In the last year of your first three-year term as a (probationary) tenure-track faculty member, you go through a 'reappointment' process to make sure you're on the right track to apply for tenure.
What you need to know
- The timing: You should receive notice of consideration for reappointment from your chair or director 13 months before the end of your first probationary term. If you don’t, talk to your chair and check in with FAUW.
- The extensions available: There are many reasons for extending the renewal period (parental leave, illness, delay setting up lab equipment). If you think this applies to you, it may be helpful to check in with FAUW. For extensions related to illness or disability, talk to Occupational Health.
- It’s not a guarantee of tenure: The standard of achievement for reappointment is not necessarily the standard for tenure.
- Research assistant professors should follow the same guidelines in renewal. While not officially represented, FAUW will still provide assistance in navigating the process.
For reappointment, the candidate is expected to present a record as a good teacher and evidence of scholarly or creative work.... The DTPC shall assess whether the candidate is making satisfactory progress towards tenure, recognizing that at this stage it may be necessary to make judgements in some areas based on potential.
FAUW's advice
- Take cues from the feedback on your Annual Performance Review. Take concrete steps to address any areas of concern.
- Show progress toward the standards for tenure. You don't have to meet those standards yet, but demonstrate that you like your work, have a plan, and are on track.
- Get individual advice from FAUW if you have concerns. The renewal process varies across cases and depends on context.
- Focus more on scholarship and teaching than service at this stage in your career.
- Don't stress about it too much; negative decisions do happen, but they're rare.
Where to find information
- Policy 76 – Faculty Appointments.
- The slides from FAUW’s annual workshop for faculty recently hired to their first probationary term.
- Your department’s instructions for your statement in your reappointment brief.
Who to talk to
- Your chair or director is the first point of contact for renewal timelines, procedures, and requirements. If there are issues with any of these, please check in with FAUW.
- Occupational Health for renewal extensions based on illness or disability.
Questions to ask
- When is my first term up? Know the end date of your first term, especially if you have a non-traditional start date. Typically, it’s June 30. If you’re not sure, check your letter of appointment. For more information, see section 3b in Policy 76.
- What are the requirements for my department or school? The requirements for probationary renewal are unique to each Faculty, and occasionally to the department or school. Make sure you discuss them with your chair or director.