Section 3: Faculty Contracts, Ranks, Search Procedures, and Benefits
3.16 Nonreappointment (Notice, Reasons, Appeal)
The University is guided by the AAUP “Standards for Notice of Nonreappointment” of tenure-track faculty. Policy concerning notice of nonreappointment is set forth in the following statement (1940, revised 1964 and 1990) from American Association of University Professors Policy Documents and Reports (9th edition):
1. Not later than March 1 of the first academic year of service, if the appointment expires at the end of that year; or, if a one-year appointment terminates during an academic year, at least three months in advance of its termination.
2. Not later than December 15 of the second academic year of service, if the appointment expires at the end of that year; or, if an initial two-year appointment terminates during an academic year, at least six months in advance of its termination.
3. At least twelve months before the expiration of an appointment after two or more years in the institution.
3.16.1 Notice of Nonreappointment For any tenure-track faculty member, even one in the first academic year of service, who is not to be reappointed (other than in instances of dismissal for cause or of a faculty member's failure to fulfill the terms of a conditional contract), the University notifies that faculty member of the nonreappointment decision before May 15 of the decision year and offers a full terminal-year appointment for the ensuing academic year. Notification of nonreappointment is conveyed in a letter from the Dean. The letter states the reason(s) for the termination, with reference to specific performance shortcomings. Appeal of the nonreappointment decision of the Dean may be made, in writing, to the President, whose decision is final. Faculty on limited term appointments (see §3.1.4) may assume termination at the end of the specified term, regardless of performance. Reappointment may be offered by the University as needs may dictate, with as much notice as can conveniently be given.
3.16.2 Layoff (Program Redirection, Whole or Part; Financial and/or Enrollment Emergency; Financial Exigency) When financial exigency, institutional restructuring, or the discontinuance of a program eliminates the need for a full-time position held by a tenured faculty member, that faculty member will be offered re-employment if that full-time position is reinstated within three years. Tenure, however, terminates when, due to bona fide financial exigency or the discontinuance or reduction of an academic program or department, a position becomes unnecessary.