External Review for Promotion and Tenure · 47
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
http://www.provost.uiuc.edu/communication/09/criteria.html
PROMOTION AND TENURE
CRITERIA AND GENERAL GUIDELINES
COMMUNICATION NO. 9
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS • URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
PAGE 13
If teaching or service is the primary basis for the recommended promotion, the statement
should reflect accomplishments and future plans in teaching or service and how they relate
to research.
The departmental evaluation of research accomplishments should indeed be an evaluation,
not merely a description of research. The emphasis should be placed on at least two
publications or creative works. Of particular concern are the quality of execution, the
significance of the topics, and the impact on the field.
The departmental evaluation of future potential has value only if it is developed in realistic
terms. The discussion should focus on the candidate’s strategy for developing his or her
career as a scholar, and should include an assessment of the probable standing of the
candidate within the subfield and larger discipline five years from the present.
Outside Evaluation of Research, Scholarship, Teaching, and Creative Activity
Letters from at least four scholars or professional specialists outside the University are
required for each nominee. These letters are critical components of the dossier and
play a major role in the decision-making process. The letters must be appropriate in
several dimensions. They must be:
• sufficient in number,
• from appropriately selected individuals at peer institutions,
(NOTE: If a unit has sought an evaluation from an individual outside of the
university’s peer ranks, an explanation must be provided. Letters from
individuals not affiliated with a university but who are otherwise
knowledgeable about standards and indicators of excellence that are
meaningful in an academic environment at our level of achievement should be
in addition to the four letters from evaluators at academic institutions.)
• from individuals of appropriate (usually senior) rank,
• from objective evaluators without conflicts of interest. For example, letters
for tenure should not be solicited from the individual's thesis advisor or current
or past collaborators.
• Date-stamped upon receipt.
Each evaluator should receive the candidate’s dossier exclusive of evaluative materials and
a representative sample of the candidate’s scholarly or creative work. A single manuscript
or creative work will rarely suffice as a representative sample.
Number of Letters. It is rare that more than six letters need be solicited. All letters
received must be included in the promotion papers. Likewise, a list of all those evaluators
solicited must be included. While it is appropriate for candidates to suggest persons
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
http://www.provost.uiuc.edu/communication/09/criteria.html
PROMOTION AND TENURE
CRITERIA AND GENERAL GUIDELINES
COMMUNICATION NO. 9
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS • URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
PAGE 13
If teaching or service is the primary basis for the recommended promotion, the statement
should reflect accomplishments and future plans in teaching or service and how they relate
to research.
The departmental evaluation of research accomplishments should indeed be an evaluation,
not merely a description of research. The emphasis should be placed on at least two
publications or creative works. Of particular concern are the quality of execution, the
significance of the topics, and the impact on the field.
The departmental evaluation of future potential has value only if it is developed in realistic
terms. The discussion should focus on the candidate’s strategy for developing his or her
career as a scholar, and should include an assessment of the probable standing of the
candidate within the subfield and larger discipline five years from the present.
Outside Evaluation of Research, Scholarship, Teaching, and Creative Activity
Letters from at least four scholars or professional specialists outside the University are
required for each nominee. These letters are critical components of the dossier and
play a major role in the decision-making process. The letters must be appropriate in
several dimensions. They must be:
• sufficient in number,
• from appropriately selected individuals at peer institutions,
(NOTE: If a unit has sought an evaluation from an individual outside of the
university’s peer ranks, an explanation must be provided. Letters from
individuals not affiliated with a university but who are otherwise
knowledgeable about standards and indicators of excellence that are
meaningful in an academic environment at our level of achievement should be
in addition to the four letters from evaluators at academic institutions.)
• from individuals of appropriate (usually senior) rank,
• from objective evaluators without conflicts of interest. For example, letters
for tenure should not be solicited from the individual's thesis advisor or current
or past collaborators.
• Date-stamped upon receipt.
Each evaluator should receive the candidate’s dossier exclusive of evaluative materials and
a representative sample of the candidate’s scholarly or creative work. A single manuscript
or creative work will rarely suffice as a representative sample.
Number of Letters. It is rare that more than six letters need be solicited. All letters
received must be included in the promotion papers. Likewise, a list of all those evaluators
solicited must be included. While it is appropriate for candidates to suggest persons
