Approval Process for Tenure and Long-Term Contract Extensions
Faculty interested in extending their probationary period will need to complete the Understanding on Probationary Status form. Any probationary period extension must be approved in writing by one's academic dean and by the Chief Academic Officer and is to be recorded as a supplement to the faculty member's or librarian's original letter of appointment.
This policy is separate from policies regarding leaves of absence without pay or with partial pay. Specifically:
· ACA-47: Leaves for Academic Appointees states that:
o “An academic appointee should not be expected to perform duties while on leave, to make up time or work, or to be on call in clinical settings. Abstention from performance of duties during the leave period, under most circumstances, shall not be considered in the evaluation for reappointment, tenure, promotion, or merit pay.” And;
o “During a medical leave, the tenure clock stops unless the academic appointee requests otherwise. An appointee’s abstention from performance of duties during the leave period shall not be considered in the evaluation for reappointment, tenure, promotion, or merit pay.” And;
o “During a family formation leave, the tenure clock stops unless the academic appointee requests otherwise. Abstention from performance of duties during the leave period shall not be considered in the evaluation for reappointment, tenure, promotion, or merit pay.”
Communicating about Tenure and Long-Term Contract Extensions
If a candidate has received a tenure or long-term contract extension (for any reason), this extension may be communicated to those involved in the review of the candidate’s case as determined to be appropriate by the candidate. The recommended language is, “Dr./Professor X received a one-year (or two, one-year extensions, as needed) extension of the tenure probationary period, consistent with IU East policy.”
· No specific reason should be described. No medical or personal information should be included in any materials.
· This language should be used in the external letter solicitation and in the candidate’s statements, as the candidate chooses, so as to make clear to all readers the candidate’s timeline.
Download the form at this link: "Understanding of Probationary Status"
