Extension of the Tenure Clock & Third Year Review

• Full version of University Policy ACAF 1.05
• Full version of University Policy ACAF 1.31
  • Tenure Clock Extension Form for USC Columbia (PDF)
  • Tenure Clock Extension Forms for other campuses

Purpose: To provide additional flexibility for tenure-track faculty members and to acknowledge that anticipated or unanticipated life events may hinder faculty members from fully demonstrating their professional qualifications for tenure.

Eligibility: All full-time tenure-track faculty members who have been reappointed for the following year. Eligibility begins on date of hire.

Full-time tenure-track faculty members are eligible for an extension of the maximum probationary period of up to three years. Maximum probationary period may not exceed ten years.

• In cases of birth or adoption of child; or death of spouse/partner or child
• Notification and documentation required
  (Letters of request and certification documents should not include any specifi c information regarding medical history of the faculty member or a family member, including specific manifestation of diseases and disorders.)
  
  

• In cases of serious illness of self or close family member; death of parent; placement of foster child; or other relevant circumstances
• Request, justification and documentation required
  (Letters of request and certification documents should not include any specifi c information regarding medical history of the faculty member or a family member, including specific manifestation of diseases and disorders.)
  
  

• In exceptional circumstances as deemed appropriate and necessary
  
  

• Notification or request for tenure clock extension must be within 12 months of event
• The maximum probationary period may not be extended more than three times.
• Faculty may still be considered for tenure prior to the penultimate year
• Faculty with tenure clock extensions are evaluated as if their probationary period were the normal length
• Faculty may appeal a denial of a requested extension to the Provost
• Third-year review may also be extended if tenure clock extension occurs in first three years

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