Tenure Workshop
May, 2013
Dr. Laura MacDonald
Associate Professor
Agenda
• Introduction
• The Process
– Timing
– Steps in process
• The Criteria
– Teaching
– Research
– Service
UNDERSTANDING THE
PROCESS: SECTION 15
Tenure and Promotion
• When you are granted tenure, you are also
promoted to Associate (15.7.6).
– One application covers both.
• You may only be considered once for
tenure.
TIMING
Extensions and other matters
Timing
• You must be considered for tenure by the
third year of your Candidacy
appointment.(s15.3)
– You will receive notification from the Dean at the
beginning of your 3rd year of Candidacy.
• However, clock may be extended for reasons
outlined in CA.
– A one year extension of the tenure clock can
also be requested at the probationary stage
(13.2.2)
– Parental, maternity or care leaves.
Probationary 1 year extension
• A one year extension of the tenure clock
can also be requested at the
probationary stage
– More time is better than less
– Most people cannot tell as this point in
career, if will need extra time or not, so most
are applying for extension
Maternity/Parental Extensions
• Clock stops for maternity/parental and
associated leaves (Article 32) and tenure
clock can be extended by one year for those
who have taken maternity or parental leave
(32.6.3)
– Must apply (remember this) for extension
– Essentially, year does not count, so extra year
does not increase expectations
– No negative effects!!
Family/Care Extensions
• tenure clock can be extended by one year
for those who have requested a reduced
load for elder or child care reasons (Article
20)
– Can only use once during
candidacy/provisional appointment
– Extra year does not increase expectations, so
no negative effects.
Going up Early
• Hurdle is same, just
less time to achieve it
• Committee Members
wonder what is the
rush?
• Will decrease # of
CDI you get over
lifetime, so can affect
total salary earned.
• Risk: only get one
shot at this!
• Successful situations
for going up early:
– Appointment to tenure
track with already
strong record of
accomplishments and
have achieved more
since joining WLU
– Have had several
extensions due to
mat/pat leaves, have
enough to meet hurdle
Steps in the Process
Candidate
applies to
Chair of
Dept. APC
by Sept 15.
[cc the Dean]
Dept. APC meet
and recommends
to SPAT
Stage 1
Dept.
SPAT meets and
recommends to
President
Stage 2
SPAT
President
recommends to
Board of Governors
Stage 3
President
& B of G
Stage 1- Department
Candidate
applies to
Chair of
Dept. APC
by Sept
15.
[cc the
Dean]
DAPC may request
additional info
(S15.4.3)
Candidate
receives
invitation to
appear (S15.4.3)
•Most do not
•Some appear
with WLUFA
rep
•Some submit
additional
information by
letter
DAPC may request
you to respond if
any negative
information is
presented (S15.4.3)
-good to appear and
bring WLUFA rep
Dept. APC
meets and
makes it
recommendation
& report to SPAT
by Oct 15.
S15.4.3, .5 & .6
Candidate receives copy
of letter – decision, vote
count, reasons
•Contact WLUFA if
negative votes
DAPC Procedures S 15.4.3
• Member shall be
• invited to appear before DAPC to present any further evidence
and/or supporting information, oral and/or written, he/she
deems appropriate.
• DAPC shall request from the Member any further information
it deems necessary or relevant to make a recommendation.
• The Member shall have the right to be accompanied by a
representative of his/her choice.
DAPC Procedures S 15.4.3
• DAPC shall assess the Member's overall record of
performance using the appropriate conditions and criteria
pursuant to this Article.
– In the event any negative information is presented to the Committee,
the Member shall be provided with such information in writing and
shall be provided (prior to any vote being taken by the Committee) with
a reasonable opportunity of responding to such negative information.
• A recommendation of the DAPC shall be based only on
documentation presented pursuant to this clause and
clauses 15.4.1, and 15.4.2.
DAPC Procedures S15.4.3
• The report of the DAPC shall include
– a numerical record of the vote upon which the
recommendation is based
– a written statement of reasons for that recommendation.
• If the recommendation is not unanimous, the statement shall
include reasons supporting and opposing the recommendation.
– Such reasons shall relate only to the conditions and criteria
for tenure and promotion.
SPAT
receives
DAPC
letter/report
by Oct 15.
Stage 2 - SPAT
SPAT may request
additional info
(S15.5.4)
Candidate receives
invitation to appear
or provide more
information(S15.5.4)
•Most decline
•Some appear with
WLUFA rep (if
problems with
DAPC report
•Some submit
additional more
information by letter
SPAT meets and
makes it
recommendation
& report to
President by
Nov 15.
SPAT may request
you to respond if
any negative
information is
presented (S15.5.4)
-good to appear and
bring WLUFA rep
Candidate receives copy
of letter – decision, vote
count, reasons
•Contact WLUFA if
negative recommendation
SPAT
• Chaired by VP Academic
• 7 voting members
– VP,Academic
– Dean of member’s unit
– 5 tenured faculty, elected by Faculty Council
• 2 non-voting members
– VP, Research
– Equity Rep.
SPAT-process S15.5.2 & .3
• Member’s chair
– presents the DAPC recommendation to SPAT
– Answers any questions SPAT members have
• VP Research
– Provides opinion on research record
• Equity Rep
– Ensures correct process is followed,
• E.g. mat/pat leaves are recognized, no conflict of
interests, etc.
SPAT Procedures
• SPAT shall request from the Member any further
information it deems necessary to make a
recommendation.
• Member shall be invited to appear before the Committee
or, if the Member prefers, he/she shall be allowed to
make written submissions for the purpose of presenting
any further information, oral and/or written, he/she
deems appropriate.
SPAT Procedures
• In the event any negative information is presented to the
Committee, the Member shall be provided with such
information in writing and shall be provided (prior to any
vote being taken by the Committee) with a reasonable
opportunity of responding to such negative information.
• the Member shall have the right to be accompanied by a
representative of his/her choice.
SPAT Recommendation
• 15.5.5 SPAT’s recommendation shall be
based only on documentation presented
and the evidence heard, and on the
recommendation of the DAPC
– No hearsay allowed!
– Is not a rubber stamp of DAPC, considers
criteria, etc.
• Recommendation provides reasons as
well as a numerical record of all votes
Stage 3 – President and B of G
SPAT meets and
makes it
recommendation
& report to
President by Nov
15.
President makes
his
recommendation
to Board of
Governors
S15.6.3
Candidate receives copy
of letter – decision, vote
count, reasons
•Contact WLUFA if
negative recommendation
Board of
Governors
approves.
Subject to
grievance
at this
point
S15.6.3
Final
notification
letter Dec.15
CRITERIA S15.7
How are candidates evaluated?
What should be included in your application?
S 15.1.1.
• Promotion in rank from Assistant
Professor to Associate Professor is
– a recognition of the Member's growth and
development as a teacher and scholar, and of
his or her service to the University and the
academic community.
S15.7.4
• The criteria for tenure are:
(a) a satisfactory record as a teacher;
(b) a satisfactory record of scholarly activity and achievement, or
creative work in the performing and fine arts, to be normally
demonstrated by presentation or publication in a credible
academic, artistic or professional forum;
(c) a satisfactory record of academic, professional and university
community service.
Criteria S15.7.1
• Teaching
• Scholarship
• Service
Teaching (S15.7.2 (a))
• A requirement for tenure or for promotion to any rank
is
• demonstrated competence and responsibility in teaching and
• a commitment to the facilitation of student learning
• including
– contributions to the development of curriculum and programs of study
within a Member’s academic unit or sub-unit.
• Teaching performance which is superior to the necessary
requirement counts additionally in the candidate's favour
Teaching - examples
• Teaching evaluations
– Teaching awards – nominations, winning
• Courses taught and developed
• Ways you facilitate student learning
– Mentor (e.g. case competitions)
– Independent studies
– Graduate supervision
– Program development
• Growth/improvement in teaching
Scholarship S15.7.2 (b)
• A requirement for tenure or for promotion
to any rank is
– evidence of scholarly activity and
achievement,
– or creative work in the performing and fine
arts,
– and recognition of one's work by academic
peers.
Evidence of scholarship
(i) a commitment to continuing growth in the
Member's academic discipline, and to
intellectual and/or artistic pursuits
generally,
• receipt of research and publication grants
• and academic research activity which has
resulted in the presentation or publication
of findings in a credible academic forum.
Examples of (i) – and how they are perceived
• Grants
• Internal
• External
• Peer reviewed publications
• Journal articles
• Books
• Peer reviewed conference proceedings
• Peer reviewed conference presentations
• Professional journals
• Non-peer reviewed outlets
Evidence of scholarship
(ii) imaginative and innovative contributions
in the performing and creative arts such as
– commissioned works,
– publication of artistic and literary works and
musical compositions,
– presentations, performances and shows
presented in a credible artistic forum.
Evidence of scholarship
(iii) publications and/or presentations in a
credible professional forum including
– the publication and/or airing of researchdependent works of Journalism in a credible
journalistic forum;
Evidence of scholarship
(iv) scholarship in teaching, including
– research, publications and academic
presentations or workshops on teaching
within universities and/or scholarly disciplines;
(v) publications, including textbooks and
case studies, which may not result from
original research but which constitute
valuable or creditable additions to the
discipline.
Evidence of scholarship
(vi) scholarly activity derived from the
Member's expertise and recognition by
one's peers including:
– book reviews,
– principal editorship of a journal,
– the refereeing of manuscripts and proposals
for publishers, periodicals, and research
agencies,
– and service as external examiners on
graduate theses.
What is satisfactory evidence of
scholarship?
• Quality vs. Quantity
– Journal rankings
– Citations, Impact
– Grants
– Record, pipeline, etc.
• Recognition by peers
– Reviewing, editorial boards, etc
• Depends on field and timeline
Academic, Professional and
University Community Service
• A consideration for tenure or promotion to any rank
is evidence of active participation in the corporate life
of the University community. Such contributions
include
– service on University and Association committees,
– assistance and leadership in departmental administration,
– contributions to the intellectual and cultural life of the
campus.
Academic and Professional Service
• academic and professional service includes:
• contributions to professional or learned societies
through service on the government or other
commissions in a professional capacity,
• consulting work which involves more than the routine
application of the existing body of knowledge,
• and contributions in a professional capacity to the
community-at-large and to cultural, community and
service organizations.
Tenure decision –S 15.7.4
• tenure shall be granted when there is
– consistent evidence of satisfactory academic performance,
– demonstrated professional growth, and
– the promise of future development.
• Satisfactory teaching, scholarship and service
• The committee weighs each element and your total
package to decide
– A demonstrated record of excellence in teaching may be
used to lessen the usual standards required in scholarship
– an exceptional record of scholarly or creative work may be
used to lessen the standards usually applied under criteria
(a) [teaching] and (c) [service].
YOUR APPLICATION
What should you include?
Application: S 15.4.1
• The application shall be accompanied by
– a curriculum vitae,
– a copy of all scholarly publications listed in the
curriculum vitae,
– a teaching dossier (S 31.6)
– such other documentation as the Member
considers as evidence of fulfillment of the
criteria.
Elements of Application
•
•
•
•
•
The Letter of application
CV
Research dossier
Teaching dossier
Pointers
The Letter of Application
Purpose: explain how you fulfill the criteria for
tenure
• A summary of highlights and achievements
– Suggested length – 2-3 pages
• Refer reader to research programme or teaching dossier
as necessary
– A way of linking your CV to the 3 criteria in CA
• Also, link your achievements to where your work is
going, and how you will continue to build on these
achievements – your future potential.
• and to address anything that might raise questions in
your package
The Letter of Application
Structure:
• Address all 3 criteria in your letter, have a section for each:
– 1 to 2 paragraphs (each) for teaching and service
– Paragraphs for research should summarizing what you had when
you came, what you have done since, your future research plans.
• Highlight quality/reputation of journals, high citation counts, positive
reviews of your work, exceptional service to the university or academic
community, awards and nominations etc,
• Refer to research programme, accomplishments, current projects and future
plans
• If you are arguing excellence in teaching, expand
that section.
CV
• The quantitative summary of your career
• Clarity, organization, consistency and
readability are important
• See sample
• What you did before Laurier still counts,
just in a different way than what you have
done since coming here
– Indicates research program, record of past
good indication of future, but will focus more
on what you have done since joining WLU
CV
• Important to not annoy the evaluator
– Include page numbers (e.g. 201-241)
– Indicate role if multiple authors
• E.g. equal contribution, 1st author more, etc.
• Indicate if authors are your students or thesis supervisor
– (can simply note e.g. bold indicates students)
– Do not pad!
• If you presented the same paper three times, list it as one line on CV,
with details following
• If you presented paper and then published, it is fine to have it under
presentations and then journal articles (that is not padding).
CV
• Important to not annoy the evaluator
– Be clear about whether it is peer reviewed or not
– Include in appropriate segment
• Published (or forthcoming)
• Have segments for
– Papers under review
» Indicate status (1st, 2nd round, etc), journal, etc.
– Completed working papers
» If already presented, just list in that segment.
» If submitted to conference, etc, indicate that
– Work in progress
» Indicate status(e.g. grant received, data collection, etc)
– For books, be honest and include documents to show stage it
is at (invited, proposal, accepted manuscript, etc)
Research Dossier
Required:
• a copy of all publications
Recommended:
– Research statement/programme
• Overall research statement
• How past, current and future projects fit together within
your programme of research
– include any other documentation that provides evidence of
achievement or potential
• E.g. book contracts, copies of emails from publishers,
reviews of your work, journal rankings, citation counts,
Teaching Dossier
– Teaching Dossier
• See CA Article 31.6.2 for items to include
• the Dossier shall provide a record of teaching
with accompanying documents for a minimum
of three (3) years and normally not more than
seven (7) years preceding the date of
application.
Per 31.6.2 items that must be included:
(i) List of courses taught (course number, title, credit value, and
enrolment)
(ii) The outline for each course listed above
(iii) List of individual student projects supervised, if any
(e.g. honours theses or similar individually-supervised projects, master's
or doctoral theses), whether completed or in progress, and the nature of
the faculty member's involvement (principal advisor, second reader,
external examiner, etc.) at Laurier or elsewhere;
(iv) The student teaching evaluations in a Member's Official File
shall be considered as part of the Teaching Dossier.
– A Member may wish to place additional copies of the teaching
evaluations in the Dossier, but there is no requirement to do so.
Per 31.6.2 items that may be included:
(i) In addition to the course outlines provided above, instructions for
assignments, reading lists, final examinations, or other course-related
materials, and information about the programs of study of students enrolled
in the courses;
(ii) Course evaluations conducted by the Member; any comments the Member
may wish to make about these evaluations, or about the University teaching
evaluations under item (a) (iv) above;
- Useful to provide a summary of teaching evaluations by course (in whatever
way is informative, by year, course, etc)
(iii) Information from students, including informal student evaluations, letters,
and testimonials;
- Useful to provide testimonials if trying to show teaching excellence
Per 31.6.2 items that may be included:
(iv) A statement of the Member's pedagogical goals and objectives;
- Very useful to indicate your teaching style, goals and overall commitment
to student learning
- Especially if you have experimented with different styles
- If teaching evaluations vary across time or courses
Per 31.6.2 items that may be included:
(v) A statement of the Member's involvement in professional development in
the pedagogical area. Here one might describe steps taken to improve one's
own teaching, such as
• participating in seminars, work-shops, or professional meetings
concerned with the improvement of teaching
• publishing articles, commentaries or reviews related to teaching
• receiving instructional development grants
• attempting instructional innovations and evaluating their effectiveness
• evidence of special assistance given to colleagues in the area of
improvement of teaching (e.g. through the Mentorship program), or
activities connected with the training and orientation of teaching
assistants
Particularly important if your teaching was less than satisfactory and you
have worked on improving it or if it is still borderline.
Per 31.6.2 items that may be included:
• (vi) Description of duties connected with
– the coordination of multi-sectioned, sequenced, or otherwise interrelated courses, and
– with the direction and coordination of programs of studies including the
academic counseling of students;
• (vii) Evidence of contribution to course, program, or general
curriculum development.
– Here one might list membership on committees concerned with
teaching or curriculum matters, and describe one's involvement in the
design of new courses, development of new programs, etc.;
– Especially relevant if trying to prove teaching dedication and
excellence
Per 31.6.2 items that may be included:
(viii) Information on a professor's contribution to the academic and
cultural life of students (e.g., assistance with student clubs,
special events, student conferences, exchanges, off-campus
trips, etc.)
(ix) Evidence of outstanding achievement by one's students (e.g.
bibliographical information pertaining to publications by
students on course-related work);
(x) Description of honours received as a result of teaching
excellence (e.g. the awarding of or nomination for distinguished
teaching awards at the university, provincial, or national level,
invitations to teach for outside agencies or to act as advisor for
development of educational programs);
(xi) Description of activities concerned with high school liaison;
(xii) Other material that the Member deems relevant.
Pointers
• Think about this as the presentation of your
case.
• Make it clear, accessible, well-organized and
complete for your readers
• There are no external referees commenting on the
importance of your work, so it is your job to make sure
that this is clear, and that everything the committees
need to assess your case is included.
• The committees can not comment on or assess
anything that isn’t in the application package, even if it
would help you.
MANAGING THE PROCESS
Within your unit:
• When putting together your application seek
advice from your Chair and Dean.
• Provide them with draft copies of your letter and CV
well in advance and ask for feedback
• Consider asking respected colleagues for copies of
their tenure application letters to use as models.
• Consider asking a recent tenured colleague to review
your materials
– Make sure you communicate with your chair
during the tenure process and advise him or her
of any additions or changes to your CV that
occur after Sept 15th.
Strategies
• If these are early days for you, think about
where you put your energies
• Service is important, but it won’t mitigate
shortcomings in research or teaching.
• Prioritize the preparation of peer-reviewed journal
articles or books, whatever counts the most as
“research” in your discipline
• Try to ensure continuity of your pipeline
– Have conference presentations, grant apps, published
papers/books (want to see consistency of effort/output)
Strategies to Help
• Focus on research output
– quality & quantity
– Outlets & pipeline
• Focus on ensuring adequate teaching
quality
• Service is important, but does not mitigate
for other deficiencies