8.1 Appointments
8.1.1 Non-tenure-track faculty are usually appointed for the longest period of time that the need for their services can be anticipated by the University, not to exceed three years per contract.
8.1.2 Non-tenure-track appointments expire at the end of the contract period. Non-tenure-track faculty are not eligible for tenure, and appointments do not normally lead to a change in appointment to a tenure-track position.
8.1.3 Prior to extending an offer, the terms and conditions of employment of a non-tenure-track faculty member must be approved by the department chair, dean, and Provost.
8.1.4 Contracts offered to all non-tenure-track faculty shall be presented in a Letter of Offer that states departmental assignment, non-tenure-track faculty title, the effective dates of the appointment, salary, benefits, the FTE, a description of responsibilities, and any other accommodations negotiated by the faculty member. Non-tenure-track faculty will not be expected to perform duties outside the responsibilities outlined in the Letter of Offer.
8.1.5 When programmatic need exists, senior instructors may be granted multi-year appointments not to exceed three years.
8.1.6 Normally, contracts for returning non-tenure-track faculty will be awarded no later than July 15. Teaching sections may be added to existing contracts after July 15.
8.1.7 The University will consider qualifications such as teaching experience, diversity, merit and length of service at the university when making hiring and renewal decisions. The effective recommendation for hiring non-tenure-track faculty lies with the department, and shall be conducted according to departmental policies and procedures, subject to approval of the dean and Provost. Current non-tenure-track faculty shall not be denied reappointment for the sole purpose of hiring another non-tenure-track candidate at a lower salary.
8.2 Non-tenure-track Faculty Titles
8.2.1 Instructor. Faculty employed for a non-tenure-track position outside the structure of tenure.
8.2.2 Senior Instructor. An instructor with a minimum of five years’ experience at 0.5 FTE or more at the University with demonstrated excellence in teaching and performance of responsibilities outlined in the Letter of Offer, shall be appointed Senior Instructor following performance review and approval by the department, dean, and Provost.
8.2.3 Affiliated faculty. Non-tenure-track faculty employed to provide supervision of practica, internships and student teaching; and non-tenure-track faculty employed only to provide individualized music lessons.
8.2.4 Visiting Faculty. An individual may be appointed as Visiting Assistant Professor, Visiting Associate Professor, or Visiting Professor, provided the individual qualifies for the rank and the appointment is for a designated term.
8.3 Evaluation of non-tenure-track faculty
8.3.1 Non-tenure-track faculty shall be evaluated by the department chair in a manner established by the departmental evaluation plan and on the basis of expectations and duties defined in the Letter of Offer. The evaluation will include student evaluations of all courses taught, except in unusual circumstances. The department chair may consult with the tenured and tenure-track faculty of the department if deemed appropriate by the chair or the faculty member. The department chair shall summarize the results of his/her evaluation in a letter. The faculty member shall receive a copy of this letter and have the opportunity to respond before it is submitted to the dean. The dean will review the letter to verify compliance with departmental and college standards. A copy of the dean’s letter shall be provided to the faculty member, the department chair, and the Provost.
8.3.2 Under no circumstances shall a performance evaluation of a faculty member be undertaken without the faculty member’s knowledge.
8.3.3 Senior Instructors shall be evaluated once during the period of their appointment. Reappointment to Senior Instructor requires a satisfactory evaluation. All other non-tenure-track faculty shall be evaluated annually.
8.4 Termination
8.4.1 Termination of Non-tenure-track faculty during their contract term may occur due to:
8.4.1.1 Dismissal as provided in Section 18.
8.4.1.2 Reduction in force as provided in Section 21.
8.4.1.3 Inability to perform responsibilities as defined in the Letter of Offer.
8.4.1.4 Disability, in accordance with appropriate federal and state laws.
8.4.1.5 Resignation.
8.5 Non-Renewal
8.5.1 Senior Instructors with multi-year contracts shall be given notice of non-renewal by March 15 of the final year of the appointment. Failure to provide notice will result in a terminal one-year contract.
8.5.2 Non-renewal is not grievable.
8.6 Working Conditions
8.6.1 Non-tenure-track faculty shall have access to workspaces and support staff, as needed and appropriate in order to perform duties outlined in the Letter of Offer.
8.6.2 Non-tenure-track faculty shall have access to materials as needed and appropriate in order to perform duties outlined in the Letter of Offer and as determined by the department chair and dean. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, a computer (laptop for faculty who teach at multiple sites), access to a printer and phone.