Extension of the Tenure Clock & Third Year Review

Modified University Policies ACAF 1.31 & ACAF 1.05

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.

Effective Date: Effective as of 8/16/07. Faculty members who experienced life events covered under this policy between 8/16/06 and 12/18/06 may notify or request an extension of the probationary period on or before 12/18/07. As of 12/19/07, forms must be submitted within 12 months of the event in accordance with Section I.B. of ACAF 1.31.

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

• 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

• In exceptional circumstances as deemed appropriate and necessary

• 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
• Notification or request for tenure clock extension must be within 12 months of event
• 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
• Policy and Tenure Clock Extension Forms are available on web at www.sc.edu/provost

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