Tenure Associate

Criteria for Tenure, Associate Professor Rank

Tenure in the University System of Georgia is based upon performance in the four areas outlined below. Quotations from the Faculty Handbook (revised Autumn 1995) pertinent to each area are given with page numbers, along with excerpts from departmental standards adopted on 9 November 1993. You are urged to consult the Handbook for further information and definitions of key terms.

According to the Handbook, "The awarding of tenure is a serious and significant step for both the faculty member and the [University]. It is not awarded merely on the basis of time in service or minimal effectiveness. Retention throughout a probationary period of service, regardless of faculty academic rank held, is by itself insufficient to guarantee the success of a candidate for tenure. A candidate for tenure must not only meet the designated minimum criteria and period of service, but must also show a history of evaluations that merits the award of tenure. Tenure is awarded to individual faculty members upon evidence of the capacity and likelihood for continued intellectual, scholarly, and professional vitality; upon evidence of the ability and willingness to perform assigned duties; upon evidence of a sense of responsibility and dedication to make the continuing exemplary performance of duties a reasonable expectation; and upon evidence of maintenance of proper professional ethics. Protected from arbitrary dismissal and from transient political and ideological currents, the individual faculty member assumes a responsibility to make a continuing effort to achieve the expectations upon which the award of tenure was based. Tenure at [the State University of] West Georgia should be regarded as a most valuable possession, signifying a long-term commitment of resources by [the State University of] West Georgia, matched by the sincere commitment by the faculty member to continued professional growth and achievement" (16-17).

Handbook: "Demonstration of superior teaching as revealed by the evidence assembled in support of the application for tenure. Evidence must include evaluations by students (See Section 103.06) and may include, but is not limited to, evaluations by colleagues and letters from former students and others in a position to evaluate teaching effectiveness" (17-18).

Department: "Evidence of excellence in teaching upper-division courses within one's field of primary expertise, coupled with proof of broadening interests at the graduate or interdisciplinary level, stimulating student interest in the discipline, and maintaining high-quality instruction in introductory courses. Candidates at this level [rank of Associate Professor] should also evince the potential for serving as exemplary models to junior colleagues."

Handbook: "Same as criteria for promotion to current professorial rank" (18). "Demonstration of potential for effectiveness as shown by successful, collegial service on departmental, school-wide, institutional or system-wide committees and with evidence from at least two additional sources listed in section 103.0302[,]D,2" (13).

Department: "Effective leadership of a departmental committee, evidenced in part by the promoting of collegial interaction, and commensurate involvement in school or [University]-wide bodies as well as in academic forums beyond the campus. Service to the larger community, particularly in representing scholarly pursuits to lay audiences, is also deemed significant achievement deserving of recognition under this heading."

Handbook: "Same as criteria for promotion to current professorial rank" (18). The relevant criterion is: "Terminal degree in discipline" (14).

Handbook: "Same as criteria for promotion to current professorial rank" (18). "Demonstration of potential for effectiveness in the candidate's discipline with evidence from at least two of the sources listed in section 103.0302,D,3" (14).

Department: "Documentation of a focused agenda for research, again bearing on one's teaching, which includes the publication of at least two articles in refereed journals or equivalent achievement, participation in professional organizations, and regular contribution to scholarly colloquia. Also indicative of professional growth are election to national office in professional societies, editorships of journals, and successful completion of grant proposals."