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.

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.

Code of Conduct

In 2021, UMIACS voted to adopt the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as its own. The Code is designed to inspire and guide the ethical conduct of all computing professionals, including current and aspiring practitioners, instructors, students, influencers, and anyone who uses computing technology in an impactful way. Additionally, the Code serves as a basis for remediation when violations occur. It includes principles formulated as statements of responsibility, based on the understanding that the public good is always the primary consideration.

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. 

UMIACS Policy on 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. This policy ensures that PTK faculty are treated fairly and equitably in these processes.

Appointment, Evaluation, and Promotion of UMIACS Faculty

The overall criteria used by the institute's faculty appointment, promotion and tenure committee are outlined in the Processes & Criteria to Evaluate Faculty. The process and criteria used to determine merit pay are described in the Merit Pay Distribution Plan for UMIACS Faculty. 

University of Maryland Guidelines on AEP of PTK Faculty

The University of Maryland guidelines on the Appointment, Evaluation, and Promotion (AEP) of PTK faculty aim to provide transparency and accountability regarding rules, procedures, and processes. These guidelines ensure fair and equitable treatment of PTK faculty in appointment, evaluation, and promotion. Additionally, they emphasize the meaningful inclusion of PTK faculty in the development and implementation of unit, College, or School policies and procedures.

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.