Appointment of Faculty

Only the Provost, Deans of the Schools, the Associate Provost(s), Department Chairs/Directors, or their designees (designated in writing) may appoint full-time or adjunct faculty. The College, at its sole discretion, shall determine the compensation and terms of employment of each member of the faculty. Faculty members are employees “at will” of the College and are subject to all College policies. Either a faculty member or the College may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason, with or without notice or cause.

Full-time faculty members will receive a letter of appointment signed by the Provost setting forth the following:

a. Academic term[s] covered by teaching responsibilities 
b. Compensation 
c. Teaching load 
d. Responsibilities, as referenced in the latest Faculty Handbook.

Appointments of adjunct faculty are for a maximum period of one semester. Adjunct faculty who are assigned courses that are canceled less than 14 calendar days prior to the start of the course will receive a nominal amount of compensation in appreciation of their preparatory work. 

Appointment letters are descriptive in nature and shall not be interpreted to create contractual rights.

Reappointment of Faculty

The School Deans or Associate Provost(s) may submit recommendations to the Provost for reappointment of full-time or adjunct faculty. Reappointment, which is neither automatic nor guaranteed, is solely at the discretion of the College. The College considers the following factors in decisions regarding reappointment and salary increases: educational qualifications and merit; teaching effectiveness; timely submissions of grades, enrollment verification and progress reports; professional growth; currency in the teaching discipline; use of instructional technology; attendance; involvement in campus activities; conduct, including compliance with College policies and procedures; overall contribution to the educational climate at Berkeley; and the needs of the College. 

Full-time Faculty Only: During the spring term, each full-time faculty member completes the performance review in UltiPro and then meets with their Department Chair/Director and their School Dean or Associate Provost(s) to discuss teaching responsibilities for the coming year. Faculty are encouraged to discuss their progress, aspirations, and/or concerns at that time. Reappointed full-time faculty shall be given individual letters of appointment signed by the Provost during the spring term.

Faculty Appointment to Graduate Programs

Full-time faculty members are appointed to teach in the Graduate Programs on an annual basis. The Chair/Director of the Graduate Program and the School Dean are responsible for annual appointments and reappointments. Full-time faculty appointed to the Graduate Program will teach up to three-course sections in each of the fall, winter, and spring semesters. Full-time faculty appointed to the Graduate Nursing Program will teach 9 credits in each of the fall, winter, and spring semesters. In addition to their teaching duties, faculty appointed to the Graduate Program will mentor graduate students, work with students on projects, and engage in an active pattern of professional productivity as evidenced by research, peer-reviewed publication, authorship, editorial services, creative work, artistic production, patents, applied research, service to professional associations and organizations, program design, and/or the scholarship of instruction.