• Section 1 - Purpose 
• Section 2 - Application and Scope
• Section 3 - Principles
• Section 4 - Criteria of Appointment
• Senior Professor
• Distinguished Professor
• Both Senior Professor and Distinguished Professor
• Current Professors at the University
• External candidates
• Section 5 -  Reappointment Process
• Section 6 - Terms and Conditions of Appointment
• Section 7 - Roles And Responsibilities
• Section 8 - Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose 

(1) This Procedure provides information on the appointment process for Distinguished and Senior Professors at the University of Wollongong (the University).

Section 2 - Application and Scope

(2) This Procedure applies to:

1. current Professors at the University; and
2. applicants for professorial positions at the University who have attained professorship through promotion or appointment at an internationally recognised university.

(3) This Procedure does not apply to:

1. staff employed by other entities controlled by the University; and
2. staff at campuses of the University outside Australia.

(4) This Procedure supports the Employment Life Cycle Policy by setting out the University’s approach to providing additional titles and remuneration to attract, recognise and retain professors who have attained worldwide eminence in their discipline.

(5) The University will comply with the requirements of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025 to reduce the incidence of Gender-based Violence in higher education.

Section 3 - Principles

(6) An appointment to a position of Senior Professor (P2) or Distinguished Professor (P3) recognises the most outstanding professors at the University who have achieved world class eminence as an academic in their field, have a sustained record of achievements and have (or will have) made a significant contribution to the culture of the University through the leadership and mentorship of more junior staff.

(7)  A minimum five (5) year period at each professoriate level is typical; however, completion of this time frame does not automatically indicate eligibility. 

(8) P2 and P3 appointments are nominal and are conferred with a maximum duration of up to five (5) years. Staff wishing to extend the appointment must reapply at the end of the fixed period.

Section 4 - Criteria of Appointment

Senior Professor

(9) Recognised internationally for an outstanding level of sustained, significant and successful leadership achievement and contribution within the discipline.

(10) High-performing leader of research activities, with significant success in obtaining research grants and demonstrating strong impact of research activities.

(11) Sustained, high-level performance in scholarship and publication, making significant contributions to their discipline with the organisation and in their field of expertise.

(12) Significant leader in interdisciplinary research and/or teaching and learning initiatives across the organisation (for example, Global Challenges).

(13) Successful and sustained leadership and supervision of post-graduate students and early career academics and academic staff through mentoring and collaboration.

(14) Recognition as a significant contributor to the culture of the University demonstrating expected behaviour, respect and collegiality.

(15) Appointment as a Professor, (P1) normally for a minimum of five (5) years, with expected capacity to continue to perform in line with the above criteria.

Distinguished Professor

(16) Renowned international recognition for sustained, successful and exceptional leadership achievement and contribution to their discipline and, preferably, more broadly (expected to be in the top 1% in their field).

(17) Outstanding leader of research activities, with exceptional success in obtaining research grants (including competitive national and international grants)and demonstrating excellent impact of research activities.

(18) Sustained excellent performance in scholarship and publication, making outstanding contributions to the discipline within the organisation and in their field of expertise.

(19) Highly regarded leader in interdisciplinary research and/or teaching and learning initiatives across the University (for example, Global Challenges).

(20) Recognition as a significant contributor to the culture of the University demonstrating expected behaviour, respect and collegiality.

(21) Appointment as a Senior Professor (P2) (or external equivalent) normally for a minimum of five (5) years, with expected capacity to continue to perform in line with the above criteria.

Both Senior Professor and Distinguished Professor

(22) For both P2 and, particularly, P3 appointments, high-level public recognition beyond the field of expertise, which brings favourable recognition to the University, will be highly regarded. Such recognition may include:

1. prestigious award and prizes, e.g., Nobel Prize, Australia Prize, Prime Minister's Prize, Field Medal, etc.; or 
2. prestigious fellowship, e.g., Federation or Laureate Fellowship (or equivalent); or
3. election to one of the Australian academies, e.g., Academy of Science, or international academies of global standing.

Current Professors at the University

(23) To be considered for appointment as a P2 or P3 Professor, a professor must:

1. soundly meet the criteria set out above; and
2. be supported by the relevant Head of School and Executive Dean. 

(24) Applications for P2 and P3 Professor may be made via an invitation from the Senior Executive and/or Executive Dean or by self-nomination.

(25) The Professor will complete the application for Senior and Distinguished Professor form and submit by the published deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

(26) Applications will be considered by the Professoriate Career Structure Committee, which is comprised of:

1. Vice-Chancellor and President (Chair);
2. Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
3. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation);
4. minimum of one (1) additional Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
5. three (3) Distinguished Professors at the University;
6. a representative from the People and Culture Division to act as Committee Secretary;
7. an EEO Observer.

(27) The Vice-Chancellor and President may invite one or more external panel members with appropriate academic standing to join the committee, such as a Laureate or Scientia Professor.

(28) The Committee will meet annually. In exceptional circumstances the Vice-Chancellor and President may call additional committee meetings.

(29) The Committee may, at its discretion, decide to interview the applicant.

(30) The Committee may nominate and seek reports from referees who are respected international leaders in the field or gather any other information as is deemed necessary for assessing applications.

(31) In exceptional circumstances the Vice-Chancellor and President may invite a Professor to become a P2 or P3 Professor.

External candidates

(32) Successful External candidates for Professor roles at the University who meet the criteria may be offered a P2 or P3 position, with Vice-Chancellor and President approval.

Section 5 -  Reappointment Process

(33) P2 and P3 Professors will be eligible to apply for reappointment to the same level at the end of their appointment period. The People and Culture Division will notify eligible applicants 10 – 12 months before they are due to submit for reappointment.

(34) The Senior or Distinguished Professor will complete the reappointment form, which must be submitted by the published deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

(35) Applications will be assessed on the applicants' achievements and conduct during their term as P2 or P3 Professor and on contributions to teaching and curriculum development (for research and teaching positions), academic governance and leadership. Feedback from the relevant Executive Dean is required.

(36) Applications will be considered by the Vice-Chancellor and President and a minimum of three (3) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (or their nominees).

(37) The Committee may interview the applicant.

(38) The Committee may nominate and seek reports from referees who are respected international leaders in the field or gather any other information as is deemed necessary for assessing applications.

(39) If a P2 Professor applies for a P3 position in the same year as their reappointment, they complete only the new appointment form. Successfully being appointed at P3 will supersede the reappointment process; otherwise, the document will move ahead with the reappointment process.

(40) Where a P2 or P3 Professor does not reapply or their application for reappointment is unsuccessful, they will revert to the following:

1. Distinguished Professor will revert to Senior Professor; or
2. Senior Professor will revert to Professor.

Section 6 - Terms and Conditions of Appointment

(41) Appointments will be for a period of up to five (5) years. New staff recruited to the University at P2 or P3 level may have the end of their appointment extended to coincide with the reappointment process.

(42) The following allowances will typically be paid for the duration of the term:

1. for P2 appointments, 10% of Level E annual salary;
2. for P3 appointments, 25% of Level E annual salary. 

(43) Preexisting allowances will be reviewed on appointment or reappointment and may be adjusted accordingly at the discretion of the Vice-Chancellor and President.

(44) If a staff member’s performance, behaviour, or conduct is not consistent with the University’s values and expectations of the appointment, the title and any associated allowances may be reviewed and/or discontinued at the discretion of the Vice-Chancellor and President.

(45) Appointments cease on conclusion of employment at the University.

Section 7 - Roles And Responsibilities

(46) Roles and Responsibilities are consistent with the Employment Life Cycle Policy.

Section 8 - Definitions

(47) Definitions are consistent with the Employment Life Cycle Policy.