GVSU board approves pause in tenure clock for faculty members

Grand Valley State University's Board of Trustees approved a new family-friendly policy that will support faculty recruitment and retention efforts.

Trustees on May 5 approved adding a “pause” in the tenure clock process that will allow faculty members to request an extension of their probationary period to address health issues, childbirth or adoption, care giving responsibilities or other significant life disruptions.

Prior to this policy, faculty members hired for tenure-track positions at Grand Valley had a six-year provisional period before their tenure decision must be made; the clock did not stop for illnesses or maternity leaves. About 30 percent of universities similar to Grand Valley have a policy to pause the tenure clock, according to research conducted by the Center for the Education of Women at the University of Michigan.

The new policy, which will be implemented this fall, will aid during recruitment of new faculty members and help retain current faculty, said Provost Gayle R. Davis.

“A policy like this recognizes that sometimes life events happen that can interfere with work,” Davis said. “This helps make the tenure process fair for everyone.”

Kristine Mullendore, professor of criminal justice and chair of the University Academic Senate, supported the creation and adoption of the policy. “The theme for the senate has been to do things to improve faculty life on campus,” she said. “This also fits well with the university’s inclusion and equity plan.” Mullendore added that during tough economic times, a tenure clock pause is a tremendous benefit, and one that doesn’t cost money, to offer to faculty members.

The policy calls for pauses in the tenure process for significant health issues, birth or adoption of a child, substantial care giving responsibility, military service, immigration status, unpaid leave of absence, changes in appointment, or unforeseen disruption.