions as a librarian, scholar, and member of the College community. The letter is based in part on consultation with senior members of the library staff and members of academic divisions for which the staff member serves as library liaison. Supporting the letter are written statements summarizing the individual’s annual performance reviews since the last promotion.
- From the Provost, a letter commenting on the faculty member’s effectiveness as an advisor to students.
- If the faculty member has recently taught one or more courses, an evaluative letter from the relevant Division Chair or the Associate Provost, whomever is appropriate, if that person is in a position to write such a letter. If a course has been taught at least biennially, student course evaluations are considered.
- Material submitted by the faculty member. An essential element is a reflective statement on the individual’s professional responsibilities and plans for continuing growth. The statement is supplemented by a description of professional activities, participation in College governance, supervision of student labor, other forms of College service, and service to the wider community. Other information, including copies of completed manuscripts or similar materials, is included at the individual’s discretion.
- Any other significant documents or information available to the Dean of Faculty.