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It is essential for exercises such as this to be conducted as openly as possible and divisional boards are asked to send this circular to all eligible academic staff on their establishment, together with covering information about the composition of the divisional board committee which will comment on the applications. If such covering information is not yet available, this circular should be sent on now with a covering note to that effect, and a further circulation about the actual composition of the committee should be sent as soon as that information is available, and well before the deadline for applications.
Separate circulars are being sent to heads of departments and to colleges, since all employees of the University (i.e. not merely academic staff), and also persons not employed by the University but who are making a significant and sustained contribution to it in an academic capacity, are eligible to apply. Divisional boards also asked themselves to ensure that such persons in their subject area who are not members of the academic staff are aware of the exercise. Such persons must apply according to the same timescale and under the same procedures as for academic staff and their applications will be considered according to the same criteria.
Those who have retired from their substantive appointments are not eligible to apply.
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(a) The primary criterion is a research record of a high order, the quality of which has gained external recognition, and which is comparable in distinction with that expected of readers appointed on the grounds of research achievement at other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration.
The definition of `research' to be followed is that used in research assessment exercises, i.e.: `research' is to be understood as original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding. It includes work of direct relevance to the needs of commerce and industry, as well as to the public and voluntary sectors; scholarship; the invention and generation of ideas, images, performances, and artefacts, including design, where these lead to new or substantially improved insights; and the use of existing knowledge in experimental development to produce new or substantially improved materials, devices, products, and processes, including design and construction. It excludes routine testing and analysis of materials, components, and processes, e.g. for the maintenance of national standards, as distinct from the development of new analytical techniques.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
(a) The primary criterion is that research must be of outstanding quality, have led to a significant international reputation, and be comparable in distinction with that expected of a professor in other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
In all cases, in accordance with the University's equal opportunities aims, account will be taken of factors which might have affected an individual's performance during the time under review, thus making the contribution to research, in particular, smaller in quantity (but not in quality) than would otherwise have been expected.
All of the information supplied by applicants under section 4 (1) below, including any statements about factors which may have led to academic achievements appearing less in quantity than they would otherwise have been, are to be assessed against these criteria.
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Applicants are asked to present their case by the submission of a curriculum vitae arranged under the following headings and within twelve sides of A4 (single-sided please to make copying easier).
(1) Title applied for (if you hold neither the title of reader, nor of professor, please indicate whether either title would be acceptable)
(2) Any other relevant information such as might normally appear in a curriculum vitae, including date of birth, employment history and current post
(3) University lectures and classes given (over the last three years or such period as may be required to demonstrate fulfilment of the criteria outlined in section 3)
(4) Graduate supervision and other graduate teaching undertaken (over the last three years or such period as may be required to demonstrate fulfilment of the criteria outlined in section 3)
(5) University examining (over the last three years or such period as may be required to demonstrate fulfilment of the criteria outlined in section 3)
(6) University administration (over the last three years or such period as may be required to demonstrate fulfilment of the criteria outlined in section 3)
(7) Undergraduate teaching for college(s) (over the last three years or such period as may be required to demonstrate fulfilment of the criteria outlined in section 3)
(8) College administration (over the last three years or such period as may be required to demonstrate fulfilment of the criteria outlined in section 3)
(9) Advanced study and research, including publications, grants, etc.
(10) Future plans for research All data supplied by applicants will be used only for the purposes of assessing their application for a title of distinction and will be held in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the University's Data Protection Policy.
Applicants are asked to asterisk on their publication lists the six publications which they regard as their most significant. Copies of complete applications will be sent to the non-college referees, as well to faculty referees and assessors.
Applicants whose academic interests are interdisciplinary should make this clear, and should indicate whether they would like their applications to be considered by more than one divisional board.
Applicants are requested not to include copies of books or articles with their applications, as it is not practicable to make them systematically available to all who need to consider the applications.
Applicants must also supply the names of three referees and their addresses (including fax numbers and e-mail addresses). At least one referee must be external to Oxford, and one must be the head of the applicant's college.[1] The referees must have agreed to act for this purpose. The college reference must be sought from the head of the college, who may, however, delegate the task.
Applications must reach Mrs Kinahan, University Offices, Wellington Square, by 16 November 2001.
It is not open to divisional board committees to invite individuals who have not put themselves forward to consider doing so.
All of those who put themselves forward should feel free to mention any factors (domestic or otherwise) which may have led, for instance, to academic achievements appearing less in quantity than they would otherwise have been.
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(a) Each divisional board should delegate the consideration of the applications to a single committee, chaired by the head of the division (i.e. separate committees should not be set up to consider the possible conferment of the title of reader on the one hand and professor on the other). Divisional board committees should be broadly based, covering as far as possible the major disciplines or broad areas of study under the aegis of the particular board. Boards may, if they wish, arrange for departmental/faculty board scrutiny of applications before consideration by the divisional board committee.
(b) Divisional board committees should not contain anyone who is a member of the Recognition of Distinction Committee of the Personnel Committee (for present membership of this, see section 5 below). It is open to divisional boards to include on their committees those who do not hold the title of professor or are not substantive professors, on the obvious understanding that they would not be eligible to apply in that year's exercise. Provided suitably qualified individuals exist, each committee must contain at least one member of each sex. It is normally expected that divisional board committees will contain an appropriate mixture of internal and external members (although external members are not compulsory) and an appropriate number of professors and/or readers.
(c) Divisional boards are asked to obtain two further references, additional to those identified by the applicant. These references should normally be external and should be passed on to the Recognition of Distinction Committee with the other material forwarded by the divisional board committee. As previously, divisional boards or their committees should also appoint external assessors to review and comment on groups of applications arranged according to broad similarity of subject area. As previously, the requirement to appoint an assessor may be waived in cases where it is impossible to group candidates according to subject area. In such cases, a separate comment on each applicant from an external member of the committee should be submitted.
(d) The assessors' comments should be used to help the divisional board formulate its comments and should also be sent in full to the Recognition of Distinction Committee. No assessor should be asked to comment on an applicant for whom he or she has already acted as a referee.
(e) References chosen by the applicant will be taken up by Mrs Kinahan in a standard format. Divisional boards should approach the referees whom they choose but they must use the same format, subject to modification of the first sentence. A pro forma letter to assessors is also provided. References received by Mrs Kinahan will be passed on immediately to the divisional board secretary for consideration by the divisional board committee. That committee must assess all of the applicants in the light of the material they have submitted and all of the references received, including the external ones, and strictly by reference to the criteria in section 3 above. The committee must seek whatever supplementary information it may need, beyond the external referees' and the assessors' comments, in order to address fully and fairly the question whether the applicant meets these criteria. The committee should then submit its comments (plus the additional reference and assessors' comments) to Mrs Kinahan for consideration by the Recognition of Distinction Committee. Whether through the references obtained, or through its own comments, or both, the divisional board's committee is expected to address explicitly in each case the question whether in its opinion the individual meets the key elements of the relevant criteria, namely
(i) quality of research achievement and its comparability with that expected of professors/readers in other major research universities;
(ii) extent and quality of contribution to teaching and administration for university and college.
The attention of divisional boards is drawn particularly to the definition of the research criterion at the reader level. The Recognition of Distinction Committee is clear that what might be regarded as the criteria for the award of the title of `senior lecturer' in other institutions (i.e. long and loyal service, with extremely conscientious performance of duties) is not sufficient to meet the research criterion for the conferment of the title of reader.
(f) Divisional board committees are in particular asked to explain specifically why in their opinion an applicant for the title of either reader or professor (as distinct from one or the other on its own) meets the criteria for whichever title the committee believes is appropriate.
(g) Divisional board committees are asked to recommend suitable fields for the titles of their applicants, should they be successful e.g. Professor of English Language and Literature, Reader in Inorganic Chemistry.
It is emphasised that divisional board committees must ensure that comments are made on the applicant's performance of his or her university duties (where relevant) under section (e) (ii) above.
Divisional board committees must consult between themselves in cases where an individual has asked for consideration by more than one board.
In making their comments to the Recognition of Distinction Committee, chairmen or secretaries of committees should state expressly that these bodies have observed the following elements of the above procedure: composition of selection committees, circulation of all information to all eligible academic staff, consideration of factors affecting academic performance, and consideration of all information against the criteria, in particular whether it interpreted the criteria in any specific way.
The comments made on behalf of each divisional board must be forwarded to Mrs Kinahan by 29 March 2002.
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(1) the Vice-Chancellor;
(2) the Chairman of the Personnel Committee;
(3)--(14) twelve persons not necessarily being members of the Personnel Committee, two of whom shall be external to Oxford; and comprising at least one member of each sex.
Those appointed under (3)--(14) hold office for four years, and are not eligible for reappointment, after serving for any full period of office, until a further period of four years has elapsed.
Those appointed by the Personnel Committee under (3)--(14) are currently as follows:
The Principal of Jesus
Professor M. Bowie
Professor P.J. Donnelly
Professor W.R. Eatock Taylor
Professor J. Higgins (Imperial College)
Professor L.N. Johnson
Professor H. Lee
Professor A.J. McMichael
Professor O.H. Petersen (University of Liverpool)
Sir Keith Thomas
Professor J.S. Vickers
Professor T. Williamson
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Full details of the University's scheme for the recognition of distinction are annexed. May I draw your attention to the main criteria for the title of professor, as set out on pp. 2--3:
(a) The primary criterion is that research must be of outstanding quality, have led to a significant international reputation, and be comparable in distinction with that expected of a professor in other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration. A notable contribution to college administration could compensate for a lesser contribution to university administration and vice versa, provided that contributions on both sides have been satisfactory.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
In respect of the primary criterion it would be of considerable help if you would comment on the quality and international reputation of 1 ~'s research record giving your candid opinion, and compare its distinction with that expected of professors in the leading UK departments in this subject area. 1 ~'s complete application is also enclosed. Any additional comments you might have, e.g. on 1 ~'s contribution to teaching and administration, would of course also be welcome.
All references received will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 i.e. they will be regarded as potentially disclosable to the subject on request unless they are marked `strictly confidential'.
It would be helpful if I could receive your reference by 2 ~.
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Full details of the University's scheme for the recognition of distinction are annexed. May I draw your attention to the main criteria for the title of reader, as set out on pp. 2--3:
(a) The primary criterion is a research record of a high order, the quality of which has gained external recognition, and which is comparable in distinction with that expected of readers appointed on the grounds of research achievement at other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration. A notable contribution to college administration could compensate for a lesser contribution to university administration and vice versa, provided that contributions on both sides have been satisfactory.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
In respect of the primary criterion it would be of considerable help if you would comment on the quality and degree of external recognition of 1 ~'s research record giving your candid opinion, and compare its distinction with that expected of readers in the leading UK departments in this subject area. 1 ~'s complete application is also enclosed. Any additional comments you might have, e.g. on 1 ~'s contribution to teaching and administration, would of course also be welcome.
All references received will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 i.e. they will be regarded as potentially disclosable to the subject on request unless they are marked `strictly confidential'.
It would be helpful if I could receive your reference by 2 ~.
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Full details of the University's scheme for the recognition of distinction are annexed. May I draw your attention to the main criteria for the title of reader or professor, as set out on pp. 2--3:
(a) The primary criterion is a research record of a high order, the quality of which has gained external recognition, and which is comparable in distinction with that expected of readers appointed on the grounds of research achievement at other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration. A notable contribution to college administration could compensate for a lesser contribution to university administration and vice versa, provided that contributions on both sides have been satisfactory.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
(a) The primary criterion is that research must be of outstanding quality, have led to a significant international reputation, and be comparable in distinction with that expected of a professor in other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration. A notable contribution to college administration could compensate for a lesser contribution to university administration and vice versa, provided that contributions on both sides have been satisfactory.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
In respect of the primary criteria it would be of considerable help if you would comment on the quality and reputation of 1 ~'s research record giving your candid opinion, and compare its distinction with that expected of readers and professors in the leading UK departments in this subject area. 1 ~'s complete application is also enclosed. Please comment specifically on which set of criteria you think the applicant meets. Any additional comments you might have, e.g. on 1 ~'s contribution to teaching and administration, would of course also be welcome.
All references received will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 i.e. they will be regarded as potentially disclosable to the subject on request unless they are marked `strictly confidential'.
It would be helpful if I could receive your reference by 2 ~.
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Full details of the scheme for the recognition of distinction are annexed. May I draw your attention to the main criteria set out on pp. 2--3, and in particular to the following provision:
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration. A notable contribution to college administration could compensate for a lesser contribution to university administration and vice versa, provided that contributions on both sides have been satisfactory.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
In order that the Distinctions Committee may assess with accuracy and confidence whether this criterion is met, it will be of considerable help if you would provide full information on the extent and a candid opinion on the quality of 1~'s contribution to college teaching (if appropriate) and administration. Your comments will (of course) be treated completely confidentially. Any additional comments you might have, e.g. on 1~'s research record, would also be welcome.
All references received will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 i.e. they will be regarded as potentially disclosable to the subject on request unless they are marked `strictly confidential'.
It would be helpful if I could receive your reference by 2 ~.
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Name title (s) applied for
On behalf of the Board of the [name of division] Division
I am writing to ask you to act as assessor for this group of applicants. The
role of the assessor is to review to what extent the applicants meet the criteria
for the award of the title of reader and/or professor (see below), to compare
the distinction of the applicants with that expected of readers and/or professors
in other major research departments in the UK and to make comparisons
between the applicants in the group.
Full details of the University's scheme for the recognition of distinction are annexed. May I draw your attention to the main criteria for the award of the title of reader and/or professor, as set out on pages 2--3.
(a) The primary criterion is a research record of a high order, the quality of which has gained external recognition, and which is comparable in distinction with that expected of readers appointed on the grounds of research achievement at other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration. A notable contribution to college administration could compensate for a lesser contribution to university administration and vice versa, provided that contributions on both sides have been satisfactory.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
(a) The primary criterion is that research must be of outstanding quality, have led to a significant international reputation, and be comparable in distinction with that expected of a professor in other major research universities.
(b) (i) Where an applicant is a member of the academic staff of the University, he or she must have undertaken undergraduate and/or graduate teaching for the University, and for colleges, concomitant with the duties of the university post and of the college fellowship (where one is held), and such teaching must have been performed well. Particular flair in teaching or in contributions to teaching would strengthen the case for the title. An outstanding contribution to teaching could compensate for a lesser contribution to high-level research. Applicants must also have demonstrated a regular willingness to contribute to the academic community by involvement in university and college administration and to have demonstrated competence in such administration. A notable contribution to college administration could compensate for a lesser contribution to university administration and vice versa, provided that contributions on both sides have been satisfactory.
(ii) Where an applicant is not a member of the University's academic staff, he or she must have demonstrated a regular and sustained commitment to the University (e.g. in teaching or administration) beyond the prosecution of high quality research.
In respect of the primary criteria, it would be of considerable help if you would comment on the quality and the reputation of the research record of this group of applicants, making comparisons with the level of distinction expected of readers and/or professors in the leading UK departments in this subject area. It would also be helpful if you were able to make comparisons between the applicants, although a rank order is not required.
All comments received will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 i.e. they will be regarded as potentially disclosable to the subject on request unless they are marked `strictly confidential'.
It would be helpful if I could receive your assessment by [date].
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Name title (s) applied for
On behalf of the Board of the [name of division] Division
I am writing to ask you to act as assessor for this applicant. The role of the
assessor is to review to what extent the applicant meets the criteria for the
award of the title of reader and/or professor (see below), and to compare the
distinction of the applicant with that expected of readers and/or professors in
other major research departments in the UK.
Full details of the University's scheme for the recognition of distinction are annexed. May I draw your attention to the main criteria for the award of the title of reader and/or professor, as set out on pages 2--3.
In respect of the primary criteria, it would be of considerable help if you would comment on the quality and the reputation of the research record of this applicant, making comparisons with the level of distinction expected of readers and/or professors in the leading UK departments in this subject area.
All comments received will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 i.e. they will be regarded as potentially disclosable to the subject on request unless they are marked `strictly confidential'.
It would be helpful if I could receive your assessment by [date].
[1]
In cases where applicants employed by the University hold no college
fellowship of any kind, the names of two referees only should be supplied.
Applicants not employed by the University must cite three referees, at least
one of whom must be external to Oxford, and one of whom must be a
representative of their employer.
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