I. PURPOSE
The New York Medical College (NYMC) School of Medicine (SOM) seeks to align the appointment and promotion process, criteria, and guidelines with the roles, responsibilities, and duties performed by Faculty Members in the SOM. Through the awarding of Faculty appointments and promotions, Faculty Members are recognized for their contributions and achievements that support the mission of the institution.
II. POLICY
It is the policy of NYMC SOM that written standards, criteria, and procedures for the review and recommendation of individuals for Faculty appointment and promotion be established, maintained, and disseminated to the SOM academic community.
III. SCOPE
This policy shall apply to individuals eligible for a (i) SOM Faculty appointment or (ii) SOM academic promotion. This policy does not apply to candidates appointed to adjunct, visiting, or emeritus Faculty appointments, which are described in the SOM and GSBMS Faculty Handbook.
IV. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall not supersede nor impact Faculty participation in NYMC benefits plans governed by NYMC Human Resource policies.
A. Faculty Appointment and Promotion Terminology
1. All individuals with an academic appointment in one or more departments of NYMC SOM.
2. Faculty Member. An individual who holds a Faculty appointment in one or more departments of NYMC SOM.
3. Academic Action. Refers to appointment, promotion, change in appointment Status, termination of appointment, renewal of appointment, or granting of tenure.
4. Academic Activities. Those activities performed for the SOM that fulfill the SOM's core mission in areas of teaching, research, service, and health care delivery.
5. Domain. Refers broadly to areas of focus that distinguish a Faculty Member’s contributions and achievements specifically for evaluation in the appointment and promotion process.
a. Teaching Domain. The Teaching Domain consists of education-related activities, such as instruction, mentoring, advising, learner assessment, curriculum development, etc.
b. Research Domain. The Research Domain consists of research-related activities, such as grants and extramural funding, clinical trials, team science, population health, etc.
c. Service Domain. The Service Domain consists of the candidate's contributions to the life, governance, and administration of the College, SOM, their profession/discipline, and/or the local, national, and international community that reflects a level of academic reputation and expertise, etc.
d. Health Care Delivery Domain. The Health Care Delivery Domain includes the delivery of high quality health care, which consists of the development of diagnostic approaches, therapeutic methods and clinical services; innovations in clinical practice; the development and/or administration of programs or approaches that improve the safety, quality or efficacy of healthcare delivery; the development, analysis, implementation, and evaluation of health policy, population health tools, and interventions for local, national, and international communities and populations, etc.
6. Pathway. The SOM recognizes five (5) academic Pathways for Faculty appointment and promotion: (a) Investigator; (b) Educator; (c) Clinician Scholar; (d) Research; and (e) Foundations Pathways.
7. Rank. The SOM recognizes four (4) academic Ranks for Faculty appointment and promotion: (a) Instructor; (b) Assistant Professor; (c) Associate Professor; and (d) Professor. Rank is determined according to specified eligibility criteria and a level of achievement specified by Entry Level - Competence (Instructor and Assistant Professor Ranks; Established Level -Strength (Associate Rank); and Senior Level - Excellence (Professor Rank).
8. Senior Rank. The SOM recognizes two (2) academic Senior Ranks for Faculty appointment and promotion: (i) Associate Professor; and (ii) Professor.
9. Title. Titles are assigned according to appointment or promotion Track, Pathway, Rank, and Appointment Status as shown in Appendix. Table 1. All Faculty Titles are followed by the name of the department and discipline in which the Title is awarded unless otherwise indicated.
10. Track. NYMC SOM promotion Pathways are assigned to one (1) of two (2) Tracks according to tenure eligibility; tenure eligible (e.g. Tenure Track - Investigator and Educator Pathways) and tenure-ineligible Track (e.g. Non-Tenure Track - Clinician Scholar, Research, and Foundations Pathways).
B. Appointment Status
Faculty in the SOM are given an Appointment Status coincident with the approval of the Faculty appointment. Although Appointment Status nomenclature is similar to “employment status,” Appointment Status and employment status are distinct from each other. Appointment Status may be either Full-Time, Part-Time, or Voluntary as described below. Faculty must demonstrate time and effort committed to Academic Activities that occur at NYMC and/or within the confines of an active NYMC affiliate site. An NYMC affiliate may include the following: an academic medical center, university, major- or specialty-affiliate hospital (including facilities operated or owned by these entities of NYMC), or a specific departmental affiliation identified by the Dean of the SOM.
1. Full-Time Appointment Status. Appointment Status is considered Full-Time in the following instances:
a. Full-time employment by NYMC to perform academic job duties for NYMC (academically salaried), OR
b. Full-time employment by an active NYMC affiliate to perform professional duties (professionally salaried), OR
c. Employment by both NYMC and an active NYMC affiliate, which combined is equivalent to full-time employment. Professionally salaried, full-time faculty shall perform the majority of their job duties within the confines of the NYMC affiliate site.
2. Part-Time Appointment Status. Appointment Status is considered Part-Time in the following instances:
a. Part-time employment by NYMC to perform academic job duties for NYMC (academically salaried), OR
b. Part-time employment by an active NYMC affiliate to perform professional duties (professionally salaried), AND
c. Do not qualify for Full-Time Appointment Status.
3. Voluntary Appointment Status. Appointment Status is considered Voluntary if the Faculty Member does not qualify for Full-Time or Part-Time Appointment Status.
C. Type of Appointment
Faculty of the SOM and Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences (GSBMS) are appointed to one or more academic departments in the SOM.
1. Primary Appointment. A Faculty Member is appointed and evaluated for promotion in the academic unit where they hold their Primary Appointment. The SOM department chair or the GSBMS dean is responsible for recommendations for Academic Actions for Faculty with Primary Appointments in their department, except as described below for Faculty Members who have appointments in more than one department.
2. Non-Primary Appointment. A Faculty Member may have one or more Non-Primary Appointment(s) in one or more departments for contributions and collaborative relationships in any of the mission areas. Non-Primary Appointments are endorsed by the chairs of both Primary and Non-Primary departments and the Dean of the GSBMS, as applicable. Non-Primary Appointments are at the same Academic Rank, Status, and Pathway as the Primary Appointment.
3. Joint Appointment. A Faculty Member may have a Joint Appointment in two or more departments or schools within the college that have joint fiscal responsibility for the Faculty Member. The chairs of the departments and as applicable, the deans of the school, have a shared responsibility in requesting Academic Actions related to the Faculty Member. One department chair or dean of the school is designated as Primary for these purposes. Joint Appointments are at the same Rank in each department or school.
4. Candidate Status. Faculty candidates new to NYMC SOM and recommended for a Full-Time Status Faculty Appointment at the Rank of Associate Professor or Professor may be issued an official Candidate Status at the discretion of the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs upon receipt of a complete application by the Office of Faculty & Academic Affairs (OFAA). Candidate Status shall be coincident with whichever is determined the later date; receipt of the complete application or the Faculty Member’s start date at an NYMC affiliate and/or NYMC SOM.
V. PROCEDURES
A. Eligibility Criteria for Faculty Appointment and Promotion
1. Faculty Rank is determined according to specified eligibility criteria and a level of achievement for each Rank or Title. Three (3) Levels of Achievement in Domains are recognized.
a. Entry Level ("Competence"). Required for appointment or promotion to Instructor, Assistant Professor, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Research Assistant Professor.
b. Established Level ("Strength"). Required for appointment or promotion to Senior Instructor, Associate Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, and Research Associate Professor.
c. Senior Level ("Excellence"). Required for appointment or promotion to Professor, Clinical Professor and Research Professor.
2. Instructor and Senior Instructor (Foundations Pathway only)
Candidates typically include individuals who are appointed to their first faculty position while completing their final year of training or participating in advanced fellowship training. Instructor Rank is also appropriate for members of the extended healthcare team performing Academic Activities integral to the NYMC SOM mission.
a. Chief residents in their final year of training and fellows-in-training; must be in good standing in an NYMC- or Westchester Medical Center-sponsored, ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship.
b. Professional practitioners that have attained the highest degree in a para-professional discipline, health care-related field (e.g. Pharm.D., DNP), or other relevant discipline.
c. Individuals who have attained the highest degree in a scientific discipline and have completed a minimum of two (2) years post-doctoral training, or equivalent experience, and are non-independent investigators transitioning to an academic Pathway.
d. Individuals that have not attained the highest degree possible for a para-professional or related health care field (e.g. M.P.H.), however, are integral and contributing to the SOM's educational, research, or service missions.
e. Individuals who have been engaged for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years at the instructor level, or an equivalent professional experience, may be considered for Senior Instructor designation at the recommendation of the primary department chair and with approval by the Dean of the SOM.
3. Assistant Professor and Clinical Assistant Professor
Candidates include individuals who are appointed or promoted to their first independent Faculty position.
a. Professional practitioners who are board-certified or -eligible in their specialty or have equivalent qualifications.
b. Individuals who have attained the highest degree in a scientific discipline; have completed a minimum of two (2) years post-doctoral training, or equivalent experience; and have acquired experience necessary to determine an academic Pathway.
c. Candidates must demonstrate strength in at least one Domain, and competence in one or more Domains.
d. Candidates must be recognized at a local level and have a record of academic service and scholarship.
4. Associate Professor and Clinical Associate Professor
Candidates include individuals who have a substantial record of achievement and academic accomplishments beyond that required for Assistant Professor.
a. A minimum of five (5) years in Rank at the Assistant Professor level at NYMC SOM, or at another academic institution, or an equivalent experience.
b. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in at least one Domain, and strength in one or more Domains.
c. Candidates are recognized at a regional and national level and have a record of significant academic service and sustained scholarship.
5. Professor and Clinical Professor
Candidates include individuals who have a continuous and exceptional record of achievement and academic accomplishments beyond that required for Associate Professor.
a. A minimum of five (5) years in Rank at the Associate Professor level at NYMC SOM, or at another academic institution, or an equivalent experience.
b. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in one or more Domain, and strength in one or more Domains.
c. Candidates must be recognized at a national and international level as leaders in their field and have a record of substantial and sustained academic service and scholarship.
6. Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, Research Professor
Candidates typically include individuals who provide essential research expertise that supports the College's research mission. Candidates for this Pathway do not have, nor are expected to achieve, independent funding as a criteria for promotion. Appointment on this Pathway is reserved for candidates who have achieved a level of proficiency to support the College's research program(s) and are funded by external grants of one or more Faculty PI Investigators, or may be individuals who are fully funded by NYMC clinical affiliate sites and who provide clinical and/or translational research support to an academic department(s), division(s), and/or program(s). Any teaching and service responsibilities of Research candidates are determined by their funded investigator(s) and in concert with the department chair(s) and Dean of the SOM considering the individual's primary research duties and research program responsibilities.
a. Individuals who have attained the highest degree in a scientific discipline and have completed a minimum of two (2) years post-doctoral training, or equivalent experience.
b. Individuals that have not attained the highest degree in a scientific discipline, however, are integral to the SOM's research and service missions.
c. Individuals who have been engaged for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years at the Research Assistant Professor level and advance scholarship, increase collaborative science, and contribute to publications and grant writing, etc., may be considered for Research Associate Professor designation at the recommendation of the primary department chair and with approval by the Dean of the SOM.
d. Individuals who have been engaged for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years at the Research Associate Professor level and have significantly contributed to the sustained funding and productivity of the PI(s); scholarly productivity; serving as a role model for trainees, etc., may be considered for Research Professor designation at the recommendation of the primary department chair and with approval by the Dean of the SOM.
e. The Dean of the SOM shall provide the final determination for the primary academic department assignment and any non-primary department designations and shall consider the candidate's (i) direct supervisor(s); (ii) salary funding source(s); (iii) specific focus in their research support role; and (iv) area of specialization and/or degree.
f. Research faculty appointments are only considered active with the demonstration of concurrent salary support derived from extramural funding sources, including clinical affiliation-funded positions.
B. Faculty Appointment Process
1. Requests for Faculty appointment are considered on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. The appointment process is initiated using an online, confidential link provided by the OFAA to the candidate's preferred email at the request of a department chair, Dean's senior management, and/or the Dean of the SOM.
2. Candidates complete the online Faculty Application Form that includes (a) Personal and Work Information; (b) Professional References that meet criteria summarized in the Appendix; (c) Misconduct Attestation; (d) updated CV in NYMC format (preferably); (e) candidate's Narrative Statement (Senior Rank only); (f) the primary department chair proposal letter; (g) and any non-primary department chair proposal letter(s); and any Dean's senior management endorsement letters, as applicable.
3. Candidate Status Designation. Candidates new to NYMC SOM who are recommended for a Full-Time Status Faculty Appointment at a Senior Rank may be issued an official Candidate Status at the discretion of the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs. Candidate Status shall commence coincident with the start date of the Faculty Member at an NYMC affiliate site or NYMC SOM, whichever is the later date, and is dependent upon receipt of required materials. Section VI. B.
Provisional access to NYMC resources shall be granted by the OFAA based on the candidate's job duties as detailed by the department chair and/or Dean of the SOM. Individuals with Candidate Status shall reference such designation in all correspondence (e.g., “Candidate for Professor of Medicine”) until a Faculty Appointment is approved by the Board of Trustess (BOT) of NYMC and communicated to the Candidate by the Dean of the SOM.
Candidate Status shall not be construed as a Faculty Appointment, nor shall it be understood to confer any Faculty rights or privileges other than provisional access to NYMC resources as described. Candidate Status designation is considered temporary, must not exceed one (1) year in duration, is subject to change without appeal, and may be revoked at any time by the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs. Subsequent approval of the recommended Faculty Appointment by the NYMC BOT shall deem the Candidate Status null and void. The Dean of the SOM shall then issue a formal Faculty Appointment letter to the candidate with an effective date coincident with the date of BOT approval.
C. Faculty Promotion Process
Requests for Faculty promotion are considered on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Promotion readiness is determined by the academic department chair and the faculty member. The promotion process is initiated by the department by completing a confidential online Faculty Promotion Form that includes: (i) faculty member's updated CV in NYMC format; (ii) faculty member's Narrative Statement; (iii) professional references according to guidelines in the Appendix; (iv) the primary department chair proposal letter; (v) and any non-primary department chair proposal letter(s).
1. The Faculty Promotion Application is submitted to the OFAA and is reviewed for accuracy based on eligibility criteria and requirements. Any questions or concerns are resolved with the SOM Dean and the OFAA in concert with the department chair(s).
2. Promotions That Do Not Require TAP Committee Review
a. Faculty applying for Rank promotion to Senior Instructor, Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor or Research Professor, shall have their promotion application submitted by the OFAA to the Dean of the SOM for approval.
b. The Dean/designee may contact professional references provided by the faculty member as deemed necessary. Such communications are considered highly confidential and shall only be utilized in the review of the faculty member for the Academic Action requested.
c. The Dean of the SOM approves promotion requests with endorsement by the BOT of NYMC.
3. Promotions Requiring TAP Committee Review
a. Candidates applying for Senior Rank (Associate Professor, Professor) on any promotion Pathway shall have their complete Faculty Promotion Application submitted to the TAP Committee for review.
b. The TAP Committee Executive Secretary shall confidentially solicit professional references on behalf of the candidate.
c. The TAP Committee may request additional reference letters or other information as deemed necessary to conduct a committee review.
d. The TAP Committee chair communicates the committee's recommended Academic Action to the Dean for consideration. The Dean may (i) approve, (ii) disapprove, or (iii) table (pending additional information) the TAP Committee's recommendation.
e. The Dean communicates recommendations for Faculty Academic Actions to the Chancellor/CEO. With the Chancellor/CEO's approval, the Academic Affairs Committee of the BOT, and the full BOT of NYMC shall review and issue a final recommendation for approval.
D. Disapproved Promotion Recommendations
1. Reapplication. Faculty Members whose promotions are denied can reapply in no less than one (1) years’ time as determined by the date that their FAP was considered complete.
2. Petition. In instances where the candidate and the academic department chair disagree with the promotion decision, the department chair may petition the Dean or the TAP Committee, as appropriate. In either case, the chair must have new information and/or significant clarifying information or circumstances to present. A written request addressed to the Dean or the TAP Committee chair, as appropriate, and any necessary information shall be provided as evidence in the petition. Outcomes of a petition are generally considered final unless Faculty Grievance procedures are enacted. Notwithstanding, policy and procedure for Faculty appointment and promotion shall be adhered to subsequent to a resolved petition.
3. Faculty Grievance. Eligible faculty are afforded the Faculty Grievance policy and procedure should a candidate deem the denied Academic Action and any subsequent petition constitute a grievance.
E. Faculty Reappointment
The faculty reappointment cycle occurs on either a calendar- or academic year schedule coincident with SOM faculty performance evaluation procedures. Faculty Members are required to participate in faculty performance evaluations at least every three (3) years (Part-Time/Voluntary Status Appointments) or on an annual basis (Full-Time Status Appointments). The focus and scope of the evaluation will vary depending on Rank, Pathway, Status, and faculty academic lifecycle as detailed in the original Faculty appointment letter. Faculty and chairs shall confirm an effort appropriate to a Faculty Member’s Appointment Status and commitment to the department and SOM that justify a continued Faculty Appointment.
The evaluation process provides Faculty and department chairs the opportunity to (i) report on Faculty Academic Activities and contributions to the SOM; ii) review Faculty progress toward promotion and/or tenure; iii) evaluate Faculty job performance in areas of assigned academic responsibility; iv) identify, request, and justify Faculty development support, mentorship, and/or resource needs; and v) determine a remediation plan in instances where a Faculty Member does not meet performance expectations.
Faculty that complete the evaluation process are eligible for reappointment to the SOM Faculty at the recommendation of the academic department chair to the Dean. Tenured Faculty do not require reappointment; however, it is expected that they report on Academic Activities to affirm Full-Time Status and performance in keeping with a tenured Faculty Member. Faculty may request an extension or suspension of an evaluation period due to extraneous circumstances with a written request to the department chair and the OFAA. Faculty without an approved extension or suspension of an evaluation who do not complete the required evaluation within the specified time period will result in a temporary “inactive” status being placed on the Faculty Member’s appointment for up to six (6) months following the reappointment deadline. Failure to complete the Faculty evaluation and reappointment procedures within this six-month “inactive” period will result in termination of the Faculty Member’s appointment with written notice to the Faculty Member and the department chair from the Dean of the SOM. Terminated Faculty who desire a Faculty appointment at some later date may reapply for a Faculty appointment at the recommendation of the department chair utilizing usual Faculty appointment procedures.
VI. EFFECTIVE DATE
Any future revision of this policy and procedure shall be taken into consideration by the Dean of the SOM in consultation with the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate and the Tenure, Appointment, and Promotion Committee. Such policy changes shall become effective with a majority vote of the Dean’s Executive Committee and the Dean’s approval.
VII. POLICY MANAGEMENT
Executive Stakeholder: Dean of the SOM
Oversight Office: Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs
VII. REFERENCES
A. NYMC SOM Faculty Bylaws (Bylaws). The Bylaws outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of Faculty Members and serve as a foundational document guiding interactions among Faculty, administration, and the institution. Access at SOM Faculty Bylaws.
B. NYMC SOM Faculty Handbook. The Faculty Handbook is a comprehensive document that outlines the policies, procedures, expectations, and guidelines for Faculty Members within the institution, and serves as a reference guide and resource for Faculty, offering information on various aspects of academic life at the SOM and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBMS). Access at SOM and GSBMS Faculty Handbook.
C. Faculty Performance Evaluation Policy and Procedure. This policy provides Full‐Time, Part‐Time, and Voluntary Faculty written expectations for evaluation by the department or discipline chair and/or administrative designate with regard to performance and progress towards promotion and/or tenure as defined in the original (or updated) appointment letter to the Faculty Member. Details regarding the degree and scope of evaluation, consistent with the commitment of the Faculty Member to the department, are provided. Access at Faculty Performance Evaluation Policy and Procedure.
D. Liaison Committee on Medical Education. 2024-25 Functions and Structure of a Medical School, Standard 4. Faculty Preparation, Productivity, Participation, and Policies: Faculty are qualified through their education, training, experience, and continuing professional development and provide the leadership and support necessary to attain the institution's educational, research, and service goals; November 2023. https://lcme.org/publications/
IX. APPENDIX
A. Table 1. Faculty titles are followed by the name of the academic department/discipline in the SOM in accordance with the appointment or promotion Track, Pathway, Status, and Rank shown. Proposed Senior Rank titles that are reviewed by the Tenure, Appointment, and Promotion Committee are depicted in BOLD font.
| Tenure Track | Non-Tenure Track | ||||
| Pathway | |||||
| Status | Investigator | Educator | Clinician Scholar | Research | Foundations |
|
Full Time Part Time |
Assistant Professor |
Assistant Professor |
Research Assistant Professor Research Associate Professor |
Instructor
|
|
| Voluntary | NA | NA | Clinical Assistant Professor Clinical Associate Professor Clinical Professor |
NA | |
B. Table 2. Summary of guidelines describing the type and number of required letters of reference for appointment or promotion based on rank and pathway.
| Variable | Category 1 Letter | Category 2 Letter |
| Instructor and Assistant Professor Rank; Research Pathway | ||
| Number | Minimum of 3 | Not applicable |
| Purpose |
Individuals who can attest to the candidate's qualifications, training, experience, and competence |
Not applicable
|
| Associate Professor and Professor Rank | ||
| Number | Minimum of 3 | Minimum of 3 |
| Purpose |
Individuals who can attest to the candidate's qualifications, training, experience, and competence
|
Individuals who can provide an unbiased evaluation of the candidate's regional, national, or international reputation
|
| Evaluator Requirements | Internal to NYMC, SOM, GSBMS | • External to NYMC, SOM, GSBMS • Holds an academic rank equal to or higher than the candidate’s proposed Rank • Recognized authority in their field • Knows the candidate's body of work well enough to highlight accomplishments and unique aspects of the candidate’s career |
