Distinguished Professor Procedure

Intent

This procedure establishes the process for the appointment of a James Cook University Distinguished Professor.

Scope

This procedure applies to nominations for appointment as a James Cook University Distinguished Professor.

Definitions

James Cook University Distinguished Professor - a highly prestigious title which is accorded to eminent Professors of exceptional distinction who have made an exceptional contribution to their field or discipline.

Appointment Procedure

The title of James Cook University Distinguished Professor is bestowed upon Professors who have made an exceptional scholarly contribution to their discipline. A candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for appointment as set out in the Distinguished Professor Policy to be awarded the title.

Nominations for the title of James Cook University Distinguished Professor will follow the procedure outlined below.

Members of the Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Committee (VCAC) should be fully confident of the worth of the candidate before making a recommendation in accordance with Stage 1. Members of VCAC will ensure strict confidentiality in relation to the consideration of nominations.

Stage 1

A member of VCAC may nominate a Professor of exceptional distinction for the title of James Cook University Distinguished Professor.

The nominating member will forward a proposal which addresses the criteria outlined in the Distinguished Professor Policy to the Provost for consideration. If the Provost endorses the nomination, it will be submitted to VCAC for consideration. If the Provost does not endorse the nomination, the nominator will be advised accordingly by the Provost.

Stage 2

VCAC will determine whether the candidate meets the criteria to be appointed as a James Cook University Distinguished Professor, as outlined in the Distinguished Professor Policy. VCAC is able to request any relevant information it requires concerning the candidate in order to make its determination. If VCAC agrees that the eligibility criteria have been satisfied, the Committee will advise the Vice Chancellor that it supports the recommendation. If VCAC does not support the nomination, the Secretariat will inform the nominator/s accordingly.

Stage 3

The Vice Chancellor will consider and make a decision on the recommendation for appointment, which in turn will be conveyed to the candidate.

If the Vice Chancellor approves the recommendation, the University Secretary (or nominee) will write to the candidate advising the candidate that their nomination for an award for the James Cook University Distinguished Professorship has been approved and seeking their acceptance of the nomination. If the Vice Chancellor does not approve the nomination, the nominators will be advised accordingly by the Secretariat.

If the nominee accepts the award of the title, the Vice Chancellor will formally notify the nominee in writing of the award, and will circulate an announcement to University staff and report the appointment to the University Council.

Term of Appointment

Appointment:

Awardees of the title of James Cook University Distinguished Professor will hold the title until they retire or resign from the University.

Withdrawal:

If the title of a Distinguished Professorship is withdrawn, the Distinguished Professor will be notified in writing by the Vice Chancellor, and relevant sections of the University will be notified by the Secretariat.

Related policy instruments

Distinguished Professor Policy

Administration

Approval Details

Revision History