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The rank of Instructor (0040) is a tenure-track title. It is used for probationary appointments only, for example denotes a probationary appointment may allow for the accrual of time toward tenure. In COE, its most common use is as part of a contingency for a tenure-track hire made before completion of degree requirements. See COE: Degrees and Contingencies.
For Assistant Professors hired with a degree contingency, the alternate rank used on the PAR is always Instructor.
Per HOP 2-2010, Academic Titles and Tenure:
The maximum probationary period that may be served in the rank of Instructor is four years. Not later than an instructor's third year of full-time service, the budget council and chairman of his or her department shall recommend to the administration: (a) that he or she be promoted to assistant professor; or (b) that he or she be placed on terminal appointment for the next (i.e., fourth) year. The instructor should be informed not later than August 31 of his or her third year of full-time service of the final decision regarding his or her status. Nothing, however, shall preclude a review of a decision to place an instructor on terminal appointment during the year in which the individual is serving under terminal appointment.
An instructor who, for any reason, has been continued beyond the four-year probationary period is not eligible for tenure as an instructor nor will promotion to assistant professor automatically result. A review of the status of any instructor in these circumstances will be mandatory as soon as possible following discovery.
Furthermore:
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Instructor appointments may only be terminated in accordance with Regents’ Rule 31008.
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Please send suggested additions to this page and notifications about broken links to COE-FacultyAffairs@austin.utexas.edu.
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