Statute 11: Ranks

The Members of the University Faculties are classified as follows: Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Collegiate Assistant Professor, and Instructor. Every person holding one of these titles with status as defined in section 11.1 shall be a member of the Faculty. Membership in the University Faculties is restricted to persons holding appointment as prescribed in section 11.1.

The procedure in making appointments and in determining tenure and promotion of members of the Faculties shall be as follows:

11.1.1. Instructors. The term of appointment as instructor shall be for either one or two years, provided that no person shall be appointed to serve in the rank of instructor for a total of more than four years. When an instructor is not reappointed for a second, third, or fourth year, terminal notice shall be given to the instructor not later than March 15 of the last year of appointment. When an instructor has held full-time appointment for three years in one or more Divisions or in the Institute for Molecular Engineering, and is reappointed for a fourth year of such service, the department, the College, the School or the Institute for Molecular Engineering shall review the case and recommend to the appropriate Dean:

1. that the instructor be promoted to assistant professor as defined in §11.1.3 at the end of the fourth year, or  
2. that the instructor not be reappointed at the end of the term of appointment.

Following subsequent review, and not later than December 15 of the last year of appointment, the instructor shall be notified of the final decision. Persons whose appointive year ends at dates other than June 30 or September 30 will be given comparable notice.

11.1.2. Collegiate Assistant Professors. The term of appointment as Collegiate Assistant Professor shall be for four years. Appointment as a Collegiate Assistant Professor shall be limited to one, non-renewable four-year term in the College and shall carry no implication of eligibility for indefinite tenure or a right to be reviewed for indefinite tenure.

11.1.3. Assistant Professors. The appointment of an assistant professor normally shall be for a term of either three or four years of full-time service in one or more Faculties of the Departments, the College, and Schools, or in the Institute for Molecular Engineering, provided that no person shall be appointed to serve in this rank for:

1. a total of more than seven years, or
2. a total of more than six years if the person previously had an appointment for full-time service in the rank of instructor for as long as four years.

In the last year of full-time service as an assistant professor under an initial term of appointment (third or fourth year, whichever is applicable), the Department, or the College, or the School, or the Institute for Molecular Engineering shall review the case and recommend to the appropriate Dean:

1. that the assistant professor be reappointed for a second term of not more than three or four years, whichever is applicable, or
2. that the assistant professor not be reappointed at the end of the term of appointment.

When an assistant professor has completed all but the last year of service under a second full-time appointment and is in the last year (sixth or seventh year as the case may be) of such appointment, the Department, or the College, or the School, or the Institute for Molecular Engineering shall review the case and recommend to the appropriate Dean:

1. that the assistant professor be promoted to associate professor as defined in section 11.1.4 at the completion of the term of appointment, or
2. that the assistant professor not be reappointed at the end of the term of appointment.

With respect to reviews under section 11.1.3, following subsequent review and not later than December 15 of the last year of appointment, the assistant professor shall be notified of the final decision. Persons whose appointive year ends at dates other than June 30 or September 30 will be given comparable notice.

11.1.4. Associate Professors and Professors. Normal appointment to the rank of associate professor or professor shall be with indefinite tenure. Exceptions can be made for appointments at those ranks on a term basis, and the notice of appointment shall specify the period of appointment. Such term appointments carry no implication of indefinite tenure. When an associate professor or professor on a term appointment has completed all but the last year of service under such an appointment, the Department, or the College, or the School, or the Institute for Molecular Engineering shall review the case and recommend to the appropriate Dean normally either:

1. that the associate professor or professor shall at the completion of the term of appointment be appointed with indefinite tenure, or
2. that the associate professor or professor not be reappointed at the end of the term of appointment.

Following subsequent review, and not later than December 15 of the last year of appointment, the associate professor or professor shall be notified of the final decision. Persons whose appointive year ends at dates other than June 30 or September 30 will be given comparable notice.

11.1.5. Clinical Faculty without Public Distinction of Title. Appointments in the Division of the Biological Sciences of clinical faculty without public distinction of title shall be made at the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor.  All appointments under this Section 11.1.5 shall be without indefinite tenure.

11.1.5.1. Appointments as assistant professor under this section shall be made for terms of up to four years; an individual shall hold such a full-time appointment for no more than seven years. In the last year of service in the initial term of such an appointment, the Department shall review the case and recommend to the Dean either that the assistant professor will:

1. be reappointed to another term, or
2. (not be reappointed at the end of the first term of appointment.

A similar procedure shall be followed in subsequent appointments as assistant professor under this section, except that when an assistant professor appointed under this section has completed all but the seventh year of appointment, the Department shall review the case and recommend to the Dean that the individual:

1. be promoted to associate professor as defined in section 11.1.5.2, or
2. not be reappointed.

With respect to reviews under section 11.1.5.1, following subsequent review and not later than December 15, the assistant professor shall be notified of the final decision. Persons whose appointive year ends at dates other than June 30 or September 30 will be given comparable notice.

11.1.5.2. Appointments as associate professor under this section shall be made for terms of up to five years and may be renewed with no limit as to the number of terms. When an associate professor has completed all but the last year of service under such an appointment, the Department shall review the case and recommend to the Dean that the associate professor:

1. be reappointed,
2. be promoted to professor as defined in section 11.1.5.3, or
3. not be reappointed.

Following subsequent review and not later than December 15, the associate professor shall be notified of the final decision. Persons whose appointive year ends at dates other than June 30 or September 30 will be given comparable notice.

11.1.5.3. Appointments as professor under this section normally shall be made for terms of up to five years which may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms. Appointments may be made for a term without specified limit of time; such appointments shall be made subject to a one-year notice of termination. When a professor has completed all but the last year of service under a specified term appointment, the Department shall review the case and recommend to the Dean that the professor:

1. be reappointed, or
2. not be reappointed.

Following subsequent review and not later than December 15, the professor shall be notified of the final decision. Persons whose appointive year ends at dates other than June 30 or September 30 will be given comparable notice.

11.2 Other Academic Appointees

The University also makes academic appointments that are not Faculty appointments, and are for a specified or unspecified length of term.  Each of the following appointments shall be made for periods and upon terms consistent with the applicable administrative policies of the University, which are subject to change. No appointments under this section shall be eligible for or carry any implication of indefinite tenure. At the end of the term of appointment, employment by the University ceases unless the appointment is renewed, and the failure to give or receive a notice of termination shall not give rise to any contrary presumptions or implications either as to:

1. promotion, or
2. reappointment.  

These other appointments are as follows:

11.2.1. Clinical Appointments in the Division of the Biological Sciences. In the Pritzker School of Medicine, persons engaged in the educational programs of the School may be appointed to one of the following designated positions.  Appointments requiring clinical privileges which are made under section 11.2.1 shall terminate upon the loss of medical licensure or attending physician privileges, except when the appointee voluntarily relinquishes those privileges upon beginning a medical leave.  In such instance where the appointee voluntarily relinquishes attending physician privileges upon beginning a medical leave, the academic appointment shall terminate upon the expiration of the academic appointment or the cessation of medical disability insurance coverage, whichever occurs sooner.

11.2.1.1. Academic Clinical Appointments. Academic clinical appointments shall consist of appointments as Instructor of [Department], Assistant Professor of [Department], Associate Professor of [Department], and Professor of [Department].

11.2.1.2. Clinical Academic Appointments. Clinical academic appointments shall consist of appointments as Clinical Instructor of [Department], Clinical Assistant Professor of [Department], Clinical Associate Professor of [Department], and Clinical Professor of [Department].

11.2.1.3. Clinical Associate Appointments. Appointments may be made as Clinical Associate.

11.2.1.4. Appointments of members of the staff of an affiliated hospital to positions at the University of Chicago will be made in accordance with the University’s academic appointment standards and procedures. Such appointments require the agreement of the affiliated hospital and are subject to continuation of the affiliation agreement between the University of Chicago and the affiliated hospital. An appointment ceases upon the termination of the staff member’s appointment at the affiliated hospital or at the end of the term of the University appointment, whichever occurs first.

11.2.2. Professors from Practice and Clinical Appointments in the Law School. In the Law School, persons engaged in the educational and clinical law programs may be appointed to one of the following designated positions.

11.2.2.1. Clinical Instructors. Appointments as Clinical Instructor shall be made for terms of up to two years. Clinical Instructors shall ordinarily serve in this position for a maximum of four years.

11.2.2.2. Assistant Clinical Professors. Appointments as Assistant Clinical Professor shall be made for terms of up to three years. Assistant Clinical Professors shall ordinarily serve in this position for a maximum of six years.

11.2.2.3. Associate Clinical Professors. Appointments as Associate Clinical Professor shall be made for terms of up to three years. Associate Clinical Professors shall ordinarily serve in this position for a maximum of six years.

11.2.2.4. Clinical Professors. Appointments as Clinical Professor shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limits on the number of terms.

11.2.2.5. Adjunct Professor from Practice. Part-time and visiting appointments as Adjunct Professor from Practice shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limits on the number of terms.

11.2.2.6. Professor from Practice. Appointments as Professor from Practice shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limits on the number of terms.

11.2.3. Clinical and Adjunct Appointments in the Booth School of Business. In the Booth School of Business, persons engaged in the educational programs of the School may be appointed to one of the following positions.

11.2.3.1. Adjunct Assistant Professor of [Area]. Appointments as Adjunct Assistant Professor shall be made for terms of up to five years. These appointments may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms, though an adjunct assistant professor shall ordinarily serve in this position for no longer than six years. 

11.2.3.2. Adjunct Associate Professor of [Area]. Appointments as Adjunct Associate Professor shall be made for terms of up to five years. These appointments may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms, though an adjunct associate professor shall ordinarily serve in this position for no longer than six years. 

11.2.3.3. Adjunct Professor of [Area]. Appointments as Adjunct Professor shall be made for terms of up to five years. These appointments may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms. 

11.2.3.4. Clinical Assistant Professor of [Area]. Appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor shall be made for terms of up to five years. These appointments may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms, though a clinical assistant professor shall ordinarily serve in this position for no longer than six years. 

11.2.3.5. Clinical Associate Professor of [Area]. Appointments as Clinical Associate Professor shall be made for terms of up to five years. These appointments may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms, though a clinical associate professor shall ordinarily serve in this position for no longer than six years. 

11.2.3.6. Clinical Professor of [Area]. Appointments as Clinical Professor shall be made for terms of up to five years. These appointments may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms. 

11.2.4. Research Associates, and Lecturers.

11.2.4.1. Research Appointees are classified as follows: Research Associate and Senior Research Associate; Research Scientist; Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, and Research Professor.

11.2.4.2. Lecturers are classified as follows: Lecturer and Senior Lecturer.

11.2.5. Field Work Personnel. In the School of Social Service Administration appointments may be made to the following additional positions: Field Work Professor, Field Work Associate Professor, Field Work Assistant Professor, and Field Work Instructor. Additionally, in the School of Social Service Administration, appointments may be made to the positions of Senior Clinical Associate and Clinical Associate.

11.2.6. University Librarians. On the nomination of the Director of the Library, appointments may be made to the position: Librarian.

11.2.7. Professors of Practice in the Arts in the Division of the Humanities. In the Division of the Humanities and the College, persons whose responsibilities are for instruction and instruction-related activities in the performing and creative arts programs may be appointed to one of the following positions.

11.2.7.1. Assistant Professor of Practice in the Arts. Appointments as Assistant Professor of Practice in the Arts in the Division of the Humanities and in the College shall be made for terms of up to three years and may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms, though an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Arts shall ordinarily serve in this position for no longer than a total of six years.

11.2.7.2. Associate Professor of Practice in the Arts. Appointments as Associate Professor of Practice in the Arts in the Division of the Humanities and the College shall be made for terms of up to five years and may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms.

11.2.7.3. Professor of Practice in the Arts. Appointments as Professor of Practice in the Arts in the Division of the Humanities and the College shall be made for terms of up to five years and may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms.

11.2.8. Adjunct and Clinical Appointments in the Division of the Physical Sciences. In the Division of the Physical Sciences, persons whose responsibility is in the practice oriented master’s degree programs may be appointed to one of the following positions. All such appointments shall end either with the end of the practice oriented master’s degree program or with the end of the appointee’s affiliation with the program.  Clinical appointments shall end either with the end of the practice oriented master’s degree program or with the end of the appointee’s affiliation with the program.

11.2.8.1 Adjunct Instructor. Part-time appointments as Adjunct Instructor of [Area] shall be made for terms of up to two years, renewable up to a maximum of four years in the aggregate. 

11.2.8.2 Adjunct Assistant Professor. Part-time appointments as Adjunct Assistant Professor of [Area] shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms, although an adjunct assistant professor shall ordinarily serve in this position for no longer than six years. 

11.2.8.3 Adjunct Associate Professor. Part-time appointments as Adjunct Associate Professor of [Area] shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms, although an adjunct associate professor shall ordinarily serve in this position for no longer than six years. 

11.2.8.4. Adjunct Professor. Part-time appointments as Adjunct Professor of [Area] shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms. 

11.2.8.5. Assistant Clinical Professor. Appointments as Assistant Clinical Professor of [Area] shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms. 

11.2.8.6. Associate Clinical Professor. Appointments as Associate Clinical Professor of [Area] shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms. 

11.2.8.7. Clinical Professor. Appointments as Clinical Professor of [Area] shall be made for terms of up to five years, which may be renewed with no limit on the number of terms. 

11.2.9. Clinical Appointments in the Division of the Social Sciences. In the Division of the Social Sciences, persons whose responsibility is in practice oriented master’s programs may be appointed to one of the following positions.

11.2.9.1. Assistant Clinical Professor. Appointments as Assistant Clinical Professor shall be made for terms of up to three years. In the last year of the term of the appointment, a faculty committee designated by the Dean of the Division of the Social Sciences shall review the record of each Assistant Clinical Professor and recommend to the Dean one of three dispositions: appointment for an additional term of up to three years as Assistant Clinical Professor, promotion to Associate Clinical Professor, or termination at the end of the last year of the term. The Assistant Clinical Professor shall be given notice of the decision not later than January 15. 

11.2.9.2. Associate Clinical Professor. Appointments as Associate Clinical Professor shall be made for terms of up to three years. In the last year of the term of appointment, a faculty committee designated by the Dean of the Division of the Social Sciences shall review the record of each Associate Clinical Professor and recommend to the Dean one of three dispositions: appointment for an additional term as Associate Clinical Professor, promotion to Clinical Professor, or termination at the end of the last year of the term. The Associate Clinical Professor shall be given notice of the decision not later than January 15. 

11.2.9.3. Clinical Professor. Appointments as Clinical Professor shall be made for terms of indefinite length, which may be terminated only after notice of termination has been given one year in advance of such termination. 

11.2.10.  Persons with appropriate academic qualifications may be appointed as Associates or as Visiting Scholars in Departments, Schools, or the College, or the Institute for Molecular Engineering.

11.3 End of Appointment

At the end of the term of appointment, membership in the Faculties of and employment by the University ceases unless a faculty member is reappointed, and the failure to give or receive a notice of termination within the time or times specified in section 11.1 shall not give rise to any contrary presumptions or implications either as to:

1. promotion in rank, or
2. reappointment in the same rank.  

During a term of appointment, a member of the Faculties should not engage in business or professional activities encroaching upon University obligations; and before undertaking a continuing extra-University activity which might interfere with such obligations, a Faculty member must obtain the consent of the appropriate Chair or Director, and Dean.

11.4. Provisions for Removal or Termination

11.4.1. All appointees under section 11 are subject to removal for inadequate performance of duty or for misconduct.

11.4.2. Before removal of a member of the Faculty holding appointment under section 11.1, the individual must be given notice of the charges and must be given the opportunity to resign or to be heard by a Faculty committee.  Such committee shall be appointed by the President.  If the committee does not report within the time fixed by the President, the President shall take whatever action the President deems appropriate.  Such committee shall be informed of the reasons if recommendations which it makes are not followed.

11.4.3. Appointments of individuals under section 11.1.5 shall be terminated upon loss of medical licensure or attending physician privileges, and may be terminated upon discontinuation of the relevant specialty program, absence of a reimbursement base to support the practice, or diminished participation in clinical service and teaching; such termination shall not be subject to the proceedings as set out in section 11.4.2 for inadequate performance or misconduct.

To read this Statute in context, please see the University of Chicago's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Statutes. Note that the Statutes do change, and the current edition (dated October 28, 2021) differs from older versions and will likely differ from versions yet to be approved.