This status is the contractual equivalent of tenure. The University defines tenure as the right to continued employment unless separated from the University under conditions outlined in Section 2.10 of this document. For the University, tenure is a major safeguard of academic freedom, of the quality of education offered here, and of the continuity and stability of the institution. For the faculty member on whom tenure is conferred, it is a privilege granted by the University to those who have consistently demonstrated their value to the institution over an extended period of time.
Earlier consideration is possible.
Faculty hired on probationary appointments from other institutions will not normally be expected to serve a six-year probationary period. Credit toward tenure may be given for prior faculty service at other institutions. 2.7.3 Locus of Tenure Tenure, once conferred, resides in the University, and is not affected by the reorganization of academic units. In the event of program discontinuation or financial exigency, the institution will make a good faith effort to protect and retain its tenured faculty members and to provide them with opportunities for professional development and training for other roles in the University. Although the appointment of most faculty is to primary affiliation within a single academic unit, the University may appoint faculty to more than one unit.