Opinion ID: 1964882
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Dr. Paul's Employment History

Text: Dr. Paul began teaching at Howard University in July 1986, when the University granted her a three-year probationary appointment [3] as an associate professor in its Electrical Engineering department. She continued as a tenure track associate professor until May 31, 1993. [4] At that point, Dr. Paul had been an associate professor for seven years, the maximum allowable probationary period under the rules of the University. See HOWARD UNIVERSITY MANUAL, FACULTY HANDBOOK: EMPLOYMENT AND TENURE POLICIES GOVERNING FACULTY POSITIONS (1980) (hereafter 1980 Handbook), Policy on Tenure, § C(3); 1993 HOWARD UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOK (hereafter 1993 Handbook), § 2.5.3. The University offered her a temporary position as a lecturer for one academic year, from August 1, 1993, through May 31, 1994. Such temporary appointments at the University are not tenure track positions, and in accepting the University's offer, Dr. Paul signed a contract that waived any right to a claim of tenure as well as any years of employment attributable to tenure with the University. The contract also stated that it contained no representations, warranties, promises, covenants, or undertakings other than those expressly set forth herein. [5] See 1993 Handbook, § 2.5.4. The University initially decided not to renew this appointment and on July 5, 1994, sent a letter to Dr. Paul asking her to return any keys and University property. When she failed to respond, the University sent her a second letter on September 8, 1994, but Dr. Paul refused to vacate her office. Her status during the 1994-1995 academic year is not clear from the record, but at some point Dr. Paul was offered an additional one-year lecturer appointment for 1995-1996. She signed the proposed contract, but changed lecturer to associate professor and struck the language waiving any claim to tenure. Upon receiving the altered document, the University notified Dr. Paul that it considered her reply to be a rejection of its offer. The parties did not pursue the matter further, and on July 8, 1995, Dr. Paul's employment at the University officially ended.