This presentation is an overview of the tenure and promotion processes at Jackson State University.

1. Jackson State University
September 4, 2014
Presented by:
Division of Academic and Student Affairs * Division of Research and Federal
Relations * Center for University Scholars’ Faculty Engagement and
Advancement Program

2. JSU’s Tenure and Promotion Process
What Makes A Good Tenure and Promotion File?
Definitions of Criteria and Examples
Best Practices
Important Dates
Guiding Documents
Concluding Remarks

3. To introduce faculty to the policies and
procedures associated with successful
completion of the tenure and promotion
process at Jackson State University

4. A strong record of scholarly work as evidenced by
teaching, research, and service
A compelling case for meeting or exceeding unit*
and University criteria
Compliance with University and unit policy and
criteria
A well-organized tenure and promotion portfolio
* CSET and the School of Social Work have supplements in addition to the University’s criteria

5. Candidate’s
Dossier
University
Committee for
Promotion and
Tenure
Provost and
Senior VP for
Academic
Affairs
College Dean
College
Committee
Department
Chairperson
Department
Committee
Department
School
(In Some
Cases)
Candidate
Notification
President
IHL Board

6. Faculty must meet unit and University
standards in the following areas:
◦ Professional Collegiality
◦ Academic Citizenship and University Service
◦ Teaching and Advising Excellence
◦ Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities
◦ Service and Professional Activities

7. Professionalism in conduct and
interactions with colleagues and students
Conducts classes, submits grades promptly, and
maintains posted office hours
Embodies academic honesty and fairly evaluates
student achievement or progress
Participates in faculty development activities
Participates in university ceremonies and programs

8. Actively participates in
departmental, school, college
and/or university committees
Sponsors or participates in
academic-related activities
such as forums, book
reviews, recitals or exhibits
Submits required forms and
documents promptly

9. Robust and current syllabi
Faculty advising
Teaching Evaluations: Student Instructional
Rating System (SIRS)
Creative teaching methods/skills

10. Grants submitted
Grants funded
Manuscripts submitted to refereed publications
Articles published in non-refereed outlets
Papers presented or creative works performed
Refereed presentations
Book(s) published in the discipline

11. Supports the department and school through work on
self-studies, program reviews and other special projects
Actively participates on departmental, school, college or
university committees
Discipline-related service to community organizations
(e.g. event judging, etc.)
Sponsoring student organizations
Presenting academically-oriented sessions for
professional, business and/or community groups

12. The Tenure and Promotion
Portfolio MUST:
Be well-organized
Include well-written statements
describing your accomplishments
regarding the criteria - collegiality,
teaching, research, and service
Provide clear and concise
documentation of accomplishments
(e.g. award letters, syllabi, SIRS data,
etc.)
Adhere to the criteria and format of the
tenure and promotion application

13. Start Early
Your 3rd year review portfolio should be
structured such that it can evolve into your
tenure and promotion portfolio
Don’t Go It Alone
Seek advice from senior faculty and
academic leaders in your department
Demonstrate Your Impact
Explain what makes you outstanding: as a
teacher, grants writer, pioneering
researcher!
Craft Your Narrative
Never let your portfolio be silent on one of
the major components.

14. April 15: Notification of Eligibility for Applying for Tenure
and Promotion
May 1: Written Response from Faculty of Intent to Apply
October 1: Submit to Department
October 15: Submit to the Department Committee
November 1: Submit to the Department Chairperson
November 15: Submit to the College Committee

15. December 1: Submit to the College Dean
January 5: Submit to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
(VPAA)
February 1: VPAA Submits to the University Committee for
Promotion and Tenure**
March 15: Submit to the President
April 15: President Notifies Candidate of Decision
** This committee does not evaluate the portfolio. Its sole purpose is to ensure that University
policies and procedures have been followed.

16. JSU Faculty Handbook (Dec. 2011)
http://www.jsums.edu/hr/files/2012/11/Faculty_Handbook_12_2011.pdf
JSU Promotion and Tenure Packet (with
Guidelines)
http://www.jsums.edu/academicaffairs/files/2012/08/promotion-and-tenure.pdf
JSU Office of Promotion and Tenure
Review Form
http://www.jsums.edu/academicaffairs/files/2012/08/promotion-and-tenure-chart.pdf