Tenure is meant to ensure academic freedom for professors, to give them opportunities to teach less popular topics and challenge their students in new ways.

While tenure might be a system meant to reward professors, some are questioning the benefits of tenure tracks at the University.

“In a perfect system it is beneficial.  Professors have motivation to teach well …. from this, students can receive better teaching,” Robert Walsh, a sophomore in political science, said.

The tenure program gives professors a guarantee that they will not lose their jobs without just cause. But according to Chris Gould, associate dean of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, tenure is nothing but a merit badge for research in many cases. 

Scott Despain, an associate professor in foreign language and literatures, said that the University should award tenure based on more than just a professor’s research.

“In my experience, the professor earning tenure should focus on quality teaching, service and research,” Despain said.

When considering a professor for tenure, teaching, service and research should all factor in, said Despain.

The whole idea behind the program, according to Despain, is to give stability to the education system for students and faculty. Tenure, in theory, makes professors more dedicated to the University.

“To make things happen, you need people that are dedicated to the University and tenure helps with that,” Despain said. 

Professors have to meet certain requirements in order to get tenure, which is typically associated with higher positions in the faculty, such as associate professor and professor.  A certain amount of research and good academic demonstration are required in order to be considered for a tenured position.

“It’s that same level of continuity and dedication that is expected.  Dedicated professors that care about students and their education care about how they teach,” Despain said. “In theory, tenure helps create a wonderful educational experience.”

One concern some students have about tenure, according to Walsh, is that it causes professors to care less about the students and more about research. 

It’s a fear that’s been personally unfounded by Walsh.

“I have never had a professor act differently due to tenure, and tenure is something they deserve if they continue to find new ways to present the material and are always challenging themselves to be better at their profession,” Walsh said.

Despite any faculty or student concerns, tenure appears to be here to stay.  Faculty members who present sufficient evidence to deserve tenure will continue to receive it throughout the current academic year.

As long as the professors who receive tenure aren’t just getting research merit badges, the practice should continue, Walsh said.