Achieving Tenure and Promotion University of Oklahoma, Spring 2016 Kyle Harper Senior Vice President and Provost
Recruiting and Hiring OU seeks to hire tenure track faculty who understand and enjoy their roles as scholars, teachers, and colleagues; these faculty have responsibilities for teaching, for research/creative activity and for service. Renewable term faculty Research faculty
Probationary Period Tenure-track position Length of the probationary period is noted in your job offer letter. Generally 6 years w/o prior job experience at the rank of Assistant Professor. Evaluation for T/P occurs during the 6th year. Dossier preparation during the summer after the 5th year. JUNE
Performance Evaluation During Probationary Period Annual faculty evaluation (January) for the prior calendar’s year activities- Mini vita prepared by the faculty member and Provost’s form for summarizing evaluation of performance by committee A. Annual progress-towards-tenure letter which reviews your entire probationary period to date prepared by the academic chair/director. Some colleges have three-year review which can include external evaluators.
Know the T/P Criteria Faculty Handbook Reread section 3.2.2, “Academic Responsibility” annually Reread section 3.3, “Faculty Accountability” annually Reread section 3.7, “Faculty Tenure” annually Reread section 3.13.3, “Advancement in Rank” annually College and Department/School Level Guidelines Reread your academic department, school or division’s criteria for achieving tenure and promotion
Resources to Assist You During the Probationary Period Vice Provost for Faculty Development Writing Center Office of Assessement Center for Research Program Development & Enrichment Faculty Mentor Center for Teaching Excellence
Special Circumstances Requests to extend the probationary period for tenure, section 3.7.3 (H) of the Faculty Handbook Extenuating Circumstances – Family or personal Child-bearing Seek advice from the unit Director and Dean first before formally requesting an extension.
A Note… Academic tenure is not the ultimate goal. It is not a routine award either. It is… A milestone on one’s career path. Confirmation of professional competence and performance. A stamp of approval of one’s contribution to the mission of the university. Next milestone – Promotion to Full Professor Every 5 years – Post-tenure Review (FH 3.7.6)