Teacher-Scholar Model
At Cal Poly, the Teacher–Scholar Model (TSM) reflects our commitment to Learn by Doing for faculty and students alike. It recognizes that excellence in teaching is strengthened when faculty remain actively engaged in research, scholarship, and creative activity. Through this model, faculty integrate new knowledge into the curriculum, involve students in scholarly inquiry, and develop industry-relevant and societally responsive learning experiences.
Teacher–Scholar Model Assigned Time Program
Beginning in Fall 2026, eligible tenure-line faculty will receive 3 WTUs of assigned time annually for research, scholarship, and creative activity (RSCA). This professional development program strengthens Cal Poly’s Teacher–Scholar Model and supports a vibrant Learn by Doing environment by ensuring faculty have dedicated, protected time to advance scholarly work.
Eligibility
Eligible
- Full-time tenure-line faculty (both SLO and Solano campuses) teaching at least 6 WTUs per academic year after assigned time is applied.
Eligible Beginning in Year Three
- New tenure-track faculty following their first two years in which they are already provided with assigned time.
Not Eligible
- FERP faculty
- PRTB faculty
- Lecturers
- Faculty on sabbatical or difference-in-pay leave during the year in which the leave is taken
- Librarians (eligibility determined individually by the Dean of Library Services)
Note: Ongoing eligibility is reviewed through the Post-Tenure Peer Review (PTPR) process.
Program Parameters
Minimum Instructional Requirement
- Faculty must maintain at least 6 WTUs of instruction annually to receive TSM assigned time.
Interaction with Other Assigned Time
- Faculty may hold other assigned time (including grant-funded release and administrative assigned time) as long as they continue to meet the 6 WTU instructional minimum.
No Banking, Transfer, or Compensation
TSM WTUs cannot be:
- Banked into future years
- Transferred to other faculty
- Converted into compensation
Opt-Out Option
- Faculty may choose to decline the 3 WTUs of TSM assigned time for any given academic year.
Scheduling Flexibility
- Faculty may request that the 3 WTUs be divided between semesters within the same academic year. Final approval is determined by the dean or designee based on program needs.
Reporting
- TSM assigned time will be reported through the existing assigned time processes.
- Final reporting guidance will be issued before fall 2026.
Implementation Timeline
2025–26 Academic Year: Preparation and Planning
Fall 2025
- Initial communications and release of preliminary FAQs
- Early guidance to deans and department heads
Winter 2026
- Department-level planning for AY 2026–27 schedules
- Eligibility reviews and workload consultations
Spring 2026
- Finalization of scheduling, eligibility, and workload plans
- Shared governance updates as applicable
2026–27 Academic Year: First Year of Implementation
Fall 2026
- TSM assigned time program officially begins
- Colleges/departments provide support and collect early implementation questions
Annual Review (Beginning 2027)
The TSM program will undergo a yearly review to assess:
- RSCA impact
- Student access and instructional capacity
- Alignment with college and program needs
- Financial sustainability
Findings will inform refinement and support structures for subsequent years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Link to the full faculty-facing FAQ (PDF) - Draft as of 12-12-2025
RSCA and Teacher-Scholar Resources
Institutional resources that support faculty research, scholarship, and creative activity and complement the assigned time provided through the Teacher–Scholar Model.
Office of Research
The Office of Research provides comprehensive support for faculty research, scholarship, and creative activity, including proposal development, compliance, sponsored programs administration, internal funding, and research infrastructure.
Teacher–Scholar Mini Grant Program
The Teacher-Scholar Mini Grant (TSMG) Program supports Cal Poly’s institutional commitment to advancing discovery, integration, application, and engagement in teaching and learning. With support from the Office of the Provost, the Teacher-Scholar Mini Grant Program provides enhanced internal funding to support all areas of teacher-scholar activities.
RSCA Grant Program
The Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) Grant Program, supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the Cal Poly Office of the Provost, is intended to help faculty remain engaged in their disciplines beyond the classroom and to contribute new knowledge through robust programs of scholarship focused on strengthening California socially, culturally and economically.
Academic Senate – Adopted Framework
The Cal Poly framework for the teacher-scholar model, adopted by the Academic Senate in AS-725-11 Resolution on Defining and Adopting the Teacher-Scholar Model, is based on Ernest Boyer’s classification of scholarly activity:
- Discovery: the pursuit of inquiry and investigation in search of new knowledge; original research, scholarship, and creative activities that advance knowledge or the state of the art.
- Scholarship of Integration: synthesizing knowledge and making connections across disciplines.
- Application: leveraging disciplinary and professional expertise to address the industry/societal issues of the times in a dynamic process.
- Teaching/Learning: transmitting, transforming, and extending knowledge; systematic study of teaching and learning processes.