Tēnā Koutou
This memo is to advise you of the formal process for nomination/application for promotion to Senior Lecturer (PASM Grade), Associate Professor and Professor in 2025.
The policy on Senior Academic Appointments and Promotions (SAAP, version 9) is now available on The Nest.
The key changes from last year are as follows:
- The SAAP Panel’s Membership has been updated (see below).
- The timeline for 2025 has been updated. We ask that you ensure applicants within your school are fully aware of the key dates.
- The list of proposed Referees needs to be submitted along with the Expression of Interest (previously it was required at a later date).
- This year we are only accepting applications in MS Word. Note that Unitec is currently experiencing difficulties accessing data from MyPortfolio. Any staff seeking to retrieve information from MyPortfolio should contact Te Puna Ako for assistance.
The SAAP Panel for this year is:
- Professor Martin Carroll, Deputy Chief Executive Academic (Chairperson)
- Dr. Simon Nash, Deputy Chief Executive Learner Experience & Success (Chair of Appeals)
- Chris King, Director, Schools & Performance
- Dr. Linda Aumua, Head, School of Healthcare and Social Practice
- Professor Hamid Sharifzadeh, School of Computing and Electrical Applied Technologies
- Assoc. Prof. Renata Jadresin-Milic, School of Architecture
- Assoc. Prof. Deborah Heke, Director, Ngā Wai a Te Tūī
Note the following:
- Each person’s application will be evaluated against the Characteristics of Senior Lecturer / Pūkenga Matua, Associate Professor / Ahorangi Tuarua or Professor / Ahorangi positions, depending on for which they apply. The details for each are in the policy. Applications will not be evaluated against Position Descriptions, which relate to academic roles rather than performance.
- In the application process, the SAAP Nomination Form asks the Head of School to indicate whether they support the application, support it with reservations, or do not support it. Heads are invited to provide comments explaining their choice. This becomes visible to the Applicant, who submits it (Heads of School do not submit the form directly).
In the context of this policy, the process for the 2025 senior academic promotions round is as follows:
- The SAAP Process Flowchart is a useful reference.
- Applicants are expected to discuss their intention to apply with their manager as part of their ADEP or regular performance and career-related conversations.
- Applicants need to confirm their intention to apply (and for which level), along with their list of referees, by emailing to saap@unitec.ac.nz, copying their Head of School, by Friday 4th July 2025.
- Applicants need to complete the SAAP Referee Form (electronically) found on The Nest. Please note:
– The minimum number and type of referees is specified in the policy, so please check carefully. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.
– An accurate current email contact for each referee is essential.
– Applicants must notify their referees to expect an email. Referees will be sent one email only and will not be followed up if they have not responded.
– Referee’s reports will be requested and collated by the SAAP Executive Officer. Referees will be required to complete their reports by Wednesday 06 August 2025. - Managers are to support the applicant in developing their Portfolio.
- Portfolios may be submitted only as an MS Word document. The Portfolio requirements can be found on The Nest; requirements for word length and limits on graphics must be observed. Also, visit the SAAP Moodle Page. Upon receiving confirmation of your intention to apply (#3 above), you will be enrolled in the course.
- Applicants’ verified publication records must be up to date in Unitec’s Research Output Management System (ROMS).
- The deadline for applications is Wednesday 06th August 2025. Applicants are required to send the completed SAAP Declaration and Nomination Form and their Portfolio, to saap@unitec.ac.nz along with the SAAP Application Checklist.
- The SAAP Committee will meet end of August to review all applications. Applicants may be interviewed at the panel’s discretion.
- In the case of applications for Associate Professor and Professor, the Committee may also seek advice from a senior discipline expert external to Unitec.
- The SAAP Committee makes its recommendation for promotion to the Regional Executive Directors. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their applications within 10 days of the Regional Executive Directors’ decisions, which we aim to be by the end of October at the latest.
To maximise the prospect of a successful outcome, applicants are strongly recommended to participate in the SAAP Workshops. The details are as follows:
When and Where?
Online – Tuesday, 17 June 2025 3.00pm – 4.00pm – Click here to join the meeting
Online – Friday, 27 June 4:00pm – 5:00pm – Click here to join the meeting
Who is facilitating?
Chris King – Director, Schools and Performance
Jocelyn Williams – Manager, Te Puna Ako
James Oldfield – Digital Learning Manager
Rosario Iguin – Academic Adviser
Katrina Elliott – HR Business Partner
Hadley Brown – Acting Director, Research and Enterprise
What is covered?
- SAAP HR process
- Importance and place of research in Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor
- Clarification around advanced practice as opposed to research for non-degree teaching applicants Examples of evidence for excellence in teaching
- Q&A
- How to build the application portfolio
Links List on The Nest:
Senior Academic Staff Appointments and Promotion Policy
Application Checklist
SAAP Process Flowchart
SAAP Declaration and Nomination Form
SAAP Portfolio Requirements
SAAP Referee Form
SAAP Moodle page