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They are two separate decisions. The tenure decision reflects and recognizes a candidate's potential long-term value to the institution as evidenced by professional performance and growth. Collegiality, professional integrity and willingness to accept and cooperate in assignments are also considered in tenure decisions. Indefinite tenure is granted for achievement not years in rank and, under normal circumstances, professorial faculty will be considered in their sixth year of service on a tenure track appointment. |
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| What are Oregon State's general guidelines for promotion and tenure? |
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Candidates for promotion and tenure will be evaluated objectively for evidence of excellence in their performance of assigned duties, in their scholarship or creative activity, and in their professional service. Each of these responsibilities will be documented in the dossier.
Oregon State University is committed to educating, both on and off campus, the citizens of Oregon, the nation, and the international community, and in expanding and applying knowledge.
In addition to these primary responsibilities, all faculty are expected to be collegial members of their units, and to perform appropriate service that contributes to the effectiveness of their departments, colleges, and the University, and of their professions. Relative contributions expected in the three areas of responsibility will depend on the faculty member's assignment.
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| I'm a new Assistant Professor. When will I be eligible for promotion? |
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You are eligible any time your record of accomplishment (your dossier) merits a positive decision in the view of your department chair/head, promotion and tenure committee, or dean. Typically, faculty hold the rank of Assistant Professor for six years. |
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What are the criteria for promotions? |
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Criteria for Promotion from Assistant to Associate Professor |
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Promotion to the rank of Associate Professor is based upon evidence of the candidate's: |
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- demonstrated effectiveness in teaching, advising, and other assigned duties;
- achievement in scholarship and creative activity that establishes the individual as a significant contributor to the field or profession, with potential for distinction;
- appropriate institutional, public, and professional service.
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Promotion to Associate Professor does not automatically grant tenure. Tenure will usually accompany a promotion, but the decision on tenure is made independently of the decision on promotion. |
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Criteria for Promotion to Professor |
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Promotion to the rank of Professor is based upon evidence of the candidate's: |
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- distinction in teaching, advising, or other assigned duties, as evident in continuing development and sustained effectiveness in these areas;
- distinction in scholarship, as evident in the candidate's wide recognition and significant contributions to the field or profession;
- exemplary institutional, public, and/or professional service.
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| What are the criteria for granting indefinite tenure? |
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Tenure will be granted to faculty members whose character, achievements in serving the University's missions, and potential for effective long-term performance warrant the institution's reciprocal long-term commitment. The granting of tenure is more significant than promotion in academic rank.
Tenure is granted for achievement, not for years in rank, but under normal circumstances faculty will be considered for tenure in their sixth year of service in professorial rank. By the end of the sixth year on tenure track ("annual tenure"), the faculty member must be granted indefinite tenure or be given a year's timely notice that the appointment will not be continued. Under extenuating circumstances, such as personal or family illness, or parental leave, a faculty member can request of the Provost and Executive Vice President that the tenure clock be extended.
The tenure decision is based primarily on the candidate's performance of assigned duties and achievements in scholarship. In judging the suitability of the candidate for indefinite tenure, however, it is also appropriate to consider collegiality, professional integrity, and willingness to accept and cooperate in assignments. |
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| How many years do I have before I must be tenured or given one year's "timely notice" that my position will end? |
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No more than six years on tenure track, including any credit for years of "prior service." A faculty member on tenure track may be given "timely notice" before the sixth year when, in the view of the department and dean (and with the approval of the Provost and Executive Vice President), the candidate has little or no chance of receiving indefinite tenure at Oregon State University. |
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| What is a dossier and what does is contain? |
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The dossier is the document prepared for promotion and tenure review. You should start your dossier soon after beginning employment as a faculty member. Instructions are available from your department head/chair or Academic Affairs. It contains your position description, current vita, summaries of courses taught, teaching evaluations, publications, awards, grants, and similar summaries of your work and accomplishments. |
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| I have professional rank but my position description doesn't mention any need for research or scholarly accomplishments. Does that mean I am exempt from having to do any scholarship? |
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No. The OSU Academic Appointments Guidelines tie scholarly accomplishments to professorial rank, along with the faculty member's other responsibilities in instruction, including extension and librarianship, and service. Your position description should be revised to be consistent with OSU expectations. |
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| What is the rejection percentage? |
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The usual rejection rate at the University level is 5-10%. However, one needs to recognize that some faculty leave the university before being evaluated by the P&T process, and some dossiers are stopped at the Department and College levels because of: |
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- early submission for promotion and/or tenure,
- lack of documentation of scholarship and positive impact,
- lack of demonstrated effectiveness and excellence in teaching and/or advising
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| What is the potential for deferral if you go up for tenure early? |
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Deferral of a decision on tenure or promotion is very likely unless there is an agreement for early consideration of tenure or promotion when hired. A faculty member needs sufficient time to demonstrate effectiveness in teaching and success in scholarship while at OSU before applying. Because scholarship expectations include communication and validation by peers, sufficient time for these to occur is important. |
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