IV.15 EXTENSIONS OF THE TENURE CLOCK

The maximum probationary period may be extended following the provisions in UWS 3.04(3) and FPP 7.04.  Extensions may be granted in periods of one or two semesters for academic appointments, or six months or one year for annual appointments.

Faculty requesting extensions of the tenure clock with respect to childbirth or adoption should submit a written request to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost with informational copies to the faculty member's department chair and Dean. Approval of the request for an extension of up to one year is presumed. The faculty member, department chair and Dean will be notified by the Provost of action taken. More than one request may be approved because of responsibilities with respect to childbirth or adoption where more than one birth or adoption occurs during the probationary period.

In the event that a tenure clock extension is requested for a birth or adoption that occurred within the twelve months preceding the probationary faculty member's UW-Madison employment date, the University Committee has determined that, to provide equal opportunity for all probationary faculty, the provisions should apply differentially based on the employment start date in order. That is, if the birth/adoption occurred in the six month period immediately prior to the employment date, an extension of up to twelve months may be requested and its approval presumed. Likewise, where the birth/adoption occurred in the seven to twelve month period immediately prior to the employment date, an extension of six months may be requested and its approval presumed.

Requests for extension of the tenure clock on the grounds of significant responsibilities with respect to elder or dependent care obligations, disability or chronic illness, or circumstances beyond the control of the faculty member, when those circumstances significantly impede the faculty member's progress toward achieving tenure, must be submitted to the Dean upon the recommendation of the departmental Executive Committee.   In the case of requests involving disability or chronic illness, campus guidelines require that the letter of request from the faculty member be accompanied by supporting documentation consisting of the faculty member's vita; a letter from the attending physician, psychologist or certified counselor; and a letter from the mentor committee supporting the request.  The Dean will then forward the requests to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the University Committee for approval. More than one request may be granted under this policy. The total length of time, however, for these requests cannot exceed one year.

Requests for extensions must be made before the beginning of the sixth year of the probationary period or before the beginning of the year preceding the notice year of a maximum probationary period, unless a birth, adoption, or unforeseen circumstances occur during that year.

When a leave of absence or extension of the probationary period is approved, the faculty member's contract is extended by the same period as the leave or extension.