Tenure and Promotion
Tenure and Promotion
Tenure
Tenure at RIT is designed to encourage and reward excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service and to promote the atmosphere of critical inquiry and creative expression that is vital to the academic and cultural life of the university. Woven into all RIT practices is a commitment to fostering an open, respectful, supportive, accessible, and inclusive community. Tenure is earned by demonstrated achievements and ongoing pursuit of advancements in teaching, scholarship, and service, guided by concern for students’ and colleagues’ personal worth and advancement.
Tenure decisions shall be based upon documentation that meet the criteria outlined in the following policy, E05.0 Policies on Tenure.
Key sections of the policy:
(After clicking each link, scroll up to find the beginning of each section.)
Criteria for Granting Tenure
The Tenure Process
Extending the Probationary Period
Annual and Comprehensive Reviews
Tenure Reviews and Recommendation
Granting or Denial of Tenure
Expedited Tenure Review
Promotion
Promotion to the next higher rank in a faculty classification is based on a faculty member’s academic and professional qualifications and achievements in the categories of teaching, scholarship, and service as defined in E4.0 – Faculty Employment Policies and as expected within a particular category and rank.
Key sections of the policy:
(After clicking each link, scroll up to find the beginning of each section.)
Teaching
Scholarship
Service
- Required Documentation for RIT Tenure and Promotion Processes
- External Letter-Sample Tenure Promotion Letter
- External Letter-Sample Mid-Tenure Letter
- External Letter-Sample Considerations and Suggestions
- Recommendation for Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor
- Recommendation for Promotion in Faculty Rank
- Recommendation for Promotion to Senior Lecturer or Principal Lecturer
- Mid-Tenure Comprehensive Review
Deadlines
The Tenure and Promotion process has several deadlines, including the following:
- Deadline for tenure and promotion to associate professor
- Deadline for promotion from Associate to Full Professor, Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, Senior Lecturer to Principal Lecturer, Assistant Research Professor to Full Research Professor
- Mid-tenure Comprehensive Review
- Faculty Leaves for Professional/career development
View detailed deadlines for the tenure and promotion process
College Tenure and Promotion Policies and Expectations
- College Expectations, Department Standards, and Institute Criteria
- Annual Review of Tenure Track Faculty
- Mid-tenure Review Committee
- Tenure Committee Composition and Tenure Review Process
- Tenure Track Promotions Committee and Non-Tenure Track Promotions Committee: Composition and Promotion Review Process
Workshops
Thinking About Tenure or Promotion? Start Here
Navigating the tenure and promotion process can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. The Faculty Success Series is designed to demystify the journey with tailored info-sessions and candid panel discussions. Join Provost Prabu David and Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs LaVerne McQuiller Williams as they share strategies for building a strong case. Each session features experienced faculty who offer practical tips and real-world insights.
Session Highlights Include:
Tenure Review Info-Session & Panel
For pre-tenure faculty preparing a strong dossier. Includes an overview of the tenure review process and policies, followed by a panel of tenured faculty sharing their experiences.
Mid-Tenure Review Info-Session & Panel
Guidance for tenure-track faculty at the midpoint of their journey. Learn how to prepare for this milestone and hear from colleagues who have successfully earned tenure.
Senior & Principal Lecturers Info-Session & Panel
Tailored for lecturers and senior lecturers planning for promotion. Gain insights into building a compelling case and aligning your narrative with institutional guidelines.
Associate to Full Professor Info-Session & Panel
For associate professors considering promotion to full professor. Learn strategies for assembling a persuasive promotion package and hear from faculty who’ve made the transition.
Explore the Faculty Success Series to find the session that fits your career stage—and take the next step with confidence: Faculty Success Series