According to University of Illinois Statutes the faculty comprises persons holding an appointment of fifty percent or more in the College as professor, associate professor, or assistant professor, who are tenured or receiving probationary credit toward tenure.

Persons holding at least a fifty percent appointment in the College as an instructor; as a lecturer; or as an academic professional who also hold the title professor, associate professor, assistant professor, instructor, or lecturer in the college shall be known as members of the College for purposes of governance. Positions that encompass teaching duties only are appropriately titled lecturers. If part-time or visiting positions also include other aspects of faculty responsibilities, i.e., research/creative activities and service, then the title visiting assistant professor may be used, but the candidate must have credentials commensurate with that title as well. "Title inflation" should not be used solely to attract candidates or reward academic professionals.