Scholarship and Professional Development Expectations for Tenure and Promotion
Natural Sciences Department
Scholarship
Scholarship for science faculty can take several forms: peer-reviewed articles, presentations
at recognized scientific organizations, books, popular articles and general audience
presentations. Candidates for promotion and/or tenure should have a record of ongoing
scholarship and the same criteria apply to both promotion and tenure in our department.
It is expected that tenure and promotion applicants typically have multiple published
articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Journals vary in their prestige level (see
annual ranking of citation importance for an indication of journal caliber), and one article
published in a high-ranking journal should be given equal or more weight to multiple
articles published in second-tier journals. Research included in one or more publications
should reflect work completed while employed by Daemen.
Attendance and presentations at scientific meetings demonstrate ongoing scholarship.
While national meetings are more prestigious than regional conferences, it may be
important to forge connections with regional colleagues for collaborations. Multiple
presentations using the same data are not considered additional scholarship.
Books on research topics represent scholarship. Reviews of such books should be
included in tenure applications.
The publication of a textbook indicates a significant investment of energy in producing
teaching materials. The production of a superior lab manual or ancillary teaching
materials should be considered evidence of productive teaching and discussed in that
portion of the tenure application.
A successfully funded research grant with the intention to complete publishable work is
also indication of scholarship.
Scholarly Service
Scientists have a responsibility to share knowledge, when possible, with the general
populace. Publications or presentations prepared for general audiences may contribute to
scholarship; however, they generally represent service to the greater community.
Professional Development
It is expected that the candidate be involved in activities that cultivate and advance
professional life in the field and in the classroom. Participation and membership in
professional organizations and community-based organizations should be included in the
application. Attendance at workshops for advancing research or teaching contributes to
professional development.