XVI. Renewal and Nonrenewal of Tenure-Track Appointments

A. Renewal and Nonrenewal of Tenure-Track Appointments. Columbia College Chicago is committed to renewing the Appointments of tenure-track faculty members whose teaching and teaching-related activity, scholarly or creative endeavor, and service to the College, profession, and community will contribute significantly to the College’s distinctive mission and academic vision. The renewal of Tenure-Track Appointments occurs only when such renewals are consistent with and appropriate to the College’s institutional policies, financial condition and prospects, and curricular needs. Consequently, the College has the utmost latitude, limited only by applicable law, Academic Freedom, and the procedures established by this Statement, in deciding on an annual basis whether or not to renew a faculty member’s Tenure-Track Appointment.

A decision not to renew such an Appointment for the forthcoming academic year may be based upon, among other things, the faculty member’s failure to demonstrate performance and/or accomplishments in one or more of the Evaluation Areas for Tenured Appointments that meet the standards and expectations reflected in the criteria for full-time faculty appointments. A decision not to renew a Tenure-Track Appointment may also be based upon reasons and circumstances that have little or nothing to do with the individual faculty member’s performance and accomplishments, including such matters as academic need, institutional policy and objectives, and financial condition and priorities.

Examples of possible reasons and circumstances leading to non-renewal of a faculty member’s Tenure-Track Appointment for causes other than performance and accomplishments may include but are not limited to:

(a) a change or contemplated change in the direction, objectives, or content of the curriculum of the College as a whole, or of a specific Department, Program, or School (collectively, an “Area of Academic Focus”);

(b) a decline in student enrollment in the College as a whole, or in an Area of Academic Focus; and,

(c) the inappropriateness, as determined at the sole discretion of the College, of further Tenure-Track or Tenured Appointments in the College as a whole or in an Area of Academic Focus.

B. Timing and Notice of Renewal or Nonrenewal. Upon the conclusion of each faculty member’s Tenure-Track Evaluation or Comprehensive Mid-Track Review, the College will decide whether or not to renew such faculty member’s Tenure-Track Appointment for the forthcoming academic year. Not later than the second Monday of December, the faculty member will receive written notice of the Provost's decision. A faculty member whose Tenure-Track Appointment is not renewed may challenge or seek review of that decision solely in accordance with Section XXII (Review of Nonrenewal, Denial of Tenure, or Termination of Faculty Appointments).