Policy Statement
Graduate Faculty Status is a privilege conferred upon those members of the faculty of SUNY Oneonta who have an active and continuing role in one or more existing or planned graduate degree programs. Those with Graduate Faculty Status shall include the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Deans and Associate Deans of the schools, and those members of faculty and administrative officers who meet the criteria defined herein.
Graduate Teaching Status is required for all faculty who teach graduate courses. Faculty teaching graduate students must meet the minimum requirements set forth in the Regulations of the Commissioner of the Education Department of the State of New York Title 8 Chapter II § 52.2(b)(5). All faculty with Graduate Faculty Status meet the requirements for Graduate Teaching Status.
Rationale
Graduate Faculty Status recognizes the important role that faculty dedicated to graduate-level education play in:
- designing graduate-level curricula that align with current research and industry trends
- delivering advanced coursework beyond the undergraduate level
- leading cutting-edge research projects that contribute to the advancement of knowledge
- serving on thesis committees and assessing comprehensive exams to ensure academic quality
- increasing the institution’s reputation through publications and grants
- attracting talented graduate students to the university
- mentoring graduate students as they prepare to take on leadership roles in their fields
Graduate Teaching Status confirms that instruction in graduate courses at SUNY Oneonta meets the minimum requirements set forth in the Regulations of the Commissioner of the Education Department of the State of New York Title 8 Chapter II § 52.2(b)(5).
Applicability of the Policy
This policy applies to all SUNY Oneonta faculty.
Policy Elaboration
Criteria
All applications for Graduate Faculty Status shall meet the following criteria established by the Graduate Committee:
- Education - Earned doctorate or other terminal degree or demonstrated special competence in the field in which they direct graduate students.
- Demonstrated Scholarly Ability - Evidenced by publications, research, external funding and/or other contributions to the advancement of knowledge, professional practice, or quality of life.
- Contribution to Graduate Programs - Ongoing involvement in, and commitment to, graduate studies at SUNY Oneonta.
Responsibilities of Graduate Faculty include:
- Curriculum – participation in the development, implementation, and evaluation of graduate curricular design
- Mentorship – advising and mentoring of graduate students
- Thesis and Research Advisement – advising of graduate theses and other capstone projects
- Comprehensive Exams – oversight of comprehensive exams and other similar graduate-level exit requirements
Procedures
Application Process:
Graduate Faculty Status
Graduate Faculty Status is available without Graduate Committee review to faculty members who meet the three following criteria:
- Hold a terminal degree in a discipline related to the courses they teach
- Have an appointment to a position as an assistant professor, associate professor, or professor
- Have teaching, advising, or administrative responsibilities within a graduate program at SUNY Oneonta
Graduate Faculty Status must be reviewed by the Graduate Committee in all other cases. For all other applicants, an application will be made by the program coordinator/director and approved by the department chair in Curriculog. The Graduate Committee will make recommendations to the Provost or the Provost’s designee.
Tracking of Graduate Faculty Status will be done in Banner. CVs will be retained by the department.
Graduate Teaching Status
Graduate Teaching Status requires:
- an earned doctorate or other terminal degree in their specialty area, or
- a master’s degree or A.B.D. standing combined with widely recognized special competence in the field in which they teach graduate students as demonstrated by such means as scholarly activity and/or a publication record
Faculty teaching graduate courses who do not have Graduate Faculty Status will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee and recommended to the Provost or Provost’s designee for Graduate Teaching Status. Graduate Teaching Status will be in effect during a term matching the length of their current contract with the college and may be renewed without further review upon the execution of an additional contract.
Tracking of Graduate Teaching Status will be done in Banner. CVs will be retained by the department.
Discontinuation
Separation from the university will constitute termination of Graduate Faculty Status and Graduate Teaching Status.
Discontinuation of Graduate Faculty Status also may be initiated by a faculty member through submission of a written letter to the School of Graduate Studies.
Forms
Curriculog Tracking Form
Contacts
Questions related to the daily operational interpretation of this policy should be directed to:
Office of the Provost
(607) 436-2517
Provost@onoenta.edu
Related Documents / Policies
NYSED Program Registration Guidance Documents - Department Expectations: Graduate programs: https://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/department-expectations-graduate-programs
Effective Dates
Approved by the President on August 2026
Latest Revision Approved by the President on April 2018