1 Dossier Preparation: Phase 1

The first phase of dossier preparation focuses on the preparation of materials to be sent to outside evaluators. These materials typically include:

• a CV (see Appendix 1: Suggestions for Faculty CVs)
• a short statement (4-7 pages) defining the candidate’s chosen area of excellence and contextualizing the materials included for review (see Appendix 2: Suggestions for Preparing Short Statement and Evidence for Outside Evaluators)
• a sample of evidence for review by outside evaluators. (This evidence is specific to the area of excellence.) Common items provided to outside evaluators include:
  • reprints of articles
  • Tables of Contents and parts of books
  • recordings
  • scores of compositions or arrangements with accompanying sound sources
  • pedagogical materials (syllabi, sample assignments, etc.)
  • videos of teaching or conducting
  • peer observations of teaching

See additional suggestions under “Substantiating materials for the dossier” in Procedures in the Jacobs School of Music for Tenure and Promotion Decisions.

Candidates will consult with their department chair and with the ADFARCA to determine the appropriate scope and quantity of materials to be sent out. All files should be converted to PDFs when appropriate.

This phase also includes the identification of letter writers in three categories:

1. Outside evaluators. The candidate and the department chair will each submit a list of names (typically 5-6 names for each list). Evaluators should have university connections or significant professional standing. For tenure dossiers the choices should include tenured faculty and, if possible, full professors. For promotion to full professor the choices should include tenured full professors. It is usually not appropriate to include the candidate’s dissertation advisor or major teacher, or former colleagues and/or close professional collaborators. The department chair should contact each person to assure willingness to write. (It is not appropriate for the candidate to have direct contact with outside evaluators at any point during the review process.)

2. Student evaluators. The candidate will identify former students (8-10) from whom to request letters of support.

3. IU faculty (8-10) outside the candidate’s department. This category may include faculty inside or outside the JSoM. If the candidate desires, the list could also include faculty who are not tenured and/or not full professors, or IU staff members, if these individuals have an important perspective on the candidate.

See also “Letters for the Dossier” in Procedures in the Jacobs School of Music for Tenure and Promotion Decisions.

Timeline for Phase 1