Voluntary/Affiliate Appointments
Expanding the College of Medicine Through Academic Partnerships
Voluntary/affiliate appointments strengthen the educational, clinical, and scholarly missions of the College of Medicine by recognizing individuals who contribute their expertise to the institution outside of traditional full-time faculty appointments. This is a non-tenure-eligible faculty track.
These appointments provide opportunities for physicians, scientists, educators, researchers, and other professionals to participate in teaching, mentoring, clinical education, collaborative scholarship, and other academic activities while supporting the mission of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
The Office of Faculty Affairs coordinates voluntary and affiliate appointments in partnership with academic departments and provides guidance regarding eligibility, appointment requirements, renewal, and applicable institutional procedures.
These appointments support:
- Medical education
- Clinical teaching
- Graduate education
- Research collaboration
- Professional service
- Community engagement
- Interinstitutional partnerships
The appointment pathway selected should accurately reflect the individual's relationship with the College and anticipated academic responsibilities.
Eligibility
Individuals considered for voluntary faculty appointments should have an ongoing academic relationship with the College of Medicine and make meaningful contributions consistent with the educational, clinical, research, or service mission of the institution.
Departments are responsible for recommending qualified individuals for voluntary appointment based on documented academic contributions.
Appointment Renewal
Voluntary/Affiliate faculty appointments follow a standardized institutional reappointment cycle.
Appointments are renewed on a September 1 through August 31 cycle.
Departmental rosters are provided to Department Chairs.
Chairs identify faculty who continue to maintain an academic relationship in good
standing with SUNY Downstate.
Completed rosters are submitted to the Dean's Office for review and signature.
Departments are encouraged to review voluntary faculty appointments annually to ensure
appointment records remain current.
University Hospital Privileges
For voluntary/affiliate clinical faculty, appointment to the SUNY Downstate faculty is a prerequisite for appointment to the medical staff of University Hospital of Brooklyn.
Appointment forms for voluntary clinical faculty must indicate whether the individual will or will not apply for a medical staff appointment.
Promotion Opportunities
Voluntary/affiliate faculty may be considered for academic promotion in accordance with the applicable College of Medicine promotion guidelines and institutional procedures.
Promotion recommendations should reflect documented academic contributions and follow the College's established review process.
Related Page
Promotion & Continuing Appointment →
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may be appointed as voluntary faculty?
Departments may recommend qualified physicians, scientists, educators, and other health care professionals who make meaningful academic contributions to the College of Medicine.
Are voluntary faculty appointments tenure eligible?
No. The Voluntary Faculty Track is a non-tenure-eligible faculty track.
How often are voluntary appointments renewed?
Voluntary faculty appointments follow a standardized annual reappointment cycle from September 1 through August 31. May extend a 3-year appointment.