In this assignment I have discussed whether a system of tenure is necessary at a teaching-centered institution. I have considered the need for professional development, scholarship (i.e. publication of scholarly research), and service to the institution.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Tenure
- Promotion
- Salary
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the necessity of tenure at a teaching-centered institution by considering the importance of professional development, scholarship, and service to the institution. It explores the arguments both for and against tenure, analyzing its impact on faculty members, institutions, and the overall academic landscape.
- The role of tenure in promoting academic freedom and protecting faculty from arbitrary dismissal
- The impact of tenure on faculty morale, institutional allegiance, and the quality of teaching
- The relationship between tenure and faculty salaries, particularly in high-demand fields
- The use of adjunct faculty and the potential consequences for academic quality and shared governance
- The importance of tenure in attracting and retaining talented faculty members
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by defining tenure and its guarantees to professors, including continuous employment, economic security, and involvement in the academic mission of the institution. It then explores the increasing use of adjunct faculty as a cost-saving measure and argues that this practice undermines the integrity of higher education.
The paper then discusses the advantages of tenure, including freedom of expression, security for faculty members, and reduced costs for institutions due to the lack of formal annual reviews. It also examines the potential drawbacks of tenure, such as lower salaries for tenured faculty and the potential for complacency.
Finally, the paper analyzes the arguments in favor of tenure, emphasizing its importance in protecting academic freedom, attracting top faculty, and ensuring institutional stability. It concludes by stating that tenure remains a vital element of higher education and that it helps to maintain the integrity and quality of academic institutions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Tenure, academic freedom, adjunct faculty, faculty morale, shared governance, salary, institutional allegiance, professional development, scholarship, service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tenure in higher education?
Tenure is a status granted to professors that guarantees continuous employment and protects them from arbitrary dismissal, thereby ensuring academic freedom.
Why is tenure important for academic freedom?
It allows faculty to conduct research and teach controversial topics without fear of losing their jobs due to political pressure or institutional disagreement.
How does the use of adjunct faculty affect universities?
The increasing reliance on part-time adjuncts can undermine institutional stability, shared governance, and the quality of long-term student mentorship.
What are the economic arguments regarding tenure?
While tenure provides job security, it may result in lower salaries compared to the private sector. However, it helps institutions attract top talent by offering long-term stability.
What are "scholarship" and "service" in the context of tenure?
Scholarship refers to the publication of research, while service involves contributions to the institution's administration and community, both of which are usually required for tenure approval.
- Quote paper
- Carol Benjamin (Author), 2011, Tenure, Promotion, and Salary in Higher Education, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/265461
