• Section 1 - Guidelines Statement 
• Section 2 - Eligibility
• Section 3 - Terms of Award
• Section 4 - Nomination and Award Process
• Section 5 - Use of the title of ACU MacKillop Professor
• Section 6 - Duration of the appointment of the ACU MacKillop Professor title
• Section 7 - Conclusion of the Term of ACU MacKillop Professor
• Section 8 - Cessation of the Term of ACU MacKillop Professor
• Section 9 - Further Assistance
• Section 10 - Associated Information
• Section 11 - Appendix A: Guiding Indicators of Demonstrated Performance and Service to Mission
• Evidence of an international reputation
• Evidence of Outstanding Educational Leadership
• Evidence of Outstanding Engagement

Section 1 - Guidelines Statement 

(1) ACU Distinguished Professors are named after Saint Mary MacKillop, whose unwavering commitment to education, compassion, and social justice inspires us. As the first Australian saint, Mary MacKillop's life exemplified the virtues of courage, resilience, and selfless service. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to the underprivileged remind us of the transformative power of education and the importance of nurturing both mind and spirit. This aligns with ACU’s mission, identity and values which draw on our Catholic identity in academic pursuits, service to the wider community and the development of the whole person.

(2) A MacKillop Professorship title is a high honour, used to acknowledge and reward sustained, outstanding performance and service. Incumbents will reflect Saint Mary’s legacy in the pursuit of excellence and inclusivity and commitment to the common good.

(3) The award is for a three-year period and includes use of the title of ‘ACU MacKillop Professor’ and research and/or teaching and learning support funding of up to $20k per annum.

(4) These guidelines outline the nomination, approval, and implementation processes to be followed in the awarding of the title of ACU MacKillop Professor.

Section 2 - Eligibility

(5) To be eligible for consideration as an ACU MacKillop Professor, nominees must already hold a level E appointment at ACU.

(6) No more than 10% of the professorial workforce or 3% of the total academic community should be awarded the title ACU MacKillop Professor.

Section 3 - Terms of Award

(7) The title of ‘ACU MacKillop Professor’ is given for three years or until the retirement or resignation of the staff member, whichever is earlier.

(8) Upon expiry, nominees, via the relevant Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Committee (VCAC) member can reapply for another term. Any renewal is treated in the same way as a new application. The nomination needs to provide full evidence to support further appointment.

(9) Up to $20,000 annual allowance from the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) budget for research or education purposes. If the nominee’s employment arrangement already includes special university funding, then only the difference up to $20k is paid. If existing arrangements surpass $20,000 then no additional funding would typically be granted, however requests will be considered to deploy equivalent funds towards a higher degree research scholarship.

(10) In rare cases, the ACU MacKillop Professor title and funding will be made to academics who displayed excellence in their contributions to leadership.

Section 4 - Nomination and Award Process

Section 5 - Use of the title of ACU MacKillop Professor

(11) The ACU MacKillop Professor title may be used by the title holder in all correspondence. The ACU MacKillop Professor will be used in full, not abbreviated.

Section 6 - Duration of the appointment of the ACU MacKillop Professor title

(12) The title of ‘ACU MacKillop Professor’ is given for three years or until the retirement or resignation of the staff member, whichever is earlier.

Section 7 - Conclusion of the Term of ACU MacKillop Professor

(13) At the conclusion of the term the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic):

• Will write a letter of thanks which includes a statement regarding the significance of the title holder’s contribution to the strategic goals of the University.
• Notify People and Capability via Service Central that the term is complete and the title holder will revert to their substantive position title.

Section 8 - Cessation of the Term of ACU MacKillop Professor

(14) An ACU MacKillop Professorship appointment may be ceased in writing by the appointee or by the University prior to the end date.

(15) In the case of cessation by the University, such action would normally be taken if the continuation of the appointment is considered to not be in the best interests of the University.

• The decision to cease will be made by the Office of the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and communicated to appointee. Following cessation, the Office of the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will arrange for the removal of the title holder from the ACU website via Service Central. 
• Benefits associated with the appointment will end on the date of cessation with the Office of the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) advising People and Capability via Service Central.
• Except in exceptional circumstances, cessation of the professorial appointment does not constitute the termination of the title holders substantive position.

Section 9 - Further Assistance

(16) Any staff member who requires assistance in understanding this Policy should first consult their nominated supervisor who is responsible for the implementation and operation of these arrangements in their work area. Should further information or advice be required staff should visit Service Central.

Section 10 - Associated Information

(17) For related legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines and any supporting resources please refer to the Associated Information tab.

Section 11 - Appendix A: Guiding Indicators of Demonstrated Performance and Service to Mission

Evidence of an international reputation

• Sustained high level achievement in scholarly publications, performances, creative works, citations (well above world average performance).
• Invitations to give eminent keynote addresses.
• Selection to exhibit in prestigious exhibitions.
• Success in obtaining category 1 research grants.
• Election to learned academies, Fellowships, awards, prizes and honorary degrees, including being a recipient of:

• a Fellowship from one of the Australian Learned Academies (such as the Academy of Science) or equivalent international academy
• an Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellowship
• equivalent National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Fellowship

• a prestigious award (e.g. Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Prime Minister’s Prize, Eureka Prize, Victoria Prize, Abel Prize, Archibald Prize)
• identification as a highly cited researcher (e.g. through the Thomson Citation Index).

• Professional peer recognition of significant achievements at a state, national and international level exemplified by leadership of professional associations and outstanding contributions to continuing education and peer review.
• Outstanding learning and teaching achievements, including innovation in pedagogy and curriculum design, student assessment and student learning outcomes.

Evidence of outstanding research outcomes at an international level[1]

• Research outputs as listed in Scopus, SciVal, Web of Science and Google Scholar
• ERA eligible scholarly publications and creative works
• HERDC eligible research grants and funding
• HDR completions whilst at ACU
• Citations: per paper; h-index; impact factor compared to discipline peers
• Collaborative agreements/partnerships through co-publications and funded contracts
• Outstanding performance in innovation and the translation of research outcomes for Australian or global benefit including:
• Commercialization of Intellectual Property

• influence on public policy or improved practices resulting in direct benefit to the economy, community and/or environment.
• successful application for patents and licenses based on original research and development. 

• published reports commissioned by government agencies or international organisations.
• membership of government advisory bodies, committees of inquiry and boards of management.
• original designs and executed structures or instruments which result in high professional standing.
• record of achievement in the transfer and application of the results of research and development to industry and commerce, the professions and wider community.

Evidence of Outstanding Educational Leadership

• Being awarded an International, National or State Award for University Teaching
• Success as the lead researcher in national (Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT)/Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC)) grant rounds.
• Successful implementation of new educational delivery methodologies or curriculum innovation.
• Sustained levels of excellence in student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.
• Commercial publications (book/monograph) reputation on education or commercially published textbooks, published through houses of high national/international reputation.

Evidence of Outstanding Engagement

• Demonstrated evidence of successfully guiding the development of younger colleagues and postgraduate students through mentoring and collaboration.
• Development of Early Career Researchers and a track record of PhD completions as well as through co-authorship and shared funding agreements as Chief Investigator.
• Involvement in, and contribution to, the profession, discipline and professional societies or academies, extending beyond the University, which reflect favourably on the University.
• Leadership in the generation of collaborative research and development programs with other institutions including universities; government agencies; industry; or community bodies.
• Service to the University as exemplified by active participation in major University committees, influential leadership whilst holding an office of responsibility, and/or demonstrated high achievement in senior management roles at Discipline, School, Faculty or University level.
• Income generated through philanthropic, government and commercial investors.