The Policy on Rank and Tenure describes voting procedures and eligibility in cases of tenure and promotion. Eligible faculty members who are on leave of absence or on sabbatical leave may vote if they wish to and if it is practical for them to do so, but they are under no obligation to participate in departmental governance while they are on leave. In general departmental matters, faculty members who are otherwise eligible to vote may leave specific written proxies with the chair. General proxies, verbal proxies or proxies left with other faculty members are not acceptable.
Proxies are acceptable in votes on hiring.
In cases of annual and triannual evaluations faculty members may not leave proxies. Faculty members who are not present at these discussions may communicate their views to the chair, either verbally or in writing. The chairs may, if they wish, take these communications into account when the chairs formulate their own recommendations.