Art Guidelines
Expectations for Reappointment
Successful candidates for reappointment must demonstrate the ability to teach at all levels of the curriculum, and manage assigned studios, including overseeing studio safety protocols. Service at the department level is required and the willingness to accept assignments on college-wide committees is recommended. Candidates must also provide evidence of an active professional practice.
Promotion to Associate Professor (Tenure)
Teaching
Teaching in the Art Department is a multifaceted endeavor that includes the development of experimental, technical skill-based growth, exposure of students to historical and contemporary context and practices, and ultimately, the development of a student’s own artistic voice and independent work.
Within these criteria, a candidate for tenure in the Art Department is also expected to work to manage the hazardous materials and adhere to safety guidelines established in collaboration with the College’s Director of Environmental Protection Safety and Sustainability, and oversee and manage equipment and supplies in their media area. In general, the Art Department relies on responsible individual studio management to support safe teaching.
The following evidences teaching excellence in the Art Department
- Course materials, such as syllabi, that include reading/writing assignments and lecture-based presentations of visual culture and relevant artworks. Course objectives and grading rubrics should be clear and concise, with requirements and outcomes that are fairly and timely evaluated.
- A portfolio of student work from introductory courses through senior thesis that demonstrates skill, a working knowledge of visual syntax, and the movement towards the development of an individual creative voice.
- Student course evaluations that reflect consistent and clear communication and positive learning outcomes.
- Faculty observation that assesses the effectiveness of the candidate in the classroom. Voting members of the faculty in the department are expected to observe, review, and submit written commentary on teaching effectiveness and attempt to mentor the candidate.
- Letters of support from students and colleagues.
- Innovative pedagogical practices and teaching strategies, cross-disciplinary and collaborative offerings, integration of new technologies and approaches to learning.
- Student achievements (such as graduation prizes; and Emerson, Kirkland, and Levitt fellowships)
- Teaching awards.
Scholarship
In keeping with the college-wide standard, the department acknowledges “scholarship supports teaching.” Making art is a generative process that may take on a variety of forms. Exhibition of creative work is the traditional analogy to publication in other fields. Critical evaluation of scholarship in the studio arts can include exhibition in galleries and museums, exhibitions curated by respected artists or curators, and evaluation in quality online and print media.
Creative activity may be demonstrated by a combination of the following, which is the equivalent of peer review in other disciplines:
- Solo and Group exhibitions, installations and public works.
- Publication in journals, periodicals, and exhibition catalogues, press notices and reviews, as well as conference papers and presentations. Publication includes exhibition curation.
- Grants, residencies, honors and awards.
- Collections, acquisitions, commissions and freelance activities
- Works in progress
When evaluating the above activities, the quality of work and venue of exhibition and/or project (local, regional, national, or international) will be considered by the department and external reviewers. The significance and relevance of research will be considered as it pertains to the community that engages with it. The potential for future productivity and growth shall be demonstrated by a sustained pattern of creative production and presentation.
Service
Service takes many forms, both within the art department and across campus. Before reappointment the candidate is expected to work within the department on course and curricular development, evaluate admission materials, visit with prospective students, and manage facilities and budgets within their media discipline. Toward tenure, the candidate should also contribute to departmental initiatives such as our Visiting Artist Series, mentorship of Senior Projects, and advising concentrators. It is the duty, common to all faculty, for candidates to attend all department and faculty meetings and to contribute to the governance of the college by standing for and serving on campus wide committees. Participation in professional organizations can be additional evidence of service.
Promotion to Professor
Teaching
Teaching should continue to be excellent, as evidenced by the criteria described for tenure including the submission of a portfolio of student thesis and classroom work. We expect that syllabi and other course materials continue to change in response to new insights and to changes in the profession. Integration of contemporary artists and’ relevant readings and participation in the Visiting Artist Series are important indicators of continued growth. The development of new courses would also be evidence of continuing excellence and growth as a teacher.
Scholarship
Continuing achievement in the creation and presentation of new works is essential, as evidenced by the criteria described for tenure. This criteria should evidence advanced achievement in direct peer review situations such as exhibitions, collections and acquisitions, grants and residencies, honors and awards, and publications. Evidence of a long trajectory of creative work is expected. The exploration of new areas and techniques, while not required, is evidence of continuing growth as an artist.
Service
Continuing distinguished service to the college and department is expected. Service on college committees is regarded as a valuable part of the work of a tenured professor. Participation in professional organizations can be additional evidence of service. Invitations to serve as outside evaluators for tenure cases and external reviews should also be included as examples of service to the larger academy.
Revised Fall 2021
