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 and the search committee are 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 towards tenure. Unless hired at a higher rank achieving tenure normally includes promotion from the rank of assistant 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.