Extensions to the probationary period may be granted upon petition by the faculty member, recommendation by the department head and dean, and approval by the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. Faculty who are approved for extensions may opt to return to their initial tenure clock in the future, as long as they inform their department head prior to the scheduled time that the department solicits external review letters. An extension granted prior to the midterm review also extends the midterm review timeline. Candidates can choose to undergo the midterm review on the original timeline and maintain the extended timeline for the mandatory tenure review.
Extensions are usually for one year, but a longer period may be requested in compelling circumstances and should be requested prior to the mandatory review year. All tenure clock extensions are to be approved by the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. Requests should be made as soon as possible after the compelling circumstances are identified.
The university supported clock extensions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions. For other requests for an extension, a faculty member may petition for an extension in the following cases:
- The faculty member is taking leave without pay, or a reduction in service to 50% time for a semester or academic year, provided the leave is not taken solely for the purpose of pursuing activities that will enhance the faculty member’s qualifications for promotion and tenure.
- The faculty member has encountered circumstances that may seriously impede progress toward demonstrating qualification for the award of promotion and tenure. Such circumstances might include (but are not limited to):
- serious illness or injury
- having responsibility for the primary care of an infant or small child;
- having responsibility for the primary care of a close relative who is disabled, elderly or seriously ill;
- any serious disruption of the probationary period for unexpected reasons beyond the faculty member’s control.
The above guidelines for extension were developed by the Faculty Senate and approved by the President of Texas A&M.