Promotion Appeal for Librarians

Grounds for appeal are limited to procedural matters. A librarian who believes that a decision has been made in their case which violates library promotion procedures may submit a letter expressing their intent to appeal the decision (referred to as Notice of Appeal) to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The petition for an appeal must be filed with the Provost within 30 calendar days of the receipt by the librarian of the decision not to promote.

If appeal is denied, a librarian may reapply for promotion after two years. 

The Promotion Appeals Committee will be appointed by the Office of the Provost. The Committee shall consist of three members, including one post-probationary librarian, one administrative staff, and one post-probationary member of the teaching faculty. The Promotion Appeals Committee members may not have participated in the original decision not to promote the librarian. The librarian may select one member of the panel. The Appeals Committee will elect a Chair. 

1. Within 21 days, the librarian filing an appeal will submit to the Promotion Appeals Committee a letter outlining the reason for appeal, as well as all necessary supporting documents. This will serve as the Promotion Appeals Committee’s principal resource in its deliberations.

2. Once the librarian’s documentation has been received, the Promotion Appeals Committee will conduct its review according to the following guidelines:

• The initial meeting of the Promotion Appeal Committee will be convened by the Chair for the purpose of reviewing the appeal procedures. Additionally, the Chair of the Promotion Appeal Committee will maintain a log of the Committee’s activities.
• The Promotion Appeal Committee is empowered to investigate and substantiate the details included in the appealing librarian’s written documentation.
• In addition to the letter of appeal, the Committee will have access to the librarian’s personnel file and any other of the petitioning librarian’s records that are relevant.

3. Once the members of the Promotion Appeals Committee are satisfied that they have adequately investigated the librarian’s allegations, the Appeals Committee will meet in closed session to formally adjudicate the appeal.

4. Within 90 days of receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Promotion Appeals Committee will submit its recommendation on the appeal to the President for final decision. The appealing librarian will receive a copy of the recommendation. The President will notify the Chair of the Promotion Appeals Committee that a final decision has been rendered.