Circular No. 25/2013/TT-BGDĐT Issuing the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of the State Council for Professor Titles, Sectoral and Intersectoral Councils for Professor Titles, and Institutional Councils for Professor Titles

CIRCULAR

Issuing the Regulation on the organization and operation of the State Council for Academic Titles

professors and the State Council for Academic Titles of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields

and the Council for Academic Titles at institutions

Pursuant to Decree No. 36/2012/NĐ-CP dated April 18, 2012, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of Ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to Decree No. 32/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 19, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to Decision No. 174/2008/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2008 of the Prime Minister promulgating standards and procedures for appointment and removal of professor and associate professor titles;

Pursuant to Decision No. 20/2012/QĐ-TTg dated April 27, 2012 of the Prime Minister amending and supplementing certain articles of the "Regulations on Standards and Procedures for Appointment and Removal of Professor and Associate Professor Titles" issued together with Decision No. 174/2008/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2008 of the Prime Minister.

At the proposal of the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department,

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular on the Regulation on the organization and operation of the State Council for Academic Titles, the Council for Academic Titles of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields, and the Council for Academic Titles at institutions:

Article 1. This Circular includes the Regulation on the organization and operation of the State Council for Academic Titles, the Council for Academic Titles of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields, and the Council for Academic Titles at institutions.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from August 30, 2013 and replaces Decision No. 3932/QĐ-BGDĐT dated June 2, 2009 of the Minister of Education and Training promulgating the Regulation on the organization and operation of the State Council for Academic Titles, the Council for Academic Titles of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields, and the Council for Academic Titles at institutions.

Article 3. The Permanent Secretaries, Heads of the Department of Personnel and Organization, Directors of the General Office of Teachers and Educational Institution Management, Heads of the Legal Department, Heads of units related to the Ministry of Education and Training, Heads of higher education institution management agencies, Chairmen of the State Council for Academic Titles, and Heads of higher education institutions shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

 

 

REGULATIONS

 

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE STATE COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC TITLES, THE COUNCILS FOR ACADEMIC TITLES OF DISCIPLINES AND INTERDISCIPLINARY FIELDS, AND THE COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC TITLES AT INSTITUTIONS
(Issued together with Circular No. 25/2013/TT-BGDĐT dated July 15, 2013 of the Minister of Education and Training)

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Regulation stipulates the organization and operation of the State Council for Academic Titles (hereinafter referred to as the Council for Academic Titles) and the Councils for Academic Titles of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields (hereinafter referred to as the Council for Academic Titles of disciplines) and the Council for Academic Titles at institutions.

2. This Regulation applies to the State Council for Academic Titles, the Councils for Academic Titles of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields, and the Council for Academic Titles at institutions; individuals and organizations related to these councils.

Article 2. Principles of Operation of the Councils for Academic Titles

1. Collective voting openly or secret ballot at meetings to decide matters related to the performance of the Council's duties.

2. Meetings of the Council for Academic Titles can only be held when at least 3/4 of its members are present and attending; the Council for Academic Titles will vote only once for candidates proposed for recognition of meeting the criteria for professor or associate professor titles or revocation of recognition of meeting the criteria for professor or associate professor titles.

3. The Council for Academic Titles meets regularly or urgently upon request of the Chairman of the Council for Academic Titles or upon request of more than half of the total number of members of the Council for Academic Titles to discuss and decide matters related to the performance of the Council's duties.

4. Regular or urgent meetings of the Council for Academic Titles are conducted in the following forms: Direct meetings; meetings via network (telecommunication); obtaining opinions in writing.

Chapter II

THE STATE COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC TITLES

Article 3. The Standing Body of the National Council for Professor Titles

1. The Standing Body of the National Council for Professor Titles consists of the Chairman of the Council, the Vice-Chairman of the Council, and the Secretary-General of the Council.

2. The Standing Body of the National Council for Professor Titles is responsible for handling regular tasks of the National Council for Professor Titles between sessions and during the two-year period between meetings of the National Council for Professor Titles; organizing, directing, and guiding the activities of sectoral councils and grassroots councils.

Article 4. Criteria for Members of the National Council for Professor Titles

1. Must be a professor (hereinafter referred to as Prof.), having scientific reputation, currently involved in undergraduate, master's, doctoral training, and scientific research.

2. Must have good political qualities, moral integrity, clear background; must be responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications for recognition and revocation of recognition of qualifications for the position of Prof. and associate professor (hereinafter referred to as Assoc. Prof.).

3. Must have health and time to perform the duties of the National Council for Professor Titles.

4. If members of the National Council for Professor Titles no longer meet the criteria stipulated in this Article or are disciplined with a warning or higher, then the Minister of Education and Training shall propose to the Prime Minister to consider and decide on their removal and replacement.

Article 5. Duties and Authorities of the National Council for Professor Titles

1. Reviewing and collectively examining the files of candidates listed in the proposal of sectoral councils to recognize and issue certificates of qualification for the positions of Prof. and Assoc. Prof.

2. Revoking recognition of qualifications for the positions of Prof. and Assoc. Prof. of candidates who have been recognized but were found not to meet the criteria specified in Article 8, Article 9, Article 10 of the Regulations on Qualifications and Procedures for Appointment and Removal of the Positions of Prof. and Assoc. Prof., issued together with Decision 174/2008/QĐ-TTg, and as stipulated in Clause 3, Clause 4, Clause 5 of Article 1 of Decision 20/2012/QĐ-TTg.

3. Organizing, guiding, and directing the activities of sectoral councils and grassroots councils; establishing uniform application forms for submission to the National Council for Professor Titles.

4. Receiving and resolving complaints and reports related to the recognition of qualifications for the positions of Prof. and Assoc. Prof. and the work of the council according to the provisions of the law.

5. The term of operation of the National Council for Professor Titles is five years.

Article 6. Duties and Authorities of the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles

1. Chairing sessions of the National Council for Professor Titles.

2. Representing the Council to sign decisions and Certificates of Qualification for the positions of Prof. and Assoc. Prof. according to the resolutions of the National Council for Professor Titles;

3. Chairing the resolution of matters of the National Council for Professor Titles between sessions.

4. Deciding on the establishment and appointment of members of sectoral councils and grassroots councils; directing and inspecting the activities of sectoral councils and grassroots councils.

5. Participating in the work of the National Council for Professor Titles as a member of the Council.

6. Receiving additional allowance for concurrently serving as Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles.

Article 7. Duties and Authorities of the Vice-Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles

1. Acting on behalf of the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles to carry out the tasks stipulated in Article 6 of this Regulation when authorized by the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles (or when the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles is absent).

2. Working alongside the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles and the Secretary-General of the Council to resolve matters of the National Council for Professor Titles between sessions and according to the division of labor by the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles.

3. Participating in the work of the National Council for Professor Titles as a member of the Council.

4. Receiving additional allowance for concurrently serving as Vice-Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles.

Article 8. Duties and Authorities of the Secretary General of the National Council for Professor Titles

1. Represents the Standing Body of the National Council for Professor Titles to handle regular tasks of the National Council for Professor Titles and other related matters when authorized by the Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the National Council for Professor Titles.

2. Organizes activities and resolves tasks of the National Council for Professor Titles together with the Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the National Council for Professor Titles, guiding the operations of sectoral Councils for Professor Titles and grassroots Councils for Professor Titles.

3. Directly manages and oversees the Office of the National Council for Professor Titles; implements systems and policies for staff working at the Office of the National Council for Professor Titles.

4. Participates in the work of the National Council for Professor Titles as a member of the Council.

5. Receives salary and responsibility allowance for the position of Secretary General of the National Council for Professor Titles.

Article 9. Duties and Authorities of Members of the National Council for Professor Titles

1. Members of the National Council for Professor Titles are the Chairmen of Sectoral Councils for Professor Titles, working on a concurrent basis.

2. Are responsible for managing the operations of the assigned Sectoral Council for Professor Titles and performing other tasks as delegated by the Standing Body of the National Council for Professor Titles.

3. Participating in the work of the National Council for Professor Titles as a member of the Council.

4. Receive concurrent membership allowance for the National Council for Professor Titles.

Chapter III

SECTORAL COUNCIL FOR PROFESSOR TITLES

Article 10. Organization of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles

1. Each Sectoral Council for Professor Titles has from 9 (nine) to 15 (fifteen) members. The number of members from the same higher education institution within a Sectoral Council for Professor Titles does not exceed 3 (three) people; special cases are considered and decided by the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles.

2. The Standing Body of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles consists of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles, responsible for handling regular tasks of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles between sessions.

3. The Sectoral Council for Professor Titles has a support team appointed by the Chairman of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles.

4. The term of operation of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles follows the term of operation of the National Council for Professor Titles (five years).

Article 11. Criteria for Members of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles

1. Must be a Professor, having scientific reputation, actively involved in undergraduate, master's, doctoral training, and scientific research. In cases where there are insufficient Professors, some members may be Associate Professors but not more than one-third of the total number of members of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles.

2. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles must be Professors.

3. Must have good political and moral qualities, clear background; responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications for recognition and revocation of recognition of Professor and Associate Professor qualifications.

4. Must have health and time to fulfill the duties of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles.

5. If a member of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles no longer meets the criteria stipulated herein or is disciplined with a warning or higher, the Secretary General of the National Council for Professor Titles will propose to the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles to consider and decide on removal and replacement.

Article 12. Establishment of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles

1. The Scientific and Training Council of the higher education institution introduces individuals meeting the criteria stipulated in Article 11 of this Regulation for the Head of the higher education institution to select and nominate in writing, ranked by priority, and submit to the Office of the National Council for Professor Titles.

2. The Secretary General of the National Council for Professor Titles bases on the nomination list of the higher education institution and the Chairman of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles to select and compile a list of members of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles, to be reviewed and decided upon by the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles.

3. In special cases, the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles may appoint certain members of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles who are not included in the nomination list of the Heads of higher education institutions and the Chairman of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles.

4. The Chairman of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles is appointed by the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles; the Vice Chairman, Secretary, and other members of the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles are elected by the Sectoral Council for Professor Titles and submitted to the Chairman of the National Council for Professor Titles for approval.

Article 13. Duties and Authorities of the Industry Academic Title Council

1. Examine and collectively assess the files of candidates transferred to the Industry Academic Title Council from the State Academic Title Council for the industry and inter-industry specialized fields assigned to the Industry Academic Title Council, and propose to the State Academic Title Council for consideration and recognition of meeting the criteria for the titles of Professor and Associate Professor.

2. Examine and propose to the State Academic Title Council to revoke the recognition of meeting the criteria for the titles of Professor and Associate Professor of candidates who have been recognized but later found not to meet the criteria stipulated in Articles 8, 9, and 10 of the Regulation on Criteria and Procedures for Appointment and Removal of the Titles of Professor and Associate Professor issued together with Decision No. 174/2008/QĐ-TTg and Clauses 3, 4, and 5 of Article 1 of Decision No. 20/2012/QĐ-TTg.

3. Receive and process complaints and reports related to the work of the Industry Academic Title Council and report to the State Academic Title Council.

4. In cases where a candidate applying for recognition of meeting the criteria for the title of Professor is a member of the Industry Academic Title Council, such member shall not participate in the discussion and evaluation of their own file but still has the right to vote.

Article 14. Duties and Authorities of the Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council.

1. Chair meetings of the Industry Academic Title Council.

2. Chair the resolution of matters of the Industry Academic Title Council between sessions.

3. Be responsible before the State Academic Title Council for the work of the Industry Academic Title Council under his/her charge.

4. Participate in the work of the Industry Academic Title Council as a member of the Council.

5. Appoint and assign tasks to the working group of the Industry Academic Title Council.

6. Enjoy additional allowance for serving as the Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council.

Article 15. Duties and Authorities of the Vice-Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council.

1. Act on behalf of the Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council to perform the duties specified in Article 14 of this Regulation when authorized by the Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council (or when the Chairman is absent).

2. Together with the Chairman and the Secretary of the Industry Academic Title Council, resolve matters of the Industry Academic Title Council between sessions and according to the assignment of the Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council.

3. Participate in the work of the Industry Academic Title Council as a member of the Council.

4. Enjoy additional allowance for serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council.

Article 16. Duties and Authorities of the Secretary of the Industry Academic Title Council.

1. Resolve matters of the Industry Academic Title Council according to the assignment of the Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council.

2. Directly oversee the activities of the working group of the Industry Academic Title Council.

3. Participate in the work of the Industry Academic Title Council as a member of the Council.

4. Enjoy additional allowance for serving as the Secretary of the Industry Academic Title Council.

Article 17. Duties and Authorities of Members of the Industry Academic Title Council.

1. Resolve matters of the Industry Academic Title Council according to the assignment of the Chairman of the Industry Academic Title Council.

2. Participate in the work of the Industry Academic Title Council as a member of the Council.

3. Enjoy additional allowance for serving as a member of the Industry Academic Title Council.

Chapter IV

ACADEMIC TITLE COUNCIL AT THE INSTITUTION LEVEL

Article 18. Organization of the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level

1. The Academic Title Council at the Institution Level consists of from 9 (nine) to 17 (seventeen) members who are Professors or Associate Professors, including the Chairman of the Council, one Standing Member of the Council, and other members of the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level.

2. The Chairman of the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level and the Standing Member of the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level are elected by the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level. The Chairman of the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level must hold the title of Professor. If there is no Professor, the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level may elect an Associate Professor as the Chairman.

3. The Academic Title Council at the Institution Level has a working group appointed by the Chairman of the Council.

4. The term of operation of the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level is one year.

5. The operating expenses of the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level are borne by the higher education institution where the Academic Title Council at the Institution Level is located.

Article 19. Criteria for members of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level

1. Being a Professor (GS) or Associate Professor (PGS), having scientific reputation, currently involved in undergraduate, master's, doctoral training, and scientific research.

2. Having good political integrity, moral character, clear background; responsible for evaluating and assessing applications for recognition and revocation of recognition of the title of Professor (GS) or Associate Professor (PGS).

3. Having health and time to perform the tasks of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level. If a member of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level no longer meets the criteria stipulated in this Article or has been disciplined with a warning or higher penalty, the head of the higher education institution shall propose to the Chairman of the National Academic Council for Title Recognition to issue a decision on removal from office and appointment of a replacement.

Article 20. Conditions for establishing the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level

1. Each higher education institution may establish one Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level when it meets the following conditions:

a) Having at least 15 (fifteen) lecturers (excluding visiting lecturers) holding the title of Professor (GS) or Associate Professor (PGS) or having a doctoral degree, including at least 7 (seven) Professors (GS) or Associate Professors (PGS);

b) Having candidates who are permanent lecturers of the higher education institution. Candidates of the higher education institution cannot simultaneously be members of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level;

c) The higher education institution has completed a postgraduate or doctoral program.

2. In cases where the higher education institution does not have enough Professors (GS) or Associate Professors (PGS) as lecturers to establish the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level, the establishment of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level will be carried out as follows:

a) Inviting some Professors (GS) or Associate Professors (PGS) who are permanent lecturers of another university and are currently visiting lecturers or supervising dissertations at the higher education institution to establish the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level; the number of invited visiting lecturers must not exceed 1/4 of the total number of members of the Council;

b) If counting the number of invited members according to point a, Clause 2 of this Article still does not reach 9 (nine) members, then one candidate can be selected to join the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level, but this candidate cannot serve as the Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level.

3. A higher education institution that has at least 10 (ten) lecturers (excluding visiting lecturers) holding the title of Professor (GS) or Associate Professor (PGS) or having a doctoral degree, including at least 3 (three) Professors (GS) or Associate Professors (PGS), may combine with another higher education institution to establish the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level. The number of higher education institutions linked to establish one Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level shall not exceed 02 (two), agreed in writing by the heads of both higher education institutions, and both higher education institutions must have candidates.

4. A higher education institution with at least 10 (ten) major codes for master's and doctoral training may establish several Academic Councils for Title Recognition at the institutional level if each Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level has at least 9 (nine) lecturers holding the title of Professor (GS) or Associate Professor (PGS) as members (excluding invited members) and each Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level has at least 3 (three) candidates.

5. The Standing Office of the National Academic Council for Title Recognition examines and decides specifically on the establishment of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level at higher education institutions training arts and sports majors.

Article 21. Procedures for Establishing the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the Institutional Level

1. The Scientific and Training Councils of higher education institutions meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 20 of this Regulation introduce individuals who meet the criteria and conditions stipulated in Article 19 of this Regulation to participate in the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level. The head of the higher education institution bases on the list introduced by the Scientific and Training Council to select a proposed list of council members and prepare a dossier to request the National Academic Council for Title Recognition to establish the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level.

2. The Secretary-General of the National Academic Council for Title Recognition examines the proposal dossier of the head of the higher education institution, submits to the Chairman of the National Academic Council for Title Recognition for a decision to establish the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level and appoint the members of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level.

3. After the decision to establish the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level and appoint the members of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level, the head of the higher education institution organizes a meeting of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level to elect the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level; sends a report to the Chairman of the National Academic Council for Title Recognition about the results of electing the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level for approval.

Article 22. Duties and powers of the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level

1. Examine and propose to the State Academic Council for Title Recognition to recognize candidates who meet the criteria for the title of Professor or Associate Professor, including lecturers from higher education institutions and candidates referred by the State Academic Council for Title Recognition.

2. Examine and resolve complaints and reports related to the recognition of the criteria for the titles of Professor or Associate Professor by the Academic Council for Title Recognition at the institutional level, and report to the State Academic Council for Title Recognition.

Article 23. Effectiveness of Implementation

1. This Regulation shall take effect from August 30, 2013.

2. Any supplementation or amendment to this Regulation shall be proposed by the State Academic Council for Title Recognition, submitted to the Minister of Education and Training for consideration and decision./.