Our department is in the process of revising its tenure and promotion guidelines. It’s a much-needed effort, and I’m glad to see it happening. I saw today an initial draft of the new document, and it’s pushing us toward a “point” system of rewards to earn tenure (in addition to time served, a requirement that I think is profoundly silly).
The point breakdowns might change, but I went ahead and added up how many points I’ve earned so far to compare them with where I need to be. I’m prepared to present my findings in a mathematical way:
x = the number of points necessary for promotion to Associate Professor (i.e., tenure).
2x = the number of points necessary for promotion to Full Professor.
4x = the number of points I will likely have at the end of next year — two years before I can be considered for promotion to Associate, and eight or nine before I can be considered for promotion to Full.
So I’m obviously hoping The Citadel uncouples promotion from time served. The university might otherwise lose “star” faculty members who aren’t being rewarded for their accomplishments — and I don’t think that’s what the school should want.