Dear Faculty Colleagues,

We would like to share important information regarding previously announced changes to faculty contract periods and the implementation of a new semi-monthly pay structure for the University. Our goal is to ensure clarity and transparency as we move through this transition.

There are several reasons for this change, including faculty contract terms that are consistent with the 9-month academic year; greater clarity around faculty time and effort outside of the 9-month academic year; and enabling grant-supported faculty to allocate a greater portion of their grant funds toward summer efforts. At most universities around the country, 9-month contracts are the standard practice.

Regarding Compensation
We understand that a shorter contract period combined with a new pay structure may raise concerns about potential loss of pay. Please be assured that your compensation will remain unchanged. The intent is to align contract dates and pay schedules more accurately with the academic calendar and the semi-monthly payroll system.

Additional details and individualized information will be shared as contracts are prepared, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Contract Period for the 2026–2027 Academic Year

• For the upcoming contract cycle, faculty with academic year contracts will move from a 10-month contract to a 9.5-month contract as part of the transition to a semi-monthly pay structure. This contract will run from August 1, 2026, through May 15, 2027. [Please note the expectations in the Faculty Handbook regarding teaching and communication responsibilities during intersession periods.]
• A key change for this year is that the contract term ends with Commencement as published in the Undergraduate Catalog rather than extending through the end of May as has been customary in the past.
• Contracts for faculty with year-round (12-month) appointments will run from August 1, 2026, through August 15, 2027. 

Looking Ahead to the 2027–2028 Academic Year

• Beginning in August 2027, faculty with academic year contracts will officially move to 9-month contracts. These contracts will span from August 16, 2027, through May 15, 2028, reflecting the long-term structure aligned with the new pay schedule. [Please note the expectations in the Faculty Handbook regarding teaching and communication responsibilities during intersession period].
• Contracts for faculty with year-round (12-month) appointments will run from August 16, 2027, through August 15, 2028
• This format will be the model for all subsequent contract years.

Additional Resources
To support faculty through this transition, the following resources are available and will continue to be updated as we move forward:

• Semi-Monthly Payroll Transition Website – This site provides an overview of the University’s move to a semi-monthly pay schedule, including key dates, pay timing examples, and frequently asked questions related to payroll processing.
  • For general inquiries, please email SemiMonthlyPayroll@baylor.edu.
• Academic Faculty Contract Transition Website – The Office of the Provost has developed faculty-specific FAQs addressing contract periods, academic calendar alignment, intersession expectations, and how these changes affect academic year and year-round appointments.
  • For general inquiries, please email Provost_Office@baylor.edu.

Thank you for your continued dedication and for your attention to this important update. Remember, your compensation is unchanged. The intent is to align contract dates and pay schedules more accurately with the academic calendar and the new semi-monthly payroll system. We appreciate your flexibility as we implement these changes and remain committed to supporting you throughout the process.

Academic Affairs Announcements 

A Note from Provost Brickhouse 
I have asked Randall Bradley, D.M.A., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Music, professor of church music, and director of our Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies, to serve as interim dean of the School of Music, effective immediately. Dr. Bradley joined the University in Fall 2000 and will succeed Kevin Sanders, D.M.A., who returned to the faculty on March 6.

Upcoming Events

• Breakfast Honoring the Teaching and Research Contributions of Baylor Women Faculty- March 24, 8:30 to 10 a.m. (remarks at 9 a.m.), Foster 250
• Readers Meet the Author: Serhiy Kudelia- March 24, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Schumacher Flex Commons, Moody Memorial Library & Online
• Collins Outstanding Professor Award and Lecture: Dr. Walter M. (Sparky) Matthews, March 30, 5:15 p.m., Fudge Family Auditorium, Hurd Welcome Center

University Strategic Financial Repositioning Webinar - March 24 at 2 p.m. 
We hope you will join President Linda A. Livingstone and Curtis Reynolds, vice president of business and finance and chief financial officer, as they present an update on Baylor’s strategic financial repositioning. The presentation will be via Zoom and faculty and staff will receive an email the day before the webinar with a link. The president’s budget update message from Feb. 24, 2026, is available online.

Faculty and Staff Summer Care Available from Baylor University Health Services 
Baylor University Health Services will offer acute care for faculty and staff during Minimester, Summer I, and Summer II. Clinicians can treat common issues such as cold symptoms, cough, sinus pressure, nausea, minor injuries, asthma flare-ups, UTIs, pink eye, and rashes. Learn more, review caveats, and make appointments online or call 254-710-1010. 

Frontiers of Health & Innovation, the 2026 Pruitt Memorial Symposium 
Join your colleagues March 24-25, for Frontiers of Health & Innovation, an exploration of groundbreaking research on the impact of emerging technologies on patient care, access, and health outcomes, as well as the transformation new knowledge and tools are bringing to work, wellness, and the future of health. Notable panelists and speakers from a wide range of disciplines will blend rigorous scholarship with real-world relevance to offer meaningful insights to this important subject. Registration is open to faculty, staff, undergrads, grad students, and interested professionals in the field. 

The 2026 Great Colleges to Work For Survey – Now Available Until March 27! 
As President Linda Livingstone mentioned in an email this morning, Baylor faculty and staff again have the opportunity to submit anonymous feedback on their workplace experience. An email from ModernThink with your personalized survey credentials should go out this afternoon. View this webpage for more information.

Waco Sports Corporate Cup 
Baylor is the largest employer in McLennan County, and we need 50-60 faculty and staff to compete in the Waco Sports Corporate Cup on Saturday, June 6. Learn more about the event and activities online, and complete the interest form by Friday, March 27, to let us know you want to be a part of the fun!

Vice Provost’s Corner 

Spring Census 
The Institutional Research department recently concluded the Spring census season and finalized reports on retention and enrollment. These reports are now available on the IR website and in the University Reports channel of the Institutional Research Metrics and Analytics (IRMA) team. If you are interested in gaining access to IRMA, kindly visit our website and complete the IRMA Access Request Form.

Good Work, Indeed 
Good Work, Indeed is a celebration of faculty, students, and staff whose good work on campus and in the broader Waco community exemplifies the kind of servant leadership that represents the best of Baylor’s Christian commitment. Check out our first story with Dr. Sara Dolan, associate dean for professional education in the graduate school, to learn more about her work with the McLennan County Recovery Court.

Micah Lecture Series 
The vice provost for community engagement and belonging will host Whitney Holmes, associate professor of law, on March 25-26 for the 2026 Micah Lectures. Learn more by visiting our event page.

Mark Your Calendars

• Baylor Centennial Professors- March 20, Last day to submit proposals

Faculty Emeritus 
Faculty retiring in May 2026 with a professional record of distinction who have served a total of twenty or more years of full-time college or university-level service, with at least the last ten years as a faculty member at Baylor, may be eligible for nomination as Faculty Emeritus. College and school recommendations of retiring faculty for emeritus status are due from the dean to the provost by April 15.

Collins Outstanding Professor Award & Lecture 
March 30, 5:15 p.m., Fudge Family Auditorium, Hurd Welcome Center 
Baylor’s 2026 senior class selected Dr. Walter M. (Sparky) Matthews as the recipient of the 2026 Collins Outstanding Professor Award, which recognizes and honors outstanding teachers at Baylor. Dr. Matthews will present a lecture titled, “The Body of Christ: The Physiology of the Passion & Crucifixion. All are welcome!

Dr. Benjamin F. Brown IV Fund for Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Scholarship 
Full-time faculty across the university are invited to apply for the Brown Fellowship, which provides support to research or curriculum-development projects that are collaborative, interdisciplinary, and of global significance. Multiple awards of up to $25,000 are available, and applications are due by April 17. For more details, visit the Baylor in Washington website.

Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL)

Be sure to consider these upcoming opportunities; register by clicking the class name.

• Seminar for Excellence in Teaching: Scaling the AI Mountain- Placing Pedagogical Guardrails to Guide Student Learning, March 19, 2 p.m., Online
• Seminar for Excellence in Teaching: Teaching that Makes Sense- How Multisensory Instruction Enhances Learning for All, March 26, 2:30 p.m., Online

Office of the Registrar

For all catalog and curriculum updates, please be aware of the upcoming deadlines.

Office of Student Success and Engagement

Baylor Free Farmers Market 
The Baylor Free Farmers Market is on April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The farmers market provides students with free access to fresh fruits and vegetables, while also raising awareness about food insecurity on college campuses. The event brings together local farmers, community partners, campus organizations, and student volunteers to promote health, wellness, and food justice. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please sign up online.

Progress Report Campaign: February 23 – March 23 
Our spring progress report campaign is underway! From February 23 through March 23, faculty are encouraged to submit progress reports to help identify students who may benefit from timely academic support. Your feedback plays a vital role in connecting students with resources, improving outcomes, and supporting their success. Thank you for your partnership in this important effort!

TRIO Student Support Services Recruiting Students at All Academic Levels 
Baylor's brand-new TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program is currently recruiting undergraduate students from all class levels for the spring 2026 cohort. SSS offers individualized student support for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities from start to graduation. Learn more and refer students through the SSS website.

Spotlight on the Academy

College of Arts and Sciences

URSA Student Research Week 
URSA Scholars Week is now a new, campus‑wide research celebration: The BEAR Symposium. Students from all fields are invited to attend April 7 to 9 in Cashion 506. More info on OEL Undergraduate Research webpage.

Diana G. Garland School of Social Work

Barbara Chafin Endowed Lecture Series 
Faith Communities as a Holding Space for Mental Health Resilience: Learn how faith communities can reduce stigma and support mental wellness through practical, compassionate strategies that build stronger, resilient congregations. Learn more online.

George W. Truett Theological Seminary

W.C. Dobbs Endowed Lecture 
Truett Seminary will host Dr. Deirdre N. Fulton, associate professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Religion at Baylor, on March 24 for the W.C. Dobbs Lecture. Learn more on our website.

Mayborn Museum Complex

Bryce C. Brown Summer Fellowship Applications Open 
Bryce C. Brown Summer Fellowshipapplications are now open for this summer fellowship that supports original research and innovative teaching through engagement with the Mayborn Museum’s natural and cultural history collections.

Moody School of Education

Celebrating 50 Years of Special Education 
Join us on March 23 from 1 to 2 p.m. for a 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the federal law establishing public education rights for students with disabilities. Stop by for refreshments, giveaways, and student posters.

School of Engineering and Computer Science

Baylor ECS Summit 
Baylor ECS Summit is a community event showcasing research, technology, and innovation hosted by the School of Engineering and Computer Science. The event includes a Dr Pepper Hour and is open to all April 13 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. in the Hurd Welcome Center.

School of Music

Air Force Concert Band & Singing Sergeants 
Experience the United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants live at Baylor on Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in Jones Concert Hall. A powerful evening of music, service, and excellence. Get free tickets while they last!

 Academic Units Deadlines Calendar 

Additional deadlines are available on the Academic Units Deadlines calendar.

• March 20- Last date for the dean to submit their recommendation for Year 4 Tenure-Track, Year 2 Lecturers, Year 4 Lecturers, and Year 3 Clinical Assistant Professor in the electronic system
• March 27- Acknowledgement or rebuttal of dean's letter for Year 4 Tenure-Track, Year 2 Lecturers, Year 4 Lecturers, and Year 3 Clinical Assistant Professor is due
• April 1- Faculty seeking approval to apply for promotion to Teaching Professor, Clinical Professor, and Professor with tenure submit preliminary materials to their chair
• April 13- Department chairs, associate deans, and deans must complete their review of their faculty records in Lifecycle Management (LM)
• April 13- Deans complete review of early promotion requests and communicate decisions to the VPFA
• April 15- Nominations for faculty emeritus due to the VPFA by the deans
• April 15- Chairs submit recommendation and faculty materials to the dean for faculty seeking approval to apply for promotion to Teaching Professor, Clinical Professor, and Professor with tenure

Information regarding the transition to semi-monthly pay can be found on the Semi-Monthly Payroll website.

Previous issues of the Provost Newsletter can be accessed on the Office of the Provost website.