Promotion and Tenure:
Some Suggestions
Klod Kokini
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
College of Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
ADVANCE-FAST
October 21, 2014
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Processes
o Levels of review
• Department
• College
• University
• Board of Trustees
o Ranks
o Tenure
o Other academic recognitions
Processes
o Promotion document
• Your scholarly accomplishments
− Discovery
− Learning
− Engagement
• Cultural variation within and among departments and
colleges
• National and international recognition
Some details
o Departments will do the most thorough review of
your scholarship
o Reviewers at higher levels will read the letters very
carefully
Some suggestions
o Your promotion document
• Start it now
• Think about letter writers
o Make sure colleagues know what you are doing
o Get involved professionally
• Chair sessions
• Organize workshops
Some Suggestions
 Understand process and requirements for success
very early on.
 Seek advice and mentoring from technical
mentors as well as non-technical colleagues.
 You have 5 years (without any tenure clock
extensions) to showcase your excellence.
 Quality and impact (not necessarily quantity) are
key.
 Ask (demand) for feedback (preferably in writing)
at least once a year from head.
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Faculty Career Progress
 Assistant Professor..contract review in the 2nd/3rd year
 Mentoring and feedback are critical starting day one
 Nomination to Associate Professor with tenure no later
than the beginning of the 6th academic year
 No time limit for nomination to Full Professor. ..
typically within 5-6 years from promotion to Associate
Professor
 Named/Distinguished Professor
 Administrative or other paths
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Resources/Policies to Help with
Climate and Success

Ask about any mentoring practices and policies
(e.g. formal mentoring in CoE)
 Tenure clock extension policy (Purdue)
 Purdue Teaching Academy
 Child care (including infant care) is available
 NSF-ADVANCE FAST and other programs
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 Ask about any other helpful practices and
policies in your college (e.g. flexible Workload
Policy in CoE)
 Ask about activities that may help you get
involved (e.g. Women’s Faculty Committees,
Diversity Action Committees), but be strategic
 Take advantage of programs for new faculty at
Purdue (OVPR), college (orientation), and
department (business office, graduate office)
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