Posttenure

Posttenure refers to the period in an academic career after tenure has been awarded. Tenure grants a permanent or quasi-permanent appointment and protection for academic freedom; posttenure describes the ongoing life cycle of a tenured faculty member rather than a separate status. In practice, posttenure includes continued expectations for research or creative work, teaching, and service to the institution, though with greater emphasis on sustained productivity rather than probationary milestones. Faculty remain subject to institutional policies on workload, evaluation, and professional conduct, and may participate in annual or periodic reviews.

Many institutions implement post-tenure review (PTR) to assess the ongoing performance of tenured faculty. PTR processes vary widely but generally involve self-evaluation, peer review, and consideration of scholarship, teaching effectiveness, and service. Outcomes can range from feedback and development plans to salary adjustments, changes in duties, or, in rare cases, remediation or reconsideration of tenure-related protections. PTR is debated: supporters argue it helps maintain standards and accountability; critics say it can undermine academic freedom and create administrative burden.

Posttenure experience also encompasses career development opportunities, such as leadership roles, sabbaticals, or administrative appointments, and, in some systems, market-based compensation adjustments linked to ongoing performance. The precise definition and policy framework for posttenure differ by country, university, and discipline, reflecting local norms about scholarship, teaching, and governance.

In sum, posttenure denotes the ongoing phase of an academic career after tenure, characterized by continued responsibility for scholarly work and public service within a framework that may or may not include formal post-tenure review.