Task Force Finalizes New UW Tenure Policy

A University of Wisconsin System task force has finalized new tenure rules.

The Wisconsin State Journal reported Thursday that the task force wrapped up work Wednesday. The task force is expected to forward the policy to the Board of Regents’ education committee by February. The full board is expected to vote on the plan in March.

Under the new rules, faculty members could be laid off for financial reasons or if academic programs are discontinued. A faculty committee would consult with chancellors in both scenarios. Senior faculty would receive the most retention preference.

Tenure protections had been a part of state law until legislators eliminated the provisions in the 2015-17 state budget. The move gave the regents the power to redefine tenure.