General Guidelines

The following guidelines, effective July 1st, 2024, are intended to assist and inform both the appointment process and for those seeking promotion into the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor. These guidelines describe the overall processes and link to the formal procedures for SGUSOM, including required documentation and deadlines. Further information relating to promotions is included on the SOM Faculty portal page, under the Promotions tab.

Criteria for initial appointment and promotion to each rank are as per the expectations for each academic track, as listed this handbook, section I. Academic tracks. Excellence and productivity are critical elements within each category. All faculty must maintain high ethical standards and demonstrate the professional integrity expected of role models of medical and graduate students in the health sciences.

For basic sciences faculty, appointments are for one year in the first instances and then for one or two years subsequently.

For clinical sciences faculty, reappointments are every three years, except for those holding the rank of Professor.

Certain faculty positions are non-track, rank-only positions, as designated in the faculty member’s appointment letter. There is not a promotion track for these ranks. Faculty in non-track, rank-only positions who have met the necessary standards can apply for a vacant position if they meet the necessary standards, as per the usual application and hiring process described. If offered the position, they would then resign from their non-track, rank-only position and be appointed into the new position, in the relevant track and rank. A vacancy is required for this transition. Please see the section in this document in relation to academic tracks.