Recognizing that faculty have a choice in whether they want to extend their probationary period, faculty will need to opt-in to this extension. Faculty going up for tenure/promotion in 2020/2021 will need to apply for an extension prior to June 1, 2020. Faculty due to go up for tenure/promotion in 2021-2022 or later should apply for this extension prior to December 31, 2020. Faculty considering an extension of the probationary period should discuss the decision with their department chair (if applicable) and their School Dean or Director.

Faculty interested in extending their probationary period will need to:

• complete the Understanding on Probationary Status form and write ‘COVID-19’ as the explanation for extension.
• receive signed approval for the extension from their Dean or director, as well as the EVCAA. The signature process is for informational purposes only and all eligible faculty requesting an extension will be granted one, including faculty who have already received a previous extension.

The Understanding on Probationary Status form will be recorded as an addendum to the faculty member’s initial terms of appointment and faculty will be notified of their new tenure/promotion decision date.

Faculty may, at a later date, decide to pursue tenure or promotion to long-term contract under their original probationary period timeline. In such cases, the case will be handled under the procedures laid out for early tenure in IU Policy ACA-37: Faculty and Librarian Tenure. This means that “a faculty member or librarian who requests early tenure shall be notified of any negative recommendation concerning his or her request at any time prior to a final decision by the President. A faculty member or librarian may withdraw his/her request for early tenure at any time prior to a final decision by the President.” The faculty member would then reapply for tenure under the extended clock approved under this policy. Lecturers applying for long-term contract will be notified of any negative recommendation concerning their request at any time prior to the final decision by the Chancellor and may withdraw their request for early promotion at any time prior to that final decision. They would apply under the extended timeline.

This policy is separate from policies regarding leaves of absence without pay or with partial pay.