Graduate Faculty Credentialing

The purpose of graduate faculty credentialing is to ensure that graduate programs are supported by faculty who have the expertise to teach graduate courses and to mentor students as researchers. Those faculty who teach graduate-level courses, advise graduate students, serve on thesis or dissertation committees, or otherwise participate in graduate education at UT Tyler must be members of the Graduate Faculty.

The Dean of The Graduate School is authorized to make final appointments to the graduate research faculty. Appointments may be made in one of several member categories. See Graduate Faculty Membership Policy for details about each category, application, and reapplication information. When ready, log in to DocuSign and complete the Graduate Research Faculty Application. Click Instructions for Submitting Graduate Research Faculty Application for additional instructions on accessing the template in DocuSign.

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Faculty Development Leave

Overview

The UT Tyler Faculty Development Leave (FDL) program offers tenured faculty members paid leave from teaching and service responsibilities, providing them with dedicated time to focus on research, scholarship, and creative activities. FDL awards are strategic investments by the university, designed to enhance faculty careers while also contributing to the university's broader goals and priorities. 

A limited number of awards in the form of release time are granted through a peer-reviewed, competitive process upon approval by the Provost and President, as provided in the Texas Education Code (Section 51.101 et. seq.). The program is sponsored by the UT Tyler Graduate School in partnership with the Office of the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost.

Eligibility

Full-time faculty may submit proposals for FDL if they meet the following eligibility qualifications.

1. Faculty must be tenured at UT Tyler at the time of applying for and receiving Faculty Development Leave.
2. Faculty must have completed at least six full academic years as a full-time faculty member at UT Tyler by the start of the Faculty Development Leave. These six years must include at least two consecutive full academic years of service at UT Tyler, during which no other Faculty Development Leaves were taken.
3. Faculty must demonstrate a consistent record of excellence and a clear pathway for continued success in research, scholarship, and creative endeavors, as defined by their college or school.

Faculty members who are awarded FDL must agree to continue employment with UT Tyler for at least one academic year upon return or must return all salary and benefits provided by the university for FDL. 

Application and Deadline

The AY 2024-2025 application period is open. The Request for Proposals and the Application Form is here for your information. The deadline to apply is March 14, 2025. 

Forms & Documents

Graduate Academic Program Coordinator Policy Document

Graduate Academic Program Coordinator Handbook

Certificate-Only Graduate Student Exemption Form

Doctoral Milestones Agreement 

Reinstatement of Graduate Coursework Approval Form is available by request from The Graduate School – gradschool@uttyler.edu.

Sample Templates

Master's Sample Degree Plan            Doctoral Sample Degree Plan

Certificate Sample Plan                      Master's Milestones Agreement

 

Questions about forms, documents, and templates can be directed to The Graduate School at gradschool@uttyler.edu.