It is Duke's policy (and a requirement for SACS accreditation) that all faculty offering classroom instruction or its online equivalent must present proof of their highest degree, which will be kept on file in the appropriate administrative office, as described below. Verification may include official transcripts, or other approved methods depending on each school's procedures.
Faculty must supply proof of degree to the department or school manager prior to the beginning of work. Proof of degree is safeguarded in each faculty member's personnel file in the department or school office depending on each school's procedures.
For faculty who have not earned the Ph.D. degree
The appropriate office will hold on file written proof of the highest degree. In addition, the department Chair should provide a written statement that the faculty member's preparation has been appropriate for the instructional activities to be performed. One example of individuals in this category is a performing musician for whom a Ph.D. might not be appropriate. For the rare internationally acclaimed scholar who has achieved the appropriate level of distinction and leadership without the formal training of the Ph.D. degree, the Dean may provide excerpts from these faculty member’s most recent personnel review that confirms leadership and distinction. All this documentation is held in the individual personnel files in the appropriate office.
For the purpose of establishing the veracity of educational credentials for all Duke faculty who teach graduates and undergraduates, Duke has determined that individuals holding the title of Teaching Assistant (job code 1594) do not fall under this requirement. If they teach classroom courses to Duke students, they must be enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. or master’s program at Duke, where their employment is secondary to their academic pursuits.