Tenure Clock Extension (Faculty)

3.4.1 Tenure Clock Extension

Upon appropriate notice, a tenure-track faculty member may be eligible for a one-year extension of the probationary period in the event the faculty member takes an approved leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Moreover, a tenure-track faculty member who is a member of the U.S. military and is called to active duty will also be entitled to an extension of the probationary term in accordance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA”).

In addition to the above, a one-year extension of the probationary period may be granted by the University on a discretionary basis where extraordinary circumstances significantly impact the faculty member’s progress toward tenure. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, environmental disasters or disruptions, pandemics, resident status issues, or other extraordinary incidents or conditions beyond the control of the faculty member that result in a fundamental alteration of the faculty member’s professional life.

If a request is approved in accordance with this policy, the one-year extension is not counted in the faculty member’s probationary (tenure-track) period accrual.

Length of Extension

For all requests other than military leave requests pursuant to USERAA, the length of the extension, when granted, is one academic year. A faculty member may request to extend the probationary (tenure-track) twice, resulting in no more than a two-year extension of the probationary period.

For USERRA-related requests, the extension will last for the duration required by law.

Extension Request and Review Procedures

A faculty member seeking a one-year extension of the probationary period must submit a written request to the Dean and Provost and, as applicable, comply with the University’s procedures for requesting leave (e.g., providing medical certification). Except in situations of medical emergencies, USERRA-related leave, or extraordinary circumstances, the request must be submitted prior to the final year of the probationary period.

Extension requests due to leaves of absence in compliance with the FMLA, USERAA, or other applicable laws will be automatically granted by the Provost upon receipt of satisfactory documentation. For all other requests, the decision to extend the probationary period is at the discretion of the Provost.

For all approved extensions, the specific details, conditions, and time frame will be stated in writing by the Provost (or the Provost’s designee).

Tenure expectations for a faculty member who extends the probationary period are the same as the expectations for a faculty member who has not extended the probationary period. Moreover, an extension to the probationary period shall not be grounds for a claim of de facto tenure by the faculty member.

A previously granted extension will be reversed upon the faculty member’s written request. Such a request must be made in writing to the Provost preceding the requested tenure consideration date. Once such a reversal is requested in writing by the faculty member, the extension will be automatically reversed.