January 18, 2007
To: All UW-Madison Faculty Members
From: Patrick V. Farrell, Provost
Re: Policies regarding extension of the probationary period (Stopping the Tenure Clock) and leaves of absence
Let me draw your attention to information about our campus policy regarding extension of the probationary period for untenured faculty. The policy provides for extensions following the birth or adoption of a child or when assistant professors experience significant elder or dependent care obligations, or other circumstances beyond their control that significantly impede progress toward tenure. In particular, it is important that all faculty understand this policy which allows assistant professors to “stop the tenure clock” following the birth or adoption of a child. The process is straightforward and automatic. A simple letter or email directly to the Provost at the time of birth or adoption is all that is required. Extensions for elder or dependent care or other circumstances can be requested following the procedure in http://www.secfac.wisc.edu/newfac/tenure/Extension.htm.
New faculty receive “An Overview of the Tenure Process” (www.secfac.wisc.edu/newfac/tenure/Overview.htm) and specific information about stopping the tenure clock (http://www.secfac.wisc.edu/newfac/tenure/Extension.htm) at our new faculty welcome and at workshops on the tenure process. Workshop materials and the University Committee’s “Checklist for Submitting Leave of Absence and Tenure Clock Extension Requests” (http://www.secfac.wisc.edu/univcomm/RuleWaivers.pdf) are posted on the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty’s website.
Department chairs and faculty mentors should be sure that untenured faculty members are familiar with these policies. Indeed, all members of the faculty should be aware of how important these policies are for attracting new faculty to this campus and providing them with the best possible opportunity for success.
If you have further questions about these policies, you should feel free to contact:
Laurie Beth Clark
Vice Provost for Faculty and Staff Programs
lbclark@wisc.edu
Phone: 262-5246
David Musolf
Secretary of the Faculty
musolf@bascom.wisc.edu
Phone: 262-3956
xc: Deans
Laurie Beth Clark, Vice Provost for Faculty and Staff Programs
David Musolf, Secretary of the Faculty
Carla Raatz, Director, Office of Human Resources
Luis Piņero, Director, Office for Equity and Diversity
Lindsey Stoddard Cameron, Coordinator of New Faculty Services, Office of the
Secretary of the Faculty