A faculty member may now request an extension of the tenure track period
for up to one academic year for reasons that include their own disability
or illness, their status as the principal caregiver of a preschool child
or of a disabled, elderly or ill member of the family. In exceptional
circumstances a second year may be requested and granted. The requests
must be made in writing with supporting documentation to the department
chair at any time, but no later than the end of the spring semester of the
year before the last year of the tenure period. The final decision on the
request will be made by the Executive Vice President and Provost based on the
faculty member's written request and the recommendation of the budget council,
department chair and the dean.
Department Chairs are explicitly encouraged to discuss this policy with
eligible faculty whose personal circumstances would possibly warrant the
extension. These "personal circumstances" clearly would include a difficult
pregnancy and the birth or adoption of a child but are far broader than
those rather commonly occurring events. The new rule may be found in the
Handbook of of Operating Procedures at s. 3.11. (Section 6.subsection 6.2,
Subdivision 6.24 of Part One, Chapter III of the Regent's Rules and
Regulations)
This new policy has been proposed, discussed, tabled and reconsidered in
various forms for the last 12 years and its adoption represents the
herculean labors of myriad individuals. The FWO, which has been active
in this effort in recent years and has kept the issue very much alive,
is most gratified to see this policy implemented at the University. It
will hopefully lessen the stressful burden that sometimes blights the
lives of women faculty seeking tenure.
"Stop the Clock" Regent's Rule