UA Graduate Catalog 2003-05

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE GRADUATE FACULTY

The purpose of the graduate faculty of The University of Alabama is to set standards for graduate work and to provide graduate instruction. It is the responsibility of the graduate faculty in each division to elect its representative(s) to the Graduate Council, which acts for the faculty in matters relating to graduate work. There are three categories of members: full, associate, and temporary. Only members of the graduate faculty may teach courses numbered 500 or above, and only members of the graduate faculty may serve on thesis, dissertation, and examining committees. Only full members may chair dissertation committees.

Criteria for full and associate members. The dean of each academic division has the annual responsibility of nominating members who meet the following criteria to serve on the graduate faculty:

1. Hold the Ph.D. or other terminal degree and
2. Hold the rank of at least assistant professor in a full-time, tenure-track position
Must demonstrate ability and continuing interest in the graduate program and in research or creative activity. Full members must show a strong, continuing record of productive research, publication, creative activity, and scholarly activity appropriate to the discipline. These broad requirements are best interpreted by each department and college considering their unique aspects.
Be recommended by the departmental graduate faculty, department chairperson, and dean of the academic division

These nominations will then be acted upon by the chairperson of the Graduate Council, the dean of the Graduate School.

Terms of appointment. Full and associate members are appointed for six-year renewable terms.

Temporary membership. Temporary membership may be extended to well-qualified individuals who do not satisfy the above criteria, to perform specific functions for specific time periods, not to exceed one calendar year. They should be recommended by the departmental graduate faculty, department chairperson, and dean of the academic division. These nominations will then be acted upon by the chairperson of the Graduate Council, the dean of the Graduate School.

Administrative appointments. Faculty members currently on administrative appointments, or returning to the faculty from such appointments, are eligible for full or associate membership on the graduate faculty. They should show, at a minimum, promise of satisfying the appropriate departmental as well as University membership criteria. The individual's record of teaching and research before becoming an administrator should be considered.

Retirement. Members of the graduate faculty are automatically permitted to retain graduate faculty status for one year after retirement. After a graduate faculty member retires, he or she may need to continue to serve as chair or committee member on students' thesis and/or dissertation committees. These graduate faculty members may be appointed as temporary members of the graduate faculty for these purpose and/or to perform other specific functions. The nomination and appointment procedure for these temporary appointments are the same as those adopted by the academic unit and the University.