Version June 25, 2025

A. Introduction

The Washington University Policy on Academic Freedom, Responsibility, and Tenure authorizes “grants of academic rank as a courtesy to persons not regular members of the University faculty.” This policy offers guidelines for the recruitment, appointment, responsibilities, and evaluation of Courtesy Faculty at the Washington University School of Public Health.

Courtesy Faculty appointments officially recognize professionals employed at organizations external to Washington University, who are not on faculty at the University, and who can contribute their expertise to support the School of Public Health’s research and teaching goals. Organizations external to the university include, but are not limited to, other academic institutions, research institutes, nonprofit organizations, health-care facilities, government agencies, businesses, and industry partners.

Courtesy Faculty appointments are not on the tenure track and are not eligible for university benefits such as health insurance, retirement programs, or paid leave. Courtesy appointments may be made at the rank of Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor. The initial rank should reflect the level of professional training and accomplishment relative to peers in the relevant field.

B. Role and expectations

The Courtesy-appointed Faculty role may involve collaborative roles and responsibilities related to research projects, contributions to grant proposals and publications, teaching, or other activities associated with the School of Public Health. Courtesy Faculty also may mentor students and early-stage faculty, fostering networking opportunities and potential research funding to the mutual benefit of both organizations.

C. Recruitment and requirements

The School of Public Health will invite applications for Courtesy-appointed Faculty as needed. The applicant will be asked to submit a current CV and letter of interest highlighting their qualifications and intended contributions. The Faculty Recruitment Committee will evaluate the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and alignment with the school’s needs. They will then make a recommendation regarding the appointment and submit it to the Dean of the School of Public Health for consideration. If approved, the applicant will receive a formal letter of appointment outlining the terms of the arrangement as described next.

D. Letter of appointment and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The letter of appointment officially grants a Courtesy Faculty rank or title to the applicant, including terms of engagement between the relevant parties, and the duration of the agreement with start and end dates. It also may provide specifics related to the position, including main duties and salary.

An MOU, if appropriate or needed, outlines additional details of the mutual agreement among the participating parties. Core features of an MOU include detailed information regarding:

  1. Allocation of effort, compensation, office space, and other support.
  2. Research roles, responsibilities, and publishing expectations.
  3. Teaching and mentorship expectations.
  4. Management and allocation of any grants and contracts, indirect costs, or other research support.
  5. Privileges such as access to university libraries, research facilities, digital collaboration platforms, and email.
  6. Annual review of the terms of the courtesy appointment, including evaluation of contributions, engagement, and achievements.

The letter of appointment and, if appropriate, MOU must be signed by all parties, including the applicant, the dean (or designate) of the School of Public Health, and the leadership (or designate) of the external organization.

E. Representation of faculty status

Courtesy-appointed faculty shall use their full title (including “Courtesy” as a modifier to their rank) In representing their status at the university/School of Public Health.

F. Conflict of interest and compliance

Courtesy-appointed Faculty must comply with all relevant university policies, including those related to conflict of interest, academic integrity, and research ethics. Any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed according to the university guidelines.

G. Termination of appointment

The Courtesy Faculty appointment may be terminated by mutual agreement or by either the School of Public Health or the external organization with proper notice.