2.7 Policies on Tenure

2.7.1 Definition of Tenured Status

Although the word "tenure" does not appear in the Code of Virginia, the University grants "election without term." This status is the contractual equivalent of tenure. The University defines tenure as the right to continued employment unless separated from the University under conditions outlined in Section 2.10 of this document. For the University, tenure is a major safeguard of academic freedom, of the quality of education offered here, and of the continuity and stability of the institution. For the faculty member on whom tenure is conferred, it is a privilege granted by the University to those who have consistently demonstrated their value to the institution over an extended period of time.

2.7.2 Length of Probationary Period

Candidates in their sixth year of service at George Mason University on probationary appointment must stand for tenure at that time if they wish to retain their position after the expiration of the current contract (see Section 2.8.3 for policy on notification to faculty terminated for failure to receive tenure). Earlier consideration is possible. Faculty hired on probationary appointments from other institutions will not normally be expected to serve a six-year probationary period. Credit toward tenure may be given for prior faculty service at other institutions.

2.7.3 Locus of Tenure

Tenure, once conferred, resides in the University, and is not affected by the reorganization of academic units. In the event of program discontinuation or financial exigency, the institution will make a good faith effort to protect and retain its tenured faculty members and to provide them with opportunities for professional development and training for other roles in the University. This, however, does not imply that the faculty member is automatically entitled to retain tenure even if such an alternate position is found (see Sections 2.10.2.2 and 2.10.2.3).

Although the appointment of most faculty is to primary affiliation within a single academic unit, the University may appoint faculty to more than one unit. In such cases of joint primary affiliation, recommendations for promotion and/or tenure may be initiated by either/any of the units in which the faculty member is or is to be appointed to primary affiliation. Separate evaluations leading to separate recommendations and decisions will be made with respect to the multiple primary affiliations held by the candidate. A favorable action by one local academic unit does not obligate the other local academic units to act favorably. It is required, however, that in each/all of the evaluation processes the committee(s) involved must solicit and consider evaluations from the other units in which the candidate has been employed. All evaluations become part of the candidate's dossier (see Sections 2.8.2 and 2.8.4).