I. Introduction
This handbook contains information describing faculty roles and responsibilities, academic operations, personnel policies, and the shared governance model. It is the product of collaborative discussion among the faculty, academic leaders, and the administrative offices of the MGH Institute. All faculty members are expected to be familiar with the contents of this handbook, which is reviewed and updated annually for accuracy and relevance. Approved changes to the Faculty Handbook go into effect in August at the start of the next academic year, and all faculty members with ongoing appointments are subject to the provisions as amended.
Faculty members are those employees who have been awarded faculty rank and who are employed for a defined appointment period. Often the MGH Institute employs, on a term-by-term basis, credentialed professionals as lecturers. These colleagues may teach in the various programs and, in some instances, may have privileges of attendance or vote at program committees. They do not, however, have rank, and are not subject to the policies and procedures outlined in this handbook.
While the handbook focuses on policies and procedures that apply specifically to MGH Institute faculty, faculty members are also governed by Institute-wide policies and procedures. To view a complete list of applicable policies, please see Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
For 2024–2025, the Office of the Provost has updated the Faculty Handbook to reflect the following changes across several sections:
I. Introduction
Mission, vision and core values: Updated to align with recent strategic priorities.
II. Appointment and Reappointment
Reappointment: Notice period for initial one-year appointments and criteria for reappointment adjustments.
III. Evaluation and Work Plan
Evaluation and work plan: Revised guidelines for work plan credit allocation.
V. Leaves
Sabbatical leave- Updated timelines and expectations for faculty on sabbatical.
VIII. Problem Resolution
Problem resolution- Updated language for greater clarity.
IX. New Program Approval Process
The new program approval process: Streamlined for efficiency.
X. Program Review
Program review: Updated language for clarity.