Tenuring - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

academic employment

Tenuring refers to the process by which a permanent job position is granted to an academic, typically after a probationary period. Once tenured, a professor gains job security and protection from arbitrary dismissal, allowing for greater academic freedom. The process generally involves rigorous evaluation based on research, teaching effectiveness, and service to the institution. Achieving tenure is a significant milestone in an academic career and is often accompanied by a promotion. This system supports tenure-track faculty in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation without the fear of losing their positions.

Synonyms

appointment, job security, permanence.

Examples of usage

She achieved tenuring after five years of hard work.
The university's tenuring process is highly competitive.
Tenuring provides job security for professor positions.
Many professors aspire to tenuring to ensure academic freedom.

Interesting Facts

Education

In many colleges, the tenure process can take several years, including probation where faculty are evaluated.
Gaining tenure often provides professors with academic freedom to teach and research controversial topics.
About 20% of all faculty positions in higher education are tenured, as it has become less common in recent years.

Cultural Impact

Tenured professors often hold significant influence in shaping academic policies and curriculum.
Critics of tenure argue it can lead to complacency and a lack of accountability in teaching.
Supporters believe tenure is essential for protecting academic freedom and innovation.

Legal Aspects

In the U.S., there are specific legal protections for tenured faculty that make it difficult to terminate their employment.
The tenure process typically involves peer reviews and assessments by institutional committees to ensure quality.

Global Perspectives

In countries like Germany and France, the tenure system varies and is often influenced by government policies on education.
Some nations have alternatives to tenure that focus more on contracts and performance evaluations rather than perpetual security.

Origin of 'tenuring'

Main points about word origin

The term 'tenure' comes from the Latin 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'.
First used in English around the late 14th century, it originally referred to the holding of land or property.
In academic contexts, it began to refer specifically to job security for faculty in the early 20th century.

The term 'tenure' has its origins in the Middle English word 'tenour,' which was derived from the Latin word 'tenere,' meaning 'to hold.' Initially used in legal contexts to denote the holding of property or position, the term evolved over time to encapsulate the concept of job security within academic institutions. By the late 19th century, universities began to formalize the tenure system to protect faculty members and promote academic freedom. This shift was influenced by the growing belief that scholars should be free to pursue knowledge without fear of retribution or job loss. The tenuring process thus became an essential feature of higher education, ensuring that educators could explore, teach, and contribute to their fields without external pressures.

Tenuring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations