Can you go from non tenure-track to tenure-track?

At some institutions (e.g., mine), a faculty member is allowed to switch tracks at the institution once in their career at that institution. For example, a person who was hired as a non-tenure track research assistant professor can petition or apply to be a tenure-track assistant professor.

What does non tenure-track faculty mean?

The term “nontenure track” is sometimes used narrowly to refer only to those full-time faculty members who hold positions off the tenure track at institutions with a system of academic tenure. To assess the full scope of the number of faculty who work outside the tenure system, one must combine several categories.

What are the duties of a non tenure track faculty?

Faculty in non-tenure-track (NTT) roles are vital to the campus’s research, teaching, and service missions. NTT faculty primarily devote their expertise to one or two of those missions: Lecturers and senior lecturers focus on excellent teaching.

How long does a non tenure track job last?

A non-tenure track person can do research and while publications are welcomed, they will not have a big impact upon annual evaluations. In non-tenure track positions, you will usually work under a contract that lasts from 1 to 3 years. If you are doing a good job, you will usually get your contract renewed.

How long does it take to get tenure in academia?

Today, tenure can be obtained after a certain number of years by professors who meet a list of requirements and gain approval from the tenure committee. Tenure all but guarantees lifetime employment. Let’s explore the differences between tenure track vs non-tenure track jobs and look at the pros and cons of them both.

Why is it important for faculty members to have tenure?

Tenure was developed to protect integrity and freedom of thought. It allows faculty members to express opinions, even opinions contrary to current popular thought. It is this freedom that many credit as being the basis for the scope and quantity of research created by U.S. universities.