For all official regulations concerning postdoctoral scholars and fellows, please consult AR II-4.0-1.

Definitions:

Postdoctoral Scholar. A postdoctoral scholar is an individual who has an earned doctoral degree and is pursuing an individualized program of advanced training in research, in teaching or other important aspects of academic work, or in any combination of these activities for which the University has assumed a measure of responsibility. Although participation in the program provides advanced training, an academic assignment is required as a condition of appointment with salary. A postdoctoral scholar has status both as a temporary academic staff employee and as a postdoctoral student.

Postdoctoral Fellow. A postdoctoral fellow is an individual who has an earned doctoral degree and is a recipient of a fellowship or training award. Through such an award, a postdoctoral fellow receives a stipend or living allowance (neither of which are considered salary) from grant funds provided specifically for a particular field of study or training. No academic assignment is required as a condition of receiving the stipend. A postdoctoral fellow has status as a postdoctoral student but not as an employee.