Faculty Handbook - 6. Faculty Recognition and Development
6.1. Introduction
Faculty members need to be informed of the opportunities for career development and of the forms of recognition available to celebrate their accomplishments. The following information highlights the role played by faculty groups, notably the Faculty Senate and academic departments, in this process of development and recognition and explains the criteria and procedures employed in making relevant decisions.
6.2. Honorary Degrees
Iowa State University awards honorary degrees to celebrate and honor careers of extraordinary achievement in the community of knowledge, understanding, and creativity of which it is a part. In conferring an honorary degree, Iowa State University associates itself with the highest achievements in scholarship, research, and creative activity consistent with its educational mission. It expresses the ideals of a great university by designating models of exceptional merit for emulation and respect.
6.2.1. Eligibility
An honorary degree is not awarded for philanthropic activity or service to the university or the State of Iowa. A candidate's qualifications must be deeply grounded in a career of scholarship, research, and creative activity consistent with the academic endeavors of the university. The following criteria apply for a candidate's eligibility:
- Neither active nor retired faculty of Iowa State University are eligible for candidacy.
- Those who have left Iowa State and have established a career in another setting would be considered eligible five years after leaving this institution.
- Holders of elective or appointive public offices are not eligible for consideration until five years or more after they have vacated office.
6.2.2. Policies for the Selection Process
- An honorary degree will be awarded only in exceptional circumstances. Awarding this degree need not be considered an annual occurrence.
- The committee will receive nominations only from members of the faculty. A nomination may originate from an individual faculty member, from an academic unit, or from the collaborative efforts of the faculties of two or more departments.
- A nomination that comes to the committee from a source other than the academic discipline with which the candidate is associated should be reviewed by the faculty of the appropriate academic unit before it is included in a recommendation forwarded to the president.
6.2.3. Criteria for the Selection of a Candidate
- The primary criterion for the selection of a candidate is a career of superlative intellectual and/or creative activity.
- Attention must be given to calendar, nomination procedures, and documentation of a candidate's qualifications.
- Special emphasis should be placed on securing nominations for female and minority candidates.
6.2.4. Procedures for the Selection of a Candidate
- A committee of the Faculty Senate, the Committee for the Awarding of Honorary Degrees, shall be chaired by a faculty member. It will be responsible for inviting and reviewing all nominations and making written recommendations. The committee will report in confidence its recommendations to the Executive Board of the Faculty Senate and the board will make its recommendations to the university president.
- The committee will announce its procedures and its timetable for receiving nominations from the faculty in a timely manner.
- In the event that the university president does not accept a recommendation for an honorary degree from the Executive Board, the president will communicate the reasons for not doing so to the Executive Board in a timely manner.
The following guidelines will apply in awarding honorary degrees:
- Ordinarily an honorary degree is awarded at commencement ceremonies.
- Normally an honorary degree will not be awarded in absentia.
- The president of the university extends the invitations to those selected to receive an honorary degree.
- Insofar as possible, the recipient of an honorary degree will interact with faculty and students in the field or area of interest while the recipient is visiting the campus.
6.3. Distinguished and University Professorships
Approved as amended by the Faculty Senate on 3/27/07
Approved by the Faculty Senate on 3/06/01.
The Distinguished Professorship and University Professorship represent the highest academic recognitions at ISU and are bestowed on faculty who have demonstrated exemplary performance in their faculty activities. They represent the very best of our faculty. These two recognitions exist to reflect the fact that faculty have multiple responsibilities and that there are different ways for a faculty member to demonstrate excellence. The differences between the Distinguished Professorship and the University Professorship are based on the nature and focus of the faculty member's accomplishments. The Distinguished Professorship is bestowed on faculty members who have outstanding accomplishments in their research and/or creative activities that have had a significant impact on their fields of expertise. The University Professorship is bestowed on faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to ISU that have significantly changed and improved ISU. These differences are described in detail in the sections below.
6.3.1. Distinguished Professor
A Distinguished Professorship is awarded for exemplary performance in research and/or creative activities as reflected by a national or international reputation in the nominee's discipline. A Distinguished Professor above all else must have accomplishments in research, and/or creative activities that have had a significant impact on, or improved the quality of, their discipline. In addition a Distinguished Professor must have demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility: (1) teaching and advising, (2) extension/professional practice, or (3) institutional service.
6.3.1.1. Eligibility
Nominees should hold the rank of professor and should have served for at least five years on the Iowa State University faculty.
6.3.1.2. Procedures for the Selection Process
The procedures for the nomination and selection process are provided on the Provost's web page under Faculty, Awards at http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/awards.html.
The Distinguished Professor Nomination Review Committee is appointed by the Provost following procedures established by the Faculty Senate. The Distinguished Professor Nomination Review Committee receives nominations for Distinguished Professor from colleges and makes recommendations to the Provost.
6.3.2. University Professor
The University Professorship recognizes faculty members whose professional work has focused upon effecting positive, significant institutional change at Iowa State University. A University Professor must above all else have acted as a change agent by having made significant contributions that have improved the university. This professional work must go beyond excellence in teaching or research. In addition to the area of these contributions, a University Professor must have demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility: (1) research and/or creative activities, (2) teaching and advising, or (3) extension/professional practice.
6.3.2.1. Eligibility
Nominees should hold the rank of professor and should have served for at least ten years on the Iowa State University faculty prior to the beginning of the academic year in which they are nominated. The nominees must be individuals whose contributions extend well beyond a one-time impact. Having held an administrative position in and of itself is insufficient for consideration for this recognition. Faculty who have served as administrators (e.g. department chairs, deans, vice president, provost, or staff members in those offices) may be nominated only after they have been out of their administrative roles and functioning as faculty members for at least three years.
6.3.2.2. Procedures for the Selection Process
The procedures for the nomination and selection process are provided on the Provost's web page under Faculty, Awards at http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/awards.html.
The University Professor Nomination and Review Committee is appointed by the Provost following procedures established by the Faculty Senate. The University Professor Nomination and Review Committee receives nominations from the colleges and makes recommendations to the Faculty Senate Executive Board. The Executive Board forwards recommendations to the Provost.
6.4. Emeritus Professor
Approved by the Faculty Senate on 5/07/91.
The emeritus designation is a recognition of service to Iowa State University.
The privileges enjoyed by emeritus faculty include the following:
- being listed by title in the University Catalog
- being maintained on university mailing lists
- being afforded regular faculty privileges with respect to all events, activities, and services sponsored or provided by the university
- being provided limited office space when such space is available.
6.4.1. Eligibility
The follwing faculty are eligible for this award:
- A tenured faculty member who has attained the rank of professor and who retires immediately following ten or more continuous years of employment by Iowa State University, upon such retirement, automatically will be given emeritus designation at the rank of professor.
- Retired faculty members who do not meet the above criteria but who have distinguished themselves through meritorious service to the university and the profession also may recieve the emeritus designation at the last rank held. These nominations must be initiated by the faculty of the individual's department(s) and approved by the college and the Academic Council of the university.
- Persons retiring from administrative duties, at the discretion of the president, may retain their administrative title with emeritus designation added. A president, upon retirement, may be given the title "president emeritus" by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.
6.5. Awards
Iowa State University maintains a system of Honors and Awards to recognize the accomplishments of faculty in teaching, research, institutional service, and professional practice. University awards for which faculty may be nominated and sources describing the nominating process are listed here.
A description of the award and criteria for submitting nominations for these awards may be found on the provost's web page: http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/awards/awards.html
6.5.1. Teaching Awards
ISU Foundation Award for Early Achievement in Teaching
ISU Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching
The Louis Thompson Distinguished Teaching Award
James Huntington Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching
6.5.2. Research Awards
ISU Foundation Award for Early Achievement in Research
ISU Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research
6.5.3. Extension and Professional Practice Awards
ISU Foundation Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice.
ISU Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice.
6.5.4. Academic Advising Award
ISU Foundation Award for Excellence in Academic Advising
6.5.5. Institutional Service Award
International Service Award (Formerly Wilton Park International Service Award)
6.5.6. Other awards also recognize faculty contributions and accomplishments.
The Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of major professors. A description of the award and criteria for submitting nominations may be found on the graduate college web page: http://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/gpss/.
The Presidential Service Award recognizes outstanding service of faculty and staff to Iowa State University. A description of the award and criteria for submitting nominations is available through the Office of the President.
The Regents Faculty Excellence Awards recognize faculty who have rendered significant service to Iowa State University and/or to the state of Iowa. A description of the award and criteria for submitting nominations may be found on the Faculty Senate web page: http://www.facsen.iastate.edu/documents/facultyawards/Regent.html.
6.6. Development Policies
Iowa State University maintains a system of Honors and Awards to recognize the accomplishments of faculty in teaching, research, institutional service, and professional practice. University awards for which faculty may be nominated and sources describing the nominating process are listed here.
A description of the award and criteria for submitting nominations for these awards may be found on the provost's web page: http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/awards/awards.html
6.6.1. Study Opportunities
Faculty may enroll in university classes for professional development or personal enrichment. Enrollment in classes that conflict or intefere with the completion of faculty responsibilities should be avoided. Faculty will be expected to pay full tuition and fees for all course work taken for credit.
6.6.2. Attending Class
Faculty members who wish to attend university classes informally on a no-credit basis rather than enroll as auditors should confer with the instructor in charge.
6.7. Faculty Development Programs
6.7.1. Faculty Professional Development Assignments
(Formerly Faculty Improvement Leave)
Approved by the Faculty Senate on 3/16/90.
The university recognizes that significant opportunities for professional growth and development are required periodically by faculty members and that the Faculty Professional Development Assignments (FPDA) Program is one of the best modes to achieve such growth and development. The university strives to promote an environment in which the faculty will be motivated to participate enthusiastically in FPDA Program. This environment permits both the faculty and administration to plan so as to obtain the desired results from the program. Foreign Exchange Program leaves will be handled administratively and will not be included as part of the FPDA Program.
6.7.1.1. Guidelines
Guidelines for preparation, review and approval of applications are on the Provost's website at http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/advancement/development/fil_1.html
6.7.2. Big 12 Faculty Fellowship Program
The Big 12 Faculty Fellowship Program offers faculty the opportunity to travel throughout the academic year to member institutions to exchange ideas and research. Guidelines for preparing and submitting proposals are available on the web at
http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/advancement/development/.
6.7.3. Internship and Fellowship Programs
The university supports the concept of administrative internships and fellowships for faculty because these can be relevant experiences for faculty members' professional development. The following policies apply to such programs:
- The university will continue to encourage faculty professional development by making timely university-wide announcements of internal and external internship and fellowship opportunities.
- Such announcements will include information about internships available in the various ISU administrative offices and colleges, the ACE Fellows Program, the Kellogg National Fellowship Program, and other similar programs.
- No central funding will be available for the Kellogg National Fellowship Program or the ACE Fellows Program, and all such expenses will be covered by the respective college/administrative offices.
6.7.3.1. Selection Process.
Nominations for external internship/fellowship programs will be initiated at the departmental level by the chair, forwarded to the dean, and, if approved, forwarded to the provost. The following policies apply to internal internships:
- Nominations/applications for the internal internship programs will be administered consistent with the individual college policies and procedures related to the internship position.
- The preferred title will be "Administrative Intern to the ___________" instead of "Assistant to the ____________" or "Assistant ____________."
- There will be no administrative increment awarded to those individuals appointed to the internal internship programs. Salaries are to be paid by the respective administrative units, with reimbursement for necessary replacement to be negotiated with the employing office.
6.7.4. Study in a Second Discipline
The Study in a Second Discipline program offers faculty members an opportunity to extend their scholarship through on-campus study in a separate field for one academic semester. The program is sponsored by the provost, and guidelines for preparing and submitting proposals are available on the web at http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/advancement/development/.
6.7.5. Instructional Development Grants
The university provides support for projects to improve instruction. Grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis. Guidelines for preparing and submitting proposals are available on the web at http://www.itc.iastate.edu/wsdocs/instrdev/IDGrants.html.
6.7.6. Miller Faculty Fellowships
Miller Faculty Fellowships, supported by an endowment, are awarded annually to fund faculty development proposals that advance the university's Strategic Plan. The program is administered by the Office of the Provost and the Center for Teaching Excellence, and guidelines for preparing and submitting proposals are available on the web at http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/advancement/development/.
6.7.7. International Faculty Exchange Opportunities
The university maintains formal exchange agreements with universities around the world, and through such agreements, faculty are able to arrange for exchanges with these institutions. Interested faculty members should obtain a current list of institutions with which we hold agreements from the International Educational Services web site, http://www.iastate.edu/~study-abroad/Partner/Partner.html. To apply for an exchange, the faculty member must have his/her proposal approved by the Chair, Dean, and Provost. Funding of exchanges is negotiated with departments and colleges.
6.7.7.1. Criteria.
The following are the criteria for evaluation of proposed exchanges:
- determination of the extent to which the exchange will enhance the future performance of the individual's duties as a faculty member
- a clear indication that the exchange will benefit the department and institution
- a clear understanding that granting the exchange is an investment in the future of the faculty member and of the department, and is not intended as a reward for past performance
- length of time since the most recent previous IFE (a minimum of two years from completion of a previous IFE must have passed)
- evidence of the proposer's record of scholarly or creative activity
If there is a direct exchange of faculty, B-base faculty can be on an exchange program for up to nine months at full salary, and A-base faculty can be on an exchange program for up to 12 months at full salary. If there is not a direct exchange, the time spent off campus will be considered to be a noncompetitive professional development assignment and the individual will receive up to six months salary upon department and college approval. The college will retain control over any salary savings generated by this exchange. Funding for replacement faculty will not be provided from central administration funds. Replacements will be handled and controlled by the applicant's college(s) or department(s).
When program dates do not conform to the beginning or ending dates of a semester, a separate justification/ approval memo outlining how teaching responsibilities will be covered during that fraction of time will be required of the chair(s) via the dean(s). This memo should accompany the initial application.
6.7.8. Foreign Travel Grant Program
Financial support for university-related travel to foreign countries, in some instances, may be obtained through the foreign travel grant program. Because funds in this program are limited, grants are awarded on a competitive basis and for no more than 75% of the least expensive round trip air fare between Des Moines and the individual's destination.
6.7.8.1. Eligibility.
All faculty may apply for foreign travel grants. Junior faculty who have an opportunity to participate in an international activity that is in the purview of the Foreign Travel Grant Program are encouraged to apply.
6.7.8.2. Categories of Foreign Travel.
Although foreign travel may be undertaken for a number of reasons, most foreign travel requests involve one or more of the following categories:
- long-term research projects in a foreign location
- shorter-duration research or collaborative efforts, often involving several related activities such as lecturing, graduate student recruiting, fund-raising, etc.
- presentations at foreign conferences
- faculty exchanges
6.7.8.3. Application and Review.
Information and application forms are available from the Faculty Senate website: http://www.facsen.iastate.edu/Foreigntravel/foreigntravel.htm.
Applications are reviewed and grants are awarded three times a year by the Faculty Senate Recognition and Development Committee.
6.7.9. Mentoring Program for New Faculty
The Office of the Provost sponsors a mentoring program for new tenure-eligible faculty. The program focuses on helping an individual develop professionally through advice and consultation. Senior faculty designated as mentors accept special responsibilities for assisting new faculty members. The mentors receive professional development support from the Provost's Office. http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty/advancement/development/.
6.7.10. Overseas Study Group Leader and Initial Site Visit Grants
Financial support for faculty or staff may be available to develop and lead student groups on study or internship programs abroad. Funds made available from the Office of the Provost are distributed by the Study Abroad and Exchange Committee, which reports to the Council on International Programs. Proposal guidelines for group leaders are available at the Study Abroad Resource Center or on the web at http://www.iastate.edu/~study-abroad/.
6.7.11. Bailey Research Career Development Award
The overall goal of this award is to foster research that is innovative and, not only increases knowledge, but has practical applications. It is expected that the Bailey award will allow faculty to devote time toward high-risk research addressing emerging scientific, technical and/or societal problems resulting in practical applications and, in appropriate disciplines, extramural funding. Guidelines for applications are available from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Advanced Studies website: http://vpresearch.iastate.edu/guidelines/bailey.html.
