Tenure Practices in Christian Higher Education: Policies of Member Institutions in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities

This study identified tenure policies and practices among Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) member schools. A survey of CCCU member schools was conducted; 65 usable questionnaires were received. A response rate of 69% was achieved. Schools also provided portions of their faculty handbooks addressing tenure. The purpose of the study was to determine (a) what CCCU schools grant tenure, (b) why they grant tenure, (c) specific tenure policies and practices, (d) what CCCU schools do not grant tenure, (e) why they do not grant tenure, (f) retention policies used in place of tenure, and (g) how CCCU schools' tenure policies compare with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) guidelines. The data suggests that (a) the majority of CCCU schools (68%) grant tenure, (b) these schools represent nearly all religious affiliations within the CCCU, and (c) they are large in relation to CCCU schools that do not grant tenure. The predominant reasons given for granting tenure are protection of academic freedom, mutual commitment by institution and faculty, and recruiting / retaining quality faculty. The schools grant tenure based on teaching, scholarship, service, and the integration of faith and learning. Tenure success rates seem high. Thirty-two percent of the CCCU colleges and universities do not grant tenure. These schools are small in relation to CCCU schools that grant tenure. They represent nearly all religious affiliations within the CCCU. The predominant reason given for not granting tenure is tradition / institutional values. The majority of these schools use a gradated contract system while some use an eventual continuous contract system. The CCCU member schools' tenure policies are largely consistent with AAUP guidelines.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2005

Author dc:creator

• Harris, Norman Scott

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lumsden, D. Barry
• Lawson, Michael S.
• Newsom, Ronald W.

• College teachers -- Tenure.
• Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.
• Church colleges -- United States -- Administration.
• Church colleges -- United States -- Faculty.
• CCCU
• Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
• Christian higher education
• tenure policies
• retention policies

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Harris, Norman Scott
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 67710612
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4873/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4873

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4873