Overview
Term faculty (teaching professors, research professors, and Professors of Practice) are typically reviewed when being considered for reappointment (i.e., toward the end of their current contract) and when being considered for promotion.
A reappointment review is required for any term faculty member who wishes to have their contract renewed after it expires. Promotion reviews for term faculty are conducted based on a timeline specified in R&P. Term faculty may also request to be considered early for promotion.
This page, and the pages specific to reappointment and promotion, provide information about how the review processes work for term faculty.
Reappointment
Teaching/Research Assistant and Associate Professors, and Professors of Practice, are typically reviewed for reappointment in the final academic year of their contract. For example, a Teaching Assistant Professor whose contract ends on June 30, 2026 will be reviewed in AY2025–6.
Teaching/Research Full Professors, and Senior Professors of Practice, are typically reviewed for reappointment the year before the final academic year of their contract. For example, a Senior Professor of Practice whose contract ends on June 30, 2026 will be reviewed in AY2024–5.
See the Term Faculty Reappointment page for details of reappointment review schedules.
Promotion
A Teaching/Research Assistant or Associate Professor is automatically reviewed for promotion (to Teaching/Research Associate or Full Professor) after twelve cumulative semesters in their rank. They may request to be considered for promotion earlier if they wish.
A Professor of Practice is automatically considered for promotion to Senior Professor of Practice after twenty cumulative semesters as Professor of Practice.
See the Term Faculty Promotion page for details of promotion review schedules.
Relevant Sections of R&P
- 2.12 Professor of Practice
- 2.13 Teaching Faculty
- 2.14 Research Faculty
Additional Resources
- Interfolio login page
- Interfolio at Lehigh
Notes
- This overview is intended to supplement the information contained in Lehigh’s Rules and Procedures of the Faculty (R&P). If there is a discrepancy between the guidance on this page and R&P, the provisions of R&P govern.
- Feel free to contact your Department Chair, Associate Dean for Faculty, the Deputy Provost for Faculty Affairs, or the Director of Faculty Affairs with any questions or concerns.