After the extensive review process, the candidate either is offered tenure or not. Most candidates who complete the process are offered tenure but some do not meet the standards. We take it very seriously. Nevertheless, the process breeds many misconceptions. But with corporate downsizing and the unsettled nature of the economy, there is an element of resentment.
People start wondering why one sector still has the benefits of security.
Tenure is being questioned more and more. For example, people think once professors are awarded tenure, they simply can rest on their laurels and not be held accountable for the size of their work load. But Breneman said that is unlikely at a institution like the University. There are other reasons professors have to keep up to standards. A solution to the tenure backlash is the idea of post-tenure review.