Overview
Faculty are academic personnel hired in an Instructional series and are intended to contribute to UC San Diego's mission through student instruction, research, generation of creative work, professional activities, and public service. The different Instructional series are as follows:
- Professor (Ladder-Rank)
- Professor in Residence
- Professor of Clinical X
- Adjunct Professor
- Health Sciences Clinical Professor
- Lecturer
- Professor of Practice
- Visiting Professor of Practice
Criteria for Appointment
Candidates for Salaried Faculty Appointments are judged primarily by 4 criteria:
- Research and Creative Work
- Teaching
- Professional Competence and Activity
- University and Public Service
Detailed information about these criteria can be obtained from the Academic Resource Center. Additionally, anyone seeking more information about the reviews process can visit the
Reviews page.
Faculty Appointment Types
The sections below contain basic information about each of the different faculty types listed above.
Professor (Ladder-Rank)
Appointees in the Ladder-Rank series are members of the faculty for a specific department at U.C. San Diego.
The term of service for a Ladder-Rank faculty depends on the rank. Assistant Professors can serve terms no longer than 2 years, usually ending on the second June 30th following their appointment date. The terms of service for higher ranks are more complex; it is recommended that you contact the Academic Resource Center with questions about the duration of your appointment.
Professor In Residence
Appointees in the In Residence series have duties that are similar to Ladder-Rank professors. However, the terms of their service are slightly different.
Assistant Professors in Residence are normally appointed for periods of time no longer than two years and typically end on the second June 30th after their appointment date. Appointments to Associate- or Full-rank Professors in Residence typically have a definite end date, but may be indefinite contingent upon funding.
Professor of Clinical X
Appointees in the Professor of Clinical X series have duties similar to Ladder-Rank professors, but generally have a greater emphasis on teaching and clinical service.
Assistant Professors of Clinical X are normally appointed for periods of time no longer than two years and typically end on the second June 30th after their appointment date. Appointments to Associate- or Full-rank Professors of Clinical X typically have a definite end date, but may be indefinite contingent upon funding.
Adjunct Professor
Appointees in the Adjunct Professor series are academically qualified research or creative personnel who contribute meaningfully to teaching courses and guiding graduate students. They can either emphasize research while still teaching classes, or predominately teach classes while still engaging in research.
Assistant Adjunct Professors are normally appointed for periods of time no longer than two years and typically end on the second June 30th after their appointment date. Appointments to Associate- or Full-rank Adjunct Professors typically have a definite end date, but may be indefinite contingent upon funding.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor
Appointees in the Health Sciences Clinical Professor series primarily participate in patient care and teach application of medical sciences in a clinical setting. Additionally, they can also participate in research, creative activities, and public service.
Appointments to titles in this series must have specified end dates. Depending on rank and step, there is a maximum amount of time a candidate's appointment may last.
Lecturer
Appointees in the Lecturer series help to meet the long-term educational goals of UC San Diego that cannot otherwise be met by a Ladder-Rank Professor. Appointees can be involved in teaching, professional activities, and University/public service.
Terms of service for lecturers can differ depending on whether the appointee has Security of Employment (SOE). Lecturers with the potential for SOE can be appointed for periods of no more than two years and typically end on the second June 30 following the appointment date. Lecturers with SOE have no strict limits in service, but their appointments must be reviewed for potential salary advancements every two to four years.
Professor of Practice
Appointees in the Professor of Practice series are distinguished professionals with specific expertise in their fields. They typically do not have traditional academic backgrounds and serve the University to provide advice and insight on their area of expertise, contributing to teaching and research programs.
Appointments for candidates in the Professor of Practice series can not exceed three years in length, usually ending on the third June 30th following their appointment dates. Candidates can be reappointed after this end date for a shorter period of time if need be.
Visiting Professor of Practice
Appointees in the Visiting Professor of Practice series are temporarily appointed to perform the duties of the Professor of Practice series (see above). They are required to either hold, be on leave from, or be retired from a professional position that meets the qualification criteria for their area.
Appointments for candidates in the Visiting Professor of Practice series may be made for a period of up to one year. Reappointments may be made after this period for an additional year, but the total service time cannot exceed two years.
If you are a Faculty member who has further questions about your appointment, please
click here to email to the Academic Resource Center.