1. Summary of the Proposed Research Track

2. Background National prominence requires increasing diversity of our faculty not only in terms of disciplinary adherence but also of faculty roles. With the continuing expectation for expansion of the University’s research mission, it is important to provide a more appropriate status than presently exists for certain staff involved in this developing research and research education enterprise. Many, though not all, scientists who are non-faculty P&S employees are independent research scientists. These independent scientists are critical to the increasingly diverse and complex missions of several colleges in the University. Appointment as research scientists or engineers, rather than as faculty, may be an impediment to their obtaining independent extramurally funded research grants.

3. Rationale Research track faculty would contribute to the increasingly diverse, complex and competitive environment in which the modern research university exists. Research scientists whose missions are primarily research and teaching are needed in a research environment without a substantial role in formal didactic teaching. Important to recognize, recruit, retain and reward independent research scientists in an academic environment.

4. Definition and Characteristics Research faculty would: Not be eligible for tenure. Hold rank at the level of assistant professor, associate professor or professor. Have the right to serve on departmental, collegiate and university committees and to participate in the faculty governance process. Be subject to the provisions of the Faculty Dispute Procedures. Devote most of their time to independent, externally supported research and be expected to submit and obtain research grants as principal investigators. Be expected to teach, primarily in the form of supervising and advising graduate students and postdoctoral students in research.

5. Appointments and Promotions The total number of faculty to be appointed to this track is expected to be limited to less than 10% of the faculty within any College. The scholarly and research expectations would be similar to the scholarly and research expectations of faculty in the tenure track. Initial appointments for research faculty would be one to three years. Research faculty appointment would be targeted to those functioning as independent researchers.

6. Conclusion The introduction of a research track would: strengthen the research and research instruction capacity of the University. strengthen the research and research instruction capacity of the University. increase opportunities for recruitment and career advancement for a number of research scientists. increase opportunities for recruitment and career advancement for a number of research scientists. further diversify the faculty in a way that will enhance the mission of the University. further diversify the faculty in a way that will enhance the mission of the University.

7. Survey of 53 Universities across the country (including 8 campuses from the University of California system). Survey of 53 Universities across the country (including 8 campuses from the University of California system).

8. Question 1: Do you have a research track? Institutions that have non-tenure research faculty:N=42 Institutions that have non-tenure research faculty:N=42 Institututions in the process of establishing a research track or contemplating to establish one: N= 3 Institututions in the process of establishing a research track or contemplating to establish one: N= 3 Institutions without a non-tenure research track: N= 8 Institutions without a non-tenure research track: N= 8 Question 2: What is the length of the term appointment? Varies from 1-6 yr. In some institutions, the length of the appointment is linked to promotion and increases with rank. Otherwise it is limited to the duration of the funding.

9. Question 3: Is there a limit to the number of faculty who can be appointed? In general there are no university limits on the number of faculty who can be appointed. However, the University of Colorado at Boulder limits the number of research faculty to 25% of tenured or tenure track faculty. Question 4: What financial guarantees are made for research faculty? Contingent on funding for the majority of universities. Contingent on funding for the majority of universities. University of New Hampshire guarantees 5 yrs. University of New Hampshire guarantees 5 yrs. At the University of Washington, some receive state funding for teaching. At the University of Washington, some receive state funding for teaching.

10. Question 5: What are the governance rights for research faculty? Can they vote on departmental and/or college issues? Can they serve on departmental, college, and university committees? There are many differences between universities on this issue, going from full privileges to none at all. Question 6: Can research faculty transfer to a tenure track position? Majority says “yes” they can apply for a tenure track position, but do not receive consideration for time spent as a non-tenure faculty.