Administrators, though, are willing to accept the greater risk of faculty turnover associated with the term contracts in order preserve a semblance of interdepartmental flexibility under the tenure cap, according to Planchon. If everyone is tenured, then these shifts cannot occur. There is always a risk that someone, probationary, tenured, or nontenure-track, is going to go to another situation. Faculty members are also concerned that the new term contracts may be hamper the establishment of continuity with students. It is disruptive if an academic mentor leaves.
Some faculty members believe the new term contracts threaten academic freedom.
Tenure makes it safe to address a charged issue, because people can react strongly but their reaction will not compromise your job security. Invariably, there have been times I have wanted to speak out but could not. I would like to be able to express opinions about controversial issues without fearing loss of my job. Planchon disagrees with this view. The long-term renewable contract stipulates that there is an appeal process available if for some reason a faculty member on the contract feels that his or her academic freedom has been violated by dismissal.