Professional Associate
The category of Professional Associate enables formal academic relationships with the University falling outside the normal categories of university teachers as described in the Collective Agreement with the Faculty Association, and that may or may not be of a professorial nature. The objectives, purposes or nature of these appointments will vary depending on specific requirements of the Faculty or School,1 but the following basic terms of reference will apply:
Eligibility :
With the exception of Professional Associates appointed prior to the revision of this policy, candidates should be active in a profession related to the academic discipline of the unit in which the appointment is to be made. Also, candidates should hold educational qualifications at the bachelor’s degree level or higher, or equivalent professional education and experience in areas appropriate and relevant to the academic unit.
Procedures for appointment:
A recommendation for appointment as Professional Associate shall be submitted by the Administrative Head to the Dean, Director or Principal (if different from the Administrative Head) and then to the Vice-President (Academic). All appointments shall require the approval of the Administrative Head, the Dean, Director, or Principal and the Vice-President (Academic), who shall provide written notification of his or her decision to the Dean, Director or Principal, the Administrative Head and the appointee. Professional Associates are appointed by the Vice-President (Academic) and are reported to the Board of Regents.
Terms of appointment and reappointment:
Professional Associates will participate in activities of a unit so as to contribute to the professional development of faculty members and students of the academic unit to which the appointment is recommended. Professional Associates may not supervise or co-supervise graduate students but may serve on supervisory committees.
Appointments will be for a fixed period not to exceed three years and are renewable.
Individuals appointed as Professional Associates are not governed by the Collective Agreement between Memorial University and the Memorial University Faculty Association, nor do they receive notification of appointment from the Board of Regents.
While an appointment as Professional Associate is normally non-stipendiary, a Professional Associate who assumes responsibility for teaching one or more regular courses may be remunerated at the normal rate for per-course instructors or teaching term appointees.
With the adoption of this policy, persons previously appointed as Professional Associates shall continue to hold those appointments until the normal term has expired at which time re-appointment shall be based upon provisions of this new policy.
1 At the Marine Institute, only those Professional Associates involved with degree-granting programs shall be required to follow these procedures.
