It could also resolve confusion in the research area about the relative importance of quality and quantity, or refereed versus nonrefereed publications, and journal articles versus books or book chapters because the committee's preferences would be carefully laid out in the workplan. Under TBO, candidates would continue in their positions as long as the department observed satisfactory progress toward their objectives. Instances of substantial evidence of inadequate progress would lead to nonreappointment with due notice. An upper limit of 10 years might be advisable, but the process would be driven by results rather than deadlines. Not all members of a cohort would reach the point of tenure at the same time.
Students finish when the requirements have been met.
Different components of the TBO system have been piloted in the United States. A recent study by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching found that 26 percent of the institutions surveyed had already installed a policy allowing individual faculty to negotiate the length of the probationary period. While this option has flaws, TBO may create a more transparent process and better guidance for junior faculty than traditional tenure systems. Posttenure review of faculty is the most popular of the proposed modifications to conventional tenure policy. Yet, individual posttenure reviews are likely to involve extensive time and effort.