Tenure and Promotion

The Committee reiterates that recommendations for tenure and for promotion are based on a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate’s scholarship, teaching, and service. We emphasize that there is no universally applicable standard of scholarly productivity that entitles a candidate to a positive recommendation. Because expectations regarding forms of scholarly output (e.g. books, journal articles, translations, artistic works) vary among the disciplines, the departmental statement should clarify such expectations. In addition to scholarship, serious consideration is also given to teaching and service. To evaluate teaching, the Committee examines course evaluations and letters from mentees. Comparisons of the candidate’s course evaluation scores with averages from other faculty teaching the same or similar courses are important. The Committee also welcomes additional evidence of enthusiasm for and innovation in teaching. In evaluating service, the Committee considers participation in the academic community at the departmental, university and professional levels.