process under which they were reviewed. We expect that Dr. Clay, with continued support of his School, will become an even more effective teacher and scholarly researcher over the course of his career; however, at the present time, he has not satisfied the criteria for early tenure as specified in the Faculty Handbook. This criteria specifically states, with emphasis ours:

Section 2.6.4 Early Tenure Decision: The initiation of any early tenure recommendation may be made by the faculty member before the full probationary period ends. If the decision is negative, the faculty member will be notified in writing, and this faculty member may not reapply for tenure until the full probationary period has been served. Generally, early tenure is intended primarily for faculty members who have held tenure at another institution and/or who have made significant contributions to their fields. Assistant Professors who have received prior years of service credit who are in their sixth year of their probation period (including prior service) are not considered as early tenure candidates. If those individuals do not receive tenure in their sixth year, they will not be eligible for further tenure consideration.

Additionally, Dr. Clay has not met the qualifications for Promotion to the Rank of Associate Professor, as required by the Faculty Handbook, Section 2.1.5.3, as follows, with emphasis ours:

2.1.5.3 Associate Professor: The minimum qualifications for appointment to the faculty in the rank of associate professor include the following:

• a.Possession of the earned doctoral degree or its equivalent.
• b.Evidence of professional achievement.
• c.Potential for further professional growth and achievement.
• d.Five years of full-time teaching experience in an institution accredited by one of the accrediting agencies recognized by the US Dept. of Education (or its equivalent as determined by the academic unit/division, the unit supervisor, the appropriate Dean, and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs).

Specific to item (d) above, Dr. Clay does not have the minimum five years of teaching experience expected prior to promotion to the rank of Associate Professor. Even in instances when a candidate may be successful for early tenure based upon his or her qualifications, the requisite minimum years of teaching are still applicable with respect to promotion.

The Committee recognizes that Dr. Clay performs many valuable services to the University. He has been willing to take on a variety of roles since his initial hire, and he is very eager to assist the University at every opportunity. Nonetheless, a willingness to serve, while admirable and appreciated, should not be construed as a substitute for the professional requirements set forth in the Faculty Handbook and which are reflective of standards across all universities.