Wisconsin Administrative Code
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Chapter UWS 10 - Academic staff appointments
Section UWS 10.03 - Appointments policies

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง UWS 10.03

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) FIXED TERM APPOINTMENTS. Each institution of the system may employ academic staff members on fixed term appointments. Such appointments shall be for a fixed term to be specified in the letter of appointment, are renewable solely at the option of the employing institution, and carry no expectation of reemployment beyond their stated term, regardless of how many times renewed. The initial fixed term appointment may include a specified period of time during which the appointee may be dismissed at the discretion of the authorized official. Such a dismissal is not subject to the provisions of ch. UWS 11. Unless otherwise specified, fixed term appointments shall be for a period of one year. Each institution shall develop policies and procedures for the use of such appointments. The policies and procedures of each institution shall specifically treat the issue of job security including appropriate due process protections in the case of nonreappointment for those fixed term academic staff members who have served the institution for a substantial period of time. Such policies and procedures shall be formulated so as to meet the continuing needs of the institution while at the same time recognizing the employment commitment and contribution to the institution provided by such fixed term academic staff members.

(2) INDEFINITE AND PROBATIONARY ACADEMIC STAFF APPOINTMENTS. Indefinite appointments and probationary academic staff appointments shall be authorized by the chancellor or designee.

(a) Probationary academic staff appointments.
1. Each institution of the system may appoint selected members of the academic staff to probationary academic staff appointments leading to review and a decision on an indefinite appointment. Each institution shall adopt procedures to govern such appointments. These procedures shall provide for appropriate counting of prior service, for a maximum probationary period not to exceed 7 years for a full-time position, for annual appraisal of performance, and for an affirmative review process prior to the end of the probationary period resulting in promotion to an indefinite appointment or termination of the appointment. A longer maximum probationary period may be provided for part-time appointees. Unless otherwise specified, probationary appointments shall be for a period of one year. An indefinite appointment is not acquired solely because of years of service.

2. A leave of absence shall not constitute a break in continuous service, nor shall it be included in the probationary period under sub. (1).

3. Circumstances that do not constitute a break in continuous service and that shall not be included in the 7-year period include responsibilities with respect to childbirth or adoption, significant responsibilities with respect to elder or dependent care obligations, disability or chronic illness, or circumstances beyond the control of the academic staff member, when those circumstances significantly impede the academic staff member's progress toward achieving indefinite status. It shall be presumed that a request made under this section because of responsibilities with respect to childbirth and adoption shall be approved. A request shall be made before an indefinite status review commences under subd. 1. A request for additional time because of responsibilities with respect to childbirth or adoption shall be initiated in writing by the academic staff member concerned and shall be submitted to a designated administrative officer who shall be authorized to grant a request following consultation with the academic staff member's supervisor and who shall specify the length of time for which the request is granted. Except for a request because of responsibilities with respect to childbirth and adoption, a request made because of other circumstances under this section shall be submitted to a designated administrative officer who shall be authorized to grant a request in accordance with institutional policies. A denial of a request shall be in writing and shall be based upon clear and convincing reasons. More than one request may be granted because of responsibilities with respect to childbirth or adoption. More than one request may be granted to a probationary academic staff member but the total, aggregate length of time of all requests, except for a request because of responsibilities with respect to childbirth or adoption, granted to one probationary academic staff member ordinarily shall be no more than one year. Each institution shall develop procedures for reviewing the requests.

4. If any academic staff member has been in probationary status for more than 7 years because of one or more of the reasons set forth in subd. 2. or 3., the academic staff member shall be evaluated as if he or she had been on probationary status for 7 years.

Example: An academic staff member has been on probationary status for a total of 9 years because the academic staff was granted 2 requests under subd. 3. for one-year extensions because of the birth of 2 children. The academic staff member's record of performance shall be evaluated as if the academic staff had only 7 years to work towards achieving indefinite status, rather than as if the academic staff member had been working towards achieving indefinite status for 9 years.

(b) Indefinite appointment. An indefinite appointment is an appointment with permanent status and for an unlimited term, granted by the chancellor to a member of the academic staff. Such an appointment is terminable only for cause under ch. UWS 11 or for reasons of budget or program under ch. UWS 12. Such an appointment may be granted to a member of the academic staff who holds or will hold a half-time appointment or more. The proportion of time provided for in the initial indefinite appointment may not be diminished or increased without the mutual consent of the academic staff member and the institution unless the appointment is terminated or diminished under ch. UWS 11 or 12. Each institution shall adopt procedures to govern indefinite appointments including provisions for annual appraisal of performance.

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