Title: Extension of Tenure Probationary Period Because of New Baby or Childbirth or Adoption

Purpose: To describe the conditions under which the probationary period for tenure consideration may be extended for faculty members with parental responsibilities for a new baby or child.

The following policy will apply only to those non tenured faculty members who are in regular tenure-related, fixed-term appointments. The Rules provide that the tenure probationary period may be altered "in individual cases (where) there is a specific written agreement between the institution and the faculty member."

Policy: A faculty member who has assumed responsibility through birth or adoption for a new baby or child may be able to continue to fulfill assigned instructional responsibilities without taking extended sick leave or leave without pay. Parental responsibilities for a new baby or child, however, may lessen a faculty member's scholarship for a period of time. In acknowledgement of this possibility, the University, at the request of the faculty member, will consider entering into a special agreement to extend the probationary period for one year before mandatory consideration for indefinite tenure is given. In cases deviating from normal full-term childbearing, a faculty member can request a similar extension which may be granted at the discretion of the Provost. Requests for an extension may be made for each new baby or child.

Procedure, Period of Leave, and Rescission of Agreement: A faculty member who requests an extension of the tenure probationary period must initiate the request no later than twelve months after birth or adoption of a new baby or child. The request should be addressed to the Provost. Any request for leave without pay that is combined with a request to suspend the tenure clock under this policy shall in no case lead to a suspension exceeding twelve months, as specified above. The agreement for the extension of the probationary period may be rescinded by the faculty member at any time by submitting written notice to the Provost.

Revisions Reviewed and Approval Recommended By: President's Staff

Date: February, 2000

Revisions Reviewed and Approval Recommended By: President's Staff

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