Professor of Practice Policy

Purpose

This policy establishes the criteria and process for awarding the Professor of Practice designation within the Riccio College of Engineering. The Professor of Practice designation recognizes distinguished professionals whose substantial accomplishments in industry, government, nonprofit organizations, or other professional practice enhance the educational mission of the Riccio College of Engineering (RCOE). The designation is intended for non-tenure-track faculty who engage primarily in teaching while promoting the integration of practical experience, industry, societal and global perspectives, and collaboration with external partners. The designation may also be awarded to uncompensated adjunct or gratis appointees as provided in this policy.

The conferral of the title Professor of Practice requires approval of the Provost.  

Nature of Appointments

• For compensated appointments, Professor of Practice shall serve as a working title and may be used in official University communications, including websites, directories, business cards, and email signatures.
• For employment purposes, individuals holding the Professor of Practice designation shall be appointed under the applicable Lecturer classification and shall be governed by all University policies, collective bargaining agreements, and procedures applicable to Lecturer appointments.
• The Professor of Practice designation does not constitute a separate employment classification and does not confer employment rights beyond those associated with the underlying Lecturer appointment.
• Research is not the primary expectation of the appointment but may be pursued when consistent with the individual's assigned responsibilities. If the individual is on a CY appointment, refer to the NTT CY Policy located here: https://www.umass.edu/engineering/about/policies-riccio-college-engineering/calendar-year-ntt-faculty-compensation
• The Professor of Practice designation may also be awarded to individuals holding adjunct or gratis appointments. Such appointments are courtesy appointments and are not compensated unless otherwise specified by the University. Such appointments are typically for a specified number of years and may be renewed. 

Eligibility

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Distinguished achievement and recognized expertise in their profession;
• Significant leadership and accomplishments in industry, government, nonprofit organizations, or other areas of professional practice;
• A demonstrated ability to integrate professional practice with academic instruction;
• The ability to contribute meaningfully to teaching, student advising, mentoring, curriculum development, experiential learning, and service.

Individuals appointed as Professors of Practice may be practicing professionals or retired professionals whose expertise contributes significantly to the educational mission of the College.

The Riccio College of Engineering requires at least 10 years of relevant industry, practitioner, or other professional experience as a minimum qualification for the designation. A Ph.D. in engineering or related field is not required, although candidates will typically hold an advanced degree (e.g. a Master's degree) 

Designation of Existing Faculty

Current non-tenure-track faculty members holding other academic titles who satisfy the qualifications for the Professor of Practice designation may be recommended by the Dean for the designation. This designation Is not automatic and is not an entitlement. NTT faculty engaged in relevant consulting work outside of their normal duties may be able to count that work towards the relevant experience requirement. 

The Dean may solicit recommendations from the appropriate Department Personnel Committee (DPC) and Department Chair prior to submitting a recommendation.

Professor of Practice appointments made prior to the effective date of this policy are not affected by the terms of this policy, with the exception that courtesy/gratis appointments should have an established term (which may be renewable).

Approval Process

Requests to appoint an individual as Professor of Practice shall be submitted by the Dean to the Provost.

The use of the Professor of Practice designation in an NTT faculty search should be included in the normal faculty hiring approval process. Candidates in such a search must still meet the eligibility criteria of this policy in addition to the requirements of the specific position being searched. 

The request shall include:

• A brief memorandum recommending approval of the designation; and
• Either:
  • the candidate's current curriculum vitae; or
  • the position announcement if authorization is requested to recruit under the Professor of Practice designation.

A copy of the request shall be provided to Academic Human Resources (AHR).