2.2.1 Conferring Tenure
The process of evaluating a candidate for tenure in the Faculty of Arts and Science is an inquiry: Is the candidate for tenure among the strongest in his or her field, in comparison with individuals at similar points in their careers at NYU, nationally, and, if relevant, abroad.
It is neither desirable nor possible to define an abstract and universal standard of measurement, and context may well become a criterion in judging the strength of a particular candidate. The current and future shape of programs in a department and beyond it, in FAS more generally, may be relevant considerations. Each case must be examined in some detail by making explicit comparisons, by delineating special strengths and acknowledging limits or weaknesses. These factors must be carefully and openly weighed.
2.2.2 Promotion to Full Professor
The inquiry for such cases is essentially the same as for a tenure candidate: Is the candidate for promotion among the strongest in her/his field, in comparison with individuals at similar points in their careers at NYU, nationally, and internationally. In addition, we require that the candidate provide evidence of significant academic achievement beyond the work considered at the point of awarding tenure. The normal expectation will be the publication of a major book or a set of articles that mark significant new research and professional advancement since the conferring of tenure. The docket must clearly indicate which materials distinguish the candidate’s achievements since the last review for promotion.
Department Chairs must consult with the appropriate Divisional Dean before bringing a candidate up for promotion to full professor. When a Department Chair is a candidate for promotion, the Divisional Dean, after consultation with the chair, will designate a senior scholar in the department (or outside of the department if none is available within) to lead the review process.
2.2.3 Expectations of Candidate
In order to have a reasonable prospect of gaining tenure at NYU, candidates must have records of outstanding scholarly achievement and recognition for it within their fields; they must be able to demonstrate that they are effective teachers; and they should have contributed, beyond their research and teaching, to the work of their departments and the life of the University. In the absence of such a record, tenure will not be awarded.
2.2.4 Acceleration of Schedule
Proposals for early promotion and tenure must be considered extraordinary actions. Indeed, it is not normally in the best interest of a candidate or of the institution to propose candidates for promotion and/or tenure ahead of schedule unless the case is very well justified. The Divisional Dean should be consulted prior to the preparation of an early case. The best reason for proposing early consideration is a record of extraordinary accomplishment that can be readily distinguished from strong cases. It should be noted that external experts whose evaluation of the candidate are sought in these cases should be asked to comment specifically on the special grounds for an early decision. Chairs and departmental committees must also specifically address this issue in the Chair's recommendation and in the Report of the Departmental Committee respectively. However, even with these affirmative recommendations, the Dean will not recommend early tenure unless the case is extraordinary and compelling, particularly in relation to the already high expectations for candidates reviewed under the usual schedule.