Don’t abolish tenure at state’s public universities

Dear Senator Brad Zaun,

You have introduced legislation that would abolish tenure at Iowa public universities (Fairfield Ledger, January 31, 2019). If passed, this legislation would lower the quality of education at the state universities. Tenure track positions attract top professors and increases the quality of teaching as tenured professors have the time and resources to stay abreast of developments in their field and new teaching practices.

Professors are hired for either adjunct or tenured track positions. Adjunct professors not on a tenure track commonly have specified length contracts, fewer benefits, and fewer expectations regarding administrative service, graduate advising, and publishing. With short-term contracts and low wages, they spend vast amounts of time working multiple jobs rather than being innovative in teaching and research.

The tenure track is a six- to seven-year probationary period and does not guarantee tenure, whereas in the corporate world a 90-day probation length is common. During this time there are frequent evaluations based on classroom teaching; mentoring and advising students; original research; participation and leadership in professional organizations, and leadership in department and college administrative areas.

Near the end of this probationary period, the tenured track professor submits a comprehensive packet of everything they have done to meet tenure requirements. A thorough vetting process takes place both inside and outside the university, using experts in the candidate's field. Unsuccessful candidates do not receive a new contract. Thus, tenure is based on performance. Additionally, tenured professors are subject to regular reviews, and may be terminated for not complying with the terms of their employment, including poor job performance.

Tenured professors have academic freedom. If an adjunct professor publishes an article that supplants a belief of a politically connected individual or a large university donor, pressure can be applied to not renew their contract. The tenured professor is far less likely to have this happen. Academic freedom does not mean the tenured professor has a free pass for slander and libel.

In the corporate world, an unemployed professional can go anywhere at any time and apply for a position in their field. Job security is particularity important to people in academics. Universities have a hiring cycle that is basically the same for every institution. Open positions are posted in the fall, interviews and negotiations are conducted in winter or spring, and employment begins the following fall. If a professor is denied tenure (usually in spring), it can be months before open positions are posted in fall, another four months to get a job offer and negotiate a contract, and another six months before starting. In this example, termination can easily result in a year of unemployment.

State universities in Iowa will be at a tremendous disadvantage hiring top professors without the tenure track process, and Iowa will lose its legacy as a state that values higher education. Please withdraw your bill to abolish tenure at Iowa public Universities.

Thank you.