Dear Colleagues,

The success, well-being, and thriving of our faculty are the most important predictors of student success and the realization of our most ambitious aspirations. For this reason, faculty development is an important function of department chairs, deans, and the Office of Faculty Affairs led by Emily Isaacs in the Provost's Office. Their work starts with setting clear expectations and mentoring faculty to meet and exceed these expectations. 

I am pleased to share the revised Faculty Roles and Expectations, effective beginning Academic Year 2026–2027. 

This update was the result of the work of a diverse group of academic leaders and faculty who shared and revised drafts numerous times after feedback through surveys and forums. It aligns the expectations with Montclair’s mission as a public-serving university and reflects the diversity of faculty roles, disciplines, and career stages. The revised document provides university-level guidance while allowing colleges, schools, and departments to maintain discipline-specific criteria consistent with our agreements and policies.

The key changes include:

•A new preamble situating faculty work within Montclair’s mission and commitment to the public good.

•Formal inclusion of Teaching Faculty.

•Clarified expectations by rank.

•For teaching, adoption of a principles-based framework that centers student success, inclusive teaching, and measurable outcomes.

•For scholarship, clarification of the importance of an original agenda, intellectual independence from previous mentors, and increasing impact.

•For service, great emphasis on mission-aligned engagement and leadership.

 

This revision reflects thoughtful collaboration and ensures that our expectations are rigorous, contemporary, and aligned with our Mission and our shared aspirations for excellence.

These criteria are in effect for the next academic year, effective Fall 2026. All current and remaining personnel actions for this year will continue to be guided by the 2003 document, which will remain visible on the website.

Beginning next week, through the Office for Faculty Excellence, Vice Provost for Research Stefanie Brachfeld and Senior Assistant Provost for Faculty Affairs Emily Isaacs will organize informational sessions and faculty development opportunities to support faculty success with these revised Faculty Roles and Expectations.

Thank you to all of you who contributed to the document by providing feedback, and thank you especially to the faculty and academic leaders who served on the committee: 

Vincent Alfonso, Natascia Boering, Lora Billings, Stefanie Brachfeld, Mary Colon, Dan Gurskis, Elaine Hitchcock, Kimberly Hollister, Emily Isaacs, Yanick Joseph, Kathleen Kelley, Catherine Keohane, Scott Kight, Dana Levitt, Marylou Naumoff, Jessica Restaino, Ron Strauss, Leslie Wilson, and Gail Yosh.

With much gratitude,

Fatma

Women’s History Month brings together our community to honor pioneering women, spotlight creative voices and explore powerful stories of reinvention and purpose.

Montclair 250 - On March 4th at 6 p.m. in Presentation Hall, President Koppell will discuss how intellectual property and innovation have played a pivotal role in shaping America’s economic growth. This lecture is open to the public. No prior registration is required. Visit the Montclair 250 webpage for more information.