Appointment of Faculty

Executive Memorandum B-48, “Principles and Policies for Academic Freedom, Responsibilities and Tenure, and Procedures for Termination of Faculty Appointments for Cause,” is Purdue University’s official statement on academic freedom, tenure, and the procedures to be used in terminating faculty appointments for cause.  The College of Liberal Arts incorporates much of the spirit of the “Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure” of the American Association of University Professors in its personnel policies.  In addition to the statement on academic freedom, the probationary periods for faculty hired at the various academic ranks are described in Executive Memorandum B-48.  Also included is a description of the conditions under which part-time faculty are eligible for tenure.  Of all policies and procedures developed by the University, Executive Memorandum B-48 is one of the most significant, for it is the cornerstone of academic freedom on this campus.

Executive Memorandum B-50, “Terms and Conditions of Employment of Faculty Members,” describes the procedure for appointing faculty members, in both ladder and non-ladder rank appointments.  It also describes procedures to be followed in the non-renewal of appointments and resignations by faculty members.  

In 1994, the University Senate approved the establishment of a clinical/professional faculty track.  Clinical/professional faculty lines within CLA generally have a primary focus on teaching, engagement, and / or supervision of students doing fieldwork or experiential learning. Clinical faculty are not eligible for tenure, but they may be promoted to associate professor and/or professor within the clinical/professional rank. For a description of the clinical/professional classification, see “Clinical/Professional Faculty Appointment and Promotion,” and Procedures for Appointing and Promoting Clinical/Professional Faculty.