Ph.D. students, try to avoid these states if you would like to get a tenure!

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No Ph.D. students would study for more than 5 years and invest a large sum of money to just be part-time instructors. Most doctoral degree awardees would like to have tenure or at least in tenure-track positions. However, more and more states and universities are proposing bills, rules, and policy changes that threaten tenure with the goal of increasing productivity, reducing operational costs, etc.

 

First, let’s have a look at the list of states that proposed a bill to abolish tenure: South Carolina, Iowa, Hawaii and Texas. You can click the link to learn more about each bill and rule.

Given that doctoral degree holders usually apply for faculty/researcher/instructor positions outside of their institutions, I believe it’s ok to study in the following states to receive the doctoral degree. It’s just that you may want to avoid applying to public universities and colleges in these states.

A list of states that proposed a bill to abolish tenure

• South Carolina: A bill to abolish tenure for new hires in the state’s public universities was proposed and withdrawn. However, it is said that a similar bill will be reintroduced next year.
  • https://www.highereddive.com/news/south-carolina-lawmakers-propose-ending-tenure-at-states-public-colleges/610483/
• Iowa: A bill to abolish tenure at Iowa State University and the universities of Iowa and Northern Iowa.
  • https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89&ba=HF49
• Hawaii: newly hired faculty who only research not teach would no longer be eligible for tenure.
  • https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3269&year=2022
• Texas: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick proposed a new rule to end tenure for newly hired and existing faculty if they teach Critical Race Theory
  • https://www.chronicle.com/article/a-naked-attack-texas-lieutenant-governor-pledges-to-end-tenure-for-all-new-hires

There are also several states where faculties would be subject to undergo a performance review. Underperformance could have consequences such as a salary cut and/or dismissal without a formal dismissal hearing. I would not make a blanket statement to avoid applying to colleges and universities that are located in the following states as there would be no issues as long as the faculty performs to some degree. However, it will be a good practice to have a closer look at their changed tenure-related policy/rule.

A list of states that will adopt performance reviews even for tenure track faculty

• Florida: A bill that requires tenured faculty at public universities to undergo performance review every five years has been passed.
  • https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/7044
• Missouri: The University of Missouri System (Mizzou) announced a new rule that could cut the faculty’s salary by 25%
  • https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/rules/collected_rules/personnel/ch320/320.030_delegation_of_authority
• George: The University of System of Georgia changed a policy that would fire tenured faculty who perform underproductive and do not sufficiently contribute to student success without the usual dismissal hearing before a committee.
  • https://www.usg.edu/regents/assets/regents/documents/board_meetings/Agenda_2021_10_12-13.pdf

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