Policy 4000: Composition and Authority of the Faculty

Category: Academic Affairs
Subcategory: Faculty Code
Covered Individuals: Faculty
Responsible Executive: President
Policy Custodian: Provost and Executive Vice President
Last Revised: 2026/08/07
Previous USU Policy Number: 401
Download the PDF File for Policy 4000

4000.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This policy explains the composition and authority of the University’s faculty (the “Faculty”), including a description of ranks. It also describes certain general principles governing faculty and calling of faculty meetings.

4000.2 POLICY

2.1 Faculty Membership

Utah State University is an institution of higher education composed of multiple, geographically dispersed campuses, Extension offices, and other locations, each of which employs faculty. The Faculty is comprised of the President, the Provost, academic deans, and other members of the tenured and tenure-eligible faculty, faculty with professional appointments, faculty with limited appointments, and emeriti faculty as defined herein. All appointed faculty, without regard to which location they are assigned, are members of the Utah State University faculty.

While Faculty are afforded certain rights and responsibilities by nature of their Faculty status (see e.g., USU Policy 4001: The Faculty Senate and Its Committees; USU Policy 4002: Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibility; USU Policy 4004: Tenured and Term Appointments: Evaluation, Promotion, and Retention, and USU Policy 4006: Academic Due Process: Sanctions and Hearing Procedures, etc.), they are employees of the University, and as such, are subject to and expected to comply with broader University policies, procedures, and state and federal law governing employment.

2.2 Definitions

2.2.1 Faculty Defined; Faculty Categories

The terms "Faculty" and "Faculty Members" mean University employees, as described under Policy 4000, that are appointed for the purpose of carrying out one or more of the following primary functions of the University: (1) academic instruction and technical training; (2) enlargement of knowledge through research and other creative activities; and (3) dissemination of knowledge through extension, librarianship, service, community engagement, and other methods.

Faculty members receive appointments in one of the following four separate categories: (1) tenured or tenure-eligible appointments, (2) professional appointments without eligibility for tenure, (3) limited appointments without eligibility for tenure, and (4) emeriti appointments.

2.2.2 Academic Units and Academic Departments Defined

An “academic unit” is a group of faculty with teaching, research, extension, or other academic functions and is led by a dean or vice president (or department head in the case of academic departments). To be designated an academic unit, the group of faculty must fulfill all of the following criteria: (a) have an identifiable curriculum or formal description in current University catalogs or other publications; (b) have a separate, identifiable budget; (c) be designated an academic unit by decision of the Educational Policies Committee, ratification of the Faculty Senate, and approval of the President, the Board of Trustees and notification of the Utah Board of Higher Education.

An “academic department” (a type of academic unit) is a group of faculty with teaching and/or research responsibilities, led by a department head. To be designated an academic department, the group of faculty must fulfill all of the following criteria: (a) offer or administer a degree, certificate, or some other official credential of the University; (b) have an identifiable curriculum and formal description in current University catalogs or other publications; (c) have a separate identifiable budget; and (d) be designated an academic department by decision of the Educational Policies Committee, ratification of the Faculty Senate, and approval of the President, the Board of Trustees and notification of the Utah Board of Higher Education. In 4000-level policies, the terms “academic department” and “department” are synonymous.

All academic departments are academic units. The Library and Extension are academic units, not academic departments.

The term “school” has been used in different ways at the University. In most cases, a “school” is the equivalent of an “academic department.” An exception is the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, which is the equivalent of a “college.”

2.3 The Tenured and Tenured-Eligible Faculty

2.3.1 Description and Eligibility

Tenured and tenure-eligible faculty are individuals appointed to carry out the University's scholarly and educational functions and who have been or may be granted permanent status (See USU Policy 4004: Tenured and Term Appointments: Evaluation, Promotion and Retention). Tenured and tenure-eligible faculty receive their appointments within their respective academic unit. All faculty in this category either hold tenure or have entered the process that may lead to the granting of tenure. Tenured and tenure-eligible faculty appointments will not be made for less than 0.5 FTE.

2.3.2 Academic Ranks: Professorial Faculty

Tenured and tenure-eligible faculty members appointed to an academic department hold one of the following professorial ranks: Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor. See USU Policy 4004: Tenured and Term Appointments: Evaluation, Promotion, and Retention and USU Policy 4003 Faculty Appointments for a detailed discussion of the criteria for appointment or promotion for these ranks.

2.3.3 Academic Ranks: Librarians

Faculty members appointed to the academic unit of the library hold one of the following ranks: Affiliate Librarian, Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Librarian. See USU Policy 4004: Tenured and Term Appointments: Evaluation, Promotion, and Retention and USU Policy 4003 Faculty Appointments, for a detailed discussion of the criteria for appointment or promotion for these ranks.

2.3.4 Academic Ranks: Extension

Faculty members appointed to the academic unit of Extension and who fulfill general Extension responsibilities hold one of the following ranks: Extension Instructor, Extension Assistant Professor, Extension Associate Professor, or Extension Professor. See USU Policy 4004: Tenured and Term Appointments: Evaluation, Promotion, and Retention and USU Policy 4003: Faculty Appointments for a detailed discussion of the criteria for appointment or promotion for these ranks.

2.3.5 Exceptions

Under extraordinary circumstances, exceptions to USU Policy 4004: Tenured and Term Appointments: Evaluation, Promotion, and Retention may be made to the qualifications for appointment to the various tenure-eligible academic ranks in order to fulfill the mission of the University. Such exceptions require a petition to and approval by the Provost and must specify a time period by which the appointed Faculty Member(s) will satisfy the usual qualifications for appointment.

2.4 Faculty With Professional Appointments

2.4.1 Description and Appointment Requirements

Faculty with professional appointments are individuals appointed to perform specialized academic duties that make substantial and regular contributions to a University academic unit, but do not have the permanence of appointment of tenured faculty.

Professional appointments are for one academic or fiscal year in duration and are automatically renewed based on: (1) satisfactory performance (See USU Policy 4004: Tenured and Term Appointments: Evaluation, Promotion, and Retention, and USU Policy 4006: Academic Due Process: Sanctions and Hearing Procedures) and (2) availability of funding (See USU Policy 4006: Academic Due Process: Sanctions and Hearing Procedures). Notice of non-renewal of any professional appointment must be provided in accordance with USU Policy 4006: Academic Due Process: Sanctions and Hearing Procedures. Faculty members who hold a professional appointment have no claim to a de facto permanent appointment based on length of service. Professional appointments are established only in an academic unit.

Appointments for less than one academic or calendar year constitute appointment to the temporary, not  professional appointment ranks (See Section 2.5.2.3). Professional faculty appointments will not be made for less than 0.5 FTE.

2.4.2 Academic Ranks

The academic ranks for faculty with professional appointments are (1) Lecturer, (2) Clinical, (3) Research, (4) Federal Cooperator, (5) Federal Research, (6) Professional Practice, (7) State Cooperator, and (8) Professional Practice Extension, each of which is described in detail below. 

2.4.2.1 Lecturer Ranks

Faculty members whose primary function is to teach will hold one of the following ranks: Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Principal Lecturer. Lecturers are uniquely qualified for their appointment through educational attainment. 

2.4.2.2 Clinical Ranks

Faculty members who supervise students in clinical practicum, residency, and intern programs and/or have responsibility for clinical practice or service will hold one of the following ranks: Clinical Instructor, Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, or Clinical Professor.

2.4.2.3 Research Ranks

Faculty members whose primary function is research and whose source of funding is primarily extramural will hold one of the following ranks: Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor. Appointment to any research rank requires a terminal degree or its equivalent.

2.4.2.4 Federal Cooperator (FC) Ranks

Faculty members who are federal employees, who are paid by agencies of the federal government, whose primary function at the University is equivalent to professorial faculty, and who serve as faculty under cooperative agreements between the University and the federal government (e.g., U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service) will hold one of the following ranks: Instructor (FC), Assistant Professor (FC), Associate Professor (FC), or Professor (FC). Appointments to federal cooperator ranks are made only in academic units where such cooperative agreements exist.

2.4.2.5 Federal Research (FR) Ranks

Faculty members who are federal employees, who are paid by agencies of the federal government, whose primary function at the University is research, and who serve as faculty under agreements between the University and the federal government (e.g., U.S. Department of Agriculture) will hold one of the following ranks: Assistant Professor (FR), Associate Professor (FR), or Professor (FR). Appointments to federal research ranks are made only in academic units where such agreements exist.

2.4.2.6 Professional Practice Ranks

Faculty members with substantial professional experience and expertise in a specific professional arena outside of academe, who contribute to an academic program by administration, teaching, mentoring, advising, service, research, or other responsibilities based on their professional experience will hold one of the following ranks: Professional Practice Instructor, Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Professional Practice Associate Professor, or Professional Practice Professor.

2.4.2.7 State Cooperator (SC) Ranks

Faculty members who are state-level employees, who are paid by government agencies of the state other than Utah State University, whose primary function at the University is equivalent to professorial faculty, and who serve as faculty under cooperative agreements between the University and state government (e.g., Utah Department of Natural Resources) will hold one of the following ranks: Instructor (SC), Assistant Professor (SC), Associate Professor (SC), or Professor (SC). Appointments to state cooperator ranks are made only in academic units where such cooperative agreements exist.

2.4.2.8 Professional Practice Extension Ranks

Faculty members with substantial professional experience and expertise in a specific professional extension arena outside of academe, who contribute to an academic program by extension, teaching, mentoring, advising, service, research, or other responsibilities based on their professional experience will hold one of the following ranks: Professional Practice Extension Instructor, Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor, Professional Practice Extension Associate Professor, or Professional Practice Extension Professor.

2.4.3 Limitations on Faculty with Professional Appointments

2.4.3.1 No Tenure

Faculty with professional appointments are not eligible to enter the process that leads to the granting of tenure, unless the faculty member's status is changed.

2.4.3.2 Changes in Status

Faculty with professional appointments generally cannot change status from professional appointment faculty to faculty with tenure or tenure-eligibility. A change in faculty status may be granted under exceptional circumstances. The faculty member must have been originally appointed through a competitive search process and must demonstrate a sustained record of success in their current faculty role. Any proposed change in status must originate from the department head or supervisor, require input and support from the department faculty, and must be accompanied by a recommendation from the dean. Final approval of the change in status rests with the Provost.  

Faculty with professional appointments may also apply for a tenure or tenure-eligible position as part of an external search process.

2.4.3.3 Leave

Faculty with professional appointments are not eligible for sabbatical leave, but may be granted professional leave under appropriate conditions, as determined by the department head or supervisor.

2.4.3.4 Professional Faculty Participation

Faculty with professional appointments are eligible to (1) be elected to and vote as a member of the Faculty Senate; (2) participate and vote in department decisions unless limited by department policy; (3) serve as members of faculty committees, except for a Tenure Advisory Committee, Promotion Advisory Committee of tenured faculty, or as otherwise limited by code. 

2.5 Limited Faculty Appointments

2.5.1 Description and Appointment Requirements

Faculty with limited appointments are individuals whose appointments confer a defined association with the University as described below. Such appointments are made to establish an association with professional peers for temporary or part-time service.

Faculty members with limited appointments must possess qualifications and experience commensurate with those required for tenured and/or tenure-eligible or professional appointment faculty. Proposed limited appointments require consultation with the department faculty and approval from the department head, the dean, and the Provost. Periodic performance reviews of faculty members with limited appointments may be conducted. Faculty members with limited appointments are not eligible for tenure. Limited appointments may be removed at any time based on the recommendation of the department head and dean.

2.5.2 Academic Ranks

The academic ranks for the faculty with limited appointments are: (1) Adjunct; (2) Visiting; and (3) Temporary, each of which is described in detail below.

2.5.2.1 Adjunct Ranks

Individuals from a different department, institution, or organization, or with other professional expertise, can be appointed as adjunct faculty. The term “adjunct” may precede any faculty title in the tenure and professional appointment ranks. Adjunct appointments cannot exceed 50 percent time.

2.5.2.2 Visiting Ranks

Faculty members from another academic institution who are professionally interested in collaborating with or engaging in opportunities at USU for one or more semesters may be appointed as visiting faculty. The term “visiting” may precede any faculty title in the tenure and professional appointment ranks.

2.5.2.3 Temporary Ranks

Academic units may appoint faculty on a temporary basis. The temporary nature and duration of any such position must be clearly specified in the offer letter at the time of appointment. A temporary appointment is typically for one academic year and may be renewed up to two times. An exception may be made for a long-term international assignment. Temporary appointments will not be used as long-term strategies for accomplishing the duties of academic departments or academic units. The term “temporary” may precede any faculty title in the tenure and professional appointment ranks.

2.5.3 Limitations on Faculty with Limited Appointments

2.5.3.1 No Tenure Eligibility

Faculty members with limited appointments are ineligible for tenure.

2.5.3.2 Limited Appointment Faculty Participation

Faculty members holding adjunct, visiting, or temporary positions may (1) participate in the processes of setting policy within their departments only to the extent determined by their appointing departments; and (2) serve as members of faculty committees, with the exception of a Tenure Advisory, Promotion Advisory, Faculty Search Committee, or as otherwise limited by code. They may not be counted among the number of faculty members for purposes of apportioning the Faculty Senate members and may not be elected to and vote as members of the Faculty Senate.

2.6 List of Current Faculty

Each year, the University will publish lists of all current faculty in a readily accessible electronic format, stating each faculty member's category and the academic unit to which they are appointed.

2.7 Emeriti Faculty

At the time of retirement, a faculty member may be awarded the honorary rank of Emeritus/Emerita Faculty. Faculty members must apply for emeriti status. Emeriti applications shall be reviewed and approved by the department head, the dean, and the Provost, and are subject to final approval of the President.

Emeriti faculty members may continue to serve on existing tenure advisory, promotion advisory, and graduate student committees with the approval of the department head or supervisor. Emeriti faculty may continue to serve as Principal Investigators at the recommendation of the department head and approval of the dean. Emeriti faculty may be permitted to use department resources at the recommendation of the department head and with the approval of the dean. Emeriti faculty do not have voting rights at the University, with the exception of service on the above-mentioned committees.

Emeriti status is a privilege. Emeriti status, or any of the benefits associated with emeriti status, may be revoked at the discretion of the President. Emeriti faculty are not entitled to the process and procedures outlined in USU Policy 4006: Academic Due Process: Sanctions and Hearing Procedures. A list of emeriti faculty will be published annually by the Office of the Provost.

2.8 Authority of the Faculty

2.8.1 Policy Statement

2.8.1.1 American Association of University Professors Principles

The authority of faculty at USU may reflect principles promulgated by the American Association of University Professors while also complying with Utah law and  Utah Board of Higher Education (UBHE) policies. The authority of the faculty and of the Faculty Senate is based on Utah law, UBHE regulations, and university regulations. In the event that language in this Policy conflicts with Utah law or UBHE regulations, such language will have no effect and will be superseded by Utah law and UBHE regulations.

2.8.1.2 Rights and Responsibilities in University Governance

Faculty members have the right and responsibility to participate in the governance of the University in accordance with Utah law, Utah Board of Higher Education policies, and University policies. 

Methods for faculty participation in University governance should be established wherever faculty responsibility is statutorily or institutionally approved, as set forth below. This is most often achieved through the Faculty Senate (see Section 2.8.2), but may also include other methods, such as faculty engagement within academic units.

2.8.1.3 Statutory Authority - Academic Requirements and Course Curriculum

Pursuant to Utah law, the faculty has primary jurisdiction in the following areas:

  1. Academic requirements for admission, degrees, and certificates. This includes setting the requirements for degrees/certificates offered, determining when the requirements have been met, and recommending to the President that a degree/certificate be granted; and
  2. Course curriculum and instruction.
2.8.1.4 Institutional Authority - Additional Academic-Related Matters

Pursuant to Utah law, and recognizing the importance of faculty involvement and expertise, the President expressly authorizes the faculty, subject to approval as required by Utah law, UBHE policy, and University policy, to:

  1. Develop, create, and endorse new curricula, new courses of study, program assessment/modification, and/or program discontinuation, including stewardship of related proposals through any review process;
  2. Develop and recommend academic policy which relates to the educational process;
  3. Develop and recommend policy related to curricular matters between and among academic units;
  4. Meaningfully participate in faculty status and related matters, such as appointments, reappointments, non-renewals of appointments, dismissals for academic reasons, promotions, and the granting of tenure;
  5. Evaluate the work of their colleagues, recognizing that scholars in a particular field or activity are best positioned to judge work relevant to their field or activity;
  6. Receive and consider reports from any council, department, division, administrative officer, library, college, or faculty committee and make recommendations to the President regarding academic and faculty matters; and
  7. Respond to requests for advice on matters referred by the University President.

Suggested means of communication among the faculty and University administrators are (a) circulation of memoranda and reports; (b) joint ad hoc committees; (c) standing liaison committees; and (d) membership of faculty members on administrative councils, committees, and other bodies.

2.8.3 Delegation of Authority of the Faculty

The authority of the faculty, as outlined in this Section, is generally delegated to the Faculty Senate (see USU Policy 4001: The Faculty Senate and Its Committees).

2.8.4 Authority of the Faculty to Review and to Modify Faculty Senate Actions

Faculty who are eligible to vote in Faculty Senate elections will have the appellate power to review Faculty Senate actions by means of a special meeting. Upon the written petition of 10% of these faculty, or upon the written request of twenty-five Faculty Senators, the faculty must meet to reconsider Faculty Senate actions and to ratify, modify, or repeal them. The petition or request must be submitted to the University President, who serves as chair of the faculty. The University President must call a meeting consistent with the requirements of Section 2.9 below.

2.9 Meetings of the University Faculty

This section refers to meetings of the university faculty as a whole, which are separate from Faculty Senate meetings.

2.9.1 Calling Meetings

Upon receipt by the University President of a written request or a written petition under Section 2.8.3, the University President must call a meeting of the faculty within ten working days to discuss and/or act on issues raised in the request or petition.

The University President may call a faculty meeting for reasons other than those described in Sections 2.8.3 and 2.9.1.

2.9.2 Notice

Faculty must receive notice of the aforementioned meetings and the agenda a minimum of five days before the meeting unless the University President waives the notice requirement on the grounds of emergency.

2.9.3 Quorum

In cases where a binding vote is desired, a quorum must be present. Fifty percent of faculty eligible to vote in Faculty Senate elections plus one will constitute a quorum. A quorum being present, all actions will be by majority vote of those in attendance with voting power. Meeting procedures will be in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

2.9.4 Chair and Secretary of the University Faculty

The University President (and in the president's absence, the Executive Vice President and Provost) is the chair of the faculty and presides over all faculty meetings. The University President will appoint a faculty secretary (the “Secretary”). The Secretary will record all actions of the faculty when it meets and will preserve the records in a form convenient for reference.

2.10 Committees of the University Faculty

Faculty committees may be appointed at any time to advise on the work of the University and report back to the appropriate appointing body.

4000.3 REFERENCES

4000.4 RELATED USU POLICIES

Information below is not included as part of the contents of the official policy. It is provided only as a convenience for readers/users and may be changed at any time by persons authorized by the President, subject to review by the USU Policy Committee.

RESOURCES

Contacts

POLICY HISTORY

Original issue date: 1997/07/01
Last review date: 2026/08/07
Next scheduled review date: 2029/05/01
Previous revision dates: 1999/07/01, 2009/03/06, 2010/08/13, 2011/07/08, 2016/03/04, 2019/01/11, 2020/01/10, 2020/05/20, 2021/09/01