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University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Degree Requirements for Instructional Personnel and Employees Who Complete a Degree After Being Hired – Decommissioned
Policy Number: LR 402.11
Effective Date: January 25, 2023
Revised Dates: September 17, 2020, January 19, 2023
Decommissioned Date: January 19, 2023
Policy
It is the general policy of UA Little Rock to hire persons who already hold a degree at the level appropriate to the position for which a person is hired. The appropriate degree should be identified in the position advertisement. This policy sets forth the university’s requirements with regard to degree requirements for instructional personnel and for employees who complete a degree after being hired.
Degree Requirements for Instructional Personnel
The terminal degree is highly regarded because it represents a high level of specialization achieved under the supervision of faculty of high level specialization. Tenure-track positions are advertised nationally and normally require the terminal degree in a discipline at the time of hire. An employee wishing to move to a tenure-track status should apply and compete for tenure-track positions when advertised.
It is the general policy of UA Little Rock not to hire into tenure-track instructional positions a person on whom the university has conferred a terminal degree before such person has worked a significant period of time at another institution of higher learning or in a comparable intellectual setting.
Other instructional positions are typically advertised within the state and usually do not require the terminal degree. The master’s degree may be appropriate as the highest degree required of faculty members whose primary responsibility is instruction in developmental and/or lower-division (freshman and sophomore) courses.
The terminal degree is not required for the positions of coordinator or director of the Center for Developmental Skills, the Writing Center, the Math Lab, freshman course coordinator, and similar positions. On occasion, a tenured or tenure-track faculty member with the terminal degree might fill such a position, but the terminal degree would not be an advertised requirement for such positions.
Degree Completion by University Employees
When the Degree is Required by the Institution
On occasion a person may be hired who is working on but has not completed the degree he or she is expected to hold as a qualification for the position. For example, sometimes a faculty member may be hired “ABD” – all but dissertation completed for the required doctorate. In such instances the letter of offer/acceptance should state expectations regarding completion of the degree as well as any changes in salary or rank which will occur upon completion of the degree.
When the Degree is Not Required by the Institution
Unless agreed to in writing in advance by the university, an employee should not expect a change in title, responsibility, or salary to follow completion of a degree, whether awarded by UA Little Rock or another institution of higher education when the degree is not a requirement of the position.
Exceptions to Degree Requirements
Exceptions to degree requirements for instructional personnel require the recommendation of the provost and the approval of the chancellor.
Source: Administrative Memo to Dean’s Council from Dr. Joel Anderson, August 5, 1997
Status: Decommissioned
Approved By: Chancellor Christina Drale
Originator: Chancellor
Custodian: Provost