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The tenure and promotion process is an important pathway in academia, ensuring faculty members' professional growth and recognition of their contributions to their respective fields. This process is designed to evaluate faculty based on their research, teaching, and service to the academic community. 

All faculty on the tenure track should familiarize themselves with all aspects of the Faculty Handbook. University Tenure Procedures and Guidelines are found in Appendix J and the Promotion Policy is found in Appendix K. Tenure candidates and committees must adhere to the guidelines and timelines described in the Faculty Handbook.

Currently, we have two pathways operational for tenure and promotion review. For faculty candidates hired in Fall 2021 or later, the tenure application process includes a review by the University Tenure and Promotion Committee. Faculty who entered into the tenure track prior to Fall 2021 may opt to use the pathway with or without UTPC review; if a candidate in this situation opts to use the UTPC, they must inform the Office of Academic Affairs as soon as possible, but not later than the first day of the fall academic semester. It is very important that candidates and their committees ensure that they are following the correct pathway and deadlines.  *Note: If a deadline falls on a holiday, materials are due the next business day.

Typically, tenure-track candidates submit annual tenure evaluations in years 1, 2, 4, and 5; a midterm evaluation in year 3; and a tenure evaluation in year 6. Faculty who are electing to go up for an early tenure decision or promotion to full professor should inform the Office of Academic Affairs as soon as possible, but no later than the first day of the fall academic semester. Generally, tenure and promotion decisions (to associate and full professor) occur during the fall semester, and annual and midterm reviews occur during the spring semester.