Tenure?
Tenure?
The concept of tenure has always seemed strange to me. Going into academia, I knew it would be an expectation that I go through various evaluation processes to eventually receive tenure. What I did not realize is what exactly that meant and how I would or could attain it. The strange part was it even baffled some of the people that were tenured! No one could quite tell me what I needed and how I was to obtain it. It was this vague advice of "do a lot" and "publish"!!! 🤦🏻♂️
So before I step on my own soapbox, let's talk about what is tenure?
Tenure came to be in the US at some point in the 1940s as a way to "protect" faculty and their "academic freedoms." I like both those concepts! The protection comes from not having to be fired for speaking up and bringing attention to topics that may be perceived as controversial. Academic freedom allows for free expression of thought, speech, research, publications that may otherwise be influenced, manipulated, or suppressed by institutions, government, religious groups, and other entities. Although tenure has some limitations, in general, it does allow for certain freedoms without the worry of being fired! It should be noted that tenured faculty can be fired for specific causes, and they can be fired by the elimination of the position! Sooooo, not completely a water-tight seal!
Overall, this is not only beneficial for the individual faculty but also society in general, as it allows for the pursuit of knowledge and the expression of expertise shared without influence. (in the perfect world)
So how do most institutions of higher learning review or evaluate one's worthiness? They look at 3 general categories.
Academic Performance
This translates directly to what did you teach, how did you teach it, and did the students like you. A quick ask of some colleagues from other Universities has led me to believe most student evaluations are based on subjective questions. If you look at the evidence, the Student surveys are often deeply flawed. So, you ask why do we use them? Great question! Who knows!!!
Professional Contributions
This is the part of the worthiness check of how much you have done for the profession (in addition to what we pay you for). This section often covers the areas of professional development, contributions to the profession, research, publications, podium presentations, poster presentations, and don't forget to cover all your bases - local, national, and international levels! Who pays for it, you ask? Well, that's a bit of a loaded question. If your lucky and work for a top-tiered institution with a research focus and $$$$, the institution will more than likely will have resources and help for you to find, write, and receive grants, give you time, and will cover the cost associated with your work. However, if you happen to be at a teaching University, it's a bit of a crapshoot as to resources. The expectation of research, grants isn't as highly emphasized; the publications slightly on the lighter side as far as how many, BUT you will also lack resources, time, and funding!
Service
Service is the university's way of asking, "what have you done for me lately"? Your service to the School, College, University, & Community. (yes, this is on top of your teaching, professional contributions, and life) This is your opportunity to show off your ability to squeeze in 27 hours of work in a 24 hour day! How many committees can you sit on, chair, and how much work can you produce in the name of your organization!
It all sounds pretty straightforward until you read the fine print.
So, here are my observations and learnings with tenure as I've journeyed through my tenure track position in a primarily teaching state institution. I guess I'll start with my biggest barriers I have faced and my recommendations:
It's not a fair and even playing field. The support within Universities, colleges, schools, and departments varies…. SIGNIFICANTLY!!!
Know what you're stepping into before you commit. If you've already stepped in it, find out what you need to do (exactly), so you can come out smelling like roses! Know the institution's expectations. Don't accept vague processes of how you can obtain tenure. Ask for resources and document when you do and when you don't receive the help you need.
Document EVERYTHING and Save every Document, Letter, Note, and E-mail!
Although the process is "objective," it's really not!
Institutions are political, and politics play a part in tenure attainment. So my advice, you need to learn how to play politics.
Ask the people that have sat on tenure review committees what they look for.
Ask tenured faculty precisely what they put in their RTP (Retention, Tenure, Promotion) packets.
When in doubt, include it in your RTP packet.
Faculty you work with may not openly share their work, and some purposefully keep it under wraps.
Don't waste your time on the stingy dinosaurs raised during the great academic famine of 1879! Find faculty that want to work with you and nurture your growth. TIP: They're not always in your own department, college, or university.
Mentoring can be a hit or miss. An experienced faculty does not necessarily equal a good mentor.
Some universities will assign you a mentor. If the mentor isn't working for your needs, it's OK to say "no thank you" or "This isn't working for me" "It's not you, it's me"!
Mentorships have goals and objectives.
Treat a mentorship as you would any other healthy relationship. If you're not getting what you need out of the relationship. It's OK to end it!
Market yourself - because no one else is going to do it for you.
Your evaluation and tenure packet will eventually leave the hands of your school and go to the college level and finally the provost. They should know who you are!
However, an archaic method of "protecting academic freedoms”, which can be argued to be more of a barrier and forced labor, tenure is the ultimate goal when in an academic position. Some institutions use tenure as a carrot on a stick or worm on a hook for faculty to compete for in lieu of a culture of creative works, research, and publications. But my best advice to you would be to say "you do you"! and be yourself, know the rules of the game, and just play it better than everyone else! Tenure not only brings with it certain securities but also responsibilities. Make it work for you by knowing how to play the game, but don't be afraid to bring your own style and flair to the game! And always try and pave a path that would be easier for others to follow! Academic life is a rewarding one, but you have to be ok with making your own trophies!
