Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

DEPARTMENTAL STATEMENT
REQUIRED BY SECTION 7.12 OF
REGULATIONS CONCERNING FACULTY TENURE
January, 1992

I. Introductory Statement

The primary measure of excellence of an educational institution is the quality of its faculty. The degree of foresight and wisdom in making faculty appointments, promotion and the granting of tenure are primary determinants of the distinction which a program achieves. It is the responsibility of the faculty to show concern for and to participate in this process, to identify and reward peers who demonstrate a commitment to the advancement and communication of knowledge and show promise of pursuing productive academic careers. 

This document describes with more specificity the standards that will be used by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to evaluate whether candidates meet the general criteria in Section 7.11 of the Regulations. For a complete perspective on the University s standards, the reader is advised to review Section 7 in its entirety. 

II. Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, within the broad mission of the Medical School, is to conduct high quality programs of biomedical research and education. 

To be awarded indefinite tenure, a faculty member will be expected to have demonstrated scholarly productivity, teaching effectiveness, and contributions to the advancement of patient care and professional education through research, writings, and service. 

III. Criteria for Tenure 

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation subscribes to the criteria for tenure established by the Medical School. Additional specific statements on criteria for tenure, supplementary to or an extension of the Medical School statement, have been developed by the Department and are attached. 

IV. Criteria for Promotion 

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation subscribes to the criteria for promotion established by the Medical School. 

V. Procedures 

In initiating and considering proposals for tenure and/or promotion in rank, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation follows the procedures of the Medical School and the University. These procedures are described in the University document, "Procedures for Reviewing Performance of Probationary Faculty", issued in June 1986, and in the set of instructions, memoranda and other documents, issued annually by the Dean of the Medical School to each department and for information of faculty members.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Criteria for Appointment and promotion of Faculty

All faculty proposed for tenure shall have their credentials reviewed and voted upon by all tenured faculty members in the Department. A favorable vote of a majority of those voting will be required to forward the recommendation. The standards of the Medical School and this Department must be met specifically for (numbered items in each section below not necessarily in order of importance): 

Research and Scholarly Activity:Research is meant to include a range of activities intended to advance knowledge in the discipline and is a major consideration in the granting of tenure. It should include direct involvement and a continuing commitment to research activities, as reflected in: 

1. publication of research results and scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals; 

2. presentation of research findings at recognized scientific meetings; 

3. national recognition by peers of distinction in research activities; and 

4. the ability to obtain both internal and external grant or contract funding for research. 

Independent research productivity must be demonstrated, but effective collaboration with others is also valued. Both quality and quantity of research and scholarly activities are considered. 

Teaching:Teaching is an encompassing process that may take many forms and occur in a variety of settings. It includes lectures, team teaching, seminars, preceptoring, clinics, laboratories, continuing education, and student advising. Evaluation of teaching should consider multiple sources of information, and value both affective and cognitive outcomes. 

Assessment of effectiveness in teaching and advising students is based upon: 

1. publication of book chapters and development of instructional materials; 

2. review of courses taught, directed, and developed; 

3. evidence of teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate level evaluated by the written statements and formal evaluations of colleagues, peers and students; 

4. written evaluation by the Department Head and Director of the Program; 

5. demonstrated scholarly in-depth knowledge in an area of teaching responsibility; 

6. demonstrated excellence and commitment over a sustained period of time; 

7. recognition by peers outside the University 

8. development of innovative educational programs; 

9. involvement in curriculum development and implementation; and 

10. recognition of performance of graduates on nationally administered licensing examinations referenced to the subject material taught by the faculty member. 

Service:

Like research and teaching, service has a number of aspects and may take a variety of forms. It includes: 

1. clinical services to patients; 

2. services to the academic unit and the University; 

3. discipline-related community activities; and 

4. service to professional associations or special interest organizations relating to the discipline. 

Service activities may include consulting, advising, committee involvement, work on special projects, or filling a leadership role in an appropriate organization. Any contribution will be judged potentially relevant when the faculty member is acting as a professional. Evaluation of service is based on documentation of the activity that reflects both the importance and quality of the candidate's contributions. It should include letters of reference or written evaluations by peers and by committee chairpersons or others in charge of such activities.