Post-Tenure Review
Two years before eligibility for sabbatical, tenured members of the faculty engage in a process with three components: (1) intentional reflection on past work and planning for the future, which concludes with a written statement; (2) peer review by three colleagues that culminates in a report from each that is sent to the faculty member and the Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty; (3) a summary letter from the Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty and a meeting with the Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty.
The focus of the review is developmental, and it draws upon core values in the profession—self review and peer review. The purpose is to help faculty reflect on their work and to plan for continuing professional development as thoughtfully as possible, and to do so with the discipline that a periodic assessment provides. The review also confirms to all—faculty, students, and all stakeholders—that the faculty take seriously their charge to perform consistently at the highest level possible.¹
¹This policy, process, core ideals, and language draws, in part, from post-tenure review policies at other schools, including Denison University, Maryville College, and Earlham College.