Publications
The quality, quantity, and rate of publication of peer-reviewed journal articles, including empirical articles and theoretical and review articles, are important considerations in arriving at a decision to tenure and/or promote. It is the Department’s expectation that the candidate’s scholarly record will include a significant body of empirical research. Although quantity can be evaluated rather simply, the judgment of quality is more complex and involves a number of factors. Only work accomplished since the Faculty member was appointed to the faculty at 5X is counted, unless explicit credit is given for previous academic or research experience. Only publications or “in press” material are counted; items that are under review or in preparation are considered but given very little weight.
In general, the highest value is given to empirical articles in referred journals. An integrated series of studies in a single article is more valued than piece-meal publication of single empirical studies. Theoretical and review papers in peer-reviewed, prestigious journals are highly valued but candidates for tenure should also have articles reporting empirical research. Obviously, publications in journals having stringent reviewing policies are more valued than publications in journals that are less rigorous in their editorial control. The contribution made by publishing a book is judged, in general, on the level of the book. For example, professional books that make original contributions are considered more valuable than undergraduate textbooks. Convention papers are encouraged, but because of their relatively narrow range of dissemination and sometimes superficial reviewing policies, they represent a more nominal level of research accomplishment. Unpublished research reports or technical reports that are distributed locally or informally are not considered to be "publications." In evaluating research activity, degree of contribution, not just authorship, will be considered. Candidates need to specify the degree and nature of their contribution to co-authored publications. For research activity that was begun before but finished after his/her appointment at Kent State, the amount of work completed since appointment also should be specified. Since it is difficult to specify typical criteria for tenure and promotion, consultation with senior colleagues may be helpful.