I was recently asked: how do you know if you should go up for tenure early?
It was in response to this post on crafting an effective tenure packet: https://lnkd.in/g_7HsdpH
I actively contemplated going up early pre-tenure - I think every assistant professor does.
I recall feeling ready for tenure - my research record exceeded the norm in my discipline, my teaching evals were above the college average, & I had been invited to join an editorial board of a good journal.
So, I asked my department chair: could I go up for tenure early?
He gave me a steely-eyed look & asked: Why? What's the rush?
I replied: Well, I'd like a raise & I'd like life stability.
He replied: What? Do you think going up early helps with that?
I was pretty confused.
He explained that:
A. The reward for tenure wasn't a big raise. It was stability.
B. Going up for tenure was risky bc people didn't like giving tenure early.
C. Even with my record, you never knew if a provost, president, or colleague would be irritated.
D. He knew I had a young family, so why take a risk?
He ended the conversation.
I waited another year.
At the time, I was pretty angry & hurt that I was told to wait.
Today, I am grateful for that advice.
Why?
Because over the past decade, I have yet to see an early tenure case go smoothly.
Why? Is going up early for tenure so problematic?
First, it can be seen as a sign of hubris.
Usually, a junior faculty member with a fantastic record has had much help from their advisor. So pushing for early tenure is perceived as overclaiming credit.
Unless you have several independent papers, ask yourself, do you want to be seen as arrogant?
Second, it creates social costs for your supporters.
Usually, a dept chair or tenure committee rep has to lay a lot of time & political capital to smooth out the process for you.
Unless you are on track for a Nobel prize, ask yourself, do you want to create costs for your supporters?
Third, heuristics for going up early vary widely across disciplines.
Even if your record is amazing in your field, it may be missing something seen as essential by a college or university committee.
Unless you are perfect on research, service, teaching & funded work, ask yourself, are you prepared for a no?
Fourth, if you are turned down, it can take years to recover.
You will be angry. You may feel compelled to leave. Even if you find a new job, you will take that hurt with you.
Ask yourself, is it worth being hurt?
While I understand the desire to go up early for #tenure, generally, it's just not worth the trauma of being turned down or the costs it creates for your colleagues.
I'll save issues to think through if you are asked to go up early for tenure in a different post.
Comments