For many academic faculty members, achieving tenure represents a significant milestone in their careers. However, the journey doesn't end there. Once you attain tenure, you'll face another crucial checkpoint in your academic journey – the post-tenure evaluation. In this blog post, we'll explore what post-tenure evaluation is, why it's important to be prepared for it, and what items you should have ready for your post-tenure dossier or portfolio.

What is Post-Tenure Evaluation for Academic Faculty?
Post-tenure evaluation, often referred to as PTE, is a process that occurs after a faculty member has been granted tenure. The primary purpose of PTE is to assess and ensure continued academic excellence, contributions to the institution, and professional growth of tenured faculty members. It's a formal review that typically occurs at regular intervals, such as every five years.

The post-tenure evaluation process varies from one institution to another, but it usually involves a comprehensive assessment of your performance in areas like teaching, research, service, and professional development. Its ultimate goal is to support and guide faculty members in their ongoing contributions to their academic communities.

Why Is It Important to Be Ready for Post-Tenure Evaluation?
Being well-prepared for your post-tenure evaluation is essential for several reasons:

• Professional Growth: PTE offers an opportunity for you to reflect on your achievements and set new goals for your academic career. It can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
• Accountability: PTE ensures that tenured faculty members continue to meet the high standards expected by their institutions. It helps maintain the integrity and reputation of the academic community.
• Institutional Support: A successful PTE demonstrates your commitment to your institution and its mission. It can lead to increased institutional support, resources, and opportunities.
• Job Security: While tenure provides job security, PTE ensures that faculty members continue to meet the institution's expectations. Failing to meet these expectations could result in corrective actions.

Items Faculty Should Prepare for Post-Tenure Evaluation
To navigate the post-tenure evaluation process smoothly, it's crucial to have a well-organized dossier or portfolio. Here's a list of items you should prepare:

1. Overview Document: Create an overview document that outlines the purpose and structure of your dossier or portfolio.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include your most current CV, highlighting your academic achievements and contributions.
3. Annual Assignments: Provide a record of your annual assignments for the five-year review period, demonstrating your responsibilities and contributions.
4. Sabbatical Report: If you took a sabbatical during the review period, include a final report detailing your sabbatical activities and their relevance to your academic goals.
5. Annual Evaluations: Include all annual evaluations for the five-year review period, ensuring they are complete and signed final versions.
6. Student Perceptions of Instruction: Include student evaluations of your teaching for all courses taught during the review period, including comments. This reflects your commitment to improving your teaching.
7. College Criteria: Address any college-specific criteria for the evaluation, even if they are marked as N/A.
8. Department Criteria: Similarly, include any department-specific criteria and standards.
9. Annual Evaluation Standards and Procedures: Provide the current approved Annual Evaluation Standards and Procedures (AESP) for your institution.

How Preparing a Digital Dossier Can Help
In today's digital age, preparing your post-tenure dossier or portfolio digitally can offer numerous advantages:

• Accessibility: Digital files are easily accessible and can be updated in real-time, ensuring that your dossier is always current.
• Organization: Digital platforms allow you to organize your materials efficiently, making it easier to locate specific documents during the evaluation process.
• Collaboration: You can collaborate with colleagues or mentors by sharing digital files and receiving feedback electronically.
• Security: Digital storage ensures the safety and backup of your important documents, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
• Efficiency: Digital portfolios can be easily customized for different evaluators or institutions, saving you time and effort.

Post-tenure evaluation is a critical phase in the career of academic faculty. Being prepared for it is essential for continued professional growth, accountability, and institutional support. By carefully compiling the necessary items and considering a digital approach, you can navigate the process with confidence and continue making valuable contributions to your academic community.