The Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professorship is a nonrenewable four-year appointment for current NIU faculty members. Each PRSAP will receive an increment of $5,000 to their base salary upon appointment. In addition, a grant of $5,000 per year will be provided during each year of the appointment. This grant is to be used for legitimate purposes related to the professor's scholarly activities (e.g., equipment, graduate assistants, supplies, travel, administrative assistance). This additional grant cannot be used as personal salary.
Each PRSAP will also be released from one semester of teaching and service responsibility (or the equivalent in part-time releases) during the four-year period of the award. (Colleges will receive $4,000 toward the cost of that one semester release.) Each PRSAP must consult with their department chair regarding the scheduling of the semester(s) in which released time is to be granted. It is preferable that this be done before the appointment begins. These provisions are to be over and above any tangible resources or released time that the PRSAP may obtain through grants or other funding sources during the appointment period.
Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professors will be formally appointed at the Faculty Awards Ceremony, typically in the spring of the year prior to the starting date of their appointments. At this time, they will each be presented with a medallion intended for wearing with academic regalia. Afterward, they will receive a personalized plaque recognizing the award.
Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professors are expected to carry out a continuous program of research or creative artistry during the period of their appointments. After the award period, each PRSAP will have the option of delivering a lecture to the university community on their current scholarly or creative work.
When a Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor completes the four-year award period, their title will become Distinguished Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor (DRSAP).
Candidates are evaluated by the Select Committee on Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professorships, which consists of current PRSAPs/DRSAPs and at-large appointments made by the vice president for research and innovation partnerships. The vice president for research and innovation partnerships is the nonvoting chair of the committee. No member of the Select Committee may be considered for the award. Professors emeriti are ineligible to serve on the Select Committee.
The selection of Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professors is made solely on the basis of scholarly or artistic credentials. Candidates must be tenured faculty with the rank of professor. Successful nominees will:
In evaluating the nominees, the committee may draw upon internal and external sources of expertise. Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professors are chosen by the Select Committee and referred to the president for appointment. The award is not renewable and will end if and when NIU employment ceases.