Reappointment, Promotion & Tenure

What are my rights to reappointment as a non-tenured faculty member? How are reappointment decisions made? 

Non-tenured faculty (except for clinical faculty in the College of Medicine with qualified titles) have the right to submit a dossier for reappointment according to the timelines and procedures established in Article 7. Recommendations on reappointment at all levels must be based on the criteria established by the faculty member’s academic unit.

If I am refused reappointment, tenure, or promotion, can I ask for reconsideration or file a grievance? 

Under Article 7.4.8, a faculty member is entitled to reconsideration at the first level at which there is a negative recommendation. If a second negative recommendation appears in the process, a faculty member can ask for reconsideration, but is not entitled to it. 

Article 8.3 of the AAUP/UC contract outlines the procedure for filing a grievance regarding denial of reappointment, promotion, or tenure. A grievance cannot be filed to protest a negative recommendation for reappointment, promotion or tenure that is based on an RPT committee or administrator’s substantive assessment of the merit (or lack of merit) of the candidate and his/her dossier. 

A grievance can be filed under Article 8.3 to protest a negative recommendation that involves: (1) a significant violation of academic freedom; (2) an improper application of established unit-level RPT criteria; or, (3) a discriminatory application of established unit-level RPT criteria. In addition, a grievance can be filed under Article 8.3 to protest a negative tenure, reappointment, or promotion recommendation by a Provost that: (1) follows positive recommendations by the academic unit, the college or library jurisdiction, and the Dean or administrator; and, (2) is arbitrary and capricious.

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