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Academic Probation, Promotion and Progression
Here at the University of Exeter, we recognise and reward excellence in the work of academic staff in a variety of ways, including through progression and promotions. During the 2022/23 academic year, an extensive review of our academic promotions processes and criteria was undertaken, following the development of Strategy 2030 and the changing needs of the University. Further details of the review can be found on the review webpage.
During the review and consultation, we received feedback from academic colleagues who also told us that they wanted the promotions process to be clearer, simpler, flexible, more transparent and inclusive. Below you will find the new documentation associated with the updated academic promotions process.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE PROMOTION PROCESS FOR 2024/25 ARE NOW CLOSED - please note the application form provided below is now under review for the next academic year and should be used as reference only for application plans.
New appointments to the University of Exeter are subject to a probationary period of twelve months- except Lecturers (E&R) see below.
E&R Lecturer Probation
The probationary period is an important time for you to develop the skills and competencies you need to be effective and successful. We expect the Exeter Academic to demonstrate that they meet the expectations of a Lecturer within 3 years, which is the standard length of probation for new Lecturers, but it may be possible to confirm your appointment earlier if all the expectations have been achieved.
Academics pursuing a career in Education and Research are expected to achieve professional accreditation by completing the Academic Professional Programme or Aspire.
To enable us to properly assess your contribution at the University of Exeter, the earliest we would assess your suitability for confirmation of appointment would be after one year.
Process
Criteria
Forms
Please see the documentation associated with academic promotions process.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE PROMOTION PROCESS FOR 2024/25 ARE NOW CLOSED - please note the application form provided below is now under review for the next academic year and should be used as reference only for application plans.
We have developed the following guidance webpages to support those
Summary of Assessment Guidance
For the 2024/25 process, the supporting statement has been replaced with the Summary of Assessment, below is guidance on how to complete this alongside some examples:
Below is an overview of the deadlines for the 2024/25 promotions round:
Activity |
Deadline/Time Period |
|
Discussions with Senior Academic Lead and submission to Head of Department |
8 November 2024 – please note this deadline is for guidance only. Your faculty may advise further details of deadlines within your specific faculty. |
|
Faculty Academic Promotions panels for decision on Grade G and recommendations on external review for AP/P |
January/early Feb 2025 |
|
Promotions to grade F and G take effect |
1 March 2025 |
|
External Assessments of AP/P applications requested by Central HR |
Feb-May 2025 |
|
University Academic Promotions Committee review and decision on AP/P applications |
Early July 2025 |
|
Promotions for AP/P take effect |
1 August 2025 |
Information about the 2025/26 promotions round will be published in September 2025, this will be accompanied by an all academic email which will include any updates to the process.
For those wishing to apply for promotion 2025/26, please wait to fill in your application form until the new form has been released in September 2025 and instead use the existing form as a guide (as there may be changes to the form).