Tenure clock policy transparency for biological clock (family friendly) events

Abstract

The intention of this study is to investigate the transparency of information on university websites regarding the policies in place related to leave and/or tenure clock extensions for child-related events such as childbirth, adoption, or placement of a foster child. The main purpose is to improve awareness about the policies existing in academia related to these events. The secondary purpose is to determine whether major institutional characteristics affect the family-friendly policies of these institutions. Nearly 80% of the institutions studied communicated some type of information on their website related to tenure clock extension policies. An analysis of the data from these colleges/universities is provided so that other institutions who are developing or reviewing their own policies are aware of the typical policies provided by other institutions. The study found significant differences in policy availability and attributes based on major institutional characteristics.