Tenure and Promotion Process by Year for the Tenure Track

Refer to Policy 4004 for details on the events that occur each year on the tenure track. The following provides an overview of what occurs each year of the tenure process. Term and non-tenure track faculty are not governed by this same timeline and process.

First Year Tenure Track Faculty Member
During the first semester of employment at USU, “a tenure advisory committee must be appointed” for the faculty member and the department head will designate the chair of the committee.” During this same semester, the TAC will meet to discuss expectations. Additional guidance and onboarding will be provided throughout the faculty member’s first year.

Non-Review Tenure Track Years (2nd, 4th, 5th)
The second, fourth, and fifth years of the tenure track are considered “non-review” years though an annual evaluation still occurs by the TAC and Department Head, at a minimum. During these years the use of Interfolio is strongly encouraged but not required. If the candidate would like to use Interfolio, please contact Natalie Archibald Smoot early in the fall semester. The candidate will write a self-assessment letter and continue to build their dossier with relevant documentation. The TAC must meet each year to evaluate and discuss the candidate’s progress and role statement. An ombudsperson must be present. 

Third Year Review Tenure-Track Faculty
Special significance is applied to the review that takes place in the third year of service at USU for those on the tenure-track. This review involves the Tenure Advisory Committee, Department Head, the Dean, Provost, and President. This review takes place during the fall semester. The candidate prepares a thorough dossier that speaks to their performance to date. Interfolio is required. 

Decision Year Tenure-Track Faculty (6th Year)
Faculty members must complete their tenure and promotion process by their sixth year (unless they have taken approved extensions as outlined in Policy 4004). This review involves the solicitation and collection of external review letters and evaluation by the Tenure Advisory Committee, Department Head, the Dean, Provost, Central Committee, and President. The 6th year promotion process begins as early as late in the spring semester prior to the fall of the 6th year. 

Questions?

Please contact Associate Dean Julia Gossard or Natalie Archibald Smoot in the College of Arts & Sciences with questions.