What Happens When a Tenured Professor Moves to Another University?

When a tenured professor decides to change universities, it raises several questions about the hiring process and the tenure system. Is the professor required to go through the tenure process all over again? This article explores the complexities and nuances of this issue, drawing from various real-life scenarios and academic norms.

Is Re-Tenure Mandatory?

In many cases, when a tenured professor transitions from one university to another, they do not need to reapply for tenure. This practice is rooted in the understanding that the new institution values the professor's academic credentials and contributions sufficiently for them to be automatically tenured. For instance, at the University of California, Berkeley, we have previously hired a professor with tenure from another institution and granted them automatic tenure, avoiding a re-application process.

Why Tenured Professors Move

Professors often move between universities for various reasons, including professional opportunities, career advancements, or better university environments. Complacency and complacency in the current institution can be less of a factor, given the prestige and status involved in moving to a more prestigious institution.

One reason for such transitions is the allure of a higher-profile university, often associated with more resources, funding, and visibility. Frequently, a "star" in a particular field is lured away by another institution that may be more prestigious. Such transfers often come with attractive offers, including well-paying endowed chairs.

Hiring Processes and Negotiations

Decisions about hiring a tenured professor typically rest with the university that is doing the hiring. Whether a professor comes in with tenure or needs to apply for it upon arrival can be negotiated as part of the hiring process. If the professor is well-known and respected, they might impose conditions, such as being granted tenure "coming in the door."

However, universities often have internal policies limiting the number of tenured professors they can hire, reflecting their preference for promoting from within rather than hiring from outside. For example, the case of Nikole Hannah-Jones, who founded the "1619 Project," faced resistance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill when they initially declined to offer her tenure outright.

Compromising with Off-the-Clock Tenure

When a compromise is necessary, a common approach is to allow the professor to take a one-year leave of absence with the option to return if they are not granted tenure at the new institution. In such cases, the new university agrees to "accelerate the tenure clock," ensuring that a tenure decision is made before the leave expires.

Conclusion

While specific situations may vary, the general practice is to grant tenured professors from other institutions automatic tenure, provided they can demonstrate the same level of academic excellence and institutional impact. This policy not only streamlines the hiring process but also encourages the flow of talent between universities, enriching the academic landscape for all involved.