Distinguished Professor Procedure

Intent

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

Scope

This procedure applies to all University Staff, including JCU Australia, JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, involved in the nomination and appointment of a James Cook University Distinguished Professor to eligible Professors of exceptional distinction who have made an exceptional scholarly contribution to their field or discipline.

Procedure

1. Appointment

The title of James Cook University Distinguished Professor is bestowed upon Professors of exceptional distinction who have made an exceptional scholarly contribution to their field or 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.

Stage 1

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

Members of the Vice Chancellor’s Academic Group (VCAG) should be fully confident of the worth of the candidate before making a nomination. Members of VCAG will ensure strict confidentiality in relation to the consideration of nominations.

The nominating member will forward a proposal which addresses the criteria outlined in the Distinguished Professor Policy to the University Executive (UE) for consideration.  If the UE endorses the nomination, it will be submitted to VCAG for consideration. If the UE does not endorse the nomination, the nominator will be advised accordingly by a representative of UE.

Stage 2

VCAG 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. VCAG is able to request any relevant information it requires concerning the candidate in order to make its determination. If VCAG agrees that the eligibility criteria have been satisfied, the Committee will advise the Vice Chancellor that it supports the recommendation. If VCAG 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.

2. Term of Appointment

2.1 Appointment:

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

2.2 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

Schedules/Appendices

Nil

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Revision History