STEMskiller: Skill Set Map for Mentors of Early Career Researchers
CAREER MANAGEMENT
Tenure process
Definition:
Academic tenure processes vary from institution-to-institution. Broadly stated, institutions grant tenure (i.e., “job security” at an institution[1]) to outstanding scholars (as defined by local guidelines) through a process that culminates in approval or rejection of tenure applications by review boards or committees (also determined by local institutional guidelines). Despite the institutional character of tenure, mentors can make early career researchers aware of the tenure process so that the mentees 1.) understand more clearly the definition of “outstanding researcher” for their institution and field and 2.) start working earlier towards excellence and the development of their own academic portfolios.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_tenure
Useful Tenure process resources:
Kelsky, K. (multiple dates). Blog>Categories>Tenure: How to Get It. The Professor is In. http://theprofessorisin.com/category/getting-tenure/
Frank discussion of various aspects of the tenure process, including timelines, ideal roles the review committee and its chair should play, overcoming thorny issues (e.g., “Dealing with a Difficult Dean/Chair”), and several other topics.
University of South Florida Academy for Teaching and Learning Excellence. (2020). Teaching evaluation. https://www.usf.edu/atle/teaching/teaching-evaluation.aspx
Descriptions of the evaluation process, including tenure guidelines, contextualized student evaluations, teaching portfolios, chair visitation and evaluation forms, midterm evaluations, self-administered end of term evaluations, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and additional resources related to the characteristics of strong teaching, faculty evaluation systems, and faculty evaluation rubrics. Helpful for early career researchers interested in preparing for full-time academic careers.
Tags: All IPS; all PSR; all IAL; CompQ
Peer Review: None
Table of contents:
- 3.1. Language training
3.2. Leadership and teamwork
- 3.4. Placement and job searching/seeking
3.5. Self-promotion
3.6. Where academia & the private sector intersect
3.7. Wellness/wellbeing & personal effectiveness
Author: Stephanie Krueger
Peer Reviewer(s): None
Last Updated: October 28, 2021