Criteria for Tenure

For tenure-track appointments, the criteria for attaining tenure are threefold: (1) completion of the probationary period, (2) performance that meets the standards of the College, and (3) the needs of the institution.

Faculty members having a Ph.D. degree or its equivalent in training or tangible scholarly achievement are eligible to be tenured after six years of full-time teaching. A person may be given up to a maximum of two years of credit toward eligibility for tenure for prior full-time teaching at other Colleges and universities; however, for tenure-track appointments, no fewer than four years must be served at Centre College. The Dean of the College is charged with the responsibility of determining the nature of a Faculty member's service elsewhere. The initial letter of appointment shall indicate the number of years of credit the individual has been granted. For a tenure-track appointment at the rank of assistant professor, achieving tenure normally includes promotion to the rank of associate professor. A candidate for tenure shall meet the professional standards for associate professors set forth in Ranks and Professional Standards for Rank. Tenure is inherently selective since it involves a permanent commitment of the College to a particular academic field.