With a process like tenure, people tend to not know what it is or what it can mean for those going through the trials and tribulations of the process. Many people play a vital role in making the process as smooth as possible, from the professor under the spotlight to the supportive roles on the backend.  

Sean Finley, a graphic design instructor at SFCC, is almost finished with the tenure process, and reflects on the process’s role in being an instructor thus far.

“The tenure process is a very small part of the total experience for an instructor,” Finley said. “The part that was really helpful for me was being able to hear from other instructors who were going through the same stuff that I was.”

Although stressful at times, Finley recalls how the process as a whole has been a net positive for him.

“The stressful part is sort of having more experienced faculty in the classroom with you, judging you… but it’s not too stressful because I know that the outcome is good, no matter what”

Another important element to the tenure process are the academic deans, who make sure that the professors in their department get the help they need. Ashley Demoville, Interim Visual and Performing Arts Dean at SFCC, explains the help that the tenure committee strives for. 

“It is a very formative process geared towards serving the faculty in every aspect,” Demoville said. “A great deal of work and care goes into hiring our new faculty, to make sure we are supporting them and doing everything we can on the college side to help them be successful.”

This process also opens up to the student government, who accompany a professor during this process. 

ASG member Tayden Murlin talks about how the student government members can get appointed with a professor. 

“Essentially, if you don’t have any classes with the teacher or don’t have any connection with the teacher at all, then that’s perfect, so you have kind of an objective view,.” Murlin said.

• Tenured Faculty: Contract is renewed each year automatically.
• Annualized Faculty: Faculty member must reapply for their position each academic year.
• Adjunct Faculty: Are hired as needed on a class-by-class basis.