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

Definitions:
Postdoctoral scholar is an individual who has earned a doctorate 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, service is required as a condition of appointment with salary. A postdoctoral scholar has status both as a non-regular academic staff employee and as a postdoctoral student.

Postdoctoral fellow is an individual who has 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 (not considered as salary) from grant funds provided specifically for a particular field of study or training. No service to the University is required as a condition of receiving the stipend, although service may be rendered incidentally as part of the training or fellowship program. A postdoctoral fellow has status as a postdoctoral student, but not as an employee.