Tenure and promotion recommendations are among the most important decisions made in the University. As the Faculty Handbook states, “The choices that the University makes in granting tenure are crucial to its endeavors toward academic excellence. A decision to grant tenure must reflect an assessment of high professional competence and performance measured against national standards.” Likewise, promotion decisions also must reflect such standards.
The reference materials below will help to familiarize you with the basic policies and procedures associated with the tenure and promotion process at The University of Oklahoma.
Sample faculty dossiers from previous years are available by appointment at the Center for Faculty Excellence.
To make an appointment, call (405) 325-2323.
The Tenure and Promotion System (TPS) operates and supports the tenure and promotion process. Those involved in this process are able to upload and review materials directly in the system. System access is determined at the college level, and permission to use TPS is activated by the Provost's Office.
During the probationary period, a faculty member will be provided by the chair/director of the academic unit with both an annual, written evaluation of performance during the past calendar year and a progress towards tenure letter that reviews the faculty member’s entire probationary period at the University.
Such annual evaluation from the most recent spring evaluation cycle shall be provided prior to the applicable notification deadline for reappointment, with a copy sent to the dean. (Norman Campus Faculty Handbook 3.7.3.I)
Post-tenure review at the Norman Campus is a periodic peer-based evaluation of tenured faculty for the purpose of guiding career development and, when judged necessary, improving faculty performance. The post-tenure review process is based on and extends the annual evaluation of faculty through two processes: (1) a retrospective review of faculty performance in teaching; research and creative/scholarly activity; and professional and University service and public outreach over the five years preceding the review, and (2) a formative evaluation for future professional growth.
For all faculty, post-tenure review provides a formal opportunity for self-assessment and discussion with peers about professional development.
Post-tenure review is mandatory for all tenured faculty, unless they have signed an agreement to retire within the two years following the year of the scheduled review or have entered into a formal phased retirement agreement with the University.
