Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

December 1997

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine if differences exist between tenured faculty members perceptions about what actually occurs during the post-tenure review process and what they believe should occur in the twelve community colleges in the Tennessee Board of Regents System. This study presents the status of higher education tenure from a historical and legal basis nationally and in Tennessee. The study also presents various models of faculty evaluation and post-tenure review practices in higher education nationwide, as well as in Tennessee. The data in this study are analyzed through descriptive statistics and presented the demographic data including campus location, age, years of teaching experience, ethnicity, highest degree obtained, faculty rank, and gender. Further demographic data analysis, ANOVA and t-tests, finds no significant differences among tenured faculty concerning the post-tenure review process. The review of literature and data presented in this study implies that post-tenure review is most accepted when administrators effectively communicate the purpose of post-tenure review, routinely provide an orientation to the process, generally familiarize themselves with the concerns and perceptions of those undergoing the post-tenure review, and clearly ensure that the concept of academic freedom is not undermined.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

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