Policies
The operation of UMIACS is governed by a plan of organization, comprising a constitution and bylaws, as well as several policies related to the appointment, promotion, and evaluation of our members. Here we describe these policies, as well as the operational procedures and processes used by UMIACS to implement these policies.
Founding Document
The creation of UMIACS was approved at the campus level in 1984. The proposal to create UMIACS outlines the original vision for the institute to become "a focal point for new interdisciplinary in the computer sciences across the University campuses," to "facilitate collaboration between the University, industry, and the federal government," and to serve as "an educational resource to various academic departments."
Plan of Organization
The UMIACS plan of organization defines the high-level organization of the institute and outlines key decision-making processes.
Emergency Preparedness
The Emergency Preparedness page outlines institute and university guidelines and communication practices for COVID-19 prevention and disasters.
Expectations of Conduct for UMIACS Members
Throughout its 40+ year history, UMIACS has developed a collegial culture that values all members of the Institute equally, irrespective of academic rank or demographic characteristics. In order to promote and maintain this culture, which is a key enabler of the Institute's academic excellence, we hold all members of the Institute to the highest standards for professional and academic conduct.
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe that diversity is a key prerequisite of scientific excellence, and that we can only achieve our full potential if all members of our community—irrespective of seniority and rank—are valued and supported.
Center & Lab Policies
UMIACS administers and manages a number of sub-units ranging from federally funded centers and institutes to formal centers and academic programs, to informal laboratories or research groups.
Professional Track (PTK) Faculty
The UMIACS Policy on Professional Track (PTK) Faculty establishes unit-level policies that comply with college and university-level guidelines for the appointment, evaluation, and promotion of PTK faculty. Further details are provided in the University of Maryland guidelines on the Appointment, Evaluation, and Promotion (AEP) of PTK faculty.
Tenure Track (TTK) Faculty
Hiring and promotion for tenure-track faculty are administered through their home department. For more information, you can review the University's hiring and promotion process for tenure-track faculty and title descriptions. The UMIACS Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure (APT) committee does not vote on tenure or promotion decisions for TTK faculty. However, the UMIACS director provides an evaluation letter containing a recommendation regarding tenure/promotion, letter that is added to the candidate's promotion package prior to the departmental vote.
All TTK faculty appointments in UMIACS are time-limited and renewable upon favorable review by the UMIACS APT committee. The current criteria considered in this evaluation are described here.
In addition, all TTK faculty in the Institute are subjected to annual merit review according to the Merit Pay Distribution Plan for UMIACS Faculty.