University self-proclaimed professor

Professors in the United States primarily teach and conduct research, often starting as assistant professors. Assistant professors are independent scholars who teach undergraduate and graduate courses or run research programs.

If they do well, they are promoted to associate professor and then to professor. In general, professor is a title associated with universities, colleges, and research institutes.

One of the main duties of a professor is to teach. However, some research institutes appoint special professors to do research. They do not directly teach classes but impart knowledge by instructing students in laboratories or research centers.

Normally, professors are assigned teaching, research and support tasks in proportions depending on the assignment of the host unit. Teaching takes up the largest proportion, but research is the decisive factor in securing the position.

Most universities in this country specifically introduce the duties of professors when working at the school. For example, the University of Houston in Texas gives a specific description of the duties of a mathematics professor, divided into 3 areas: research, teaching, and support with the ratios of 40%, 40%, and 20% respectively.

Accordingly, they must continue to conduct in-depth research on mathematical issues, write and publish research results, write books and monographs for researchers or use in courses.

This task also includes finding research assistants, participating in specialized seminars, going to other schools to give lectures or exchange, collaborating on research with other schools, guiding students and graduate students to carry out projects, etc.

On the teaching side, University of Houston Mathematics professors are in charge of undergraduate and graduate programs, typically teaching one or two classes per semester. In addition, they write letters of recommendation for students, guide undergraduate students through research projects or graduate students through their theses, and advise graduate students.

A professor's teaching duties also include designing curriculum, advising student organizations, giving assessments for those seeking doctoral studies, and engaging career counselors for students.

20% of the work is spent on supporting departments, schools, organizing seminars, publishing research, etc.

As professors advance in their careers, they need to focus more on their research duties. However, teaching is the main basis for them to achieve the title of professor and no matter what their duties are, imparting knowledge to others is at the core of their work.

As mentioned above, the process of becoming a professor goes through 3 stages, starting from assistant professor to full professor. The review for conferring the position is entirely decided by the school.

Normally, an assistant professor will be evaluated after 6-7 years. If qualified, they will be promoted to associate professor. They need at least 5 more years of work to be promoted to full professor.

Schools in the US set their own standards for reviewing associate professors and professors, which are often similar in qualitative terms, different in quantitative terms, and the review process is easier at colleges than at universities.

In general, the minimum degree to become a professor is a master's degree, but most are doctorates except in some special cases, said Professor Gene Spaford of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

In addition, they must be really good in their field. For example, a good doctor can take up the title of professor of medicine. Excellent lawyers or former judges are ideal candidates for professors of law. Meanwhile, schools choose politicians for professors of political science and retired generals and admirals for professors of military science.

Schools set their own standards and review processes. They can publish them publicly or keep them for internal use only. Corresponding to the three main tasks of a professor, the review is also based on three standards: research, teaching and support.

In terms of research, quality is more important than quantity, but applicants also need to meet the quantity requirement. Quality is demonstrated by the impact of the research (reputation of the journal/publication in which the research is published, citation rate).

Presentations, conference attendance, publications, and awards are considered in the process of being appointed as associate professors and full professors. Teaching criteria also play an important role, and can compensate for less than stellar research. Teaching quality is considered based on student, peer, and student mentoring evaluations.

In addition, the candidate's support for the community is also a criterion for reviewing applications at universities in the US.

Basically, the process of considering the appointment of professor goes through 4 steps. First, the candidate prepares the documents, self-assesses according to the criteria and asks outside experts to write letters of recommendation.

Next, the faculty council reviews the applications, allowing members to vote for qualified candidates.

After passing this round, the application is sent to the school council. The school council reviews and forwards the approved application to the board of directors for final review before deciding to award the lecturer a professor or associate professorship.

The titles of professor and associate professor are closely linked to teaching and research. Those with outstanding contributions will be awarded honorary professor and associate professor titles upon retirement.

This title is also given to those who have retired but continue to teach or move to full-time work at another school.

Some differences between Vietnam and the US

- In Vietnam, associate professors and professors only need to have enough years of teaching experience. In the US, this position is reserved for lecturers.

- Associate professors and professors in our country are recognized by the State Council for Professorship. American schools self-award professors.

- In the US, a professor position is a temporary position. If a person resigns or changes jobs, he or she will be dismissed. In Vietnam, this is an indefinite position and can only be stripped if there is a violation.

Nguyen Suong