• Section 1 - Purpose
• Scope
• Section 2 - Policy 
• Section 3 - Procedures
• Section 4 - Guidelines
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) The purpose of this Policy is to set out the conditions for the award of the title of Distinguished Professor of Macquarie University.

Scope

(2) This Policy applies to Macquarie University Level E academic staff.

Section 2 - Policy 

(3) Macquarie University (the University) values exceptional distinction in scholarship and outstanding contributions to the University community. To recognise such contributions, the University awards the title of Distinguished Professor.

(4) The title is of high honour and while there is no limit to the number of Distinguished Professors, it is expected that only highly exceptional candidates will be awarded the title.

(5) The University reserves the right not to make an award or to withdraw an award.

Eligibility

(6) To be eligible for consideration, a nominee must hold a Level E/Professor appointment at the University.

(7) The title is awarded based on exemplary conduct, contributions and merit against the Distinguished Professor Evaluation Criteria (Schedule A of this Policy).

Nomination

(8) A nomination for the title of Distinguished Professor may be made by an Executive Dean, following the nominee’s agreement.

(9) Nominations will be considered by the Distinguished Professor Committee (Committee).

Awarding

(10) The Vice-Chancellor is the approval authority for the award of the title of Distinguished Professor taking into consideration the recommendation of the Committee.

(11) The title is awarded for six (6) years or until the retirement or resignation of the staff member, whichever is the earlier.

(12) The title may be awarded for consecutive periods. Re-nomination for a consecutive period will be treated as a new nomination.

(13) A loading is provided in association with the awarding of the title, which may be used as a salary supplement, teaching release or for research.

Responsibilities

(14) To protect the integrity of the award and the reputation of the University, the Vice-Chancellor may rescind the award of the title of Distinguished Professor at their discretion.

Section 3 - Procedures

(15) Every two (2) years a nomination process will be initiated by Human Resources and communicated to all Level E academic staff.

(16) Nominations must be submitted by the relevant Executive Dean using the Distinguished Professor Nomination Form and include the nominee’s curriculum vitae.

(17) The Committee will consist of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and the Chair, Academic Senate.

(18) The Chair of the Committee will be appointed by the Committee from its membership.

(19) The Chief People Officer may attend meetings of the Committee and provide advice where required.

(20) The Committee will review nominations against the Distinguished Professor Evaluation Criteria and the Chair will communicate the Committee’s recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor.

(21) The Vice-Chancellor will consider the recommendation and will either approve the nominee being offered appointment as a Distinguished Professor of the University or decline the recommendation.

(22) The Chief People Officer will advise the Executive Dean of the outcome of the nomination.

(23) The Executive Dean will advise the nominee of the outcome.

(24) If the nomination has been approved, an award ceremony will be held, following discussion with the nominee.

(25) In association with the awarding of the title of Distinguished Professor, the Executive Dean will consider and may approve an appropriate salary loading or other benefit for the recipient (i.e., teaching release or research).

(26) The Vice-Chancellor will advise the University Council of an approved award of Distinguished Professor of the University.

Section 4 - Guidelines

(27) Nil.

Section 5 - Definitions

(28) Nil.