Tenure

Definition: Academic tenure guarantees academic freedom, the right of professors to study problems, create solutions, and air ideas that may disagree with authorities or popular opinion without fear of losing their job. Tenure is intended to give scholars the autonomy to conduct the work that leads to original ideas and new solutions to problems. Assistant professors must demonstrate a strong record of academic work in order to earn tenure. Typically they must have a strong record of publications and excellent teaching, although the relative importance of research and teaching varies by university. Assistant professors become eligible for tenure between 6 and 8 years of hire, varying by university. Usually assistant professors are simultaneously evaluated for tenure and promotion to associate professor. Once tenured, a professor cannot be removed from his or her position without a particularly unusual and serious event, such as committing a felony or financial exigency on the part of the university. Because tenure provides lifetime job security it is often viewed as controversial.