An assessment of college of pharmacy promotion committees and criteria for promotion for pharmacy practice faculty

A survey identifying the composition of promotion committees and criteria for promotion was mailed to the respective dean of 89 US Schools of Pharmacy. A total of 61 (69%) surveys were returned. The mean number of committee members was 6.3 with the majority (80%) consisting of members from multiple departments. Professors and associate professors were the most frequently reported committee members at 88.5 and 84.6%, respectively. A mean number of 4.5 external reviewers were used by the committees. Of the criteria assessed for promotion, scholarly activities were most commonly cited with service being the least considered activity. No significant differences were observed between tenure and non-tenure faculty. Promotion committees consist predominantly of senior faculty with representation from multiple departments. Excelling in scholarly activities appears to be the major determinant in being awarded promotion from assistant to associate professor.