II. Retention and Re-Appointment of Faculty

A. The Annual Contract

Re‐appointment of faculty members is most often accomplished by the offer of a contract memorandum from the provost and the president, normally on March 1. The contract states the salary for the new academic year. Faculty contracts usually focus on the period of responsibilities in the fall and spring semesters, with any additional understandings concerning responsibilities and compensation added to the document. In order to provide all faculty with benefits for an entire twelve‐month period, however, it is understood that faculty are employed from the opening day of the fall semester (usually the day of the faculty workshop) through the day immediately preceding the opening of the next year’s fall semester. The period of teaching and other professional responsibilities for which compensation is offered, however, will be the period stated in individual annual contracts. For tenured faculty, the contract memorandum reaffirms the bond with the University. In the case of non‐tenured faculty members, the contract memorandum extends the relationship and may be accompanied by, or be replaced by, a detailed letter from the provost.

B. Increases in Remuneration

In arriving at the salary adjustment figures in contract memoranda, the deans of the colleges recommend to the provost increases in remuneration, after consultation with department chairs. The criteria for advancement, which are outlined below, are employed in recommending merit‐based increases in remuneration.

Salary increases or adjustments are recommended only during the time designated for review, evaluation, and salary adjustment.

C. Length of Probationary Appointments

Probationary appointments may be for one year or for other stated periods, subject to renewal; but the total probationary period will not exceed seven years of continuous faculty service in the University, except in unusual circumstances and only by written agreement between the provost and the individual faculty member.

D. Notice of Non-Renewal

Written notice that a probationary appointment is not to be renewed will be given to the faculty member in advance of the expiration of his/her contract, according to the following minimum periods of notice:

1. Not later than March 1 of the first academic year of service if the appointment expires at the end of that year; or, if a one year appointment ends during the academic year, at least three months in advance of its termination.
2. Not later than December 15 of the second academic year of such service, if the contract expires at the end of that year; or, if an initial two‐year appointment terminates during an academic year, at least six months in advance of its termination.
3. At least twelve months before the expiration of an appointment after more than two years of service at the University.
4. Except for the summer sessions and in case of emergency, notice of the terms and conditions of an appointment renewal will be given at least two months before the teaching duties assumed under the previous contract have ended, exclusive of a summer session or intersession.