Intranet

Intranet Home | Campus Resources | Committees | Publications | University Forms

Faculty Handbook

Appendix XV—Evaluation and Continuance of Probationary Faculty

Evaluation and Continuance of Probationary Faculty (untenured but in tenure-track appointments)

Faculty members classified as “probationary” (untenured but in tenure-track appointments) shall be reviewed each year by the department head in conjunction with the tenured faculty in the department. The department head should take this opportunity to advise the probationary faculty of any perceived problems in fulfillment of the standards for tenure and to make suggestions for improvement of performance to all probationary faculty recommended for continuance of employment. Failure of the department head to advise probationary faculty of any perceived problems or to make suggestions for improvement will not constitute condonation or waiver of the perceived problems.

The department head shall review the Annual Evaluation of Faculty Performance by Department Head form of each probationary faculty member not yet eligible for tenure and, in consultation with the tenured faculty in the department, shall make a recommendation for continuance or noncontinuance of employment to the dean, using the Recommendation for Continuation of Probationary Appointment form. The dean in turn will complete the form and submit it to the provost/vice president for academic affairs by the following dates:

Faculty Member Dept. Head to Dean Dean to VPAA

First year at WTAMU ...................Feb. 5 .........................Feb. 15

Second year at WTAMU ...............Nov. 21 ........................Dec. 1

Third year at WTAMU .................April 20 .........................May 1

This schedule necessitates that the probationary faculty member in his/her second year of employment on a full-time tenure-track appointment prepare and submit an interim Annual Evaluation of Faculty Performance by Department Head form covering the period from January 1 to November 1 of the second year. This partial-year summary will enable the department head, in consultation with the tenured faculty in the department, to reach an informed judgment as to continuation. The faculty member can use the partial-year summary as the major portion of the material due to the department head on January 15, adding any activities unreported and the results of the student evaluations of instruction from the fall semester.

The University may elect not to renew the employment of any non-tenured faculty member. Notice of non-renewal of employment of faculty designated as “probationary” in their letters of appointment shall be given in writing in accordance with the following standards:

Not later than March 1 of the first academic year (fall and spring, excluding summer) of probationary service, if the appointment expires at the end of that academic year; or, if one year appointment terminates during an academic year, at least six months in advance of its termination.
Not later than December 15 of the second academic year of probationary service if the appointment expires at the end of that academic year; if the probationary appointment terminates during an academic year, at least six months in advance of its termination.

3. By June 1 of current appointment, at least 12 months before expiration of a probationary appointment after two or more consecutive years with the University.

The period of employment of non-renewed faculty shall be as follows:

For those entitled to notice not later than March 1 of the first academic year, employment shall continue until the end of the academic year.
For those entitled to notice not later than December 15 of the second year of probationary service, employment shall continue until the end of that academic year.
For those entitled to notice of 12 months, employment shall continue for one academic year following official notification.

Non-renewed faculty, both temporary and probationary, may appeal their non-renewal to the provost/vice president for academic affairs. Such appeal must be filed in writing with the Office of Academic Affairs within 30 days of notification of non-renewal. If appealed by faculty, refer to A&M System Policy 12.01.7.

Exceptions to the policies concerning non-renewal of faculty may be made by the University administration if conditions make the exceptions necessary.