Introduction

In March of 1996, the University of Houston Faculty Senate President appointed a task force to study tenure issues in preparation for state legislative discussions on tenure and possible modification to review policies. This report traces the historical development of tenure, presents insight into academic culture, identifies current alternatives and modifications to tenure, provides information on the legislative and community posture, supplies data that profiles the tenure situation at UH, and presents the results of a faculty survey on tenure and evaluation issues.

At this time modifications of the tenure system are being considered by a number of universities and state legislatures. The Texas Senate's proposed legislation is currently aimed at implementing a more stringent post-tenure review policy.

We are unanimous in our support of tenure and feel it is critical, in the face of an ever-changing world, to safeguard the discovery and dissemination of knowledge. The ideal of tenure is noble - one of freedom - and its mission honorable, but we recognize that there are instances when tenure can unwittingly serve to insulate faculty who burden rather than contribute to the university, thus abusing the intent of tenure. We feel that internal reform is needed to help insure that all faculty have an opportunity to develop, and to realize their full potential, so that they remain a vital resource to the academic community.

While tenure may be noble, behavior is not always. Rather than let our frailty drive policy, we should write policy aimed at maximizing our efforts in teaching, research, and service so that our standards reflect the ideal of and necessity for tenure.

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