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Section 4.9: Faculty Planning & Evaluation


 

4.9.3 Probationary Period

 

A tenure-track faculty member must serve a probationary period prior to being considered for tenure. Except as otherwise stated in Sections A-F below, the probationary period will be six years. The faculty member will apply for tenure during the sixth year, and if tenure is not granted, the faculty member will be permitted to serve a seventh year as a terminal year. If a faculty member begins employment after July 1 and before January 1, the remaining term of the faculty member’s initial appointment will count as the first year of the probationary period, so that what is treated as the first year of a faculty member’s probationary period will not be shorter than six months. The specification of a probationary period and any statement in an appointment letter or otherwise regarding the probationary period and the year of mandatory tenure consideration do not guarantee retention of the faculty member for the full probationary period.

Before beginning the sixth (or final) probationary year, a faculty member with the rank of assistant professor or higher must make application for tenure. Absent an approved exception, application and all supporting documentation for tenure should be submitted before the sixth or final probationary year in accordance with the tenure and promotion calendar maintained by the provost. Candidates for tenure must meet eligibility requirements for promotion to associate professor or have already attained that rank. A tenure-track assistant professor recommended for tenure must also be recommended for promotion.

Tenure applications receive one of two responses: tenure may be granted; or tenure may be denied. Re-application for tenure is not possible and the seventh year, or other final year following application for tenure, will be terminal if tenure is denied.

A faculty member may request an early consideration for tenure before the sixth year of the probationary period but no sooner than the next regular tenure cycle after completion of the first year of the probationary period. The request for early consideration is initiated in the department or approved center/institute that will be the locus of tenure, if tenure is granted, after discussion with the department chair. If the department chair approves, the chair will notify the dean in writing, justifying the request and asking for approval. Upon review of the request, the dean will indicate in writing approval or disapproval to the provost. For units without departments, the request begins with the dean. The provost will review the request and make the final determination whether early consideration is warranted, based on a review of the applicant’s credentials and all applicable criteria. If the provost denies the request, the faculty member cannot apply for early consideration. The decision of the provost is final and not appealable.

 


 

< 4.9.2 Post-Tenure Review 4.9.4 Notice of Non-Renewal >

 

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