b. The probationary period provides time for tenure-track faculty to establish a record of academic achievement and to demonstrate potential for future productivity. It also allows the University to adjust faculty resources in accordance with institutional needs. c. Faculty may negotiate a shorter probationary period at the time of hire. Alternatively, faculty with exemplary performance and the endorsement of their department head and dean may apply for early consideration of tenure. Faculty who fail in their application for early tenure may reapply during the standard probationary period. d. The review of tenure-track faculty must be conducted on a schedule that permits the timely notice requirements in Section 4.09B to be observed. The probationary period is determined by the following guidelines: e. 1) The maximum probationary period shall be six years of continuous, full-time service at Western Carolina University. Faculty members whose probationary period has extended into the sixth year must be granted either a promise of tenure or, if tenure is denied, a fixed-term appointment for one academic year. 2) Nine-month tenure-track faculty employed for one academic year, beginning in the fall term, shall be counted as fulfilling one year of probationary period. 3) For nine-month tenure-track faculty who do not begin during the fall term, the probationary period will begin the subsequent academic year. 4) For faculty on twelve-month appointments, each successive year of full-time service beginning not later than September 15 of one calendar year and extending through June of the next calendar year shall be counted as fulfilling one year of the probationary period. 5) Summer school teaching/service, experience as a graduate assistant, graduate fellow, or other part-time employment does not count toward years of experience for purposes of determining the probationary period of a faculty member. 6) In the event of serious illness, childbirth or other compelling reasons, the probationary period may be extended by the Provost through a university process established, in consultation with and endorsed by the Faculty Senate, and approved by the Chancellor. 4. Awarding of tenure a. The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina system has delegated the authority to award tenure to the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees.
b. The probationary period provides time for tenure-track faculty to establish a record of academic achievement and to demonstrate potential for future productivity. It also allows the University to adjust faculty resources in accordance with institutional needs. c. Faculty may negotiate a shorter probationary period at the time of hire. Alternatively, faculty with exemplary performance and the endorsement of their department head and dean may apply for early consideration of tenure. Faculty who fail in their application for early tenure may reapply during the standard probationary period. d. The review of tenure-track faculty must be conducted on a schedule that permits the timely notice requirements in Section 4.09B to be observed. e. The probationary period is determined by the following guidelines: 1) The maximum probationary period shall be six years of continuous, full-time service at Western Carolina University. Faculty members whose probationary period has extended into the sixth year must be granted either a promise of tenure or, if tenure is denied, a fixed-term appointment for one academic year. 2) Nine-month tenure-track faculty employed for one academic year, beginning in the fall term, shall be counted as fulfilling one year of probationary period. 3) For nine-month tenure-track faculty who do not begin during the fall term, the probationary period will begin the subsequent academic year. 4) For faculty on twelve-month appointments, each successive year of full-time service beginning not later than September 15 of one calendar year and extending through June of the next calendar year shall be counted as fulfilling one year of the probationary period. 5) Summer school teaching/service, experience as a graduate assistant, graduate fellow, or other part-time employment does not count toward years of experience for purposes of determining the probationary period of a faculty member. 6) In the event of serious illness, childbirth or other compelling reasons, the probationary period may be extended by the Provost through a university process established, in consultation with and endorsed by the Faculty Senate, and approved by the Chancellor. 4. Awarding of tenure a. The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina system has delegated the authority to award tenure to the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees.
4_0_changes_for_2011_2012_w_MAL__BTL_comments_3211_.docx