The University is increasingly relying on and hiring fixed-term rather than tenure-track faculty — particularly in health affairs.
But administrators are also working to make fixed-term a positive career path, offering more opportunities for advancement.
“It’s not a them and us or two-tier system,” said Ron Strauss, executive vice provost and chief international officer. “It’s two different types of employment, both of which are very valued.”
Tenure-track positions are designed to lead to promotions and permanent employment based on career accomplishments, such as research. Tenure status protects against involuntary suspension or termination except for very specific circumstances.
Fixed-term faculty are not eligible for tenure and hold contracts ranging from one to several years, without promise of renewal.
Reasons for the increase
Of all University faculty, 45 percent are fixed-term, while 41 percent are tenured and 13 percent are on the tenure track.
An increase in fixed-term faculty has been concentrated in the health affairs schools. Of the current health care faculty, 59 percent are fixed-term, compared with 51 percent in 2006. Only 32 percent of faculty in health affairs are tenured.
Paul Godley, executive associate dean for faculty affairs, said because both the size of the medical center and number of patients have increased, more clinicians are needed. Different types of faculty are being hired than in the past, he said.