Date of Award

Spring 2000

Document Type

Dissertation - Restricted

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Bogenschild, Erika G.

Second Advisor

Platz, Donald

Third Advisor

Cepelka, A. K.

Abstract

Tenure is a long-standing tradition in higher education. Though originally based on the concept of academic freedom, today it also strongly applies to 'Job security." Awarding of tenure to experienced members of a university faculty is usually based on merit in teaching and scholarly achievements among other things. Recent articles in several publications such as the Chronicle of Higher Education, the AAUP Bulletin, and books such as Pro/scam, read by both the professoriate as well as the general public in some cases, have raised the issue of how tenure awards are actually based. The phrase "publish or perish" has been used frequently in many articles. Since small colleges in the liberal arts tradition, often direct their efforts to undergraduate levels of education, teaching, rather than scholarly publication is often emphasized. This dissertation sought to provide information on how often tenure systems exist at the small college level as well as to provide a detailed study as to how tenure is awarded. Further, the role of teaching effectiveness in tenure decisions was studied. The paper's purpose was to provide data and analysis regarding tenure systems and tenure the process with respect to teaching effectiveness evaluation at the small independent liberal arts college.

Share

COinS

Restricted Access Item

Having trouble?