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Tenure. A word that brings blank stares to students faces. Although tenure may seem to only affect professors, it relates to students in the quality of their overall education. The road toward the “secret society” for professors may emphasize research over teaching. At a university that advertises openness and personal relationships between students and faculty, working towards tenure may actually limit professors availability for students. When a professor signs up for a tenure track position, he or she should be aware that such a position requires certain commitments that can equate to 5 to 7 years of research (requirements depend on the professor’s entering experience). But students often do not know this. After all, they’re concerned with their own studies. Therefore, it’s a common misconception among students that all a professor does outside of the classroom is sit in the office and type away at the computer. Students often feel that professors should be available to them at all times. However, to ensure job security, tenure track professors must maintain certain amounts of research, which can be extremely time consuming depending on the department. Australia Tarter, associate professor of English, said she chose to become a full-time tenured professor rather than have children. Of the 392 full-time faculty members, 61 percent are tenured. Of those, 43.6 percent are male and 17 percent are female. Tarver said one main reason men outnumber women in tenured positions is because women must decide between family and career. But this is not a decision that affects only women. Men make sacrifices as well. Deciding between tenure and family is an unfair situation that no person should have to face. It requires prioritizing and balancing commitments. It’s a tough job. Students should be aware of the sacrifices professors make daily to ensure the overall quality of higher education. |
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