The University Senate
of Michigan Technological University
Proposal 31-14
(Voting Units: Academic)
“Proposal
to Amend Senate Policy 701.3: Non-Faculty Academic Appointments”
Rationale: The proposed changes to the policy on Postdoctoral Research Fellow appointments
will make Michigan Tech’s appointment policy consistent with national practice.
It also allows Postdoctoral Research Fellows to be treated as fixed term
employees eligible for limited benefits (like HuskyCare PPO and 6 days sick
leave per 12 months). A limit of 6 years on Postdoctoral Research Fellow
appointments is designed to encourage postdocs to progress in their academic
careers.
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT (GRA):
A part-time appointment requiring at least one academic degree at the
baccalaureate level and awarded to individuals who are enrolled as a full-time
graduate student. Graduate Research Assistants are expected to assist faculty
on research projects. The appointment is generally granted by the department
supervising the research activity and is usually associated with a specific
research project, grant, or contract. Appointments are made for up to a year
with the possibility of renewals.
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT (GTA):
A part-time appointment requiring at least one academic degree at the
baccalaureate level. It is awarded to individuals who are enrolled as a
full-time graduate student. Graduate Teaching Assistants are generally
responsible for classroom or laboratory instruction under the supervision of
faculty. Appointments are made for up to a year, usually by the department in
which they are pursuing graduate work, with the possibility of renewals.
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE RESEARCH FELLOW:
An appointment reserved for persons who have recently completed a doctoral
degree and are engaged in research and/or teaching for a restricted period
under the direction of a faculty mentor. Funding is usually from external
sources. Appointments are initially for up to one year, but renewable,
depending on funding, for one year periods for up to a maximum of three years. Initial appointments
are for one (1) to three (3) years and renewable up to six (6) years.
RESEARCH (Professor, Associate Professor, or
Assistant Professor): An appointment offered to persons with
qualifications commensurate with the research qualifications and the level of
accomplishment of a regular tenure-track faculty of the same rank. These
appointments entail full responsibility for research activities and limited
responsibility for teaching, advising, and service activities. Appointments are
initially for up to one year and are renewable depending upon funding for one
year periods.
VISITING SCHOLAR:
A courtesy appointment granted to a person holding a terminal degree pursuing a
research or study program using University facilities and who is sponsored by
an academic unit of the University. Ordinarily no remuneration by the
University is associated with this appointment. Visiting Scholars are not
allowed to pursue consulting work using University resources or facilities.
Appointments are made by the sponsoring academic unit and are generally for one
year or less. Renewals will normally not be permitted.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF:
Professional staff who teach classes will be given faculty appointments at an
appropriate level for the period that they are teaching.
NOTE:
No changes in definitions shall be applied detrimentally to individuals
employed at Michigan Tech as of January 25, 1995.
Introduced to Senate: 9 April 2014
Approved by Senate: 23 April 2014
Approved by Administration: 27 June 2014