Preparing an Application for Promotion to Level C Academic Promotions Briefing Session 20 February 2008 Dr Leanne Piggott Government and International Relations The University of Sydney

Key Points 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 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 Head of School - Prepare a one page summary using promotion criteria. Early feedback is critical. Adopt a Mentor - Preferably someone who has recently been promoted; or someone experienced in promotion committees; or your PM&D supervisor Referees - Choose carefully (local; interstate; international) - Alert to due date for ‘Referee Report’; provide copy of final submission

Making the Case 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 Performance - Number of new UoS - Student evaluations and team teaching as an opportunity for critical reflection - Awarded Australian College of Educators’ Quality Teaching Award Research-led teaching - Graduate Certificate in Education - Curriculum design (e.g. on-line unit based on research and critical reflection) Student-focused teaching - Development of ‘blended learning’ model for tutorials Scholarship in Teaching - Textbook; collaboration with USyd’s T&L Institute Leadership in teaching - Curriculum and new degree design

The Interview Know your application - be able to speak to the key points 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 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.