Promotion and Tenure criteria for Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology faculty are consistent with the established missions of the School, the College, and the University.
It is the mission of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology to acquire, evaluate, disseminate and advance technical knowledge and applications in the fields of engineering, engineering technology, mathematics, computer science, environmental science, and the basic sciences. Land-grant principles provide the historic and philosophic basis for the School’s programs, which through “liberal and practical education” prepare graduates for specialized technical occupations.
It is mandated therefore that faculty excel in the areas of teaching, research, and service, be measured in terms of the outcomes relevant to the applied nature of the School’s curricula, areas of expertise, and administration. The School emphasizes a balance of effort and efficacy in scholarship stemming from basic and applied research, research advising, teaching, outreach, curriculum development, academic advising, and service to the School, College, University, profession, and community.
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Excellence in teaching is defined as the candidate’s effectiveness in providing education, integrating educational material, applying that material in and across the curriculum, and discovery that results from teaching activities. This effectiveness shall be demonstrated in the conduct and administration of courses taught. Teaching efficacy may apply to in-house courses, cooperative extension, continuing education, presentations to educational forums, to Penn State’s World Campus, and to society in general. The primary means for documenting teaching performance shall be peer and student evaluations, as well as the candidate’s record of contribution to advising and curriculum development in the venues listed. Peer evaluations shall be based on classroom visitations, the instructor’s course materials, and his or her teaching philosophy and pedagogy. Student evaluations shall be based on compilations of Student Rating of Teaching Effectiveness (SRTE) forms.
The Scholarship of Research and Creative Accomplishments
Excellence in research is defined as the candidate’s effectiveness in investigation and discovery, the integration of that discovery into other research and teaching activities, the application of material learned to real-life problems, and the imparting of that knowledge to students and society as a teacher and mentor.
Pursuits relevant to research include cooperative discovery, application of scientific theory, creative problem-solving, government and corporate policy research, applied research, technology transfer, demonstration projects, creative accomplishments, and interactions with outside investigators for the purpose of discovery, exploration, and dissemination of scientific knowledge. Progress in research scholarship may be demonstrated by the following outcomes:
- Publication in refereed professional and educational journals.
- Publication in technical and educational conference proceeding
- Patents related to the faculty member’s technical specialty
- Proposals and grants
- Research reports to sponsor
- Textbooks and laboratory manuals
- Development and publication of computer software
- Development of laboratories and laboratory experiments
- Use of research expertise to develop new courses and program specialties
- Use of research expertise to develop and disseminate information on the use of new instructional technologies
Service and the Scholarship of Service to the University, Society and Profession
Excellence in service is defined as the candidate’s effectiveness in applying his or her expertise to academic, professional, and societal aspects of administration at the school, college, and University levels. Faculty may pursue service by sharing expertise with professional and learned societies, participation in community, government, corporate, and clinical pursuits, as well as task forces, authorities, and hearings. Meaningful contributions may be demonstrated in one or more of the following categories:
- Internal Services to Program, School, College, and/or University
- Active and prolonged contributions to professional associations
- Dissemination of knowledge to the general public as a representative of the University
- Active participation in civic and service organizations and the community
For implementation starting in fall, 2003
Revised 15 December, 2004