6. Professional Development

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A commitment to professional growth is an essential quality of faculty at AHU. As in any profession, faculty are expected to not only remain current in their field, but also to strive to become more effective and accomplished in their educational responsibilities.

The assignment of academic rank at AHU is a means of recognizing the professional achievement of its faculty.  The four academic ranks, from Instructor to Professor, represent the University’s acknowledgment of various landmarks possible within the span of a professional career.  Those landmarks involve two separate, but related, areas of achievement.  First, there is the formal, well-established track of successively higher academic degrees (e.g. B.S., M.S., Ph.D.).  Receiving a higher degree represents a deeper understanding of a particular discipline, as well as an increased capacity to contribute to the growth of that discipline.  The second area of achievement is in the arena of professional activity.  This includes education, scholarship, and professional service. The criteria found in the Ranks section identify the role these standards play in academic rank promotion at AHU.

6.1 Ranks

Professor

The rank of Professor is the highest academic appointment.  An appointment as Professor signifies demonstrated and sustained excellence as an educator¹, scholar², and mentor, as well as exemplary professional service.

The candidate for Professor must have an earned doctoral degree³ from a regionally-accredited academic institution. This degree must be either in the assigned area of education or in an area that directly contributes to the professional assignment. The candidate is expected to have at least four years of effective university-level work as an Associate Professor.

Associate Professor

An Associate Professor is considered a senior member of the University faculty and serves as a respected mentor to colleagues and students. An appointment as Associate Professor signifies sustained excellence as an educator¹, demonstrated competence as a
scholar², mentor, and recognition in professional service.

The candidate for Associate Professor shall have an earned doctoral degree³ from a regionally-accredited academic institution and/or one of the following qualifications:

• Significant progress towards a Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited academic institution; and/or
• A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution with significant professional contribution in their field of specialty.

The degree must be either in the assigned area of education or in an area that directly contributes to the professional assignment. The candidate is expected to have at least four years of effective University-level work as an Assistant Professor.

Starting with the academic year of 2019-20, faculty seeking rank promotion to Associate Professor are expected to publish as the principal author at least one peer reviewed publication while at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Starting with the academic year of 2023-24, faculty seeking rank promotion to Associate Professor are expected to publish a minimum of two peer reviewed publications while at the rank of Assistant Professor. The applicant shall be the principal author of at least one of the publications.

Acceptable publications, such as journal articles, books, and book chapters, shall be published in periodicals or venues recognized by the appropriate academic or professional organizations at the national level and/or professional accrediting associations. The intent is to allow long-term access by other scholars and practitioners. 

Assistant Professor

The Assistant Professor is a respected member of the University faculty and has begun to serve as a mentor to colleagues and students. An appointment as Assistant Professor signifies demonstrated competence as an educator¹ with potential for excellence, competence in professional service, mentoring, and engagement in scholarly² activity.

The candidate for Assistant Professor must have a master’s degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution.

The master’s degree or the graduate coursework should be either in the assigned area of education or in an area that contributes to the professional assignment. The candidate is expected to have at least four years of effective University-level work at the rank of Instructor and/or an earned doctorate in an area that contributes to the professional assignment.

Starting with the academic year of 2023-24, faculty seeking rank promotion to Assistant Professor are expected to publish at least one peer reviewed publication while at the rank of Instructor.

Acceptable publications, such as journal articles, books, and book chapters, shall be published in periodicals or venues recognized by the appropriate academic or professional organizations at the national level and/or professional accrediting associations. The intent is to allow long-term access for other scholars and practitioners. 

1 For the description of the standards of educating, see Standards of Educating for Faculty at AdventHealth, Appendix E4 , Educating at AdventHealth University.

2 For a description of the essential characteristics of all forms of scholarship, including publications, see Scholarship Criteria, Appendix E1 , Scholarship at AdventhHealth University.

3 For this purpose, either a clinical or academic doctorate fulfills the requirement of an earned doctoral degree.

Instructor

The Instructor is a member of the University faculty and is committed to the satisfactory performance of all assigned duties.  Appointment as Instructor is based on the expectation that faculty at this rank will develop competencies in education, scholarship, mentoring, and professional service.

The candidate for Instructor should have at least a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution. The degree must be in the assigned area of education or in an area that directly contributes to the work assignment.

6.2 Evaluation

Ongoing evaluation of faculty development is a critical element in the effort to achieve excellence in education.  Useful feedback informs and validates the work of the educator. The faculty evaluation process is about setting goals and achieving them. It is about embracing a growth mindset in the core areas that define the world of learning and intellectual pursuits at the university as defined in AHU’s faculty handbook (see Appendices F1-F4).

The annual faculty evaluation is divided into a formative and a summative evaluation process.  Formative evaluation assesses the faculty member’s current performance and provides direction for future improvements.  Summative evaluation takes place after the formative evaluation process and is used by University Administration to make personnel decisions. 

The focus of the Faculty Development Plan is on professional growth. Goals should be set in the primary performance domains: educating, scholarship, and professional service. In addition, faculty should reflect on AHU’s mission and the role of mentoring. Faculty are also expected to demonstrate exemplary citizenship and carry out administrative responsibilities.

Part of the evaluation process is completion of the Annual Faculty Development Plan (see Appendix D1  - Annual Faculty Development Plan, Appendix D2  - Annual Faculty Development Plan-Non Teaching Faculty).

The form explains the process of goal setting and additional requirements for annual evaluation including providing an updated curriculum vita, review of course evaluations, and maintenance of licensure and/or credentials (where applicable).

The completed Faculty Development Plan is sent to the department Chair or Program Director by the specified deadline for review and discussion.  The Chair or Program Director recommends a merit increase and contract renewals based on demonstrated progress and achievement of the goals from the previous year and evidence of consistent contributions to Citizenship and Administrative Responsibilities.

6.3 The Evaluation Process

The annual evaluation process begins with the faculty member filling out the Annual Faculty Evaluation Form. Each faculty member should collect/compile relevant documents throughout the school year, which provide evidence of professional development in each of the   performance domains: educating, scholarship, and professional service.  Evidence for educating can include, but are not limited to, all instructor/course evaluations, formative dialogue process (see Appendix C ), and course syllabi.  Documentation should also be gathered on workshops attended, continuing education, evidence of current licensure/certification, and any educational attainments.  Evidence of professional service and mission contributions to the University and the community could include committee work, presentations, and professional contributions to the community.  Scholarship could include publications, professional presentations, and innovations. The Annual Faculty Evaluation form should be ready for submission no later than the first Monday of April.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the faculty member to collect, analyze, and fill out the Annual Faculty Evaluation Form.  This form is submitted to the Department Chair/Supervisor who will discuss the document with the faculty member as part of the formative evaluation.

The Department Chair/Supervisor will provide feedback to the faculty member regarding professional development and the goals achieved during the past school year.  The Department Chair’s/Supervisor’s summative evaluation and recommendation to the Provost concerning contract renewal and promotion will also be discussed with the faculty member.

The Provost will discuss the summative evaluation with the Department Chair/Supervisor.

The President will make the final decision regarding annual contract renewal upon conferral with the Provost. 

6.4 Promotion

Rank Promotion

Promotion from one academic rank to another is in recognition of a faculty member’s professional development over time. It is an acknowledgement that the individual has the qualities and accomplishments commensurate with those described in the appropriate rank description (see 6.2 Ranks).

In preparing for a rank promotion, the faculty member must provide a portfolio, which should be an outgrowth of the work done in the annual evaluations.  While the rank promotion portfolio will include relevant information and analysis from the annual evaluation, it will differ from the annual evaluation in depth, breadth, and scholarship.  It will be deeper because the faculty member is showing evidence, through documentation, of those requirements described in the rank for which application is being made.  It will also provide a deeper analysis of the accomplishments, trends, and goals, which the faculty member has seen over a period of several years (typically since the last rank promotion or initial appointment, whichever is most recent).  In that way as well, the rank promotion portfolio captures a broader reach than the annual evaluation. This portfolio is a work of scholarship. Therefore, it will demonstrate an appreciation of relevant scholarly work, as well as include reference citations. 

Promotion to the next higher rank is in recognition of past achievement and anticipates continued professional growth. Such promotion is not solely based on years of service; it also recognizes faculty are functioning at the next rank. 

Responsibilities

1. Each faculty member is responsible for being informed of the rank criteria and his or her current academic rank. This information can be found on the annual contract.
2. Each faculty member is responsible for initiating any request for advancement in rank. The faculty member shall declare their intention by submitting two notices of intent, one to the Department Chair and one to the Chair of the Faculty Rank and Promotion Committee, each with original signatures (Use Appendix F - Intent to Apply for Rank and Promotion , on the R drive). 
3. Submission of the Intent to Apply for Rank Promotion should accompany a faculty member’s portfolio during the annual evaluation. The deadline for submitting intent to apply for rank promotion is the third Tuesday in June.
4. The faculty member is responsible for submitting a comprehensive draft of the rank promotion portfolio to his or her Department Chair, or designee, for review by the third Tuesday of September.
5. The faculty member is responsible for providing relevant information to the Faculty Rank and Promotion Committee through the rank promotion portfolio which shall be submitted in electronic format. The deadline for the rank promotion portfolio is the third Tuesday in January. Access to this portfolio will be given to the appropriate University administrators and the Faculty and Rank Promotion Committee.
6. The appropriate Department Chair/designee is responsible for providing relevant information regarding the faculty member’s professional development since his or her last rank promotion or initial rank assignment to the Rank and Promotion Committee. This evaluation covers the period since the last rank promotion or initial rank assignment.
7. The members of the Faculty Rank and Promotion Committee will review the Promotion Portfolio and make a decision consistent with the documentation provided by the faculty member in a professional and confidential manner.
8. The Faculty Rank and Promotion Committee is responsible for conveying its recommendation to the University Provost regarding the faculty member’s request.
9. The appropriate Department Chair/designee is responsible for conveying his or her recommendation to the Provost regarding the request for rank promotion by the faculty member.
10. The Provost is responsible for conveying his or her recommendation along with the recommendation of the Department Chair/designee to the University President regarding the request for rank promotion by the faculty member.

Rank and Promotion Portfolio Guidelines

The following guidelines are to be used where applicable.  Faculty should consult with the Department Chair/designee regarding variations. 

• Curriculum Vitae (see Appendix B  ) 
• Statement of Purpose: this is a short essay explaining how the faculty member contributes to the Mission/Vision of the University including a statement regarding how the faculty member helps their Department reach its strategic goals as well as the reason for pursuing rank and promotion.
• Educating:  (Appendix E4  ). (Faculty members whose assignment does not usually include classroom teaching will be evaluated on appropriate criteria).
  Self-Report:  to include Philosophy of Teaching/Learning; Content Expertise; Instructional Delivery Skills; and Instructional Design. 
  Inclusion of Learning Outcomes into courses:  to include Course Management Skills; New Methods attempted; and Innovations Developed.
  *Appendicies need to include examples of the above. 
  Instructor/Course Evaluations:  to include Overview of Trends and Observations gleaned from the Evaluations; Analysis of what was learned from the evaluations; Plan to address issues raised by the evaluations; Appendices that include copies of all instructor/course evaluations for the previous twelve months. 
  Peer Evaluations (or Formative Dialogue Results):  to include Overview of what was learned; Analysis and plan resulting from the evaluations
• Scholarship (see Appendix E1  ) - Scholarly/Research Activities
  Discovery:  to include summary of research (samples need to be provided in Appendices)Integration:  to include summary of activity (samples need to be provided in Appendices)Education:  to include summary of scholarly activity in the classroom (examples:  application of research; innovations; assessment of the effectiveness of learnig outcomes within courses; self-reflection/evaluation of this scholarly activity) (samples need to be provided in Appendices).
  Application - scholarly activity within the faculty member’s discipline.  To include presentations; publications; peer review or editor for professional publications.  (Samples need to be provided in Appendices). 
• Further Education:  to include courses taken; other. (Documentation needfs to be provided in Appendices).
• Professional Service:  (see Appendix E2  ) per rank it is suggested for Service to the Profession-
  *Assistant-active membership in professional organization
  *Associate-hold an office/be on committee in local or regional professional organization
  *Professor-hold an office/be on committee in national or international professional organization.  At least 1 year in office. 
  *show proof or attempts when trying to meet these requirements but are unsuccessful.
  Service to the Institution:  to include list of committees served; presentations at University workshops; advising; mentoring (see Appendix E3 ).
  Service to AdventHealth:  to include committees served; consulting; other
  Service to the Community:  to include community service/service-learning activities; consulting; other.
• Other accomplishments or activities
• Analysis and Goals:  to include analysis/reflection on the faculty member’s professional development over the past year; identify goals for the next 5 years with a plan about how they might be accomplished.
• Most current annual evaluation by the Department Chair. 
   

Promotion to Assistant Professor

Those applying for promotion to the rank of Assistant Professor should begin preparing their portfolio by:

• Reviewing the AHU Mission Statement and the four underlying values: Nurture, Excellence, Spirituality, and Stewardship.
• Recalling the three significant areas of faculty activity: educating, scholarship, and professional service, including mentoring. (See Appendices F1-F4.)
• Considering the description of the rank presently held and of the rank sought.

Promotion to Associate Professor

Those applying for promotion to the rank of Associate Professor should begin preparing their portfolio by:

• Reviewing the AHU Mission Statement and the four underlying values: Nurture, Excellence, Spirituality, and Stewardship.
• Recalling the three significant areas of faculty activity: educating, scholarship, and professional service, including mentoring. (See Appendices F1-F4.)
• Considering the description of the rank presently held and of the rank sought.

Promotion to Professor

Those applying for promotion to the rank of Professor should begin preparing their portfolio by:

• Reviewing the AHU Mission Statement and the four underlying values: Nurture, Excellence, Spirituality, and Stewardship.
• Recalling the three significant areas of faculty activity: educating, scholarship, and professional service, including mentoring. (See Appendices E1-E4.)
• Considering carefully the description of the rank presently held and of the rank sought.

When preparing the portfolio seeking promotion to the rank of Professor, a faculty member should review the descriptions of data requested for the Assistant and Associate Professor’s portfolio.

Individuals aspiring to the rank of Professor should have as much freedom as possible to format and prepare the appropriate portfolio. The data to be included in the Assistant and Associate Professors’ portfolios are for the greater part largely prescribed. While basically the same information may be relevant in this instance, its format and/or the inclusion of material not usually included in a portfolio are largely left to the professional judgment of the applicant seeking this, the highest academic rank.

It is urged that all material which will give significant support to this request for promotion in rank be included in this portfolio, even material not routinely included in a portfolio. For example:

• Electronic media or files illustrating some aspect of professional life important to this request
• Copies of published materials
• Newspaper or journal articles regarding professional activities
• Evidence of mentoring faculty and/or students

6.6 Advanced Academic Study

The Advanced Academic Study Loan for full-time faculty is designed to provide educational assistance towards professional development in their role at AdventHealth University.

The Advanced Academic Study Loan Policy grants assistance for advance degrees to full-time faculty. The assistance is not guaranteed and is based on the needs of the institution and available funds.

Faculty requesting a loan from the University to pursue further study must meet the following criteria:

• Faculty be under full-time contract with AHU.
• Complete the Academic Study Application (see Appendix H  for sample) and submit for approval to Administration.
• Receive approval of the Academic Study Application.

Upon approval, the faculty member must complete the Advanced Academic Study Loan Agreement (see Appendix I  for sample).

The typical loan will be granted as follows:

• Bachelor’s Degree - $10,000
• Master’s Degree - $15,000
• Doctoral Degree - $25,000

• Under special circumstances, the University may agree to lend additional amounts.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement for tuition must be submitted with a grade report and receipts reflecting expenses on an expense report. If the educational institution is being paid directly, submit the grade report and invoice from the educational institution on a payment authorization voucher (PAV).

Reimbursement for expenses paid directly to the employee or the educational institution will not exceed 1/3 of the total granted for Doctoral degree or 1/2 for Master and Bachelor degrees for any given academic year.

Grades

To receive reimbursement undergraduate students must have a grade of “C” or higher and graduate students must have a grade of “B” or higher.

Amortization

Repayment of the loan is the responsibility of the employee. He or she agrees to immediately repay AHU if:

• The degree is not completed in the agreed upon time frame.
• The employee ceases full-time employment at AHU.
• The employee is terminated from employment at AHU.

The academic degree loan can be amortized through years of full-time service following completion of the degree.  Amortization will be calculated as follows:

• Bachelor’s Degree - Three Years
• Master’s Degree - Five Years
• Doctoral Degree - Seven Years

Arrangements regarding amortization, which vary from the amounts identified above, must be negotiated between the employee and administration.

Employees that matriculate into the MHA/EMHA program at AHU will be exempt from paying tuition and fees during their enrollment and loan forgiveness will be based on the amortization schedule above.

If AHU should terminate an employee because of financial constraints or program phase-outs due to no fault of the employee, and if undue financial hardship, such as prolonged, forced unemployment, is thus placed upon the employee, AHU agrees to consider the specific situation and negotiate a reasonable settlement with the employee.  However, should AHU terminate the employment of the employee for cause, he or she agrees to reimburse AHU the unamortized balance of the loan upon termination.

An employee can receive up to a certain amount per calendar year that is not considered taxable income.  Please refer to 26 USC 127:  Educational Assistance Programs for current limits for untaxed and taxed income amounts.  AHU will abide by all tax laws.