It is important within a professional Faculty that scholarly academic work and creative professional achievement complement each other, and that there be a recognition of the distinct value of these contributions by the individual in building the collective success of the Faculty enterprise. In January 1981, Dean Gordon Slemon produced guidelines for the assessment of professional achievement. Contributions in the area of university service may constitute a fourth factor in the tenure decision but should not, in general, receive a particularly significant weighting. In this context published work may include books. It may also be evidenced by various other types of creative or professional work, including community service, where such work is comparable in level and intellectual calibre with scholarly production and relates directly to the candidate's academic discipline.
Research also encompasses unpublished writings and work in progress.
Scholarly achievement may be demonstrated by consideration of theses or other material prepared or written under the candidate's direct supervision. Creative professional achievement is not to be confused with service to the profession. Teaching in a professional capacity, serving on professional societies, organizing professional conferences, etc. are to be evaluated in the same way as service to the University and service to the scholarly community. Scholarly activities to be considered in promotion decisions include research work and certain kinds of professional or artistic activity. Successful research leads to the advancement of knowledge through contributions of an original nature.