B/2.1 Distinguished and honorary titles
Policy Owner | Director, Human Resources - Centres of Expertise |
Approval Date | 23/08/2019 |
Approval Authority | Vice-Chancellor and President |
Date of Next Review | 01/09/2022 |
2.1.1 Purpose
2.1.2 Application
2.1.3 Roles and responsibilities
2.1.4 Distinguished Professor
2.1.5 Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus
2.1.6 Vice-Chancellor's Fellow
2.1.7 Adjunct appointments
2.1.8 Conjoint academic or conjoint professional
2.1.9 Visiting Fellow or Industry Fellow
2.1.10 Clinical titles
2.1.11 Visiting Associate
2.1.12 Duration of honorary titles
2.1.13 Withdrawal of distinguished and honorary titles
2.1.14 Intellectual property
2.1.15 Reporting
2.1.16 Delegations
Related Documents
Modification History
2.1.1 Purpose
QUT seeks to build a distinctive national and international reputation combining academic achievements and practical engagement with the professions, industry, government and the broader community to mutual benefit. To support this aim, the University may award distinguished and honorary titles to individuals who have outstanding records of achievements in their discipline, profession or business and:
- who make a significant contribution to teaching and/or research at the University; or
- who will foster strategic collaborative partnerships between the University and industry, a profession or the wider community; or
- have the potential to contribute significantly to the strategic priorities and major projects of the University.
2.1.2 Application
The award of a distinguished title to current or prospective QUT Professors is a rare honour confined to those who have made exceptional contributions and have outstanding records of achievement.
The awarding of an honorary title is to an individual not employed by QUT but who nonetheless makes a significant contribution to the University. The award does not normally attract remuneration and has a limited scope of activities (e.g. may provide for supervision of postgraduate students but not staff).
2.1.3 Roles and responsibilities
The University may award the following distinguished and honorary titles.
In determining the appropriate academic title to be recommended for approval, organisational areas should consult the position classification standards for academic staff and research only academic staff contained in the QUT Enterprise Agreement (Academic Staff), Schedule Three and Schedule Four respectively.
| Distinguished titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Position | Award title | Responsibility |
| Council | Distinguished Professor Emeritus (B/2.1.5) |
|
| Council | Professor Emeritus (B/2.1.5) |
|
| Vice-Chancellor and President | Distinguished Professor (B/2.1.4) |
|
| Council | Distinguished Professor (B/2.1.4) |
|
| Vice-Chancellor and President | Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow (B/2.1.6) |
|
| Honorary titles | ||
| Position | Award title | Responsibility |
| Provost | Adjunct Professor (B/2.1.7) |
|
| Provost | Adjunct Associate Professor, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Adjunct Lecturer (B/2.1.7) |
|
| Head of Division | Conjoint academic, Conjoint professional (B/2.1.8) |
|
| Provost | Visiting Fellow, Industry Fellow (B/2.1.9) |
|
| Provost | Clinical Professor (B/2.1.10) |
|
| Provost |
Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Fellow, Clinical Associate (B/2.1.10) |
|
| Provost |
Visiting Associate (B/2.1.11) |
|
| Vice-Chancellor and President | Adjunct Professor, Clinical Professor, Conjoint academics, Conjoint professional, Adjunct Associate Professor, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Adjunct Lecturer, Visiting Fellow, Industry Fellow, Visiting Associate, Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Fellow, Clinical Associate |
|
2.1.4 Distinguished Professor
The Vice-Chancellor and President may, upon recommendation, award the title of Distinguished Professor to a QUT Professor (Academic Level E) to recognise eminence in their discipline or profession and/or sustained exceptional contribution to the University.
The person making the recommendation will normally convene an ad hoc committee of senior QUT Professors to consider a recommendation for the award of Distinguished Professor. The committee will consider:
- quality and impact to scholarly contributions to research or their discipline as evidenced by publications such as books, international, refereed journals and/or conferences where relevant
- evidence of contributions to teaching and learning and, where relevant, a distinguished teaching portfolio
- evidence of national and international achievements and recognitions such as distinguished prizes and awards, patents, honours, membership of a learned academy or comparable organisation
- evidence of impact and influence such as citation by a broad cross-section of peers nationally and internationally
- service for their discipline or profession such as editorial roles in major journals, and roles in national and international discipline, research or teaching and learning assessment committees; and
- reports from at least five referees, external to QUT and of international standing.
The title is awarded for the duration of the professorial appointment at QUT. The Vice-Chancellor and President will report to Council each time the title is awarded.
2.1.5 Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus
Upon the cessation of their employment with the University, Council may, upon recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor and President award the title of Professor Emeritus to a QUT Professor (Academic Level E), in recognition of sustained and substantial academic service. In considering recommendations for the title of Professor Emeritus the Vice-Chancellor and President will normally take into account:
- the record of contributions to and national and international standing within their discipline or profession
- the nature and impact of their leadership contributions at QUT
- the nature and length of their service to QUT; and
- any other factors relevant to the Professor’s service to QUT.
A Professor who has the title of Distinguished Professor of QUT will be awarded the title Distinguished Professor Emeritus by Council upon retirement or resignation from QUT. The title of Professor Emeritus or Distinguished Professor Emeritus is honorary and will be in perpetuity (subject to B/2.1.13). A Professor Emeritus or Distinguished Professor Emeritus is regarded as a Professor of QUT for all ceremonial purposes.
2.1.6 Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow
The Vice-Chancellor and President, on recommendation, may award the title of Vice-Chancellor's Fellow to a person of national or international eminence with specialist or sectoral expertise and standing who has the potential to advance the strategic priorities of QUT. A Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow will be expected to contribute to QUT’s engagement with the relevant sector, encouraging relevant discourse and debate, partnership development and mentoring of students and staff. The equivalent academic level for this title is Level E.
A Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow will be expected to have demonstrated relevant achievements in their field and will be recognised as an authority in their discipline or profession. A Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow may be either an honorary or a paid appointment of up to three years.
2.1.7 Adjunct Appointments
Adjunct titles may be awarded to a person who is not employed by the University but who has relevant experience and expertise at the appropriate level.
Recommendations for adjunct titles should outline the standing of the individual by reference to their substantive role and achievements. Such a recommendation may include Professors/academics from institutions of comparable standing to QUT or may outline equivalent standing in a relevant industry or profession.
Where a faculty or division is recommending an Adjunct appointment based on international or business work, or implications for the wider community, the relevant Vice-President should be consulted.
Adjunct titleholders are expected to have a longer term collaborative relationship with QUT and to make an active and substantial contribution to enrich teaching and/or research programs. An Adjunct titleholder will also be expected to have marked influence on the activities of the faculty/division in which they are involved.
The award of these titles strengthens links with representatives of industry, the professions, research partners, and the wider community. An Adjunct titleholder is typically involved in activities such as:
- undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
- participation in research programs
- curriculum development/planning
- participation in workshops, seminars, lectures, clinical education, continuing professional education programs or conferences; and
- subject to QUT approval processes, may be appointed as a supervisor of postgraduate students.
A review of the Adjunct titleholders will be conducted biennially.
An adjunct appointment includes the titles of Adjunct Professor, Adjunct Associate Professor, Adjunct Senior Lecturer and Adjunct Lecturer.
Adjunct Professor
The title of Adjunct Professor is awarded to an expert in an appropriate discipline, by the Provost following recommendation by Executive Deans of Faculty and Heads of Portfolio. The equivalent academic level for this title is Level E.
Adjunct Associate Professor, Adjunct Senior Lecturer or Adjunct Lecturer
These titles are awarded by the Provost following recommendation by Executive Deans of Faculty and Heads of Portfolio. The equivalent academic level for these titles may be from Level B to D.
2.1.8 Conjoint academic or conjoint professional
The Head of Division may award a conjoint title to a person who is not employed by the University where there is a formal arrangement between the University and an external employer for their employee to perform a particular role/s for the University for a specified period of time. A conjoint titleholder will be engaged to perform a particular role/s for the University, which may be academic in nature or in a professional staff capacity. The person will possess specialist academic and/or professional expertise and knowledge that will contribute to the University’s strategic priorities. The equivalent academic for Conjoint academic titles is Level A to Level E and there is no academic equivalent for Conjoint professional titles.
A conjoint engagement is underwritten by a formal agreement between the University and the external employer of the conjoint title holder (and in appropriate cases, including the conjoint title holder as a party). This agreement will normally include provisions relating to: engagement arrangements and supervision; any associated funding arrangements; insurance and indemnity; intellectual property; attribution of outputs; and use of any resources and/or facilities.
A conjoint academic will be given a title commensurate with their experience, qualifications and the work to be undertaken with the University. Where relevant, the person may be given an equivalent academic title consistent with the Position Classification Standards in the QUT Enterprise Agreement (Academic Staff), or in accordance with University policy. The holder of a conjoint academic title is eligible to be considered for a higher academic title through the University's academic promotion process.
2.1.9 Visiting Fellow or Industry Fellow
The title of Visiting Fellow or Industry Fellow may be awarded by the Provost following recommendation by Executive Deans of Faculty and Heads of Portfolio as appropriate to the relevant discipline. The title is normally utilised for individuals engaged in collaborative activities across all academic levels, to promote engagement with industry. These activities will normally be aligned to a specific project and be of a short duration, not exceeding one year.
A Visiting Fellow or Industry Fellow is not employed by the University but is an individual who has relevant experience and standing at a national or international level in their area of expertise with an equivalent academic level range from Level A to Level E. A Visiting Fellow or Industry Fellow will make an active and positive contribution to the teaching and/or research programs of the Faculty/Division in which they are appointed. A Visiting Fellow or Industry Fellow is typically involved in activities such as:
- undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
- research programs of a school or faculty, discussion on course, subject area and unit structure content and development; and
- workshops, seminars, lectures, studio sessions, clinical education, continuing education programs, and conferences.
2.1.10 Clinical Titles
A clinical title may be awarded to a person who is not employed by the University but is an appropriately qualified person within the health and medical professions, and who is highly respected in their clinical specialty area. A clinical title holder will make a positive contribution to enriching QUT’s teaching and/or research programs by actively engaging with activities within relevant faculties and research centres. The title is awarded by the Provost on recommendation of Executive Deans of Faculty and Heads of Portfolio. A clinical titleholder is typically involved in activities such as:
- expanding the University’s clinical teaching and research base
- provision of significant input into collaborative research projects and other activities with the University
- supervision of students undertaking clinical placements; and
- leading or participating in the facilitation of student group learning.
The University may award the following clinical titles:
| Title | Background of recipient | Equivalent academic level |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Professor | A senior health practitioner within an affiliated organisation. It is expected that the recipient would already have contributed to significant collaborative activities with the University and continue to do so. | E |
| Clinical Associate Professor | A senior health practitioner within an affiliated organisation. It is expected that the recipient would already have contributed to significant collaborative activities with the University and continue to do so. |
D |
| Clinical Fellow | A health practitioner, Clinical Specialist or Nursing Unit Manager who would contribute to the University in a similar way to a Clinical Associate Professor but in a less senior capacity. | A – C |
| Clinical Associate | A health practitioner, Clinician or Registered Nurse who contributes to clinical supervision of QUT students in approved field placements associated with the University’s accredited programs. | A – C |
2.1.11 Visiting Associate
The title of Visiting Associate may be awarded to an individual who is not employed by the University but who is in a professional or technical position and is eminent in their area of specialty or expertise, and where the extent or nature of contribution to QUT is not consistent with the award of an academic honorary title. A Visiting Associate will facilitate the establishment of a collaborative relationship that contributes to QUT’s strategic priorities in the professions or in teaching and/or research activities. Examples of where this title may be appropriate include technical experts from laboratory/scientific environments and accomplished practitioners in the professions. The title is awarded by the Provost, on the recommendation of Executive Deans of Faculty and Heads of Portfolio.
2.1.12 Duration of honorary titles
An honorary title will be awarded for a specified duration of up to five years (unless otherwise indicated above) and may be renewed for further periods of up to five years at the discretion of the authorising officer (subject to B/2.1.3 and B/2.1.13). Otherwise renewed titles will lapse at the conclusion of the specified period.
2.1.13 Withdrawal of distinguished and honorary titles
To protect the integrity of distinguished and honorary titles, Council or the Vice-Chancellor and President (depending on the title) may revoke the title, and any privileges associated with it, at any time, prior to a title lapsing. A title may be revoked by Council or the Vice-Chancellor and President (depending on the title) in circumstances including, but are not limited to, the following:
- the title holder is no longer contributing sufficiently or appropriately to the strategic direction and performance of the University
- it becomes apparent that the title holder has materially breached a relevant University policy and/or procedure
- the title holder has conducted themselves in a manner, or been involved in circumstances, likely to bring reputational damage to the University; and
- for clinical titles, the title holder no longer holds their clinical position or is not appropriately registered.
The title holder must be advised immediately if the title is withdrawn. A title holder may also terminate their distinguished or honorary status with QUT at any time by providing advice in writing to QUT, effective immediately.
2.1.14 Intellectual property
Intellectual property arrangements for holders of distinguished and honorary titles who are not employees of QUT must be resolved prior to QUT activities commencing (D/3.1 Intellectual property).
2.1.15 Reporting
The Vice-Chancellor and President will report to Council annually on any distinguished titles awarded under this policy. The Vice-President (People) and Chief People Officer, provides a summary to the Vice-Chancellor and President as required on the use of the honorary titles across all faculties and divisions.
2.1.16 Delegations
Refer to Register of Authorities and Delegations (C156, C074, C076, C078, VC076, VC077, VC176, VC181, VC231) (QUT staff access only).
Related Documents
MOPP A/7.1 Indemnity and insurance
MOPP B/7.6 Workplace health and rehabilitation
MOPP B/8.1 QUT Staff Code of Conduct
MOPP B/8.7 Conflict of interest
MOPP D/2.6 QUT Code for responsible conduct of research
MOPP D/3.1 Intellectual property
MOPP F/1.11 Acceptable use of information and communications technology resources
Guidelines in relation to Distinguished and honorary titles
Modification History
|
Date |
Sections |
Source |
Details |
| 10.02.22 | B/2.1.3, B/2.1.4, |
Director, Human Resources - Centres of Expertise | Administrative update to align with revised Human Resources delegations |
| 30.04.21 | All | Director, Governance, Legal and Performance | Editorial amendments to align with Repositioning QUT for a post-COVID world organisational change - effective 31.01.21 |
| 11.09.19 | B/2.1.3, B/2.1.7 | Executive Director, Human Resources | Policy reformatted to remove duplication and provide improved web readability |
| 23.08.19 | All | Vice-Chancellor and President | Revised policy |
15.07.16 |
All |
Vice-Chancellor |
New policy. Replaces previous Council policies B/2.1 Professor Emeritus; B/2.2 Distinguished Professor and B/2.3 Associate of QUT; and previous Vice-Chancellor policies B/3.4 Conjoint appointments; B/3.6 Adjunct Professors; B/3.7 Visiting Fellows |