Promotion of research faculty whose qualifications meet the criteria for the higher rank may be initiated by a department head or unit administrator, subject to consultation with the appropriate dean and must be approved by the Vice Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Policy. Performance evaluation of research staff shall be the responsibility of the Vice Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Policy.

Since research appointments are contingent upon external funding, indefinite continuity of appointment, at any rank, should not be assumed. All appointment contracts shall specify the source of funding.

Members of the research faculty may move to positions as tenure track teaching faculty only by competing successfully in a normal search process. Research appointments may not be used to extend a tenure track faculty probationary period.

On occasion, a department head or unit administrator may request a research faculty member to teach. Compensation for this teaching is approved and provided through the Vice Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Policy.