Faculty Appointment and Promotion

What is the first step in the appointment or promotion process?

The first step in the process is the creation of a Curriculum Vitae (CV). The CV must be in the UMass Chan format. Please use the CV template below:

• CV Guide (PDF) January 2024
• CV Template (Word doc) January 2024
• CV Example (PDF) January 2024

How is the Area of Distinction (AOD) determined?

The AOD reflects one’s primary professional activities and is determined by the faculty member in conjunction with the Department Chair or Vice Chair for Academic Affairs. Options for Areas of Distinction are Health Care Delivery, Education, Investigation, or Population Health and Public Policy.

What are the academic ranks? What is a senior level rank?

The ranks are Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor. For most individuals, initial faculty appointment will be at the Assistant Professor level. Associate Professor and Professor are considered senior ranks.

Does time at the Assistant Professor level at another medical school count towards the minimum time required before one is eligible for promotion to Associate Professor?

Yes. Time spent at the Assistant Professor level at other medical schools will be taken into account.

Do I need to provide a narrative statement? Is there a guide on writing the narrative?

A narrative statement is strongly encouraged for academic promotion but not necessary for initial faculty appointment. Download the narrative statement guide (PDF)

Who solicits Letters of Evaluation for Academic Appointment or Promotion?

The Department Chair solicits these letters on behalf of the faculty member. Individuals will be asked to provide a list of potential evaluators. Faculty may not solicit letters directly.

Are there examples of what is considered established or senior level of activities in an Area of Distinction?

Yes. Download a list of examples (PDF)

Who is the primary staff contact for the appointment and promotion process?

The Departmental Academic Administrator is the primary staff contact. These individuals are responsible for compiling the “basic file” for appointments and promotions and liaise with the UMass Chan – Baystate Office of Faculty Affairs.

(Updated January 2024)

What resources are available? 

The UMass Chan Office of Faculty Affairs website has the complete Criteria for Appointment and Promotion in the Non-Tenure Track.

In addition, Baystate Health offers a number of faculty development opportunities.

Who can help me with my academic career development planning?

The Department Chair or Department Vice Chair for Academic Affairs is the first point of contact for these types of conversations.

One-on-one academic career development consultations are also available at the UMass Chan-Baystate Office of Faculty Affairs. These can be requested by contacting Marc Labrie, MBA, Director of the Office of Faculty Affairs, at Marc.Labrie@baystatehealth.org.

How do I Document Giving Multiple Lectures to the Same Learners Every Year? Should I List them Individually?

Annual lectures provided to the same group of trainees, particularly if numerous, do not need to be listed individually. It is acceptable to state that lectures are given monthly, quarterly, etc. to “X” number and type of learner and to provide a sample of topics covered.

Example:

How do I List Time Spent with Learners in the Operating Room or in Clinic?

In the section entitled CLINICAL EDUCATION, list the location, number of contact hours and frequency, and type of learner (medical student, resident, fellow) in each setting e.g., OR, outpatient, inpatient.

Example:

Where Should Letters to the Editor be Placed on the CV?

These publications are listed under NON-PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS, even if they appear in a peer-reviewed journal.

May I Include Interviews with the Media, Lectures for the Public, or Print Materials Created for the Public on my CV?

Yes. These would go into the section entitled EDUCATION FOR THE PUBLIC/COMMUNITY EDUCATION.