Know Your Rights
By Debbie DeLaRosa, Grievance Officer

Tenure Review Process
Tenure review is a four year process for non-tenured faculty, both instructional and non-instructional, to demonstrate their ability to meet the performance criteria established in the contract. One of the first things a non-tenured faculty member should do is read Article 20, Evaluation of Non-Tenured Faculty.

Why is this important? Taking the time to read Article 20 before embarking on the tenure process with your committee provides you with your own personal understanding of the process. You will be better informed and able to spot any inconsistencies that may occur. The committee consists of the immediate administrator/designee of the non-tenured faculty member and two tenured faculty. One of these tenured faculty members is appointed by the administrator, and the non-tenured member selects the second tenured faculty member. Having to pick a faculty member to serve on your tenure review committee when you are new to the college may seem difficult, but this may give you the opportunity to get to know your colleagues and understand how your department works. If you have questions as to who you should pick, you can always contact the Union for some suggestions.

It is very important for non-tenured faculty members to remain alert and cognizant of any problems that may arise during the tenure process. If differences occur that may prove detrimental to the ongoing process, the non-tenured faculty member needs to remember that the union is available to assist. Possible examples of problems may include potential investigations of alleged actions and unfair recommendations such as “needs improvement.” If at anytime a non-tenured faculty member believes that the process, as stated and defined in the contract is not being followed, please take the time to contact the union for additional help.