C20: Employment of UNM Graduates

Approved by: Faculty Senate
Effective: November 28, 2017
Responsible FS Committee: Policy Committee
Office Responsible for Administration: Office for Academic Personnel or HSC Office of Academic Affairs

Policy Rationale

The University of New Mexico (UNM) recognizes that it is important that UNM’s faculty composition reflect wide-ranging viewpoints relevant to the missions of creation and dissemination of knowledge. Therefore, it is UNM’s general policy that an individual who has received a terminal degree from UNM will not be hired as a member of the faculty in a position which may lead to permanent tenure, except if the hiring would greatly enhance UNM’s academic, research, and public service mission. This Policy provides examples of instances that may qualify for this exception and the procedures for approval.

Policy Statement

At the discretion of the Provost or the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences (EVPHS), an exception may be made to the general policy when the hiring would enhance UNM’s mission. All hiring for positions which may lead to permanent tenure based on one of these exceptions must be approved in advance, in writing by the Provost or EVPHS. Below are examples of instances when an exception might be granted.

Post Terminal Degree Experience:

Subsequent to the last degree at UNM, the individual has taken at least one (1) academic year of advanced work at another reputable institution or has established himself or herself professionally elsewhere. Such work or professional experience must be in his or her teaching field.

Pre Terminal Degree Experience

A person who has taken a master's degree, its equivalent, or pursued other substantial graduate work at another reputable institution before receiving a more advanced degree at UNM.

Shortage of Qualified Individuals

A highly qualified UNM graduate in a field where there is an acute shortage of qualified individuals.

New Mexico Minority Doctoral Assistance Loan for Service Program

UNM has a commitment to hire participants in the New Mexico Minority Doctoral Assistance Loan for Service Program who complete their doctoral degree at UNM for positions which may lead to permanent tenure.

Applicability

All UNM faculty including the Health Sciences and branch campuses.

Definitions

No specific definitions are required for the Policy Statement.

Who should read this policy

• Faculty
• Department Chairs, academic deans, and other academic administrators and executives.

Related Documents

UNM Regents Policy Manual

• Policy 5.3 “Employment of UNM Graduates”

Faculty Handbook

• Policy A53.1 “Policies Applicable to Faculty”
• Section B ”Academic Freedom and Tenure

Contacts

Direct any questions about this policy to the Office for Academic Personnel and Services or HSC Office of Academic Affairs.

Procedures

The request for approval for hiring an individual who has received a terminal degree from UNM as a member of the faculty for a position which may lead to permanent tenure must be submitted to the Provost or EVPHS. The request must include an explanation of how the individual qualifies for the exception and how the hiring is in UNM’s best interest.

History

• December 9, 2022 - Updated titles of administrators and responsible offices, per FHB Policy A53 procedures
• Approved by Faculty on March 12, 1951