Proposal of Honorary or Visiting Professors

Glasgow University has benefited greatly from the input of many distinguished Visiting and Honorary Professors.  Honorary or Visiting Professorships can be conferred on individuals whose academic contribution to the University is at an appropriate level to justify such an award.   Colleagues are reminded that Visiting Professorships are awarded to those who already hold a Chair (or equivalent) in another Higher Education Institution.  Those of appropriate standing in other backgrounds (e.g. industry, public office) will be appointed as Honorary Professors.   Appointment will normally be for 5 years, in the first instance, but shorter periods may be requested in special circumstances, more details and application procedure below.

Honorary Professorships

1. Those appointed to Honorary Professorships will not normally be career academics, nor will they hold honorary or part-time appointments in higher education. The expectation is rather that individuals appointed as Honorary Professors will be active in the sectors of industry, business and commerce, the arts, public administration or the practice of law and accountancy, where their contribution will present a clear benefit to students and staff within the University.

2. The duration of an Honorary Professorship will normally be 5 years or such lesser period determined by the duration of the Honorary Professor's office outside the University.

3. Honorary Professors will be expected to have a significant presence within the University, for example, by delivering lectures, conducting seminars, and participating in discussions.

4. Exceptionally, Principals of Associated Institutions, by virtue of their office, will be recommended for Honorary Professorships for the duration of their principalship.

5. The current arrangements applying to Honorary Professorships in the Faculty of Medicine remain unchanged.

Visiting Professorships

1. Nominees to a Visiting Professorship will normally come from a higher education or research environment and hold a comparable status at their home institution.

2. The duration of the visit to this University should normally be for a period of not less than one term.

3. The expectation is that Visiting Professors, in the same way as Honorary Professors, will maintain a significant presence in the University, delivering lectures and seminars and collaborating in research activities.

Procedure:

1.   A nomination to appoint an Honorary or Visiting Professor should be forwarded by the relevant Head of Department/Division to the Dean for approval by the Faculty Management Group. The nomination should include a c.v plus a letter of support stating the contribution that the person will make work to the activities of the Department/Division.  

2.   If approved, the Dean, will obtain the opinions of two Senate Assessors.

3. If approval is gained, the Dean will forward the paperwork supporting the nomination to the Principal for final approval with a copy to Human Resources. 

4.  If the Principal approves the nomination, his office will notify the Dean and Human Resources.   Formal notification will be sent from Human Resources to the individual, and will be copied to the Dean and HoD.

5.  Reappointment of Honorary/Visiting Professors should follow the same procedure as above.

Human Resources
31 July 2008