As you likely know, VCU is seeking feedback on updates to our post-tenure review policy. I encourage everyone to take part in the open comment period, which is underway. Please visit the post tenure review policy webpage to learn more and be sure to share your thoughts by the April 24 deadline.
This topic has raised strong feelings among some faculty — in part because of disagreement with aspects of the proposal, and in part because of misinformation about what is being proposed.
That is why it is important to share what this policy is, what it is not, and how your input can help strengthen it. Here are four things to know about post-tenure review:
First, this is not the elimination of tenure or academic freedom. Tenure and academic freedom are essential to VCU. They are central to our success in teaching, research and service, and to the impact we have on our students, patients and communities. That will not change: tenure and academic freedom must be protected.
Second, VCU already has a post-tenure review policy. VCU has had a post-tenure review policy since 1997, as have all other public Virginia institutions. What is being discussed now is an update to a policy that has not been revised in 13 years. The goal is to better align VCU with other public R1 universities and ensure we have a modern framework that supports faculty development while protecting the important principles of tenure and academic freedom.
Third, the proposed policy would make the review process clearer, faster and more defined. It would change what triggers post-tenure review, shorten the maximum length of the improvement plan from two years to one, and require that the plan include clear, measurable and achievable goals for the faculty member. It would also establish a more defined timeline for review and clarify who determines whether the improvement plan has been successfully completed. There are two milestones in the process at which a faculty member can appeal, and there is the opportunity at each step of the process for the faculty member to provide a response. In short, the goal is a process that is more current, more consistent and clear, and easier to understand.
Fourth, this policy draft has already changed significantly because of faculty input, and it can be strengthened with further feedback. Based on feedback from the Faculty Senate in early March, the draft of the post tenure review policy was significantly revised, with more than 60% of the policy changed. That matters because it shows this process is not closed. Feedback has informed the policy to date, and responses from the open comment period will result in additional revisions. I strongly encourage you to read the proposed policy and share your input during the open comment period, which began on April 6 and ends on April 24.
Thank you for your dedication to VCU and for participating in this process. Your voice matters, and it will help make this policy stronger.
Thank you,
Art
Art Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Virginia Commonwealth University
Before the April 24 deadline: Four things to know about post-tenure review
Dear colleagues:
As you likely know, VCU is seeking feedback on updates to our post-tenure review policy. I encourage everyone to take part in the open comment period, which is underway. Please visit the post tenure review policy webpage to learn more and be sure to share your thoughts by the April 24 deadline.
This topic has raised strong feelings among some faculty — in part because of disagreement with aspects of the proposal, and in part because of misinformation about what is being proposed.
That is why it is important to share what this policy is, what it is not, and how your input can help strengthen it. Here are four things to know about post-tenure review:
First, this is not the elimination of tenure or academic freedom. Tenure and academic freedom are essential to VCU. They are central to our success in teaching, research and service, and to the impact we have on our students, patients and communities. That will not change: tenure and academic freedom must be protected.
Second, VCU already has a post-tenure review policy. VCU has had a post-tenure review policy since 1997, as have all other public Virginia institutions. What is being discussed now is an update to a policy that has not been revised in 13 years. The goal is to better align VCU with other public R1 universities and ensure we have a modern framework that supports faculty development while protecting the important principles of tenure and academic freedom.
Third, the proposed policy would make the review process clearer, faster and more defined. It would change what triggers post-tenure review, shorten the maximum length of the improvement plan from two years to one, and require that the plan include clear, measurable and achievable goals for the faculty member. It would also establish a more defined timeline for review and clarify who determines whether the improvement plan has been successfully completed. There are two milestones in the process at which a faculty member can appeal, and there is the opportunity at each step of the process for the faculty member to provide a response. In short, the goal is a process that is more current, more consistent and clear, and easier to understand.
Fourth, this policy draft has already changed significantly because of faculty input, and it can be strengthened with further feedback. Based on feedback from the Faculty Senate in early March, the draft of the post tenure review policy was significantly revised, with more than 60% of the policy changed. That matters because it shows this process is not closed. Feedback has informed the policy to date, and responses from the open comment period will result in additional revisions. I strongly encourage you to read the proposed policy and share your input during the open comment period, which began on April 6 and ends on April 24.
Thank you for your dedication to VCU and for participating in this process. Your voice matters, and it will help make this policy stronger.
Thank you,
Art
Art Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A.
Categories Faculty Affairs, Provost, Provost MessagesInterim Executive Vice President and Provost
Virginia Commonwealth University
Tagged academic freedom, feedback, open comment period, policy updates, post tenure review, post tenure review policy, Spring 2026