Promotion and Tenure Guidelines of the Department of Computer Science

Recommendation for Tenure or Promotion in the Department of Computer Science is based on the candidate's overall contributions to the Department’s academic excellence. The evaluation of the candidate’s contributions is centered on the candidate’s demonstrated achievements and future potential in three fundamental areas, i.e., research, teaching and services, as indicated below:

1. Tenure and Promotion to the Rank of Associate Professor

Tenure and the rank of Associate Professor in Computer Science are awarded to faculty members who have achieved excellence in research, and at least satisfactory performance in teaching, and service, and thus, making meaningful contributions to the Department’s mission. Candidates are expected to have established themselves as independent scholars in their area(s) of expertise.

Research

Candidates are expected to have demonstrated significant research achievements and established themselves as independent scholars with an emerging national and international reputation. Candidates must demonstrate an independent, productive, and visible research program in recognized areas of Computer Science. There should be a clear potential to maintain and expand their research program over the long term. Key factors considered in assessing research productivity include but not limited to:

• Publications: A significant and consistent record of high-quality, peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and/or conferences of Computer Science and related areas. Authorship must demonstrate independence from their doctoral or post-doctoral mentors. When co-authored with other colleagues, publications must demonstrate significant contributions, and intellectual leadership in an impactful and cohesive research agenda.

• Grants and Contracts: Securing significant and competitive research grants or contracts from external national or international funding agencies that support the candidate's research. Peer-reviewed federal funding is strongly expected as the PI. The candidate must demonstrate intellectual leadership as the PI or a Co-PI in collaborative funding efforts.

• Presentations: Invitations to present at prominent conferences, seminars, and workshops.

• External Evaluation: Letters from external reviewers solicited by the Chair, and who are recognized experts in the field, assessing the significance and potential of the candidate’s research contributions, and attesting to an emerging national reputation in their chosen research area(s).

Teaching

To meet the satisfactory criterion in the teaching performance, candidates must demonstrate effectiveness as educators and mentors. Factors considered in evaluating teaching performance include:

• Teaching Quality and Innovation: Use of best practices to support student retention and success in the classroom as well as improve student learning outcomes.

• Student Supervision: Supervision of graduate and undergraduate student research projects, including independent studies.

• Course Materials: Well-organized course outlines, syllabi, and online resources reflecting thoughtful course planning.

• Curriculum Development: Participation in curriculum development activities such as creation of new courses that enhance departmental offerings.

• Student Feedback: Results from student evaluations and unsolicited feedback from students.

Service

While the primary focus for candidates is on research and teaching, meaningful contributions to service are also required. Service is assessed based on:

• Professional Contributions: Serving as a reviewer for leading academic journals and conferences; and participating in conference program committees.

• Grant Review Panels: Reviewing research proposals for major funding agencies.

• Institutional Service: Active participation on committees within the Department, School, and University, including service as chair or member of committees.

2. Promotion to the Rank of Professor

Promotion to the rank of Professor is the highest academic honor, awarded to faculty who have demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, and service well beyond the level expected of Associate Professors. Candidates must exhibit a sustained and distinguished national and international reputation in their field.

Research

Candidates for Professor must demonstrate a research record that significantly exceeds the expectations for Associate Professors. This includes consistent scholarly productivity, external recognition, and leadership in their field while in rank as associate professors. Key factors for assessing research productivity include but not limited to:

• Research Funding: A sustained record of securing substantial research funding in rank as the senior Principal Investigator, showing the ability to lead large-scale projects

• Ph.D. Supervision: Successful supervision of a substantial number of Ph.D. students through to completion.

• Faculty Mentorship: Active mentorship of junior tenure-track faculty, supporting their development in research and teaching.

• External Evaluation: Strong letters from prominent full-rank external reviewers, affirming the candidate’s impact and leadership in the research community.

Teaching

Candidates must maintain a high standard of teaching excellence. The criteria for teaching effectiveness for promotion at the rank of Professor are the same as those for the rank of Associate Professor.

Service

At the rank of Professor, candidates must demonstrate a sustained record of leadership in service both within the university and the broader academic community. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership roles and contributions to institutional and professional governance. Key factors for assessing service include:

• Editorial Leadership: Serving as editor or associate editor of major academic journals in computer science

• Editorial Board Membership: Active participation on the editorial boards of key journals.

• Grant Review Panels: Service on national and international government grant review panels.

• Conference Leadership: Chairing or leading Program Committees for major computer science conferences.

• Professional Leadership: Holding leadership roles in prominent professional organizations.

• Institutional Leadership: Leading significant initiatives and holding key administrative roles at the department, college, or university level.