Faculty Handbook 2020-2021

SUNY College of Optometry

Faculty Handbook 2020-21

In addition to the letters of reference that shall be solicited by CPQ, the candidate may request that individuals send letters of recommendations directly to CPQ. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all these letters of recommendation are received by CPQ in a timely manner. At the time the candidate submits recommendations for letters of reference, he/she may also suggest individuals, both internal and external to SUNY Optometry, with whom he/she would like the committee to meet. CPQ may meet with these individuals at its discretion. Recommendations Made by CPQ CPQ will make a written recommendation directly to the dean. This recommendation will take the form of a letter that addresses the candidate’s performance in each of three review criteria and will be accompanied by all supporting documents. Performance in each area will be rated as excellent, good, acceptable or not satisfactory. Voting by CPQ shall be by closed ballet. In its recommendation, which shall be signed by each of the committee members, the vote tally shall be included. CPQ’s letter to the dean, but not letters of reference/recommendation, shall be shared with the candidate. The Dean is not bound by the recommendations of CPQ and has a duty to perform an independent analysis of the candidate’s credentials and potential for future success. The Dean makes his own recommendation to the President and forwards both recommendations to the President for consideration. The President has unfettered discretion in his review to accept or reject recommendations. CPQ shall meet at least annually with the dean and president to present its recommendations and/or discuss policy issues. Department of Biological and Vision Sciences: Criteria for Promotion and Tenure The Department of Biological and Vision Sciences shall be constituted of faculty members with both tenured/tenure earning and non-tenure earning appointments. The ranks for the tenured/tenure earning positions are assistant professor, associate professor and professor. For non-tenure earning positions, the ranks are research instructor, assistant research professor, associate research professor and research professor. Promotion and the awarding of tenure within the Departments of Biological and Vision Sciences requires excellent performance in teaching and scholarship and at least good performance in service unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the primary supervisor and dean. Scholarship for these departments shall be defined as the quality and quantity of original research (basic or clinical). The expectations for scholarship shall increase as the amount of a faculty member’s effort assigned to this area increases. Promotion to the rank of professor requires demonstration of national and/or international leadership.

39