A faculty member in a tenure-track appointment may request an extension of the probationary period when circumstances exist which interrupt the faculty member's normal progress toward building a case for tenure. In such cases, the faculty member must submit a request for a one-year extension which demonstrates that circumstances reasonably warrant extension.

Reasons for extension will typically be related to a personal or family situation requiring attention and commitment which consumes the time and energy normally addressed to faculty duties and professional development.

Examples may include, but are not limited to

• childbirth or adoption
• care of dependents
• medical conditions or obligation
• physical disasters or disruptions
• or similar circumstances which require a fundamental alteration of one's professional life

In all cases, the intent of this policy is to serve the best interests of the University while providing neither preference nor adverse effect to a faculty member's process of developing a case for tenure. Faculty seeking an extension of the probationary period must submit a request, in writing, which addresses the policy considerations described above.

This request must be submitted by the date established by the Provost for the commencement of annual tenure review. The request is to be submitted to the Department Chair for consideration and recommendation. The Chair's recommendation is forwarded to the Dean of the faculty member's College for consideration and recommendation; then to the Provost for consideration and recommendation; and finally to the President for approval or denial.

The President will notify the faculty member, in writing, of the decision to approve or deny the request for extension within one month of submission. Requests for extensions of the probationary period based on a faculty member's health or care for an immediate family member should also be submitted to the Office of Legal Counsel for review. If approved, extensions of the probationary period are granted for one year.

One additional extension of one year may be granted for a maximum of two years of total extension. The requests for an additional extension follow the same procedure and are subject to the same consideration as the original extension. A leave of absence will not be granted retroactively.

Office of the Provost, December, 1996