Communication Studies Program Guidelines for Tenure and Promotion

Introduction
The faculty of the Communication Studies Program supports the evaluation standards of both the
University and the School of Arts and Humanities and intends for the elements of this document
to further elucidate the areas of teaching, scholarly and creative activity, and service from the
perspective of the Program. Candidates for reappointment, tenure, and promotion must refer to
the standards of the University, the School of Arts and Humanities, and the Communication
Studies Program.

The Communication Studies Program Guidelines for Tenure and Promotion are intended to
inform candidates of the expectations for reappointment, tenure, and promotion and serve as the
Program Review Committee’s standards for the evaluation of a candidate’s file. The
Communication Studies faculty holds the position that the judgment of its Program Review
Committee is the most qualified professional assessment of the appropriateness and quality of the
candidate's teaching, scholarship, and service.

The Communication Studies Program urges candidates to link their scholarship or creative
endeavors with their teaching and service. This linkage between teaching, scholarly and creative
activity, and service illustrates continuity and focus. It also reiterates the importance of areas to
one another and is highly valued at the administration level.

COVID-19 Statement
March 2020-the present. The Communication Studies faculty recognizes the hindrances that
faculty seeking reappointment, tenure, and promotion may experience due to the COVID-19
pandemic. These include, but are not limited to the following:
-- Lack of access to colleagues on campus or at conferences
-- Canceled or postponed events
-- Lack of face-to-face interaction with students
-- The difficulties of revamping and teaching academic courses online
-- The unique difficulties of teaching production courses online
-- Personal hardships and Zoom fatigue
-- Difficulties engaging in archival research or filming during a pandemic
-- The increased number of meetings with students and faculty 

6.1 Teaching
The criteria for excellence in teaching appear in 6.1.1 through 6.1.3 of University Policy II-10.5.
In conformity with these standards, the Communication Studies Program requires that candidates
for reappointment, tenure, and promotion submit evidence of excellence in teaching. This
includes a statement of pedagogy along with peer observations of teaching, a self-reflection on
teaching, an explanation of assignments, etc. Candidates should articulate their educational goals
and the methodology being employed to meet these goals.

A thorough reflection on one's IDEA results is expected, including attention to stated IDEA
objectives and student satisfaction with the course, as well as a consideration of response rates
and student comments. The program recognizes that the IDEA instrument is but one way of
evaluating pedagogical effectiveness. Candidates are encouraged to supplement the consideration
of their IDEA results with additional evidence of teaching excellence. The Communication
Studies Program values the thoughtful reflection on teaching. Thus, candidates should assess the
degree to which their pedagogic goals have been met, what teaching adjustments have been
made, and what adjustments may be made going forward.

As the field evolves, faculty strive to present current content that best prepares students for their
careers. Students also change due to the evolving media landscape, educational trends, and
factors such as the pandemic. As one encounters these students, innovation is an important
pedagogic tool. 

6.2 Scholarly and Creative Activity
The criteria for excellence in scholarly and creative activity appear in 6.2.1 through 6.2.4 of
University Policy II-10.5. In conformity with these standards, the Communication Studies
Program believes that the knowledge and expertise that stem from scholarship or creative
endeavor fuels effective teaching. Thus, scholarship or creative work are the obligation of all
members of the faculty. Candidates for reappointment, tenure, and promotion should develop
and submit a clearly defined scholarly or creative agenda to the program and provide evidence of
meeting the goals of this plan. Candidates must demonstrate their active participation in the
scholarship or creative work of their field by developing original projects and bringing them to
successful completion. They should also make clear their plans to continue producing
scholarship or creative work after receiving tenure and promotion.

Generally, a plan to publish at least two articles in peer-reviewed journals or reputable
journalistic publications, and/or book chapters in edited collections or volumes is considered a
reasonable mark by which to judge a successful scholarly agenda. First-line authorship is
required. The Communication Studies Program also recognizes the publication of a scholarly
book. A book that hasn’t been published may be considered for tenure if it is a complete
manuscript, fully revised or edited as required, and accompanied by positive evaluations from
peer reviews and the acceptance letter with a clearly defined publication date from the editor
and/or the board of trustees of a reputable publisher.

For creative work, creative ownership is required. Generally, a plan to produce at least two
creative works that receive peer-reviewed recognition in the arenas of film festivals, awards, or
television broadcast is considered a reasonable mark by which to judge a successful creative
agenda. Creative works include documentary, narrative, and experimental videos, written film
scripts, or performance works.

The program also considers a completed grant application valuable scholarship, though an
unsuccessful application is not of equal weight to a successful one. The Communication Studies
Program also values public intellectual work and scholarly activities such as editorship of a
journal. Further, the program recognizes the importance of presenting scholarly papers at
international, national, and regional conferences or professional meetings. This also applies to
the presentation of creative work at such venues.
The field of Communication Studies, as well as the range of scholarly and creative activities and
their outlets, is ever evolving. The program recognizes that candidates may engage in high-level
forms of scholarly or creative activity that are not explicitly mentioned here. With that in mind,
the onus is always on the candidate to demonstrate the quality, reputation, and peer consideration
of their scholarly or creative activities. 

6.3 Service
The criteria for excellence in service appear in 6.3.1 through 6.3.5 of University Policy II-10.5.
In conformity with these standards, the Communication Studies Program recognizes that service
is essential for the development and growth of academe. Thus, candidates for reappointment,
tenure, and promotion are expected to serve at the program, school, and university levels.
Program service may include, but isn’t limited to, the campus radio station WLFR, the Public
Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ),
and Stories of Atlantic City. Candidates engaging in this type of service should supply evidence
of their efforts in the administration of these organizations.

Candidates are also expected to participate in ARHU initiatives and serve on at least one
university committee. Documentation of the impact and effectiveness of service may include
items such as letters detailing individual contributions from selected committee chairs or persons
in leadership positions of organizations. The Communication Studies Program also values
professional or community service. Participating in professional or community service enables
candidates to share their knowledge or expertise with others, helping to create a bridge between
the university and the outside world. These activities include serving on nonprofit boards and in
professional associations, consulting, and community service projects, etc.

Precepting students is a core part of the Stockton ethos. As preceptors, faculty members engage
with students outside the classroom, serving as experts on the curriculum. This bolsters
Stockton’s retention efforts and graduation rates and helps minimize student debt. Preceptors are
also mentors, offering career advice, and advocates supporting a student’s personal growth.

Expectations for Rank and Tenure
The faculty of the Communication Studies Program supports the university’s expectations for
rank and tenure. The criteria for Assistant Professors appear in 10.5.1 through 10.5.4 of
University Policy II-10.5.

10.5 Assistant Professors
10.5.1. Must have a terminal degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution in a field
appropriate for the appointment, and
10.5.2 Demonstrate a record of continuous improvement in teaching (in both Program and
General Studies courses) toward excellence,
10.5.3 Demonstrate a growing record of scope and/or significance of scholarly and creative
activity beyond that presented to secure rank, and
10.5.4 Demonstrate the capacity to contribute effectively in the use of professional skills in
service to the University, discipline, and community.

10.6 Associate Professors
The criteria for Associate Professors appear in 10.6.1 through 10.6.3 of University Policy II10.5.

10.6.1 Must achieve and maintain consistent excellence in teaching (in both Program and
General Studies courses) and demonstrate capability in pedagogical leadership, such as the
ability to demonstrate pedagogical innovations to others within or outside their program;

10.6.2 Demonstrate a record of scholarly/creative activity that is recognized by others within
their discipline or area of specialization; and

10.6.3 Document progressively important service roles and demonstrate a capacity for
leadership

10.7 Professors

The criteria for Professors appear in 10.7.1 through 10.7.3 of University Policy II-10.5.

10.7.1 Must achieve a consistent record of excellence in teaching (in both Program and General
Studies courses), including curricular contributions, pedagogical leadership, and/or in activities
that support the achievement of teaching excellence throughout the University;

10.7.2 Must achieve and continue to demonstrate a record of scholarly/creative activities that are
nationally and/or internationally recognized as outstanding and significant; and

10.7.3 Must be stewards of service; they must play and continue to play a major role in
significant University initiatives, major public initiatives, or hold key positions in their
professional organizations. Professors must demonstrate that their service is recognized as
outstanding in quality, effectiveness, and scope. 

Memorandum of Agreement Non-Tenure-Track Teaching Positions (NTTPs)

The faculty of the Communication Studies Program supports the memorandum of agreement for
Non-Tenure-Track Teaching Positions (NTTPs). NTTPs seeking reappointment should refer to
Appointments and Reappointments (section IV) in the memorandum of agreement. 

E. Criteria for Evaluation

The criteria for evaluation of NTTPs will be based on the terms of individual contract(s) and
should include but are not limited to:

1. Evidence of excellence in teaching effectiveness, including professional development
to maintain currency in their subject matter as well as their teaching skills/abilities.

2. Evidence of excellence in meeting service responsibilities

3. Any additional documentation specified in the University, School, and Program
Standards with the exception of those related to scholarship and/or creative activity. 

F. Procedures for Evaluation and Reappointment

1. NTTPs occupying these lines will undergo evaluations in accordance with the normal
evaluation cycle as it specifically pertains to timing, but not file contents, in existing procedures
for Part-Time Faculty, and Visiting Faculty Hired Pursuant to XIII-D.

2. Normal reappointment files will be identified within existing procedures for the evaluation of
Part-Time Faculty, and Visiting Faculty Hired Pursuant to XIII-D and XIIIO as it specifically
pertains to timing, but not file contents, with the exception that additional materials for any inload non-teaching duties will be required.

3. Core files for evaluation and reappointment will include required background material as
identified in Section XIII.B.1. in the Evaluation of Faculty and Library Faculty for Tenure,
Reappointment, Promotion and Range Adjustment (2015).

a. Files of First Year NTTPs should include a short (one-page) reflection on their first semester
at Stockton, syllabi, and student evaluations for first semester courses. If assigned teaching,
NTTPs are expected to have a peer observation in their first semester and include that report in
their file. If assigned other duties, NTTPs are expected to provide relevant documentation of job
performance. Absent extraordinary circumstances requiring documentation, no additional
materials are required of First Year NTTPs.

b. Files of all other NTTPs should include a Self-Evaluation of no more than 5- pages that
consists of an overall assessment of the NTTPs’ achievements in teaching, service, and/or other
contractual duties, as assigned. Additionally, if applicable, they should include a Teaching
Portfolio with representative syllabi, student evaluations of teaching, two peer-observation
reports per year, evaluations of precepting, any optional documentation of teaching excellence,
and documentation of service. NTTPs are expected to provide relevant documentation of job
performance.

G. Procedures for Advancement

1. NTTPs whose qualifications meet or exceed the requirements for a higher level shall be
eligible for advancement consideration to that level after five years (5) of consecutive service in
this position. NTTPs who are advanced a level shall advance the equivalent of three (3) salary
ranges which will be computed pursuant to Article XXII, Section C.1 in the Master Agreement.

2. An eligible full-time NTTP may make a written application for advancement consideration
following the normal promotion cycle for full-time faculty identified in the annual Personnel
Actions Calendar on or before November 1.

3. Core files for advancement will be identified within existing Policy II-10 and existing
procedures for promotion for full-time faculty, according to the guidelines for “Review Files for
Candidates seeking Promotion” in Section XIII.B.1. in the Evaluation of Faculty and Library
Faculty for Tenure, Reappointment, Promotion and Range Adjustment (2015), with the
exception that documentation of achievement in scholarship and/or creative activity is not
required. Additionally, external reviewers will also not be required for NTTP core files for
advancement at any level. The application may be accompanied by any substantiating
documentation which the individual cares to submit. Although scholarship and/or creative
activity isn't required for an NTTP, the Communication Studies Program values such work and
encourages NTTPs to include documentation regardless. The program considers this evidence of
an NTTP going above and beyond.

The general criteria for faculty expectations have been outlined above. In addition, the
University has specific expectations for each rank or level. The expectations for each specific
rank or level are used to evaluate performance within that rank or level and when judging
readiness for promotion or advancement to the next higher rank or level. Generally, only
performance since the last promotion will be considered in the new evaluation. 

NTTP Expectations for Rank and Tenure

The faculty of the Communication Studies Program supports the university’s expectations for
rank and tenure. The criteria for expectations for rank and tenure appear in 10.0 of University
Policy II-10.5. 

10.1 Teaching/Clinical/Other Specialists (Non-Tenure-Track Position III):

10.1.1 Have a minimum of a master’s degree or its equivalent in a field appropriate for the
appointment, and

10.1.2 Demonstrate a record of teaching toward excellence (in both Program and General Studies
courses, as assigned) and/or excellence in non-teaching responsibilities as assigned; consistent
with the program standards.

10.1.3 Document the capacity to contribute effectively through the use of professional skills in
service to the program, school, University, discipline, and community, as applicable.

10.2 Teaching/Clinical/Other Specialists (Non-Tenure-Track Position II and I):

10.2.1 In addition to 10.1.1, must also have attained a prominent role in their profession (e.g.
CPA, Hospital Administrator, elected official, broadcast journalist, uniformed services leader) as
specified in School and/or Program standards.

10.2.2 Document consistent excellence in teaching (in both Program and General Studies
courses, as assigned) and/or consistent excellence in non-teaching responsibilities as assigned,
and

10.2.3 Document progressively important service roles and demonstrate a capacity for
leadership, as identified in their individual contracts.

10.3 Teaching/Clinical/Other Specialists (Non-Tenure-Track Position I):

10.3.1 Must have earned a terminal degree in their field,

10.3.2 In addition to 10.2.2, must also document distinction in teaching (in both Program and
General Studies courses, as assigned) and pedagogical leadership; and/or distinction in nonteaching responsibilities and leadership as assigned

10.3.3 Document significant and sustained service roles and demonstrate leadership, as identified
in their individual contracts.

Last updated 10/13/24