Tenure Timeline

The Faculty Handbook documents the tenure process as a six year probationary period (tenure clock) at Northeastern University. For example, a tenure track faculty member who joins the faculty in the Fall of 2007 has a probationary period that ends in June 2013, and that faculty member will be reviewed for tenure and promotion during the 2012 - 2013 academic year. A faculty member who comes to the university with previous academic experience and lateral credit towards tenure or faculty who have received an extension on the tenure clock will have a modified probationary period communicated to that faculty member in writing by the Provost.

Third Year or Mid-Point Review

In addition to the annual review for tenure prescribed by the faculty handbook, Departments and Units implement a third year review. The third year review, which is also called a mid-point review, is to be implemented in the spring of the third probationary year. A faculty member who comes to the university with previous academic experience and lateral credit towards tenure or faculty who have received an extension on the tenure clock should discuss the timing of the mid-term review with the Department Chair or Dean. In all cases, the Department Chair, faculty mentors, and the tenure track faculty member should share department procedures, discuss the format and materials to be submitted, and talk about the timing of the third year / mid-point review and how it relates to annual activities and the tenure review. Faculty preparing for the mid-point review should review the Model Tenure Dossier for format and guidelines. A positive mid-point review, substantiated by appropriate documentation, can form an important component of a candidate's eventual tenure dossier. See Provost Memo to Academic Deans and Chairs regarding the third year / mid-point review.

Annual Tenure & Promotion Process

Following are general guidelines for various deadlines in the annual tenure and promotion process. Each college has a slightly different tenure and promotion timeline. Use these dates as a guideline and check with your college for the specific deadlines related to your situation. The Model Tenure Dossier (dated March 2008) provides University guidelines. Check with your college for more specific guidelines.

External reviewers will be solicited to provide input to the tenure dossier. The external reviewer list is complied by the tenure committee and reviewed by the Dean. The Dean must approve the final list of external reviewers. Tenure committees are expected to use the model letter (2008) to request external reviews and to include biographical information for each external reviewer.

Faculty wishing to be considered for early tenure review should consult with the unit's chair.

Annual Deadlines. When noted dates should be confirmed with College Dean's Office
January 15*	College Dean notifies candidate of eligibility for tenure during the next academic year
February 1*	Candidate notifies department / Dean of intent to be considered for tenure and to initiate the tenure review process.
March 1 - June 1*	Department submits external reviewer list to Dean for review and approval.
September 15*	Candidate submits dossier to Department Committee (where applicable)
October 15*	Department to submit dossier and recommendation to College Committee (where applicable)
December 1*	College Tenure & Promotion Committee Report due to Dean
March 10	All colleges to submit dossiers and recommendations to Provost.
March - June	Provost forwards recommendation to President
Summer	President forwards recommendation to Board of Trustees

* Varies by College/School and candidates should confirm these dates directly with College / School.