"Collective Wisdom"
Information on Promotion and Tenure/Continuing Status Issues

Eugene G. Sander, Vice Provost and Dean
Updated April 2010


College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) faculty have many diverse responsibilities and are assigned to units around the state. The "Collective Wisdom" website was developed as an accessible, internal resource to provide practical, informal guidance and answers to frequently asked questions for college faculty navigating the process to promotion and/or the award of tenure or continuing status. The information below brings together some helpful suggestions from recent committee chairs and experienced administrators in the college and information presented by university-level reviewers at annual workshops conducted by the Office of the Provost.

Candidates, mentors, and unit heads should always refer to the most recent set of Provost's Instructions (for either tenure or continuing track) and CALS Guidelines and Criteria for specific requirements and recent changes before preparing a dossier.

Who Might Find this Site Useful?


  • New faculty seeking tenure or continuing status

  • Faculty seeking promotion to higher rank

  • Administrators and mentors advising candidates

  • Staff assisting with dossier preparation



The "Collective Wisdom" Guides


  1. A Common Sense Guide for New Faculty and Administrators

    Initially designed for new faculty in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this common sense advice from Vice Provost and Dean Eugene G. Sander offers insight for administrators as well.

  2. Designing a Strong Dossier

    A composite of practical advice and answers to frequently asked questions on the content, format, style, and purpose of each section of the dossier submitted for promotion and/or the award of tenure or continuing status.

  3. The Evaluation Process for Promotion and Tenure/Continuing Status

    A summary of basic information about the following topics:

    • Faculty Appointments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
    • Clock Dates and Delays
    • 3-year Review for Tenure- and Continuing-eligible Faculty
    • 4-year Review for Tenure- and Continuing-eligible Faculty (hired before 7/1/2003)
    • Early Consideration for Tenure/Continuing Status
    • 6-year (Mandatory) Review for Promotion and Tenure/Continuing Status
    • Role of Teaching, Research, Extension, and Service
    • Role of Committees and Administrators
    • Appeals to the President

Important Dates - Plan Ahead!


March-April

Unit heads notified regarding next year's personnel actions

April

Provost's Annual Workshop

April

Updated Provost's Instructions released

November 1

All dossiers (P&T, P&C, promotion only, and 3-year reviews with recommendation for non-renewal) due to CALS Dean's Office

December 1

All 3-year reviews with recommendation for renewal due to Dean's Office

January 15

Deadline for dossier submission to Provost's Office

April-May

Provost's notification to candidates regarding decisions

Guidelines and Policies


All candidates should also be given a copy of the appropriate written guidelines and criteria for their department or school or for Cooperative Extension agents.