Academic Titles
Understanding Academic Rank Within the College of Medicine
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University appoints faculty under academic titles established by the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees and, where applicable, by the College of Medicine Bylaws. Academic titles reflect a faculty member's academic rank, track, and responsibilities.
The Office of Faculty Affairs works with academic departments to ensure that appointments are made using the appropriate academic title in accordance with SUNY policies, the College of Medicine Bylaws, and applicable institutional procedures.
Traditional Academic Titles
The traditional academic titles are used for tenure-eligible and other standard academic appointments.
- Distinguished Professor
- Distinguished Service Professor
- Distinguished Teaching Professor
- University Professor
- Professor and Chair
- Professor
- Associate Professor
- Assistant Professor
- Instructor
- Assistant Instructor
Academic Clinical Titles
The following titles are defined by the College of Medicine Bylaws and are used for faculty whose primary responsibilities include clinical care, teaching, and other academic contributions.
- Professor of Clinical [Medical Discipline]
- Associate Professor of Clinical [Medical Discipline]
- Assistant Professor of Clinical [Medical Discipline]
These titles are locally defined by the College of Medicine Bylaws.
Qualified Academic Titles
Qualified academic titles identify faculty whose primary academic responsibilities are focused within a specific mission area. The qualifying designation precedes the academic rank.
Research Track
- Research Professor
- Research Associate Professor
- Research Assistant Professor
Clinical Track
- Clinical Professor
- Clinical Associate Professor
- Clinical Assistant Professor
Teaching Track
- Teaching Professor
- Teaching Associate Professor
- Teaching Assistant Professor
Other Qualified Titles
Additional qualified academic appointments may include ranks preceded by designations such as:
- Adjunct
- Visiting
These appointments are governed by applicable SUNY policies and institutional procedures.
Library Faculty Titles
Academic library faculty hold the following ranks:
- Librarian
- Associate Librarian
- Senior Assistant Librarian
- Assistant Librarian
Emeritus Titles
Emeritus status is an honorary designation conferred upon eligible faculty members who retire in good standing from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The designation recognizes distinguished service to the University and allows retired faculty to retain their academic identity and, where appropriate, continue participating in the academic community.
"Members of the University faculty who retire in good standing, in accordance with the provisions of Title B or C of this Article shall be entitled to append the term 'Emeritus' to the title of their academic or administrative post after the time of retirement." - PDF: State University of New York Policies of the Board of Trustees, Article XV, Title D, §1.
Related Page
Faculty Recognition & Honors → Emeritus Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every faculty member receive an academic title?
Yes. Every academic appointment includes an academic title appropriate to the individual's appointment and responsibilities.
Is an academic title the same as a faculty track?
No. The academic title identifies the faculty member's rank, while the faculty track establishes the expectations for promotion and, where applicable, continuing appointment.
Can an academic title change?
Yes. Academic titles may change through promotion or other approved personnel actions in accordance with institutional procedures.
Are clinical titles different from traditional academic titles?
Yes. The College of Medicine uses both traditional academic titles and locally defined clinical academic titles established by its bylaws.