The tenure process

Whether you're going up for tenure next year, or you've just started your first probationary term, it's never too early to learn about the tenure process!

What you need to know

The players: Tenure cases go through departmental and faculty-level committees, and then the university president, who also gets input from a university-level comittee.
- DTPC = Department Tenure and Promotion Committee (forwards your file to the Dean/FTPC)
- FTPC = Faculty Tenure and Promotion Committee (forwards your file to the president)
- UTPC = University Tenure and Promotion Committee (advises the president on individual cases and on the comparability of standards across the University)
- UTPAC = University Tenure and Promotion Advisory Committee (members sit on FTPCs in an advisory, non-voting capacity; also advises Senate re: tenure and promotion standards, policies and procedures)
The deadlines: Your notice of intent to apply is due to your chair on June 1, and you need to submit your tenure package by July 1, along with the names of at least three (ideally 5 or 6) arms-length external referees.
The extensions available: There are many reasons for extending your probationary period (parental leave, illness, a delay setting up lab equipment, COVID...). 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. Note that extensions do not increase the committees' expectations of you; that is very explicit in policy.
The warning signs: If you get negative comments on an annual performance review, take the comments to heart and come check in with us.
Your options: You have recourse to challenge an unfavourable decision, though proactive strengthening of your tenure file will ideally avoid this step. You can also challenge the involvement of particular referees and DTPC/FTPC members on your file, for bias or conflict of interest (i.e., that the person will benefit or be perceived to benefit from the decision).

Where to find information

Policy 77 – Tenure and Promotion of Faculty Members. We strongly recommend getting to know this policy well. Ask us questions if you have them.
Your Faculty’s instructions for applying. The Faculties of Health and Environment have theirs online.
The slides from FAUW’s annual workshop on applying for tenure.

Who to talk to

Your chair or director will provide an overview of the process, timelines, and expectations for your particular unit.
A departmental mentor or colleague with experience and insight.
FAUW if there are any concerns based on annual performance review comments or messages from your chair/director. Be sure to attend our workshop, offered every April.
Occupational Health if you need an extension related to illness or disability.

Questions to ask

In the years before you apply for tenure, be proactive and ask the following questions:

Are there any danger signals in my annual performance review that I need to address? Have you had negative or specific comments on some aspect of your performance? If so, please check in with FAUW.
What are the departmental or school standards for tenure? FAUW and CTE workshops discuss requirements for tenure in a general sense. You must supplement these resources with what is required in your local context.

FAUW’s advice

Be proactive! We can’t stress this enough. Don’t be caught by surprise close to tenure application time. Consult with colleagues, attend workshops and gather information to inform your tenure brief early.
Keep your audience in mind: Your candidate’s brief should be written not just for your departmental or school committee, but also for those who don’t know your area. Explain the importance of your research and discipline as well as the impact that you have made.
Think carefully about when to apply. You can apply for tenure in any year of your second probationary term, but it is standard to apply in either the second year (option 1) or third year (option 2). Applying in the first year is rare:

In exceptional circumstances, for instance where extensive experience was acquired prior to the probationary appointment at UW, an individual may be considered for tenure earlier than the second year of the second probationary appointment.” (Policy 77 section 4.)

Things to consider that may affect your choice between options 1 and 2:
- Have you taken your pre-tenure sabbatical leave? (You should.)
- Have you addressed any concerns expressed in your probationary reappointment letter, your performance reviews, or by students?
- Have you discussed it with your mentor?
- Have you discussed it with your chair?