Being Honest About Tenure in the United States: The Need for Tenure System Reform within Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

This paper examines whether the tenure system at the university level today is in need of reform. To answer this complex and highly charged question, the authors begin by first tracing the history of tenure, from its inception in Europe to its emergence in the United States. Next, the paper examines the significant role played by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) in defining tenure at the collegiate level today. The article then moves into an analysis of the current state of tenure through the review of key aspects of the university tenure process. The authors conclude with observations and suggestions for potential reform of the tenure system.