Process for Nominating and Approving Distinguished Teaching Professorships

Purpose

The awarding of the title of Distinguished Teaching Professor to a faculty member represents the highest level of recognition for achievements and contributions in university teaching. It recognizes long-term commitment on the part of an individual to excellence in teaching at the University of Cincinnati.

Candidates may be teachers of any subject, able to communicate a broad and accurate knowledge of their fields, to create a feeling of harmony between self and students and meet difficulties with poise, to challenge students to think, to counsel students wisely, and to demonstrate enthusiasm for their subject that motivates students to their fullest capacities. They should represent the ideal of the teaching profession.

1. Nominations come from the academic college by a process recommended by the Dean after full faculty participation and approved by the appropriate Provost. Colleges may nominate no more than one individual each year.
   
   Criteria for Selection:
   
   
   1. A minimum of ten years of experience in teaching at the rank of instructor or higher and at the University of Cincinnati.
      
      
   2. Recognition by an award for teaching excellence from the college, university, or a professional association.
      
      
   3. Evidence of superior teaching of students resulting in significant impact upon their lives.
      
      
   4. Evidence of achievement in curricular development and academic planning beyond the individual classroom and subject.
      
      
   5. Evidence of scholarship, creativity, and innovation related to teaching and learning.
      
      
   6. Evidence of recognition for contributions to teaching and learning beyond the university.
      
      
2. Four copies of the nomination dossier must be submitted to the appropriate Provost by the Dean no later than January 15. If the nomination dossier is prepared in an electronic format, it can be submitted on four CD-ROMs. The dossier should be no more than 30 pages in length with no addenda or appendixes. It should be organized according to the six selection criteria above and must include:
   
   
   1. A cover letter of nomination from the Dean documenting that the nominee has met the above criteria.
      
      
   2. Supporting materials.  The following can be included with the nomination:
      
      
      1. Citation.  A brief statement (200 words) indicating the major accomplishments and reasons the individual has been nominated.  This will be used if the person receives the award.  (This could be incorporated within the Dean’s nomination letter.)
         
         
      2. Curriculum vitae of nominee. (A shortened version is acceptable, but the CV will not be counted in the page limit.)
         
         
      3. Summary of teaching responsibilities over the last five years.
         
         
      4. Summary of related teaching activities (e.g. curriculum committees, new course development, improvements to laboratories or equipment, pedagogical publications, counseling and advising activities).
         
         
      5. Summary of formal peer and student evaluations over the past three years. (Student evaluations should be summarized in a format that is efficient and clear regarding the main features of those evaluations. Do not include copies of individual evaluations.)
         
         
      6. Letters from former students emphasizing the long-term profound impact of this teacher’s influence for their lives (no more than four letters).
         
         
      7. Letters from individuals of state, national, and international standing regarding the candidate’s stature as a teacher (no more than four letters).
         
         
3. The two Provosts will appoint a committee with representatives from both campuses and also including a graduate-student and an undergraduate-student member. This committee will submit its recommendation to the Provosts by February 15, and the two Provosts will make recommendations to the President by March 1.
   
   
4. Appointments will be announced at a meeting of the Board of Trustees and also recognized at the Faculty Awards Recognition Celebration.
   
   
5. For questions about this process, please contact Wayne Hall, Vice Provost for Faculty Development -- Wayne.Hall@uc.edu -- Phone: 556-0390