Scholarship of Professional Practice. In certain disciplines and fields of study, professional practice and contributions to a profession beyond the University may constitute a required or major part of work duties, and may involve a significant and continuing commitment of time. In such cases, research and scholarly work are closely linked to professional practice. Professional practice means mastery of the professional skills associated with the discipline or profession, and their effective use in a discipline-appropriate practice setting. Research and scholarly work is creative, intellectual work associated with professional practice which is in the public realm (i.e. the Scholarship of Application). In the case of professional practice, peers may include recognized professional practitioners in the field as well as those in academic or research-based professions. In such disciplines and fields of study, both the professional practice and the research and scholarly work components of this category of assessment will be taken into account in the overall evaluation of the candidate's performance. The evaluation should reflect the balance between the practice of professional skills and the research and scholarly work in which the candidate is engaged. Professional Practice Defined Below are two examples of Professional Practice (e.g. applied and professional programs), provided for illustrative purposes. Clinical Practice applies to faculty members in one of the health science professions, and faculty members from other disciplines who engage in testing, diagnosis, remediation, coaching, counseling and similar activities. Educational Practice applies to faculty members engaged in a professional practice in educational program development and delivery, and/or in instructional design. Evidence of the Scholarship of Professional Practice Documented evidence of the scholarship of service may include but is not limited to the following: Descriptive reports or other documentation that outline the professional contributions and outcomes resulting from service activities; Professional consultation to external groups/organizations such as NGOs; Publications in peer reviewed professional literature; Peer reviewed presentations at professional conferences; Success in obtaining external funding; Effectiveness as a professional role model (for students and other trainees); Leadership in the discipline with respect to the profession.
Scholarship of Professional Practice inquiry that reflects the important scholarly work that faculty in professional programs undertake as being part of a practicing profession. While the emphasis on one or more of the dimensions of scholarship (discovery, teaching, application, integration, and professional practice) may vary from one discipline or field of study to another, the pursuit of excellence does not.
