Zone Descriptors
Assessment in each of the four zones will draw on the following illustrative statements. It is assumed that a Professor at Level 2 has many of the attributes of 1, and one at Level 3 has the attributes of 1, and 2, etc.
There are different career paths so that staff may be appointed for excellence and academic leadership in Research & Teaching, Learning, Teaching and Scholarship or Academic Clinicians Whichever career track staff are following, the quality of input and outcome should be high in all cases.
It is expected that for promotion to any Zone, a professor would normally be able to demonstrate meeting the majority of the criteria outlined across the range of academic activity in the zone descriptors. It is recognised that distinction in all of the areas detailed in the zone descriptor will very rarely be achieved. Professors will be placed into the appropriate zone normally on the basis of ‘best’ fit with the criteria outlined across the range of academic activity in the relevant College zone descriptor and ultimately to the zone to which there is an overall preponderance of conformance.
All professors, at every level, are expected to demonstrate significant collegiality and to lead both actively and by example with respect to School and College research, teaching and administrative responsibilities. For the avoidance of any doubt, it is a normal expectation that all professorial staff make a significant contribution to UG/PG teaching. Examples can include submitting and marking exam papers within deadlines, giving lectures as assigned and evidence of course development that has benefited the student experience. Administrative responsibilities may include caring for the welfare of relevant research groups of their School and mentoring younger colleagues. Professors at all levels should contribute to public engagement, and to external activity which benefits the national and international standing of the University.
Zone 1: The normal entry level for those appointed to the Professoriate. Working at this level indicates an international reputation, reflected by a range and balance of the activities listed below, as appropriate to the opportunities and expectations of the discipline.
Zone 2: The level for Professors with considerable academic distinction, and with ongoing excellent performance. Working at this level indicates an established international reputation for academic leadership, reflected by a range of the activities listed below as appropriate to the opportunities and expectations of the discipline.
Zone 3: The level for Professors of excellent academic distinction internationally. Working at this level requires evidence of an internationally leading reputation for shaping the relevant field of study, reflected by a range of the activities listed below, as appropriate to the opportunities and expectations of the discipline.
Zone 4: The level for Professors of the highest academic distinction. Working at this level requires evidence of international recognition as one of a group of world leaders in the relevant field of study, reflected by a range of the activities listed below, as appropriate to the opportunities and expectations of the discipline.
Research & Teaching - Professorial Zone Descriptors
Learning Teaching & Scholarship - Professorial Zone Descriptors
Learning, Teaching & Scholarship Guidelines