1. Taking the Myths Out of Tenure and Promotion Taking the Myths Out of Tenure and Promotion Frances K. McSweeney Regents Professor Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs April 2015

2. Recording date of this workshop is April 7, 2015. Some of the rules and procedures discussed in this workshop are subject to change. Please check university resources before relying exclusively on this recorded presentation.

3. Themes Having a world-class faculty is the key to having a world-class university. Having a world-class faculty is the key to having a world-class university. The goal of all faculty review processes is to develop that world- class faculty. The goal of all faculty review processes is to develop that world- class faculty.

4. Themes (continued) The faculty review process is detailed and thoughtful, not arbitrary and capricious. The faculty review process is detailed and thoughtful, not arbitrary and capricious. The probability of success is high. The probability of success is high. More than 90% of those who stand for tenure receive tenure.More than 90% of those who stand for tenure receive tenure. Approximately 45% of those hired drop out before tenure consideration.Approximately 45% of those hired drop out before tenure consideration.

5. Resources Faculty Manual – University web page Faculty Manual – University web page Provost’s Instructions for Tenure and Promotion – Provost’s web page Provost’s Instructions for Tenure and Promotion – Provost’s web page

6. More Resources Provost’s Instructions for Annual Review – Provost’s web page Provost’s Instructions for Annual Review – Provost’s web page A Guide to WSU’s Policies and Procedures for Evaluating Faculty Members – Provost’s web page A Guide to WSU’s Policies and Procedures for Evaluating Faculty Members – Provost’s web page

7. Still More Resources Your department chair Your department chair Your department & college guidelines Your department & college guidelines Your mentors Your mentors E-mail (fkmcs@wsu.edu) or call (5-5581) me. E-mail (fkmcs@wsu.edu) or call (5-5581) me.fkmcs@wsu.edu

8. Key Points Tenure and promotion is one part of a system of performance reviews Tenure and promotion is one part of a system of performance reviews In most cases, tenure and/or promotion follows logically from prior reviews. In most cases, tenure and/or promotion follows logically from prior reviews. No surprisesNo surprises

9. Key Points Procedures and standards vary across departments, colleges. Procedures and standards vary across departments, colleges. Get the appropriate guidelines.Get the appropriate guidelines.

10. Mentoring Pre-tenure (pre-professor?) faculty should have a mentor(s). Pre-tenure (pre-professor?) faculty should have a mentor(s). Number and function of mentors varies with department Number and function of mentors varies with department Ask your chair to appoint one or more. Ask your chair to appoint one or more.

11. Initial Appointment Letter Date for tenure consideration usually Date for tenure consideration usually 6 years for assistant profs Within 3 years for associate profs One year for profs Date for intensive pre-tenure review (usually 3 years) Date for intensive pre-tenure review (usually 3 years)

12. Appointment Letter (continued) Specific job responsibilities Specific job responsibilities If unspecified, assume 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service.If unspecified, assume 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service. A lead department for joint appointments A lead department for joint appointments

13. Annual Review Responsibility of the (lead) department chair Responsibility of the (lead) department chair The chair can use a committee Conducted yearly for all faculty Conducted yearly for all faculty Performance during the last calendar year Performance during the last calendar year

14. Annual Review (continued) Rated on a 5-point scale Rated on a 5-point scale >3.0 = exceeds expectations 3.0 = meets expectations <3.0 = falls short of expectations

15. Annual Review (continued) Used for raises Used for raises Faculty sign to indicate they read the review. Faculty sign to indicate they read the review. Faculty may write a response. Faculty may write a response.

16. Annual Review (continued) Should be accurate Should be accurate Should be developmental and evaluative Should be developmental and evaluative Faculty report activities on a standardized, web- based, form (WORQS). Faculty report activities on a standardized, web- based, form (WORQS).

17. Progress Towards Tenure Review Yearly for pre-tenure tenure-track faculty. Yearly for pre-tenure tenure-track faculty. Responsibility of the (lead) department chair Responsibility of the (lead) department chair

18. PTT Review (continued) Differs from annual review Differs from annual review Cumulative All of the senior faculty must be involved. The chair must discuss the results with the faculty member.

19. PTT Review (continued) Faculty sign to indicate that they read the review. Faculty sign to indicate that they read the review. Faculty may write a response. Faculty may write a response.

20. Intensive Pre-tenure (Third-year) Review Usually in spring of third year Usually in spring of third year Dry run for tenure Dry run for tenure Procedure the same as tenure except no external letters Procedure the same as tenure except no external letters

21. Third-year Review (continued) Results in one of four evaluations: Results in one of four evaluations: Progress Satisfactory Some Improvement Required Substantial Improvement Required Unsatisfactory – Usually leads to non-renewal

22. Appeal of Non-renewal To the Faculty Status Committee within 30 days To the Faculty Status Committee within 30 days Inadequate considerationInadequate consideration Violation of academic freedomViolation of academic freedom Substantial procedural irregularitiesSubstantial procedural irregularities Not: the merits of the decisionNot: the merits of the decision

23. Tenure Very thorough review Very thorough review Consideration usually after 6 years (really 5) Consideration usually after 6 years (really 5)

24. Tenure (continued) Decision should be consistent with prior reviews when possible Decision should be consistent with prior reviews when possible Exact procedures vary by department and college Exact procedures vary by department and college

25. Tenure Procedures The faculty member assembles a file (May?) The faculty member assembles a file (May?) Curriculum vitaeCurriculum vitae Teaching portfolio (limited to 5 pages)Teaching portfolio (limited to 5 pages) Context statement (limited to 2 pages)Context statement (limited to 2 pages) ExhibitsExhibits

26. External Letters At least 4 external letters are solicited (during the summer?) At least 4 external letters are solicited (during the summer?) The candidate submits a list.The candidate submits a list. The chair adds names.The chair adds names. The candidate cannot veto names.The candidate cannot veto names. All letters received on time by the department go forward.All letters received on time by the department go forward.

27. External Letters (continued) External letter writers are distinguished professors (e.g., editors). External letter writers are distinguished professors (e.g., editors). No personal relationship with the candidate or other conflict of interest.No personal relationship with the candidate or other conflict of interest. Writers receive the file prepared by the candidate.Writers receive the file prepared by the candidate.

28. External Letters (continued) External reviewers: External reviewers: Evaluate the quality and quantity of the candidate’s workEvaluate the quality and quantity of the candidate’s work Compare the candidate’s work to the unit’s requirementsCompare the candidate’s work to the unit’s requirements State whether the candidate would receive tenure at his (her) institutionState whether the candidate would receive tenure at his (her) institution

29. The Department Considers the File (August – September?) The file now contains: The file now contains: The candidate’s curriculum vitaeThe candidate’s curriculum vitae Teaching portfolioTeaching portfolio Context statementContext statement External lettersExternal letters Past progress-towards tenure and third- year reviewsPast progress-towards tenure and third- year reviews ExhibitsExhibits

30. Faculty Recommendations Each senior faculty recommends whether to grant or deny tenure. Each senior faculty recommends whether to grant or deny tenure. This is part of shared governance. Recommendations should be consistent with past reviews. At least 5 faculty recommendations

31. Exceptions to Recommendations: Anyone who will participate later in the process (e.g., chair, dean, chancellor). Anyone who will participate later in the process (e.g., chair, dean, chancellor). Anyone who has a personal relationship with the candidate or other conflict of interest. Anyone who has a personal relationship with the candidate or other conflict of interest.

32. The Chair’s Summary Consults with the Academic Director for Regional Campus faculty. Consults with the Academic Director for Regional Campus faculty. Interprets the case for those outside the field. Interprets the case for those outside the field. Addresses disagreements in the faculty recommendations. Addresses disagreements in the faculty recommendations. Makes a personal recommendation to grant or deny tenure. Makes a personal recommendation to grant or deny tenure. A recommendation that is inconsistent with the faculty should be explained.A recommendation that is inconsistent with the faculty should be explained.

33. The Dean’s Summary (October – November?) The Dean consults his (her) Advisory Committee (and the Regional Campus Chancellor for Regional faculty). The Dean consults his (her) Advisory Committee (and the Regional Campus Chancellor for Regional faculty). The Dean makes a recommendation and interprets the case for those outside of the college. The Dean makes a recommendation and interprets the case for those outside of the college. A recommendation that is inconsistent with the department should be explained.A recommendation that is inconsistent with the department should be explained.

34. The Provost Considers the File (December – January?) Consults the Provost’s Advisory Committee and some Vice Provosts Consults the Provost’s Advisory Committee and some Vice Provosts May ask the Deans for additional information May ask the Deans for additional information Can disagree with the prior decisions, but rarely does Can disagree with the prior decisions, but rarely does

35. If Tenure and/or Promotion is Granted The candidate receives a letter (February?) The candidate receives a letter (February?) The candidate receives a 10% raise effective in the fall. The candidate receives a 10% raise effective in the fall. The candidate is recognized at the Celebration of Excellence Banquet at Showcase. The candidate is recognized at the Celebration of Excellence Banquet at Showcase.

36. If Tenure is Denied Resign within 90 days with no record of the denial and (usually) one more year at WSU. Resign within 90 days with no record of the denial and (usually) one more year at WSU. Appeal to the Faculty Status Committee (FSC) within 30 days. Appeal to the Faculty Status Committee (FSC) within 30 days. Inadequate considerationInadequate consideration Violations of academic freedomViolations of academic freedom Substantial procedural irregularitiesSubstantial procedural irregularities Not: Merits of the caseNot: Merits of the case

37. Appeal to FSC A subcommittee investigates. A subcommittee investigates. FSC makes a recommendation to the President. FSC makes a recommendation to the President. The President accepts or rejects the recommendation. The President accepts or rejects the recommendation. The President does not usually grant tenure. The case will be reconsidered. The President does not usually grant tenure. The case will be reconsidered.

38. Standards for Tenure Standards must be met in teaching, scholarship, and service. Standards must be met in teaching, scholarship, and service. Weight depends on job description Judgment of the senior faculty is important. Judgment of the senior faculty is important.

39. Standards for Full Professor Time in rank is not sufficient. Time in rank is not sufficient. Excellent performance in teaching, scholarship, and service over many years. Excellent performance in teaching, scholarship, and service over many years. National or international prominence National or international prominence Administrative service counts little. Administrative service counts little.

40. Standards for Regents Professor Tenured full professor Tenured full professor Served WSU for at least the preceding 7 years Served WSU for at least the preceding 7 years National or international prominence National or international prominence No more than 30. No more than 30. No more than 2 nominations per year per College No more than 2 nominations per year per College

41. Tenure Myth 1 Tenure is a right. I will receive tenure if I do a reasonable job. Tenure is a right. I will receive tenure if I do a reasonable job. Tenure is a long- term commitment for the University.Tenure is a long- term commitment for the University. The University expects better than average performance.The University expects better than average performance.

42. Tenure Myth 2 Getting tenure is tough. Most faculty will not receive tenure. Getting tenure is tough. Most faculty will not receive tenure. Faculty are hired on the assumption that they will receive tenure.Faculty are hired on the assumption that they will receive tenure. More than 90% of those who come up for tenure receive it.More than 90% of those who come up for tenure receive it. Some faculty members leave the University before standing for tenure. Some faculty members leave the University before standing for tenure.

43. Tenure Myth 3 The administration prefers to deny tenure (to save money, because they’re evil) The administration prefers to deny tenure (to save money, because they’re evil) Denying tenure is very costly in terms of time, energy and moneyDenying tenure is very costly in terms of time, energy and money Recruitment time and cost Recruitment time and cost Start ups Start ups Mentoring Mentoring Threat of a law suit Threat of a law suit

44. Tenure Myth 4 Only research and grant funding count. Only research and grant funding count. Performance in teaching, scholarship, and service all count. The exact factors and their weights vary by department. Learn about your department.

45. Tenure Myth 5 Tenure is a license to retire. Tenured faculty cannot be fired. Tenure is a license to retire. Tenured faculty cannot be fired. Tenured faculty can be fired. Raises are based on performance.

46. Tenure Myth 6 A majority “vote” leads to tenure. A majority “vote” leads to tenure. Tenure is based on many factors (e.g., external letters, summaries of dean and chair).Tenure is based on many factors (e.g., external letters, summaries of dean and chair). Majority does not rule.Majority does not rule. Thoughtful recommendations carry more weight. Thoughtful recommendations carry more weight. Some faculty recommendations count more than others. Some faculty recommendations count more than others. Faculty members may “vote” positively while writing negative recommendations. Their recommendations are counted as negative. Faculty members may “vote” positively while writing negative recommendations. Their recommendations are counted as negative.

47. Tenure Myth 7 If one faculty member “votes” against me, I won’t get tenure. If one faculty member “votes” against me, I won’t get tenure. Negative recommendations may not be decisive.Negative recommendations may not be decisive. Many successful faculty members receive some negative “votes”.Many successful faculty members receive some negative “votes”.

48. Tenure Myth 8 The faculty opinion alone should decide tenure cases. The faculty opinion alone should decide tenure cases. The process would terminate at the departmental level if that were true.The process would terminate at the departmental level if that were true. Most Provost’s prefer that the faculty make the decision.Most Provost’s prefer that the faculty make the decision. Provosts step in when the faculty abdicate. Provosts step in when the faculty abdicate. Retaining an unsuccessful faculty member does him/her no favor.Retaining an unsuccessful faculty member does him/her no favor.

49. Tenure Myth 9 If you’re well liked, you’ll receive tenure; if not, you won’t. If you’re well liked, you’ll receive tenure; if not, you won’t. Academics tolerate eccentric behavior.Academics tolerate eccentric behavior. Tenure will not be granted if your behavior interferes with the functioning of your unit.Tenure will not be granted if your behavior interferes with the functioning of your unit. Faculty members who are well-liked may have an easier timeFaculty members who are well-liked may have an easier time

50. Tenure Myth 10 I’ll get tenure if I have x papers. I’ll get tenure if I have x papers. Teaching and service count. Quality counts. Level of contribution counts. Other factors contribute to scholarship (e.g., grant funding).

51. Tenure Myth 11 If Professor X got tenure, I’ll get tenure. If Professor X got tenure, I’ll get tenure. Cases are judged on their merits relative to standards, not in comparison to others.Cases are judged on their merits relative to standards, not in comparison to others. You may not know everything about Professor X.You may not know everything about Professor X. Standards change over time, etc.Standards change over time, etc.

52. Frequently Asked Questions Can a candidate withdraw his (her) case? Can a candidate withdraw his (her) case? Candidates for promotion (but not tenure) may withdraw at any time.Candidates for promotion (but not tenure) may withdraw at any time. Candidates for tenure may resign before the case goes to the Provost.Candidates for tenure may resign before the case goes to the Provost. Resignation must be in writing. Resignation must be in writing. The effective date may be the same as from a tenure denial. The effective date may be the same as from a tenure denial.

53. FAQs (continued) Can the tenure clock be stopped? Can the tenure clock be stopped? Yes by giving birth (up to 2 years) by serious illness by family emergency by taking leave without pay All requests must be made to the Provost by September 1.

54. FAQs (continued) What should be in the context statement? What should be in the context statement? Explanations of any unusual challenges or opportunitiesExplanations of any unusual challenges or opportunities

55. FAQs Is early promotion and/or tenure permitted? Is early promotion and/or tenure permitted? Performance must be exceptional, not just meet our standardsPerformance must be exceptional, not just meet our standards Only with the Provost’s prior approvalOnly with the Provost’s prior approval

56. FAQs (continued) Can excellence in one area mitigate lesser performance in another area? Can excellence in one area mitigate lesser performance in another area? Yes, but no tenure-track faculty member can omit one of the areas teaching, scholarship, and service.Yes, but no tenure-track faculty member can omit one of the areas teaching, scholarship, and service.

57. FAQs (continued) Can a job offer be made with tenure? Can a job offer be made with tenure? Yes if the offer is at the senior level.Yes if the offer is at the senior level. The entire tenure process is completed before the offer is made.The entire tenure process is completed before the offer is made.

58. FAQs (continued) Can part-time faculty be tenured? Can part-time faculty be tenured? Yes if the appointment is 75% or moreYes if the appointment is 75% or more Under unusual circumstances for a 50% appointmentUnder unusual circumstances for a 50% appointment

59. FAQs (continued) Can a candidate add to his (her) file after the file leaves the department? Can a candidate add to his (her) file after the file leaves the department? Only minor modifications are allowed (e.g., the full citation of a paper listed as in press).Only minor modifications are allowed (e.g., the full citation of a paper listed as in press). If a submitted paper (grant) is accepted, the candidate can request reconsideration of the file by the department.If a submitted paper (grant) is accepted, the candidate can request reconsideration of the file by the department.

60. The End

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