Faculty Handbook

The Columbia University Faculty Handbook provides essential information about policies that govern aspects of academic life at Columbia University, including appointment and promotion processes and policies, leaves, and other policies relevant to officers of instruction and research. Below are the sections of the Faculty Handbook divided by theme and officer type.

Tenure & Promotion

To view policies regarding tenure and promotion, please see the Faculty Handbook.

• Officers of Research
• Officers of Instruction

Learn more about the newly updated Tenure Salary policy. 

Leaves of Absence

There are three types of leaves for scholarly and professional purposes: sabbaticals, research leaves with and without salary, and exemptions from teaching duties.

• Officers of Research
• Officers of Instruction

Starting on January 1, 2018, the four schools at CUMC will implement a pilot parental leave program for full-time officers of instruction. Learn more: CUMC Parental Leave Plan

Grievances

Faculty Affairs can serve as a resource for resolving faculty issues. If you need assistance, please contact April Armstrong-Studivant or Dr. Anne L. Taylor, Vice Dean. View the policies on grievances as stated in the Faculty Handbook.

Retirement

Faculty must inform their department chair or dean in writing of their decision to retire. For more information on procedures, please consult the "termination" section of the Faculty Handbook. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Affairs.

Please see the appropriate section in the Columbia University Faculty Handbook for information on termination as an Officer of Instruction or Officers of Research.

For additional policies and procedures regarding leaves, reporting, IT, communications, campus safety, and much more, please consult the Columbia University Policy Library.