Updated Promotion and Tenure Guidelines for Review
August 28, 2026
Dear Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty,
For nearly four years, we have worked with faculty and shared-governance bodies to update the University's promotion and tenure guidelines. The work began with two practical goals: to replace the current internal provostial review with a formalized, representative faculty advisory committee to the Provost- and EVP-SBMHS-level review, and to reduce obstacles in the expedited tenure process that can make it harder to recruit outstanding senior faculty.
Faculty feedback broadened the work considerably. Through meetings with governance groups, conversations, surveys, and other channels, you identified opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, equity, and transparency across the process. Your questions and recommendations have shaped both the substance and organization of this draft, and I am grateful for the care you have brought to this work.
In June, we shared a draft of the Provost's Guidelines for Promotion and Tenure. Among other changes, that draft:
- Clarified that excellence is defined through departmental, School/College, and disciplinary criteria;
- Strengthened language that defines research, teaching, and service in ways inclusive of all fields;
- Reorganized and clarified the processes around the tenure clock stoppage.
Since June, additional faculty feedback has led to further revisions. The current draft now:
- Refines the Advisory Committee's membership, reader assignments, consent-agenda rules, voting procedures, and transparency provisions;
- Adds a Candidate Response opportunity and a Process Advisor for Candidates facing adverse departmental recommendations;
- Clarifies the purpose, eligibility, safeguards, and timing of expedited tenure and promotion cases;
- Confirms that tenure-clock stoppages for birth, adoption, and foster placement are guaranteed.
Following this final round of faculty review and any resulting revisions, the updated Guidelines will take effect for files now being prepared for submission in the coming review cycle.
We recognize that some files are already being prepared. The Provost's Office will work closely with Deans, Chairs, and reviewing bodies to manage the transition carefully and ensure that process changes do not create avoidable disadvantages for Candidates.
Continue the Conversation
Starting September 2, Ben Robinson, interim Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, and the Provost's Office team will host six sessions over Zoom for faculty and academic staff to ask questions, share feedback, and help us make sure these guidelines are as strong as they can be.
The sessions will be geared to faculty and staff from specific schools and colleges, but you are welcome to attend whichever meeting is most convenient for your schedule.
Wednesday, September 2
10 - 11 a.m.
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
RSVP for September 2 morning session
Wednesday, September 2
3 - 4 p.m.
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
RSVP for September 2 afternoon session
Thursday, September 3
10 - 11 a.m.
College of Arts and Sciences
RSVP for September 3 morning session
Thursday, September 3
2 - 3 p.m.
School of Dental Medicine, School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, School of Social Welfare
RSVP for September 3 afternoon session
Friday, September 4
10 - 11 a.m.
Renaissance School of Medicine
Tuesday, September 8
10 - 11 a.m.
College of Business, School of Communication and Journalism, Libraries
Share Additional Feedback
In addition to the sessions listed above, we welcome your feedback via the form linked below. The form will be open until the end of the day Friday, September 11.
Share your thoughts by September 11
We are also partnering with University Senate leadership to solicit additional input on the guidelines, with more detail to come at the first Senate meeting of the new academic year, on August 31.
Moving Forward
My leadership team and I are grateful for your continued engagement. Your thoughtful feedback is helping ensure our promotion and tenure process is clear, equitable, and rigorous - and that it supports our shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Sincerely,
Carl
Carl W. Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President