How to Understand Criteria for Academic Promotion on “Traditional” and “Research” Tracks

Abstract

Understanding the criteria for promotion is one of the most important aspects of managing a successful academic career. However, the blueprint for how to sustain our careers through advancement and promotion is often hard to locate. In part, this difficulty is associated with the unique and diverse positions that each of us holds, making it hard for institutions to develop a single blueprint that will fit all of us. However, there are strategies that we can use to understand the criteria for successful promotion through the ranks, even for those of us who are “one of a kind.” Effectively managing time and planning will establish an excellent foundation for meeting the criteria for promotion. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to assist individuals in locating and understanding the criteria for promotion as well as provide some tips for strategically managing the promotion process.