Academic Tenure: Perceptual Variations Among Tenured, Tenure-seeking and Non-tenure Faculty.

Abstract

Tenure is a hallmark of higher education, but its value and relevance is questioned. This study examined faculty perceptions of the value of tenured and non-tenured nursing faculty appointments. A descriptive correlational design using an anonymous survey was sent to members of the American Association of College of Nursing. Participants (N=542) from 44 states completed the survey. Significant differences in workload were found in teaching, administrative responsibilities, scholarship, and academic service. Compared to non-tenured faculty, tenured faculty had higher scores on Career Opportunities (p<0.001), lower Life Balance scores (p=0.001) and higher Academic Support scores (p=0.014). Non-tenured faculty were less likely to agree than tenured faculty that tenure improves quality of education (χ2=86.48, p<0.001) or is relevant to the modern university (χ2=75.20, p<0.001). Narrative responses revealed six themes about tenure. Faculty on both tracks questioned the value of tenure. Faculties in schools of nursing nationwide need to re-evaluate the purpose of tenure and the tenure criteria in light of each institution's unique mission and expectations to determine how they are meeting the needs of both academic institution and nursing faculty. Although the idea of tenure is institutional, implementation is initiated at the school level. Our study revealed naivete about tenure among nursing faculty at the school level.