Making the Grade Meeting the requirements for tenure and continuing appointment Maura Matesic January 2009

Making the Grade – the tenure process Institutional Requirements Committee Process Individual Files

The Tenure Process – Institutional Requirements Evaluation Criteria (York University) Professional performance and knowledge (day to day work) Professional development (publications & conference presentations) Service (Committee work) Ranking Scale (York University) Excellent Highly Competent Competent Not satisfactory Period of Review – varies according to institution (2-6 years)

The Tenure Process – Institutional Requirements Academic work – research, publications and conference papers Library work – collections and reference Teaching Committee work

Making the Grade – Committee Process Clarify role of committee – evaluative or advocacy – or both? Review requirements and existing guidelines Develop supporting and clarifying documents

Making the Grade – Committee Process Potential problems: Committee disagrees on the nature of academic librarianship Committee disagrees on inclusion/exclusion of job responsibilities Lack of transparency regarding helping role of mentors Interference of personal friendships or conflicts

Making the Grade – Committee Process Solutions? Broad and inclusive definitions regarding academic work to allow for diversity in work styles and accomplishments Greater transparency and disclosure requirements

Making the Grade – Individual Files Focus on breadth not depth Thus, in addition to doing your job, try to have a least one [from each*] of the following: one conference paper or presentation one article one website or wiki some teaching experience *Depending on the length of candidacy period

Making the Grade – Individual Files And if possible add: Tutorial Credit course (college or university) Peer reviewed article Article in subject area Advanced degree Ongoing research work