The tenure evaluation process must be initiated in time to be concluded prior to the tenure notification date specified in the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Tenure Decision Dates. For a new faculty member without credit for prior experience, the tenure review process would normally begin with the submission of the external reviewers and in the fall term of the sixth year of appointment, with a decision made by the following May of that academic year. Notice of award of tenure or termination shall be in accord with Board of Regents Bylaws, Section 4.2.2.
For the truly exceptional faculty member, award of tenure may be considered prior to the mandatory time. Early tenure implies that a candidate has exceeded, in the shorter time period, the type of sustained high level performance that would be expected during the normal probationary period. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of these mandatory procedures for the tenure evaluation process, any faculty member who is being considered for an award of early tenure may, at his/her discretion, elect to withdraw from the tenure evaluation process without prejudice to later evaluation and consideration for award of tenure at any time.
No faculty member may be considered for tenure without his/her consent. Refusal to be considered at the mandatory time, however, is equivalent to resignation no later than at the end of the probationary period.