Fixed-Term Faculty Promotion Process FAQs
The frequently asked questions below relate to enhancements made to the Fixed-Term Faculty Promotion process, which were announced in April 2025. While the core promotion policy remains unchanged, these updates aim to make the process more inclusive, transparent and effective. If you have further questions about this process, please reach out to the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs at (517) 353-5300 or FASAffairs@msu.edu.
Who is this process intended for?
The following promotions can be sought through this process:
- Instructor to Senior Instructor
- Assistant Professor to Associate Professor
- Associate Professor to Full Professor
What if I completed my packet for submission before the new process starts?
You can move ahead with what you currently have. Starting in fall 2025, the new form and timeline should be used.
Should all fixed-term faculty use the new form?
All fixed-term faculty should use the new form except for health programs (HP) fixed-term faculty. They have a separate form that details their clinical work more specifically.
What if my college doesn’t follow all of the items in the guidelines document?
The guidelines document provides suggestions for colleges to consider; they are not required to use them. Each college should have a defined, accessible process that they follow for all fixed-term faculty and will be expected to use the new form and timeline.
My previous chair didn’t complete all of my annual reviews. Can I still go up?
Yes. The department should put a note in the packet explaining that the reviews were not done, along with an explanation, if there is one.
What if my college has a different timeline than the new timeline?
This is the university timeline that must be followed. Your college may have additional requirements within or outside of this timeline.
Am I responsible for asking external reviewers for letters or putting together my review committee?
It is the responsibility of your unit chair or director to solicit any external letters and to put together the review committee.
The fixed-term promotion policy doesn’t address the promotion from instructor to senior instructor. Why?
The policy was written before the title of Senior Instructor was available. The policy will eventually be updated. Eligible instructors can be considered for Senior Instructor using the new form and guidelines.
Can someone be promoted from Senior Instructor to Assistant Professor?
No. The instructor line and professorial line are separate.