Tenure

All candidates must possess an appropriate terminal degree and present a body of scholarly work of quality and consistency

It is the tenure candidate’s responsibility to develop a tenure dossier for review.

Scholarly work leading to tenure and promotion can typically be divided into two categories:  (1) research; and (2) creative activity.  Neither category is prioritized over the other --both research and creative activity constitute scholarship.

Not all tenure dossiers will include all of the following items, but when they are included the following background information must be included:

1. Books must have an ISBN number and be listed with the name of the press.  If the press is a nationally recognized press with a consistent reputation for high scholarly standards, then a judgment of its value can be made upon publication.  The book’s further value is established upon independent review of the book in scholarly journals and awards granted by scholarly societies.  Where a book is a multi-author work, the relative contribution of each co-author must be listed as a percentage.  The percentages must be confirmed in writing by the co-authors or the general editor.  When not published by a recognized press the candidate must include a detailed statement of the review process of the press, and the resumes of the board members.  Self-published books are not peer reviewed, and cannot be considered for tenure until independently reviewed following publication.  In most cases it will take two (2) to three (3) years for such reviews to be published.  Note that self-publishing carries the risk that no independent scholarly review of the book will occur in time for consideration for tenure and/or promotion.
2. Professional design work (e.g., interior, architectural, urban design) must be listed with the exact contribution of the candidate (e.g., lead designer, designer of subsystems) and the contribution of the candidate confirmed in writing by the designer of record.  Note that it is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain written confirmation.  Designs are peer reviewed when they are independently reviewed in newspapers and journals, or when they receive awards of excellence from professional organizations, or other organizations dealing with the built environment.  Unbuilt designs may be considered when they have been subjected to peer review.
3. Articles published in scholarly journals carry significant weight when the journal has a consistent reputation for high scholarly standards.  Articles published in less regarded journals or conference proceedings should be accompanied by the same background information as a book not published by a nationally recognized press. Citations of scholarly articles can also establish their impact, quality and relevance.
4. Peer-reviewed and invited exhibitions and gallery shows must be fully documented. This documentation includes but is not limited to description of the venue, organizers, and a clear narrative describing the significance of the work. Exhibition catalogs or independent reviews of the exhibition aid in establishing the quality of the work.  Awards garnered as a result of exhibition give special significance to the work.
5. Presentations at conferences are evaluated on an individual basis based on the scholarly rigor of the conference and the peer review process for presenters.  Candidates must include the name and place of the conference, the published acceptance rate of papers at the conference if available, the list of reviewers, and the organization sponsoring the conference.  Candidates should understand that conferences which do not provide the above information may not be fully credited by the ad hoc RTP Committee.  It is the candidate’s responsibility to present work in venues which fully work within the peer review process.  Presentations are especially important in the tenure process when they lead to published work. 
6. Other creative activities may be considered for tenure and promotion. Submissions must be accompanied with appropriate certification of authorship and peer review.  Published reviews and awards aid in determining quality and potential impact.

The College puts high value on the quality of research and creative activities of candidates for tenure.