The steps in the promotion process are updated prior to the start of the academic year (typically in July). Recommendations for tenure and promotion in academic rank are generally presented to the Board of Regents the following May.
- Memorandum from the Provost on Promotion Casebooks for Instructional Tenure Track, Research Professor Track, and Clinical Instructional Track Faculty updated June 22, 2026 (PDF)
- Memorandum from the Provost on Faculty Evaluation: Recognition of Entrepreneurial, Creative, and Outreach Activities updated June 22, 2026 (PDF)
Instructions and Templates for Faculty Promotions (Updates June 2026)
- Instructions for Faculty Promotions, 2026-27 promotion cycle (PDF)
- Instructions for Instructional Faculty Promotion Recommendations
- Dean Summary Memo Template
- Sample Promotion Recommendation
- Sample Solicitation Letters as Accessible Google Docs
- Sample Alphabetical Listing of External Reviewers Who Provided Letters
- Checklist for Promotion & Tenure Materials, 2025-26 (PDF)
- Promotion Procedures for Research Scientists (leave Provost website)
Additional Resources
- Criteria for Appointment and Promotion of Instructional Faculty (Chapter 5, Faculty Handbook)
- University of Michigan Bylaws: Section 5.23. Clinical Instructional Staff; and Section 5.24. Research Scientists and Research Professors
- SPG 201.13 Rules Concerning Regents’ Bylaw 5.09, Tenure, Tenure Review, and Joint or Partial Tenure Appointments
- Regents’ Bylaw 5.09 Procedures in Cases of Dismissal, Demotion, or Terminal Appointment for Tenured and Tenure Track Faculty
- CRLT Occasional Papers: The Teaching Portfolio