*M E M O R A N D U M*


To:       Academic Deans, Directors, and Department Heads

From:   Susan Martin

Re:       Guidelines on the Timeline for Tenure Consideration

Date:    February 14, 2007

This memo outlines a new approach to the timeline for tenure
consideration for faculty appointments.  These guidelines have been
discussed by the Council of Deans and reviewed by the deans prior to
distribution to this list.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you
have any questions about these guidelines or their application.



·        Faculty hired on the tenure track as assistant professors will
be granted the full probationary period of seven years with tenure
consideration in the sixth year. (The wording in the offer letter states
that we will consider the person “no later than year X” with X = 6^th
year.)  Faculty hired on the tenure track at other ranks who have not
previously earned tenure will receive the same probationary period.

·        In cases of extraordinary accomplishment, individuals will be
able to present themselves for tenure consideration prior to the sixth
year with the approval of the department head and after the head’s
consultation with the tenured faculty of the unit and with the dean.
Only faculty demonstrating outstanding achievement in research,
teaching, and service will be recommended for early consideration.

·        Those candidates not receiving favorable consideration during
an early tenure review will have the opportunity to present themselves
again for tenure within the terms of the offer letter (i.e., the last
opportunity will be in the T&P cycle of year six, see above).




Susan D. Martin

Senior Vice Provost

527 Andy Holt Tower

University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN 37996-0152
(phone) 865/974-6152
(fax) 865/974-4811
(email) sdmartin@utk.edu <mailto:sdmartin@utk.edu>

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