3.05.2 The Graduate Faculty
Faculty members may be appointed to the graduate faculty in one of the following categories:
- Regular status
- Possesses an earned doctorate or the equivalent as defined in the Rules and Regulations in appropriate areas of specialization (requirement);
- Teaches graduate courses (requirement);
- Supervises students who are working on a master’s thesis or who are serving as graduate assistants (option);
- Conducts scholarly-related research and presents or publishes the results (requirement); and
- Provides academic advisement for graduate students (option).
- Adjunct status
- Possesses an earned doctorate or the equivalent as defined in the Rules and Regulations in the appropriate area of specialization; and
- Is an active practitioner in her/his field of preparation.
Adjunct status is by appointment for one (1) to three (3) years and may be renewed.
- Temporary status
- Possesses qualifications no less than the minimal requirements for eligibility for the rank of assistant professor or visiting lecturer; and
- Has responsibilities which include teaching and/or thesis committee membership.
Temporary status is by appointment for up to one (1) year and may be renewed.
- Professional Specialist
- Must have earned a master’s degree in the area of specialization which is consistent with her/his field of full-time employment;
- Must be employed full time in, or has retired from, a position in business or a government agency in which he/she practices or has practiced the skills or understandings being taught; and
- Is restricted to providing instruction in courses that carry graduate credit, but which are not a permanent part of the curriculum required for an approved program.
Recommendations for graduate faculty appointment will be made by the appropriate department head, College Dean, Graduate Council, and the Dean of Graduate and Extended Studies with final approval by the President based on the recommendation of the VPAA.
Effective Date
Approved by Board of Curators: January 15, 2026