While tenure allows established scholars to navigate uncharted waters and cross disciplinary boundaries, young scholars still feel that they pay a price for working on the edge of their disciplines. Faculty must obtain tenure in order to gain the freedom to pursue innovative research, yet ironically, the process of acquiring tenure may constrain talented scholars to normative modes of scholarship and pursuits within established paradigms. If the essential value of tenure lies in providing a secure environment for the development of new knowledge and innovation, then our review processes must adapt to changes in scholarship.
Amen! Looks like today I am merely saying amen to posts!!! Read Sylvia Hurtado's essay, and other related essays, in the latest issue of Academe--which is from the AAUP.
Tenure is wonderful, and ought to be protected. But, the process for review for tenure and post-tenure are horribly outmoded. It is way past time for an overhaul.
No comments:
Post a Comment