Navigating tenure: a qualitative investigation into tenure committee members’ perspectives at a small university campus

This case study investigates perceptions of Promotion and Tenure (P&T) committee members regarding expectations in awarding tenure, with a particular focus on the interplay among the three critical domains of tenure evaluation: teaching, research, and service. The research was conducted at a small, teaching-focused university within a larger research-oriented university system, using a mixed-methods approach. It comprises 20 semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with P&T committee members, alongside a documentary analysis of institutional tenure policies. The study offers unique insights into the perspectives of P&T committee members, a relatively underexplored group, and highlights their role in navigating a university culture in transition. These findings show the evolving nature of tenure expectations as shaped by broader institutional shifts and committee dynamics. The results underscore a shift towards prioritizing research over teaching and service, as well as inconsistencies in committee members’ perceptions and interpretations of tenure policies and faculty evaluation criteria. By shedding light on the dynamics of tenure evaluations and committee perspectives, this research contributes valuable insights into tenure policy development, offering implications for similar institutions navigating the complex landscape of academic tenure.