Body
PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Procedure
PURPOSE:
To define the procedures for the Periodic Comprehensive Review of Non-Tenure Track Faculty in the School of Music.
APPLIES TO:
All Non-Tenure Track Faculty on Multi-Term Contracts
CAMPUS:
Lawrence
PROCEDURE STATEMENT:
Overview
The following procedures have been established to assist the non-tenure track (NTT) faculty member who is eligible for periodic review and contract renewal. This is consequential issue to both the faculty member and the School of Music; therefore, the most careful consideration and preparation at all stages of the process are strongly recommended. Familiarity with the Provost’s Office guidelines and web site, in addition to the Faculty Senate Rules and Regulations, when dealing with these issues is crucial.
Periodic Comprehensive Review
NTT faculty, regardless of their title, may be hired for a fixed period of no more than three years. The contract ends at the end of the contract term. These appointments are not automatically renewed at the end of the contract period. A subsequent three-year contract may be issued a) if there is a continued need for the position and b) if the faculty member successfully undergoes a comprehensive review.
Periodic Comprehensive Review Committees
In the School, NTT comprehensive review procedures require a review by an ad hoc departmental committee consisting of three full-time faculty members.
This committee shall function as an evaluating body. Its task is to evaluate the content of the NTT faculty member’s dossier and to make recommendations to the Department Chair and the Dean.
Committee Guidelines
The Committees must note that all recommendations concerning periodic comprehensive reviews shall be made solely in accordance with the standards in the Faculty Senate Rules and Regulations and in the School of Music Faculty Evaluation Policy. The Committees’ deliberations and recommendations must be treated as confidential personnel matters.
If a member of the committee has a clear conflict of interest that would compromise their impartiality in the evaluation of the NTT faculty member, that committee member should recuse themself from the evaluation of that candidate. The candidate may request in writing that a member of the committee be removed because of a conflict of interest. The candidate should clearly state why they believe that a conflict of interest exists. The Department Chair and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs will decide if such a conflict exists and, if so, appoint another member to the committee. If the candidate disagrees with the decision, the matter will be resolved by a majority vote of the committee. In the event of a tie, the decision will be made by the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs.
No individual may participate in multiple levels of review for an individual faculty member.
Review Procedures
Overview
An NTT faculty member who is being considered for contract renewal is advised to read the guidelines published in the University and the School of Music and to seek counsel from their Department Chair, mentor, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Dean, and full-time members of their department. It is the candidate’s task to prepare the dossier, which is a time-consuming process. The candidate should allow ample time for the collection and assembly of all materials. All deadlines published each year will be strictly observed.
Each year the University issues and publishes the forms online that must be utilized for the periodic comprehensive review process. These forms and accompanying guidelines must be regarded as the most significant influence on the content and organization of the dossier. Thus, the NTT faculty member should review the content of the current forms with the utmost care and work diligently to comply with all applicable sections.
When the review process is initiated by the Office of Human Resources, the Dean’s Office shall inform the NTT faculty member of the process timetable and logistical details.
Promotion in Rank
Non-tenure track faculty must be considered for promotion in rank after completing 6 years of service in their current rank. Criteria for promotion are primarily based on the demonstration of excellence in the application of evidence-based teaching practices in the classroom, in addition to other criteria established at the School level for teaching, scholarly engagement, and service. If unsuccessful, an individual may request another review for promotion at the time of their next comprehensive review.
Evaluation Procedure
The School of Music periodic comprehensive review procedures follow the steps required by the Office of Faculty Affairs.
Final Disposition of the Dossier
After the review procedure has been completed, the file will be placed in the faculty member's personnel file and all physical materials submitted will be returned to the faculty member.
CONTACT:
Dean, School of Music
Paul Popiel, Dean
785-864-3421
ppopiel@ku.edu
RESPONSIBLE UNIT:
School of Music
APPROVED BY:
Dean, School of Music
APPROVAL DATE:
03/26/2026
EFFECTIVE DATE:
06/01/2026
REVIEW CYCLE:
1 year
CHANGE HISTORY:
06/01/2026: New procedure published in Policy Library.
TITLE:
School of Music Procedures for Periodic Comprehensive Review of Non-Tenure Track Faculty