Tenure

Tenure is the status by which a person holds a particular office, position, or piece of property, and it is often linked to the duration or security of that hold. The term has its origins in feudal landholding but now covers several modern contexts, including employment, academia, public office, and land tenure.

In academia, tenure refers to a permanent or near-permanent faculty appointment granted after a probationary period and a rigorous review of teaching, research, and service. The aim is to protect academic freedom by shielding scholars from arbitrary dismissal, allowing them to pursue controversial or long-term research without fear of losing their job. The tenure process typically involves a multi-year evaluation, after which a successful candidate receives ongoing employment status; failure to grant tenure can lead to non-renewal after the probationary period, subject to due process.

Tenure of office describes the duration and security of holding a public or official position. Some roles are fixed-term, while others include protections that limit removal to specified causes and procedures. The precise rules depend on constitutional provisions, statutes, and organizational governance, and protections can vary by country and institution.

Property tenure concerns the legal relationship to land or property. Modern forms include freehold, which confers ownership for an indefinite period, and leasehold, which grants use of land or buildings for a defined term. In rental law, tenancy denotes the right to occupy premises under a lease or agreement, with conditions and security of occupancy that vary by jurisdiction.

Overall, tenure balances stability and accountability across careers and property, influencing employment practices, academic research, governance, and land rights.