Skip to Content

Tenure

Tenure is a topic that has produced much heated discussion in recent years. Some argue that tenure is an outmoded concept, and, if institutions are going to remain competitive, they need to be able to have more flexibility to hire and fire faculty as student needs change. Others argue that tenure is vital to the protection of academic freedom and that without tenure we will return to the days when faculty were dismissed for teaching unpopular opinions. In addition, to the arguments about tenure, institutions have not been filling tenure-track positions as faculty retire or resign to take another position. Instead we are seeing an increase in the numbers of faculty hired on limited term contracts of five years or less and an increase in the numbers of part-time temporary faculty hired.

The NEA Higher Education web site has pulled together resources on this important topic. NEA has a strong policy in favor of tenure, and constantly argues for the protection of tenure. Thought and Action, NEA's referred journal for higher education, and the Almanac have several articles on subjects related to tenure.

 

TAKE ACTION

ph-take-action01

College Affordability

Urge Congress to make college more affordable.

Higher Ed eAdvocate

Stay up-to-date with the Higher Education eAdvocate — a monthly email newsletter featuring news and updates from NEA's Office of Higher Education.

Email Address

First Name

Last Name

Zip