What is exactly a tenure-track faculty position?

Question

..And what are the qualifications to become one? Thanks.

Answer 1

A tenure-track faculty position is one where the faculty member is hired not for a temporary term but with the intention that s/he become a permanent member of the faculty. After a certain number of years the person is evaluated (this is called a tenure hearing) and if successful becomes a tenured faculty member. Tenured does not mean you can not be fired, you can be fired for cause but the university really has to show cause because it is a very, very big deal to fire a tenured professor.

Answer 2

While other people here have told you what it means to be tenured -- let me tell you why.

It is an important part of academic freedom. Faculty members are required to do research. Frequently, that research may be controversial. The tenure process ensures that faculty will not be fired just because they are doing something unpopular or controversial.

For example, someone may be doing work in evolutionary biology. That is acceptable today -- but in the 1920s, people might have been fired for that had they not had tenure. Similarly, someone may be doing research on politics or social behavior that some members of society may have problems with. The tenure process ensures that people won't be fired because of a witch-hunt.

Answer 3

Any worker will be fired for any or perhaps no reason - that's stated as without reason. even as a worker reaches tenure they could in straightforward words be fired after due procedure. which potential, that they are frequently fired, yet there ought to be a procedure followed first, giving the worker a threat to maximum excellent their blunders. the position I paintings it takes 4 years and extremely some different benchmarks you're able to attain to get tenure. in case your supervisors imagine you want to paintings on one or extra parts, then you definitely may no longer get it, you are able to could attempt back to achieve those benchmarks. some faculties it takes longer, some a lot less time. each 365 days after that you're nonetheless evaluated and performance aims and objectives you're able to attain. It would not recommend you do not could nonetheless be evaluated. it in straightforward words potential the technique to fireside someone has to have a reason

Answer 4

Tenure basically refers to a lifetime job. It's very difficult to fire a tenured employee, because they have a contractual right not to be fired without cause.

For more in-depth discussion on the topic visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenured