The concept of tenure is an integral part of the employment relationship between institutions of higher education and individual faculty members (Mawdsley, 1999). Promotion and tenure decisions are often difficult and always have important long-term consequences for both the candidate and the institution (Rhoades-Catanach & Stout, 2000). Mentoring…

Faculty members who work directly to advance the institutional mission of teaching, learning, and at some institutions, research, represent the core human resource of higher education. They are the stewards of campus leadership and decision making. While the faculty role has changed over time, leadership has remained critical to innovation in…

There is a growing concern among faculty and administrators in higher education institutions that shared governance is being diminished, primarily due to the decline of tenure-track faculty and growth of contingent faculty who have been historically excluded from formal participation in university governance. Although the role of faculty in…

As a result of legal protections and the effects of inclusive reforms (e.g., improved academic skills, heightened expectations), more students with disabilities are entering higher education than ever before. The priorities and understanding of university faculty members directly shape the educational experiences and success of the rapidly growing…

Asserts that academic freedom concerns much more than tenure; for adjuncts and other contingent faculty labor conditions significantly restrict academic freedom in its deepest and most practical sense: the freedom to provide and facilitate the best possible education for students. (EV)

A survey of 452 nurse practitioner educators (343 in clinical practice) found that 70% have doctorates, but only 37% of those in clinical practice are tenured; 51% reported that practice is not considered in promotion and tenure decisions at their institutions. (SK)

In a survey of 888 tenured and 418 nontenured business faculty in U.S. and Canadian accredited programs, nontenured faculty believed more strongly that tenure is necessary for job security and were more likely to support modifications to the system. Neither group agreed that tenure promotes excellence; both agreed that research is overemphasized.…

Describes how, in order to survive, Mitchell College in Connecticut adopted a contract system for all new and tenure-track professors. (EV)

In the 1990s at Appalachian State University, as at many other colleges and universities, the balance shifted in the writing program. Before then, English composition courses had been taught by tenure-track faculty members, but now most composition courses are taught by non-tenure-track faculty members. In this article, the authors describe how…

Responses from 1,025 of 1,830 business faculty in the United States and Canada (64.9% tenured) showed significant disagreement between tenured and nontenured faculty on 13 of 20 tenure issues. A majority of both groups agreed that tenure modifications are needed. (SK)

Responses from 166 of 281 university home economics administrators showed that 28% create non-tenure-track positions for certain specializations; 37% grant tenure for master's plus experience. Although some specializations may be better served outside of the tenure track, it may create inequities in a two-tier professorate. (SK)

This article examines the system under which lecturers were employed in British adult education before the Second World War, when the responsible agencies relied heavily on "full-time part-time tutors" who had no official status or employment security and were thus subject to pressures infringing on their academic freedom. (Author/PGD)

To facilitate the success of beginning nursing faculty, a self-governing support group was formed to share information and experiences and conduct scholarly projects. Emotional and instrumental support and tenure-related activities helped reduce stress, increase collegiality, and enhance faculty success. (Contains 15 references.) (SK)

This article, examining a women-to-women mentoring plan at the University of Hawaii, concludes that successful mentoring of probationary women faculty can be an elusive goal. Although personal compatibility of mentor and mentee is important, most essential is a firm commitment to the planning and implementation of a mentoring agreement, outlining…

Directed at junior law faculty, describes pervasive variables affecting the acceptance of their scholarship within tenure decisions and poses strategic questions to help them in decisions about their scholarship. Seeks to promote a better understanding of the "expectations, ethics, and etherealness" of tenure scholarship. (EV)