Appeal Process

Medical school promotion and tenure decisions will be made equitably and in compliance with the policies and procedures of Northwestern University.

Faculty members will be notified in writing of decisions on reappointment, promotion or tenure by the dean. If the decision is negative, the faculty member may request reasons for the decision. Upon request by the candidate, the dean or the provost will supply written reasons for the non-renewal of appointment or denial of promotion or tenure. Procedures and criteria for appeals of negative promotion and/or tenure decisions can be found in the Northwestern University Faculty Handbook.

Two university faculty committees consider matters concerning reappointment, promotion and tenure and disciplinary proceedings initiated by the administration. Appeals from faculty members relating to reappointment, promotion and tenure are considered by the University Faculty Reappointment, Promotion, Tenure and Dismissal Appeal Panel. This panel also deals with charges against faculty members initiated by the administration that may lead to the imposition of a major sanction such as suspension or dismissal. Such charges are referred first to the Faculty Committee on Cause. This committee also deals with appeals from faculty members in cases where the administration has imposed a minor sanction such as a reprimand. The Committee on Cause is selected annually by the Faculty Senate and consists of seven faculty members. No faculty member may serve on the Committee on Cause during the same year(s) he or she is a member of the panel. Conditions and procedures pertaining to faculty appeals and disciplinary actions can be found in the Northwestern University Faculty Handbook.