Faculty Base Instructional Workload Policy

Overview

This policy establishes faculty instructional workload expectations within the School of Human Ecology (SoHE), consistent with the UW–Madison Instructional Workload Policy (UW-1100). Faculty appointments in SoHE are expected to contribute to the school’s teaching, research, outreach/extension, and service missions. The division of effort across these activities reflects both individual expertise and departmental needs and will vary across faculty members and departments. Typical 9-month (1.0 FTE) faculty appointments are structured as 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service, consistent with UW–Madison’s research-intensive mission. Actual distributions may differ based on appointment type, FTE, and individual role.

Course Load Expectations

The 40% teaching allocation for a full-time, 9-month faculty appointment translates to a baseline expectation of four courses per academic year, typically two courses per semester. These expectations apply proportionally to faculty with Extension appointments, joint campus appointments or other appointments with less than 1.0 FTE in their faculty appointment.

Research and Grant Buyouts

Faculty may reduce their teaching workload proportional to the share of their base salary and fringe benefits funded through non-GPR/tuition sources. GPR and tuition funds may not be used for buyouts unless authorized.  Dean’s office approval is required for non-grant buyout sources. Buyout rates will follow institutional minimums.

Administrative Duties

Faculty assigned administrative responsibilities as part of their instructional role—such as directing a center, leading a strategic initiative, or serving as program director—may receive a proportional reduction in teaching expectations. Faculty serving as department chair may have their expectations reduced proportionally to their chair responsibilities.

Extension Responsibilities

Faculty with formal extension appointments carry instructional expectations defined by their appointment letters and extension program commitments.

New and Early Career Faculty

New and early career faculty may receive a temporary reduction in teaching expectations to allow time to develop courses, establish a research program, or otherwise become established in their roles.