7.1.G. Concurrent Appointments

1. Joint Appointments (>0%)

a. Definition

A joint appointment reflects major contributions to two or more departments/divisions in terms of time, effort and programmatic need.  Instructors may have a joint appointment with another department within the School of Medicine.  In all joint appointments, even those that are divided evenly between two departments or divisions, one unit is designated as “primary” and the other(s) as “secondary.”  The primary and secondary designations are made at the time the joint appointment is initiated and may be changed with the unanimous consent of the Instructor and the relevant department chairs. Where operational needs warrant, the joint appointment can be modified at the discretion of the two chairs and may be terminated at the discretion of the chair of the secondary department.  

b. Resources

Departments frequently share salary and/or other resources consistent with the distribution of time, effort and programmatic need.

c. Titles

Titles reflect the Instructor’s primary and secondary departmental roles by using, for example, the following format:  Instructor of (subject of primary affiliation) and of (subject of secondary affiliation).

d. Terms

The joint appointment is generally made for the duration of the underlying appointment and is at the will of the chair of the secondary department.

e. Responsibilities

Instructors holding joint appointments are expected to carry a normal load of scholarly activity, teaching and/or clinical care (if appropriate).  The precise nature of those responsibilities will depend on the roles the Instructors are expected to play in the departments to which they are appointed.  Normally, such responsibilities are apportioned in accordance with FTE in each unit. The School or department has the authority to change an Instructor’s responsibilities during the term of appointment at its discretion.

2. Joint Appointments (0%)

a. Definition  

A joint appointment at 0% acknowledges an Instructor’s active participation in a secondary department’s scholarly, educational and, if appropriate, clinical activities.  The title carries certain responsibilities and bestows certain privileges as outlined below.   Joint appointments at 0% may be made between departments within the School of Medicine.  Up to two joint appointments at 0% are permissible. 

b. Resources 

All resources (e.g., salary and/or research support) are provided by the Instructor’s primary department at the time of the initial appointment and throughout the duration of the Instructor’s appointment at Stanford.    

c. Titles 

Titles of those holding joint appointments at 0% reflect the Instructor’s primary and secondary departmental roles by using, for example, the following format:  Instructor of (subject of primary affiliation) and of (subject of secondary affiliation). 

d. Terms 

The joint appointment is made for the duration of the current appointment and is at the will of the chair of the secondary department.

e. Responsibilities

It is expected that the responsibilities held by an Instructor holding a joint appointment at 0% will include duties as determined by the department chair of the secondary department.  It is expected that the department(s) will set a minimum threshold of responsibilities for conferral of the title and that this will be applied equitably.  

3. Courtesy Appointments

a. Definition

A courtesy appointment is defined as one in which the Instructor often makes a substantial contribution to departments other than their own, but in ways less formal than would justify a joint appointment.  It is permissible for an Instructor to hold more than one courtesy appointment.  There is usually no commitment of salary, space, research or other support involved in a courtesy appointment.

b. Titles

Formally (that is, in all appointment documents), the title should read, for example, Instructor of (subject of primary affiliation) and, by courtesy, of (subject).

c. Terms

The duration of a courtesy appointment may be less than or coterminous with the primary appointment, and the appointment is at the will of the chair of the department in which the courtesy appointment is held.

d. Responsibilities

Departments have discretion in determining the responsibilities associated with courtesy appointments, although it is expected that a minimum threshold will be established for conferral of the title, will be applied equitably, and will reflect the department’s specific programmatic need.