The University of Sydney
Preparing an Application for Promotion
to Level C
Academic Promotions Briefing Session
20 February 2008
Dr Leanne Piggott
Government and International Relations
Key Points
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Be certain you are ready for promotion
Begin planning well before the application
due date
Consult widely
Adopt a mentor
Choose referees carefully
Have your final document proof read as
many times as possible
Preliminary Discussions and
Consultation
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PM&D Supervisor
Colleagues
- Those who have recently been promoted (request a copy of the application)
- Those who have been on promotion committees
- Those with whom the Head of School will consult
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Head of School
- Prepare a one page summary using promotion criteria. Early feedback is critical.
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Adopt a Mentor
- Preferably someone who has recently been promoted; or someone experienced in
promotion committees; or your PM&D supervisor
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Referees
- Choose carefully (local; interstate; international)
- Alert to due date for ‘Referee Report’; provide copy of final submission
Making the Case
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Be clear on what constitutes a case for ‘Outstanding’ in
Teaching and/or Research
Be concise – keep to the word & page length
Take the reader on a journey
Address the specific criteria
Be confident not obnoxious
Be academic - ensure that your case is ‘evidence based’
Leave no doubt concerning your capacity to perform at
the level to which you are seeking promotion
Example of Making a Case for
‘Outstanding’ in Teaching
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Performance
- Number of new UoS
- Student evaluations and team teaching as an opportunity for critical reflection
- Awarded Australian College of Educators’ Quality Teaching Award
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Research-led teaching
- Graduate Certificate in Education
- Curriculum design (e.g. on-line unit based on research and critical reflection)
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Student-focused teaching
- Development of ‘blended learning’ model for tutorials
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Scholarship in Teaching
- Textbook; collaboration with USyd’s T&L Institute
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Leadership in teaching
- Curriculum and new degree design
The Interview
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Know your application
- be able to speak to the key points
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Prepare a one page summary of recent ‘good news’
Be aware that not all members of the LPC will be
familiar with your Discipline’s teaching and
research
- e.g. History versus Mathematics
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Be prepared to be flexible in your response to
questions
Final Message for
Preparing for Promotion
to Level C
Be convinced
that you are already
performing as a Senior Lecturer.