Promotion Policies

Promotion to assistant professor, associate professor, or professor (modified or unmodified) is made on the basis of meritorious performance as described in guidelines provided by individual schools. The University of Kansas Medical Center, at all times, seeks to attract, retain and reward the faculty members who consistently perform effectively as faculty member-scholars. In addition, we seek to recognize service that faculty members may contribute to the university, the community, the state and/or the nation through their clinical endeavors and research activities. Academic promotion is an important means of acknowledging this performance and service. It is awarded for achievement, not for the mere length of service or as an incentive to greater effort.

Tenure Policies

The awarding of tenure to a faculty member is the most critical point in the process of selection and reward for achievement that maintains and improves the quality of the faculty. The review of candidates for a tenured appointment, beginning at the department or unit level and moving through channels to the university level, must be careful, deliberate and searching if the standard of excellence of the University is to be attained and maintained.

Resources About Promotion and Tenure

• School of Health Professions Promotion and Tenure Policies and Procedures
• School of Medicine Promotion and Tenure Policies and Procedures
• School of Nursing Process and Criteria for Faculty Appointment, Promotion and Tenure (PDF)
• The Handbook for Faculty (PDF) contains important information related to tenure and tenure track appointments. Detailed information begins on page 47.
• Tenure Track Events Schedule (PDF)
• Tenure Clock Extension Form (PDF): The faculty member completes this form to request an extension of the tenure clock due to the birth or adoption of a child. The maximum extension of the tenure clock is two years to include either birth/adoption or extenuating circumstances.
  • COVID-19 Tenure Clock Extension FAQ (PDF)