Something is wrong with tenure, and one needs to make it right. Abolishing it is not feasible, but it doesn't mean that one shouldn't at least consider changing some of the ways that tenure works. In this article, the author proposes that a better way to change tenure is to offer an implied contract of about 30 years. A 30-year contract would…

To advocate replacement of traditional tenure arrangements by fixed-term contracts is a misreading of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act amendments, and may threaten academic freedom. (Author/MSE)

Tenure arrangements are long-term contracts. If their duration is clear, they will protect academic freedom, provide institutions with the flexibility needed to meet changing circumstances, and comply with age-discrimination laws. Policy for the termination of tenure must be redesigned to satisfy competing needs and goals. (Author/MSE)

Proceedings of a 1980 Brown University conference on faculty retirement are presented. Papers and authors are as follows: "A Review of Current Legal Status and National Policy Issues" (Laura C. Ford); "Mandatory Retirement Age Legislation for Tenured Faculty: The Policy Issues and Their Context" (W. Lee Hansen);…

In 1979 judicial activity continued to add to the body of law available relative to relationships between universities and colleges and their employees. Cases touched on the nature of the contract when an offer of employment has been made and accepted, benefits and working conditions, and termination and the procedural safeguards involved.…

The current controversy over age-based mandatory retirement in academia is causing a review of tenure and salary policies. In this article, two alternative explanations for the institution of tenure are discussed. Five alternative policy responses available to university administrators are described and analyzed. (Author/SA)

Colleges are encouraged to find innovative ways to meet institutional needs and the individual needs of faculty approaching retirement by offering such alternatives as phased retirement, part-time teaching, or contract employment within the institution or in the community, according to individual talents, maintenance patterns, and interests. (MSE)

Alternatives to faculty retrenchment requiring neither large amounts of added revenue nor plans to increase enrollment are examined. Suggestions include sabbatical leaves, use of part-time faculty, early retirement, and tenure modifications. An excerpt from a faculty contract is provided. (LC)

Proceedings of the 1983 Invitational Seminar on Faculty Development are presented. Focal areas included funding of faculty development and program development, the history and issues concerning faculty development, career development plans and growth contracts, the special needs from the period of midcareer to retirement, the context and overall…

The question of the viability of tenure for college faculty is considered in three papers. In "The History of Tenure," Walter P. Metzger considers the history of academic tenure and the history of opposition to this practice. It is concluded that tenure continues to be a vital institution and has provided a better quality faculty. Its…

The purpose of this chapter is to offer an overview and analysis of all the cases rendered during 1980 concerning the legal parameters of employment issues in institutions of higher education. Judicial review of employment decisions encompassed a broad range of actions, including selection and appointment; dismissal and nonrenewal; the termination…