Guidelines for Requesting Extension of the Tenure Probationary Period

A faculty member may request an extension of the probationary period in situations that are qualifying events under the Family and Medical Leave Act, but which do not necessarily result in the faculty member taking a formal leave of absence. Examples of such events include an extended illness, disability, childbirth, adoption of a child, death of an immediate family member, or extended care of an ill child or immediate family member. Extensions of the probationary term will be limited to no more than a total of two years.Requests for extensions of time shall be reviewed and approved by the Dean and the Provost before submission to the Board of Regents for final consideration. The following written information will be provided by the faculty member:

1. date of appointment;
2. mandatory tenure year decision;
3. reason for requesting an extension;
4. length of extension;
5. date of the qualifying event(s);
6. explanation of how the nature of the event(s) substantially burdened (or will burden) progress to tenure;
7. outline of the specific work for which progress has been (or will be) hampered;
8. copy of the vita.

A faculty member should apply for an extension as soon as it becomes clear that an extenuating circumstance has substantially impeded (or will impede) progress toward tenure in specific ways. Such requests normally shall be made within three months of the extenuating event. Requests for an extension should not be made prematurely on the basis of speculation about how a coming event might affect progress toward tenure.
See also Family and Medical Leave Act.

12/05