2.06 Faculty Ranks - Faculty Handbook
2.06 Faculty Ranks - Faculty Handbook
2.6 Faculty Ranks
2.6.1 Instructor
2.6.2 Assistant Professor
2.6.3 Associate Professor
2.6.4 Professor
2.6 Faculty Ranks
UAB uses the following designations of rank for its faculty. The general criteria for appointment or promotion to each rank are described in this section. Note that the faculty ranks listed herein may be used for tenure-earning or tenured faculty as described below. For non-tenure-earning faculty, each faculty rank may be used with or without such descriptive terms as Clinical, Research, Teaching, Adjunct, Visiting, or Affiliate (Section 2.5.5). Contingent faculty, who seek a full-time regular or part-time regular appointment as described in section 2.5, are not guaranteed status at the same rank.
Appointment as Instructor is non-tenure-earning and usually requires training beyond the baccalaureate degree. In some special cases, demonstrated technical proficiency or professional experience may serve in lieu of formal training or an academic terminal degree.
Appointment as an Assistant Professor usually requires a terminal degree and potential to make significant academic contributions. Appointments to this rank may be tenure-earning or non-tenure-earning.
Associate Professor is a rank that usually requires a terminal degree and service as an Assistant Professor for at least three years at UAB or equivalent service elsewhere, unless alonger duration is specified by an academic unit. Associate Professors may be tenured, tenure-earning, or non-tenure-earning. The individual holding this rank should have demonstrated the ability to make significant contributions in academic duties. Such contributions should be of high quality and should be nationally recognized. Further, the individual should show promise of continued professional growth.
Professor is the highest academic rank granted at UAB except for a limited number of university professors, distinguished professors, or endowed professorships. Individuals holding this rank may be tenured, tenure-earning, or non-tenure-earning. The rank of Professor requires the demonstration of nationally recognized excellence in the conduct of academic duties. The rank of Professor usually requires academic service as an Associate Professor for at least three years at UAB or equivalent service elsewhere, unless a longer duration is specified by an academic unit.