Policies of Academic Freedom and Tenure

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Approved by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina - May 14, 1976, effective June 11, 1976; revisions approved July 20, 1979, effective July 20, 1979; revisions approved May 10, 1982, effective July 1, 1982; revisions approved November 11, 1994, effective December 9, 1995; revisions approved January 2001, effective July 1, 2001; revisions approved August 2007, effective August 2007; revisions approved October 2009.

This document sets forth the official policy of The University of North Carolina at Wilmington regarding academic freedom, rights, and responsibilities, promotion, and tenure of its faculty. Fundamental in this policy are the concepts of academic freedom, rights, and responsibilities as stated in Chapter VI of the Code of The University of North Carolina. Equally fundamental is an explicit policy of promotion and tenure.

1. Freedom and responsibility in the university community
2. Academic freedom and responsibility of faculty
3. Academic tenure
4. Policies on appointment, promotion, and tenure
5. Mediation of faculty grievances
6. Nonreappointment hearings procedure
7. Faculty committee to hear grievances
8. Policies regarding cessation of university employment
9. Termination of faculty employment
10. Retirement
11. Policy on leave
12. Implementation

Section III. Academic Tenure

1. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is responsible for maintaining high standards of teaching and creative scholarly activities; therefore, it is essential that its faculty be composed of individuals with superior professional qualifications. The educational and scholarly quality of the institution depends primarily on its faculty. Therefore, a sound policy for defining, recognizing, and impartially rewarding excellence is necessary in furthering the purposes of the institution.
         Academic tenure as a means to these ends is fundamental. Not only does it guarantee the freedoms espoused in Sections I and II, but it also provides a degree of economic security to make the institution attractive to persons of high ability. A sound policy of academic tenure is indispensable to the success of the institution in fulfilling its obligations to its students and to society.
2. The tenure policies and regulations herein contained set forth the considerations upon which appointment, reappointment, promotion, and permanent tenure are to be recommended. These considerations shall include an assessment of at least the following: the faculty member's demonstrated professional competence, continued academic and professional growth, potential for future contribution, teaching effectiveness, and the institution's needs and resources.
3. Permanent tenure may be conferred only by action of the President and the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, or by such other agencies or officers as may be delegated such authority by the Board of Governors.
4. In all instances, the tenure conferred on a faculty member is held with reference to employment by The University of North Carolina at Wilmington rather than The University of North Carolina.