Policy Statement

POLICY STATEMENT

1    Intent

This policy specifies the conditions under which the title of ‘Distinguished Professor’ may be conferred at the University of Tasmania.

2    Scope

This policy applies to all Level E academic staff.

3    Objective(s)

The award of the title of ‘Distinguished Professor is intended to:

• Allow the University to recognise and reward particularly meritorious service; and
• Contribute to the retention of high-performing Level E staff.
  

4   Policy Maker

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost.

5    Policy Provisions

1. The title ‘Distinguished Professor’ may be accorded to eminent professors of exceptional distinction who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution in their field/discipline and to the University of Tasmania.
2. Conferral of the title is a high honour; the title is not routinely awarded.
3. The title is not available by promotion under the Academic Promotions Policy.
4. To qualify for consideration for the award of the title ‘Distinguished Professor’, an individual must have made exceptional and sustained contributions, well beyond those normally expected of a Professor. These contributions might be exemplified by, for example, the following:
   1. An international reputation for outstanding research and scholarship as exemplified by sustained achievement of scholarly publications, performances, creative works, citations, invitations to give keynote addresses, success in obtaining research grants, election to learned societies, honorary degrees, awards and prizes.
   2. Demonstrated high-level achievements in guiding the development of younger colleagues and postgraduate students through supervision, mentoring and collaboration.
   3. Demonstrated research team leadership.
   4. Professional peer recognition of significant achievements at international, national and state levels exemplified by leadership of learned and professional organisations and outstanding contributions to continuing education and peer review.
   5. Outstanding teaching achievements.
   6. Service to the University as exemplified by high achievement in senior administrative and management roles at university, faculty or school level, and/or by active leadership of key committees.
   7. An overall major contribution to the University as a whole that has been sustained over a considerable period of time.
5. While the title will be awarded only to those of exceptional distinction, there is no limit on the overall number of awards or the number of awards made in any particular year.
6. The title will lapse immediately on the retirement or resignation of the individual.
7. The title is awarded by the Vice-Chancellor, on the advice of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost in consultation with the Pro Vice-Chancellors, the Chair of Academic Senate and, where appropriate, the relevant Dean.
8. Nominations for consideration may be made by faculties, via the relevant Dean, to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost at any time.
9. The Vice-Chancellor may, at his/her sole discretion, revoke the title of ‘Distinguished Professor’ if the title holder has been convicted of a criminal offence or has otherwise engaged in activities that have brought disrepute to the University through the individual’s association with the University or has not continued to make an outstanding contribution to their field/discipline and the University.
10. Award of the title may be accompanied by a merit loading to salary and other appropriate support, to be determined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost.
11. In the event of the award of additional salary and/or support, the additional component will be funded from central sources.
    

RESPONSIBILITIES

WHO NEEDS TO KNOW THIS POLICY?

All academic and general staff.

POLICY HISTORY