Step 2: Identify your appropriate track and rank

School of Medicine university appointments and promotions

The below information acts as a guide for the conversation with your Academic Chair and Step 3. The track and rank information is for you explore, but you cannot apply for a faculty appointment or promotion without first speaking and receiving approval from your Academic Chair.  If you do not know who your academic chair, please see this list of academic chairs. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

You can also find a printable version of the track descriptions here.  Below you will see the policies, descriptions, ranks, and will lead you to Step 3 for the following tracks:

Tenure Line

ANNOUNCEMENT: Please see information on the Extension of the Tenure Probationary Period related to COVID-19. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Creation of a Tenure Track appointment requires an academic chair to receive prior approval from the Executive Vice President.  Applications will not be considered without the Chair first receiving this approval.  If you have any questions after reviewing the Tenure documentation, please contact the Vice President for Faculty and Academic Affairs, Dr. Elliott Crooke.  

The Tenure Track recognizes Georgetown University-employed faculty members who make substantial and sustained contributions to the scholarly mission of GUMC in the areas of research, education, service and, as appropriate, patient care. It is intended for those who are dedicated to the creation and dissemination of knowledge based upon original research related to basic investigations of normal biologic processes or diseases, clinical research, or medical education.

We also recommend reviewing the Guidelines for Submission of Rank and Tenure Applications by Tenure-Line Faculty (new window) before beginning the application process..

Choose Your Rank

The Rubric for faculty ranks on Tenure Track contains examples intended to provide faculty applicants and Department Chair persons guidance as to the types of specific activities the Medical Center Committee on Appointments and Promotions believes are important indicators of achievement in education at each academic rank. The examples given are illustrative and not inclusive, and do not constitute a formal part of the standards for appointment and promotion for faculty on the Tenure track. The Committee recognizes that there may be other important contributions that show similar levels of achievement.

The faculty handbook (new window) describes the university standards for research, education, and scholarship. Each department has developed a document outlining how the university standards apply to that discipline. You should review the university standards, how they apply to your department, and discuss these with your chair as you assess your academic progress. Please contact your Department Chair for a copy of the department-specific standards for your department. 

Step 3 (Tenure): Discuss with your academic chair and apply for:

Appointment (First time/Returning School of Medicine Faculty)

OR

Grant of Tenure, Seeking Promotion (already tenured) or Tenure Line Promotion to Associate or Full Professor


Medical Educator

The Medical Educator Track (non-tenure) recognizes University-employed Medical Center faculty members who are engaged primarily in the educational mission of the University’s Medical Center. While the defining feature of this track is a requirement for making contributions to education, candidates are expected to contribute to scholarship, service, and research, including, in some cases, related clinical activities.”

Choose Your Rank

The Rubric for faculty ranks on the Medical Educator track contains examples intended to provide faculty applicants and Department Chair persons guidance as to the types of specific activities the Medical Center Committee on Appointments and Promotions believes are important indicators of achievement in education at each academic rank. The examples given are illustrative and not inclusive, and do not constitute a formal part of the standards for appointment and promotion for faculty on the Medical Educator track. The Committee recognizes that there may be other important contributions that show similar levels of achievement.

The faculty handbook (new window) describes the university standards for research, education, and scholarship. Each department has developed a document outlining how the university standards apply to that discipline. You should review the university standards, how they apply to your department, and discuss these with your chair as you assess your academic progress. Please contact your Department Chair for a copy of the department-specific standards for your department. 

Step 3 (Medical Educator): Discuss with your academic chair and apply for:

Appointment (First Time/Returning School of Medicine Faculty)

OR

Promotion (Current School of Medicine Faculty Only)


Research

The Research Track (non-tenure) recognizes University-employed Medical Center faculty members who make significant contributions to the quality and productivity of the Medical Center research programs. This track is intended to be primarily for faculty whose salaries are derived from specifically designated funds, including research grants and other external sources. An individual holding a Research academic title will have primary responsibilities to research programs. However, such an individual will also have responsibilities toward the training goals of the Department/School.

Choose Your Rank

The Rubric for faculty ranks on the Research track contains examples intended to provide faculty applicants and Department Chair persons guidance as to the types of specific activities the Medical Center Committee on Appointments and Promotions believes are important indicators of achievement in education at each academic rank. The examples given are illustrative and not inclusive, and do not constitute a formal part of the standards for appointment and promotion for faculty on the Research track. The Committee recognizes that there may be other important contributions that show similar levels of achievement.

The faculty handbook (new window) describes the university standards for research, education, and scholarship. Each department has developed a document outlining how the university standards apply to that discipline. You should review the university standards, how they apply to your department, and discuss these with your chair as you assess your academic progress. Please contact your Department Chair for a copy of the department-specific standards for your department. 

Step 3 (Research): Discuss with your academic chair and apply for:

Appointment (First time/Returning School of Medicine Faculty)

OR

Promotion (Current School of Medicine Faculty Only)


Adjunct

The Adjunct Track is used to designate part-time members of the faculty who have the same qualifications as members of the ordinary faculty.

Choose Your Rank

Please review the Rubric for faculty ranks for Adjuncts.

Step 3 (Adjunct): Discuss with your academic chair and apply for:

Appointment (First Time/Returning School of Medicine Faculty)

OR

Promotion (Current School of Medicine Faculty Only)


Emeritus/Emerita

A retiree with a record of meritorious service to the University will be awarded an emeritus title by the appropriate Executive Vice President. The emeritus title would consist of the retiree’s pre-retirement title followed by the word ‘Emeritus/Emerita.’

For the purposes of this policy, a retiree is a Georgetown University faculty member or professional librarian who resigns his or her University appointment after satisfying the University’s age and length of service conditions for retirement benefits.

Emeritus/emerita faculty or librarians are eligible for continuation of library privileges and their email accounts. The provision of salaries, facilities, and additional amenities, is subject to the written approval of the relevant administrative officer.

Emeritus/Emerita status does not confer the right to participate in meetings of departments or other faculty governance bodies, or prohibit participation.

Step 3 (Emeritus/Emerita): Discuss with your academic chair and apply:

If you are interested in applying for Emeritus/Emerita, you must send the FA-1U document and a letter requesting Emeritus/Emerita via email to the Vice President for Faculty and Academic Affairs, Dr. Elliott Crooke, copying the Director of Faculty Records and Data Management, Ivan Gray, and the Director of Academic Appointments and Promotions, Annie Alston.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.


Special Titles

Special Titles are designed for individuals seeking faculty appointment with specialized titles such as Laboratory Instructor, Professorial Lecturer, and Visiting Professor. These titles are intended primarily for individuals who are not employed by the University or any of its educational affiliates and who might have formerly been called voluntary or part time faculty.

Choose Your Title

Please review the descriptions of the Special Titles.

Step 3: Discuss with your academic chair and apply