Policy

Graduate study and teaching represent the highest level of education offered at Miami University. Graduate education teaches ways of learning and may culminate in the creation of knowledge under the tutelage of a mentor.  Graduate education is largely dedicated to training the next generation of scholars and professionals who are working at the boundaries of disciplines. To sustain its excellence in graduate education, Miami must uphold the highest standards among its graduate faculty. Therefore, individuals who do not hold an appointment to Graduate Level Standing are ineligible to teach graduate courses, serve on graduate committees, serve on Graduate Council, or chair graduate committees.

Appointment to Graduate Level Standing is achieved through a nomination process initiated by the department or program, and approved by the appropriate divisional dean(s) and the Dean of the Graduate School. Online forms for applying for graduate faculty standing are available on the Graduate School website under “Forms and Publications.” The procedure for the appointment to Graduate Faculty Standing is outlined in the “Procedures for Appointing Graduate Faculty Members” policy.

There are three (3) major levels of graduate faculty standing: Level A, Level B, and Level C. Faculty with either Level A or B may teach graduate level courses (500 level and above) and serve as voting members of graduate committees; however, faculty with Level B standing cannot serve as thesis or dissertation directors. Faculty with Level C may teach graduate level courses, but may not serve as voting members of graduate committees.

Level A Definition

Level A Graduate Faculty Standing authorizes full-time, tenured or tenure-eligible faculty to perform the following duties.  Level A appointments are generally for six (6) years, with the exceptions noted in the policy “Determining Levels of Faculty Standing section “Level A Graduate Standing” and the policy “Limitations for Graduate Faculty Standing” section “Lecturers and Clinical Faculty”.

1. serve as thesis or dissertation directors (major adviser or equivalent)
2. serve on graduate committees
3. teach graduate courses
4. serve as a voting member of the Graduate Faculty
5. serve as the Graduate School representative on doctoral committees
6. serve on the Graduate Council

Level B Definition 

Level B Graduate Faculty Standing authorizes full-time or adjunct faculty and staff to perform the following duties. Appointment to Level B will be for as long as the faculty or staff member remains at Miami University.

1. serve on graduate committees
2. teach graduate courses
3. serve as a voting member of the Graduate Faculty

Level C Definition

Level C Graduate Faculty Standing authorizes full-time, adjunct, or part-time faculty and staff to perform the following duties.  Appointment to Level C will be for as long as the faculty or staff member remains at Miami University.

1. teach graduate courses

Related Form(s)

Not Applicable.

Additional Resources and Procedures

Not Applicable.

FAQ

Not Applicable.

Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officer

Dean of the Graduate School

Legal Authority

Not Applicable.

Compliance Policy

No

Revision History

 Edited September 2021

Reference ID

Graduate Handbook 5.1

Governance Authority