Standard Faculty Categories and Ranks at SPH.
This section defines the categories and ranks that apply to standard faculty appointments and promotions at SPH. The general and specific criteria outlined for each rank are used by SPH faculty, department chairs, the Appointments and Promotions Committee, and the Dean to determine ranks for new appointments and eligibility for promotion.
The categories and ranks employed by the SPH represent a subset of those authorized by the University in the Classification of Ranks and Titles section of the BU Faculty Handbook, which is available at bu.edu/handbook/appointments-and-promotions/.
SPH appoints, develops, and promotes faculty in the following tracks: unmodified, clinical, research, and of the practice. Faculty members in each of these tracks are critical to the successful pursuit of the School’s tripartite mission of research, education, and service. As per BUMC policy, tenure is not available to faculty in any category.
SPH also appoints and promotes faculty with adjunct titles. An adjunct title identifies a faculty member whose primary place of employment is not Boston University. Secondary appointments are awarded to selected faculty whose primary academic appointment is at another Boston University school or college.
A. Ranks for Faculty with Unmodified Titles
Assistant Professor. Generally, an assistant professor has been awarded a doctoral or professional degree or equivalent, exhibits commitment to teaching and scholarly or professional work of high caliber, and participates in University affairs at least at the department level.
Associate Professor. Generally, an associate professor meets the requirements for appointment as an assistant professor; enjoys a national reputation as a scholar or professional; shows a high degree of teaching proficiency and commitment; and demonstrates public, professional, or University service beyond the department.
Professor. Generally, a professor meets the requirements for appointment as an associate professor, and, in addition, has a distinguished record of accomplishment that leads to a global reputation in their field.
B. Ranks for Faculty with Modified Titles
University guidelines indicate that the prefix clinical identifies appointments that primarily provide practical instruction and application of practical knowledge. On the Medical Campus, the title describes faculty whose primary activity is clinical or public health practice or whose primary activity is related to teaching and related scholarship.
University guidelines indicate that the prefix research identifies faculty appointments that are offered to scientists and scholars who fulfill the research qualifications of the standard professorial or instructor ranks and who work for the University on research supported by external grants and contracts. The principal criteria for these titles are scholarly productivity and recognition of original work. Research faculty are eligible to give seminars and teach courses. Teaching is at the discretion of the department, in consultation with individual faculty members. The duties, terms of appointment, and salaries are specified in the letter of appointment.
Clinical or Research Instructor. At the Medical Campus, clinical or research instructor designates an entry level rank for those who have recently completed their training. Instructors may also be individuals who are in positions of advanced training and who also have faculty responsibilities.
Clinical or Research Assistant Professor. Generally, a clinical or research assistant professor has a doctoral degree, or master’s degree plus relevant experience, exhibits the potential for teaching or research work of high quality, and is committed to service at least at the department level.
Clinical or Research Associate Professor. Generally, a clinical or research associate professor meets the requirements for appointment as a clinical or research assistant professor, has made substantial contributions as a teacher or researcher, and participates in School or University service beyond the department (i.e., at the national level).
Clinical or Research Professor. Generally, a clinical or research professor meets the requirements for appointment as an associate professor and, in addition, has a distinguished record of accomplishment in education or research, and participates at a leadership level in internal and/or external service activities.
C. Ranks for Faculty with Professor of the Practice Titles
Associate Professors of the Practice and Professors of the Practice are officers of instruction who are or have been distinguished practitioners in their respective professions and whose primary responsibilities lie in teaching, mentoring, and service to the University.
D. Ranks for Faculty with Adjunct Titles
The prefix adjunct identifies a faculty member whose primary place of employment is not Boston University or whose primary employment within Boston University is not in a faculty capacity.
E. Ranks for Faculty with Secondary Appointments
Secondary appointments may be awarded to selected faculty whose primary academic appointment is at another Boston University school or college, or within another SPH department. Secondary appointments and promotions at SPH are typically at the same rank as the primary BU title and can also have modifiers.
F. Emeritus Status
As per the University Faculty Handbook, Emeritus is a status of honor and esteem at Boston University, intended to recognize faculty for lifetime contributions to the University, their field, or both. Faculty members who have served on the faculty of Boston University for at least ten years are eligible to be considered for Emeritus status upon retirement. Faculty members with Emeritus status retain their title at the highest rank achieved, modified by the incorporation of the gender-appropriate Emeritus designation. If applicable, this title includes the modifiers “Clinical,” “Research,” or “of the Practice;” however, honorific titles, including named professorships, are not incorporated into the Emeritus designation unless approved by the President or the President’s designee. While emeritus faculty members may continue their productive life within the University, the basis of continued participation shall be determined by the School through the faculty and Dean. An emeritus faculty member may not serve as chair of a department or as a member of a policy-making committee. An emeritus faculty member is employed by the University at a rate of compensation appropriate to the assigned responsibilities. Deans, upon stepping down from the decanal role after serving with distinction, may be granted the title “Dean [modified by the gender-appropriate Emeritus designation]” following a positive vote of the full-time faculty of the school or college, and approval by the Provost.