[phas-faculty_staff_others] Revised T&P Policy
Kurtis Williams
Kurtis.Williams at tamuc.edu
Fri Nov 8 14:37:44 CST 2024
FYI:
The Department Head Council discussed this same issue yesterday. The gist of the conversation there was that applying for early tenure should be a decision made by the faculty member in consultation with the Department Head. If the DH does not feel that a case for early tenure has been made, they should say so and explain why to the faculty member. If the faculty member insists on applying for tenure early in spite of department head misgivings and they fail to get tenure, then it shows the faculty member has questionable judgement about their own abilities and importance, and so they likely would not pass tenure on a second or third try.
The question also arose as to if faculty would apply to early tenure just to see if they could get it since there would be no consequence for failing to get early tenure. The fourth year pre-tenure review, not an early tenure application, should be used to give a faculty member an honest assessment of their progress toward tenure.
Hearsay is this has happened in some departments.
Again, this is just so you know what was discussed. I brought up relevant concerns I had heard from Matt and Carlos at the meeting and they were positively received.
Cheers,
Kurtis
Dr. Kurtis A. Williams (he/him/his)
Professor and Department Head
Department of Physics and Astronomy<https://www.tamuc.edu/physics>
P: 903.886.5488
East Texas A&M University<https://www.tamuc.edu/> (formerly Texas A&M University-Commmerce)
From: phas-faculty_staff_others <phas-faculty_staff_others-bounces at tamuc.edu> On Behalf Of Carlos Bertulani
Sent: Friday, November 8, 2024 11:05 AM
To: phas-faculty_staff_others at tamuc.edu <phas-faculty_staff_others at mailman.tamuc.edu>
Subject: [phas-faculty_staff_others] Fwd: Revised T&P Policy
Begin forwarded message:
From: Kelly Featherston <Kelly.Featherston at tamuc.edu<mailto:Kelly.Featherston at tamuc.edu>>
Subject: Re: Revised T&P Policy
Date: November 8, 2024 at 9:55:23 AM CST
To: Josephine Durkin <Josephine.Durkin at tamuc.edu<mailto:Josephine.Durkin at tamuc.edu>>, Leslie Ekpe <Leslie.Ekpe at tamuc.edu<mailto:Leslie.Ekpe at tamuc.edu>>, Zachary Palmer <Zachary.Palmer at tamuc.edu<mailto:Zachary.Palmer at tamuc.edu>>, Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt <HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu<mailto:HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu>>
Cc: Nikolay Sirakov <Nikolay.Sirakov at tamuc.edu<mailto:Nikolay.Sirakov at tamuc.edu>>, Yasemin Atinc <Yasemin.Atinc at tamuc.edu<mailto:Yasemin.Atinc at tamuc.edu>>, Stephen Starnes <Stephen.Starnes at tamuc.edu<mailto:Stephen.Starnes at tamuc.edu>>, Stephen Furlich <Stephen.Furlich at tamuc.edu<mailto:Stephen.Furlich at tamuc.edu>>, Brad Klypchak <Brad.Klypchak at tamuc.edu<mailto:Brad.Klypchak at tamuc.edu>>, Brandon Randolph-Seng <Brandon.Randolph-Seng at tamuc.edu<mailto:Brandon.Randolph-Seng at tamuc.edu>>, Carlos Bertulani <Carlos.Bertulani at tamuc.edu<mailto:Carlos.Bertulani at tamuc.edu>>, Carrie Klypchak <Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu<mailto:Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu>>, Dongmei Cheng <Dongmei.Cheng at tamuc.edu<mailto:Dongmei.Cheng at tamuc.edu>>, Hongmei Jia <Hongmei.Jia at tamuc.edu<mailto:Hongmei.Jia at tamuc.edu>>, Jason Davis <Jason.Davis at tamuc.edu<mailto:Jason.Davis at tamuc.edu>>, Jeanette Vaughan <Jeanette.Vaughan at tamuc.edu<mailto:Jeanette.Vaughan at tamuc.edu>>, Jimmy Womack <James.Womack at tamuc.edu<mailto:James.Womack at tamuc.edu>>, Julee Walker DMA <Julee.Walker at tamuc.edu<mailto:Julee.Walker at tamuc.edu>>, Julia Ballenger <Julia.Ballenger at tamuc.edu<mailto:Julia.Ballenger at tamuc.edu>>, Maggie Salem <Maggie.Salem at tamuc.edu<mailto:Maggie.Salem at tamuc.edu>>, MaryJo Dondlinger <MaryJo.Dondlinger at tamuc.edu<mailto:MaryJo.Dondlinger at tamuc.edu>>, Mei Jiang <Mei.Jiang at tamuc.edu<mailto:Mei.Jiang at tamuc.edu>>, Omar Elariss <Omar.El.Ariss at tamuc.edu<mailto:Omar.El.Ariss at tamuc.edu>>, Ozum Yesiltas PhD <Ozum.Yesiltas at tamuc.edu<mailto:Ozum.Yesiltas at tamuc.edu>>, Rusty Fox <Rusty.Fox at tamuc.edu<mailto:Rusty.Fox at tamuc.edu>>, Tami Morton <Tami.Morton at tamuc.edu<mailto:Tami.Morton at tamuc.edu>>, William Kuracina <William.Kuracina at tamuc.edu<mailto:William.Kuracina at tamuc.edu>>, Adam Northam <Adam.Northam at tamuc.edu<mailto:Adam.Northam at tamuc.edu>>, Avril Knox <Avril.Knox at tamuc.edu<mailto:Avril.Knox at tamuc.edu>>
Feedback so far from HHP:
I would like FS to comment on the statement in 2.4 which reads: “If a faculty member is denied early tenure, the faculty member will not be allowed another opportunity for application and must be provided a letter of non-reappointment that complies with the criteria in University Procedure 12.01.99.R1.”.
To me this policy is a slap in the face to faculty members who are accelerated in their progress. I’m fine with denying the tenure/promotion, but to give the faculty member a letter of non-reappointment completely disincentives the prospect of going up early. Additionally, within 2.4, the use of the word “significant” is both vague and left completely up to the T/P committees at ALL levels. To provide such a policy that would result in a faculty member being essentially fired by a subjective term seems to be an unfair procedure.
6.1.13 & 6.2 – “if the promotion candidate is the Department head” and “if the faculty member … has a joint appointment …. “
– this conflicts with the earlier statement in 2.5 & 2.6 on not being considered for tenure.
This may cause some ambiguities on what is considered administrative positions that are not considered. But in section 6, the fact these are listed can read a bit confusing so maybe adding some objective grounds on why they would not be considered so it is not left to interpretation that may cause issues for some.
Kelly Allums Featherston, PhD
Assistant Professor
Health & Human Performance, NHS 139
P: 903.886.5549
[TAMUC logo]<https://www.tamuc.edu/>
________________________________
From: Josephine Durkin
Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 2:22 PM
To: Leslie Ekpe; Zachary Palmer; Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt
Cc: Nikolay Sirakov; Yasemin Atinc; Stephen Starnes; Stephen Furlich; Brad Klypchak; Brandon Randolph-Seng; Carlos Bertulani; Carrie Klypchak; Dongmei Cheng; Hongmei Jia; Jason Davis; Jeanette Vaughan; Jimmy Womack; Julee Walker DMA; Julia Ballenger; Kelly Featherston; Maggie Salem; MaryJo Dondlinger; Mei Jiang; Omar Elariss; Ozum Yesiltas PhD; Rusty Fox; Tami Morton; William Kuracina; Adam Northam; Avril Knox
Subject: Re: Revised T&P Policy
Hello again,
I sent the T&P draft to our faculty last Spring with little feedback, but will touch base, (re)collect and share more before the 17th.
As I voiced yesterday, I want to make sure that all candidates, including those with disabilities, have adequate time and support to access, navigate, organize, upload and troubleshoot documents into the D2L platform. A physical binder is very different than a layered, digital labyrinth... and presents significant challenges for some.
Thank you,
Josephine
Josephine Durkin
Associate Professor of Art
Texas A&M University - Commerce
www.josephinedurkin.com<https://www.josephinedurkin.com/>
www.tamuc.edu/art<https://www.tamuc.edu/art/>
________________________________
From: Leslie Ekpe
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 3:58:53 PM
To: Zachary Palmer; Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt
Cc: Nikolay Sirakov; Yasemin Atinc; Stephen Starnes; Stephen Furlich; Brad Klypchak; Brandon Randolph-Seng; Carlos Bertulani; Carrie Klypchak; Dongmei Cheng; Hongmei Jia; Jason Davis; Jeanette Vaughan; Jimmy Womack; Josephine Durkin; Julee Walker DMA; Julia Ballenger; Kelly Featherston; Maggie Salem; MaryJo Dondlinger; Mei Jiang; Omar Elariss; Ozum Yesiltas PhD; Rusty Fox; Tami Morton; William Kuracina; Adam Northam; Avril Knox
Subject: Re: Revised T&P Policy
Please see below:
Regarding the below - is there a possibility that written clarification can be provided on the below. There are many variations regarding in the number of articles/publications across campus. Is it possible for there to be a baseline or some type of more specific criteria that can be included in the policy? Second, what is the relationship between number of publications and financial research support. As it stands, it just says research, scholarship and creative activities are requirements. We do have departmental requirements, but are they situated within university requirements?
I hope my feedback is clear (-:
4.1.2 Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA): Creation and dissemination of new knowledge or other creative activities. For most disciplines, this category consists of research and publication, grants and contracts. Consistent with the mission of the University, due consideration must be given to peer- reviewed publications or intellectual contributions in the realm of the Scholarship of Teaching and Student Learning and Success. For some disciplines, however, this category of professional performance may include other forms of peer- reviewed creative activity. Technology, fiction, poetry, painting, music, and sculpture are examples.
I am still collecting feedback but this is what I have so far.
Leslie Ekpe, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor
Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies<https://www.tamuc.edu/dept-of-higher-education-and-learning-technologies/>
Frank Young Education North, Room 104E
P: 903.886.5518
[TAMUC logo]<https://www.tamuc.edu/>
________________________________
From: Zachary Palmer
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 2:17:29 PM
To: Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt
Cc: Nikolay Sirakov; Yasemin Atinc; Stephen Starnes; Stephen Furlich; Brad Klypchak; Brandon Randolph-Seng; Carlos Bertulani; Carrie Klypchak; Dongmei Cheng; Hongmei Jia; Jason Davis; Jeanette Vaughan; Jimmy Womack; Josephine Durkin; Julee Walker DMA; Julia Ballenger; Kelly Featherston; Leslie Ekpe; Maggie Salem; MaryJo Dondlinger; Mei Jiang; Omar Elariss; Ozum Yesiltas PhD; Rusty Fox; Tami Morton; William Kuracina; Adam Northam; Avril Knox
Subject: Re: Revised T&P Policy
Hi all,
My department did not offer much feedback but essentially what people said were the following:
-This seems overall very similar to how we already do T&P (CHSSA already does external letters, for instance). No problem with that
-This makes going up for early tenure more difficult- moving from 3rd year review to 4th year review. Also what does it mean to say there are higher expectations for early tenure? Isn’t it enough to meet the bar early?
-Why are only 3 faculty voting on full profs? Does dept not vote? This seems to take power AWAY from faculty since fewer faculty vote for this.
Zak
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 5, 2024, at 12:23 PM, Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt <HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu<mailto:HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu>> wrote:
Hi all,
Here are comments from the Biological Sciences faculty (first 2 are more general and the rest are more specific to the clauses in the document):
1. While having the mid-term review in the 4th year can help tenure-track faculty to establish themselves and show progress, it could also pose challenges, as there might not be enough time after the 4th year to address the recommendations from the T&P committee. Since this change is dictated by the system policy, we may not have much flexibility. Our recommendation would be to have T&P committee recommendations to be included in the annual APR in addition to DH comments. This means there will be a soft/quick review by T&P committee every year and an elaborate review on the 4th year.
2. Generally, we need further clarification regarding the external reviewers, their roles, how they will be picked (I think this is in line with other departments’ feedback).
3. Contrary to the statement in 2.5, as per 12.99.99.R0.08, DH may not be at will appointment. That should be changed to “and are at will or shared governance appointment”. While the appointment and retention decisions for Department Head is vested in the Academic Dean with approval from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and should consider the view of other stakeholders, the principle of shared governance in the academy requires that the faculty of the departments in their college play an essential role in the selection of its college department heads
4. Under 3.5, it is stated the review will be performed by DH in years one, two, three and five. We think that Dept head alone doing this will be problematic, especially when there is DH change or disagreement among stake holders (DH, T&P committee, and the candidate).
5. Regarding 3.6, there might be technical issues regarding privacy and user errors. The measures to control these issues need to be stated more clearly.
6. Regarding 6.1.3, “in the rarest circumstances” clause creates ambiguity and unclarity.
7. Regarding 6.1.8, Committee members on both the department and college tenure and promotion committees should cast their vote at the college level, recuse at the department committee level but participate at the Department T&P Committee to avoid giving double power to one person.
Looking forward to seeing you all in the meeting today,
--
Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt, PhD
Assistant Professor and Faculty Senator
Biological & Environmental Sciences | Science Building (STC), 255
P: 903.886.5602
Texas A&M University-Commerce<https://www.tamuc.edu/>
From: Nikolay Sirakov <Nikolay.Sirakov at tamuc.edu<mailto:Nikolay.Sirakov at tamuc.edu>>
Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 10:46 AM
To: Yasemin Atinc <Yasemin.Atinc at tamuc.edu<mailto:Yasemin.Atinc at tamuc.edu>>, Stephen Starnes <Stephen.Starnes at tamuc.edu<mailto:Stephen.Starnes at tamuc.edu>>, Stephen Furlich <Stephen.Furlich at tamuc.edu<mailto:Stephen.Furlich at tamuc.edu>>, Brad Klypchak <Brad.Klypchak at tamuc.edu<mailto:Brad.Klypchak at tamuc.edu>>, Brandon Randolph-Seng <Brandon.Randolph-Seng at tamuc.edu<mailto:Brandon.Randolph-Seng at tamuc.edu>>, Carlos Bertulani <Carlos.Bertulani at tamuc.edu<mailto:Carlos.Bertulani at tamuc.edu>>, Carrie Klypchak <Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu<mailto:Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu>>, Dongmei Cheng <Dongmei.Cheng at tamuc.edu<mailto:Dongmei.Cheng at tamuc.edu>>, Hongmei Jia <Hongmei.Jia at tamuc.edu<mailto:Hongmei.Jia at tamuc.edu>>, Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt <HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu<mailto:HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu>>, Jason Davis <Jason.Davis at tamuc.edu<mailto:Jason.Davis at tamuc.edu>>, Jeanette Vaughan <Jeanette.Vaughan at tamuc.edu<mailto:Jeanette.Vaughan at tamuc.edu>>, Jimmy Womack <James.Womack at tamuc.edu<mailto:James.Womack at tamuc.edu>>, Josephine Durkin <Josephine.Durkin at tamuc.edu<mailto:Josephine.Durkin at tamuc.edu>>, Julee Walker DMA <Julee.Walker at tamuc.edu<mailto:Julee.Walker at tamuc.edu>>, Julia Ballenger <Julia.Ballenger at tamuc.edu<mailto:Julia.Ballenger at tamuc.edu>>, Kelly Featherston <Kelly.Featherston at tamuc.edu<mailto:Kelly.Featherston at tamuc.edu>>, Leslie Ekpe <Leslie.Ekpe at tamuc.edu<mailto:Leslie.Ekpe at tamuc.edu>>, Maggie Salem <Maggie.Salem at tamuc.edu<mailto:Maggie.Salem at tamuc.edu>>, MaryJo Dondlinger <MaryJo.Dondlinger at tamuc.edu<mailto:MaryJo.Dondlinger at tamuc.edu>>, Mei Jiang <Mei.Jiang at tamuc.edu<mailto:Mei.Jiang at tamuc.edu>>, Omar Elariss <Omar.El.Ariss at tamuc.edu<mailto:Omar.El.Ariss at tamuc.edu>>, Ozum Yesiltas PhD <Ozum.Yesiltas at tamuc.edu<mailto:Ozum.Yesiltas at tamuc.edu>>, Rusty Fox <Rusty.Fox at tamuc.edu<mailto:Rusty.Fox at tamuc.edu>>, Tami Morton <Tami.Morton at tamuc.edu<mailto:Tami.Morton at tamuc.edu>>, William Kuracina <William.Kuracina at tamuc.edu<mailto:William.Kuracina at tamuc.edu>>, Adam Northam <Adam.Northam at tamuc.edu<mailto:Adam.Northam at tamuc.edu>>, Zachary Palmer <Zachary.Palmer at tamuc.edu<mailto:Zachary.Palmer at tamuc.edu>>, Avril Knox <Avril.Knox at tamuc.edu<mailto:Avril.Knox at tamuc.edu>>
Subject: RE: Revised T&P Policy
Good morning to everyone, thank you President Yasemin for shearing the revised T&P policies. Thanks to Dr. Maggie and Dr. Carlos for sharing opinions.
I am still waiting Math Department faculty for their notes but there is the policy 6.1.3 we have discusses sometimes ago. Apropos we discussed this policy in the Faculty Senate as well.
<image001.png>
If I remember well, the Faculty Senate reached a decision that the above is unrealistic and puts huge burden on the Dept. Heads and may create problems to the whole process. It holds because there is no outcome if the outer reviewer does not submit the review on time?
Hence more appropriate is if the candidate chose her/his outer reviewer OR we scrap this outer reviewer requirement. I think this is what we decided, and if I am wrong, please someone corrects me.
Best regards and wishes,
Nikolay
From: Yasemin Atinc <Yasemin.Atinc at tamuc.edu<mailto:Yasemin.Atinc at tamuc.edu>>
Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2024 12:41 PM
To: Stephen Starnes <Stephen.Starnes at tamuc.edu<mailto:Stephen.Starnes at tamuc.edu>>; Stephen Furlich <Stephen.Furlich at tamuc.edu<mailto:Stephen.Furlich at tamuc.edu>>; Brad Klypchak <Brad.Klypchak at tamuc.edu<mailto:Brad.Klypchak at tamuc.edu>>; Brandon Randolph-Seng <Brandon.Randolph-Seng at tamuc.edu<mailto:Brandon.Randolph-Seng at tamuc.edu>>; Carlos Bertulani <Carlos.Bertulani at tamuc.edu<mailto:Carlos.Bertulani at tamuc.edu>>; Carrie Klypchak <Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu<mailto:Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu>>; Dongmei Cheng <Dongmei.Cheng at tamuc.edu<mailto:Dongmei.Cheng at tamuc.edu>>; Hongmei Jia <Hongmei.Jia at tamuc.edu<mailto:Hongmei.Jia at tamuc.edu>>; Hunkar Gizem Yesilyurt <HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu<mailto:HunkarGizem.Yesilyurt at tamuc.edu>>; Jason Davis <Jason.Davis at tamuc.edu<mailto:Jason.Davis at tamuc.edu>>; Jeanette Vaughan <Jeanette.Vaughan at tamuc.edu<mailto:Jeanette.Vaughan at tamuc.edu>>; Jimmy Womack <James.Womack at tamuc.edu<mailto:James.Womack at tamuc.edu>>; Josephine Durkin <Josephine.Durkin at tamuc.edu<mailto:Josephine.Durkin at tamuc.edu>>; Julee Walker DMA <Julee.Walker at tamuc.edu<mailto:Julee.Walker at tamuc.edu>>; Julia Ballenger <Julia.Ballenger at tamuc.edu<mailto:Julia.Ballenger at tamuc.edu>>; Kelly Featherston <Kelly.Featherston at tamuc.edu<mailto:Kelly.Featherston at tamuc.edu>>; Leslie Ekpe <Leslie.Ekpe at tamuc.edu<mailto:Leslie.Ekpe at tamuc.edu>>; Maggie Salem <Maggie.Salem at tamuc.edu<mailto:Maggie.Salem at tamuc.edu>>; MaryJo Dondlinger <MaryJo.Dondlinger at tamuc.edu<mailto:MaryJo.Dondlinger at tamuc.edu>>; Mei Jiang <Mei.Jiang at tamuc.edu<mailto:Mei.Jiang at tamuc.edu>>; Nikolay Sirakov <Nikolay.Sirakov at tamuc.edu<mailto:Nikolay.Sirakov at tamuc.edu>>; Omar Elariss <Omar.El.Ariss at tamuc.edu<mailto:Omar.El.Ariss at tamuc.edu>>; Ozum Yesiltas PhD <Ozum.Yesiltas at tamuc.edu<mailto:Ozum.Yesiltas at tamuc.edu>>; Rusty Fox <Rusty.Fox at tamuc.edu<mailto:Rusty.Fox at tamuc.edu>>; Tami Morton <Tami.Morton at tamuc.edu<mailto:Tami.Morton at tamuc.edu>>; William Kuracina <William.Kuracina at tamuc.edu<mailto:William.Kuracina at tamuc.edu>>; Adam Northam <Adam.Northam at tamuc.edu<mailto:Adam.Northam at tamuc.edu>>; Zachary Palmer <Zachary.Palmer at tamuc.edu<mailto:Zachary.Palmer at tamuc.edu>>; Avril Knox <Avril.Knox at tamuc.edu<mailto:Avril.Knox at tamuc.edu>>
Subject: Revised T&P Policy
Hello Senators,
Please share the attached T&P policy with your respective departments and ask faculty to provide feedback by Nov 17, 2024.
Regards,
Yasemin
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