1. Preparing pre-tenure materials A recent applicant’s perspective Antonia Cardwell, Millersville University

2. About Millersville University Founded in 1855 Founded in 1855 A regional four-year institution A regional four-year institution Approx 7400 undergraduate students and 1000 graduate students Approx 7400 undergraduate students and 1000 graduate students 457 full-time and part-time faculty 457 full-time and part-time faculty A member of PASSHE A member of PASSHE

3. The tenure process at MU Tenure-track faculty are reappointed on an annual basis Tenure-track faculty are reappointed on an annual basis A faculty member must apply for tenure in the fifth year at MU A faculty member must apply for tenure in the fifth year at MU Tenure is not tied to promotion Tenure is not tied to promotion Teaching is the primary focus, with research and service also being considered Teaching is the primary focus, with research and service also being considered

4. In the first few years Start organizing your materials as soon as you can Start organizing your materials as soon as you can Keep a bin or folder for supporting materials, grouped by category Keep a bin or folder for supporting materials, grouped by category Pay attention to feedback from the periodic review/reappointment process (positive and negative) Pay attention to feedback from the periodic review/reappointment process (positive and negative) Attend any workshops that are available Attend any workshops that are available

5. Preparing your application Start early – it will take longer than you expect! Start early – it will take longer than you expect! Arrange for someone outside your subject area to read your application Arrange for someone outside your subject area to read your application Read the instructions carefully Read the instructions carefully Keep a careful eye on the deadlines Keep a careful eye on the deadlines

6. Motivating your tenure Tell your story – what does the university and your profession gain from your participation? Tell your story – what does the university and your profession gain from your participation? Give a short summary at the beginning of each section of your application Give a short summary at the beginning of each section of your application Give the context and value of research and publications Give the context and value of research and publications

7. Motivating your tenure For service activities, describe how you personally contributed to each committee or activity For service activities, describe how you personally contributed to each committee or activity Organize your supporting materials carefully – make the evidence easy to find Organize your supporting materials carefully – make the evidence easy to find Get feedback from your colleagues, especially those who have recently been through the process Get feedback from your colleagues, especially those who have recently been through the process