CHAPTER 7 • TENURE 77time to resurrect those outside interests that
were sacrificed for the faculty position. Join a
health club or enroll in an evening class.
Outside activities can be deeply rewarding
and enhance self-confidence.Look before Leaping
The candidate denied tenure is entitled to
a terminal contract following the decision,
barring extenuating circumstances such as
gross unethical conduct. A quick departure
may be possible if a new position awaits.
However, if there was no time (or perceived
need) for job searching prior to the decision,
the terminal contract can provide twelve to
eighteen months to find another. Some great
academic positions open up in the spring
and summer, but this job market typically
peaks in autumn. Thus, the spring semester
can be spent preparing for the upcoming
application cycle.
Every academic department has a unique
character, so it is advisable to carefully
research a new academic position to avoid a
similar tenure situation down the road.
Before responding to an advertisement, check
out the department’s web site to get a sense
of the faculty’s interests and activities. Then,
prepare an application that highlights your
special strengths and matches the needs of
that department. Once an interview has beenarranged, formulate a set of questions to
probe the environment of the department
such as: What is its goal? What kind of infra-
structure is available to support teaching
and/or research activities? What is the tenure
success rate of junior faculty? During your
visit ask each faculty member these questions
and look for similar answers.Do not assume that a denial of tenure will
be viewed unfavorably by another institu-
tion. Every institution has unique tenure
requirements, and many are delighted to
identify a faculty candidate with proven
teaching and/or research skills.Consider other Options
If academia is no longer attractive, take
this time — the terminal contract year — to
explore new avenues. In many respects, a
negative tenure decision provides opportuni-
ties for greater professional freedom than at
any other time of your career. If you allow it,
the world can truly be your oyster. ■Do not assume that a denial
of tenure will be viewed
unfavorably by another
institution.THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY