The Probationary Period
The long-term commitment made by the University in granting tenure necessitates a probationary period during which an individual's performance and contributions can be assessed on site.
Faculty Hired as Assistant Professor
- Pre-tenure probationary period is normally seven years
Faculty Hired as Associate Professor or Professor
- Pre-tenure probationary period is normally five years
During this probationary period, faculty members have an opportunity to display competence in their discipline and capability for scholarly contributions. It is expected that those individuals who possess the above characteristics, and who also demonstrated a strong commitment to serve their students, their colleagues, their discipline, and the University in a manner befitting an academic person, will be appropriate candidates for tenure.
Consideration will also be given to individual faculty members who fulfill a special role that is deemed essential for the development of an important program of the department, the School of Medicine, and the University, and whose role could not readily be filled by another individual with similar background and qualifications. Under current University administration, tenure will not be approved without promotion to at least the Associate Professor level.
