Are You on the Right Track? A New Approach to Faculty Status in the Changing Legal Environment

Abstract

In this article we address the institutional concerns that led to the creation of a unique approach to faculty security of position and academic freedom our institution. We provide a detailed look at our model, and how our faculty has responded after the first year of implementation. We implemented the changes at our School in the fall of 2013. In response to the cry for reform in legal education, our institution opted to rethink the traditional model of tenure and contract faculty. As we restructured our faculty, our goals were to encourage faculty members to enhance their strengths while remaining engaged in the culture of the institution. Also, we sought to promote equity across the different types of faculty members and provide what our students and institution needed to excel in the changing legal environment. After a year of research and feedback, we implemented a Track system to address the concerns raised by the faculty, administration, and legal community.