Tenure track

Tenure track model

In the tenure track model, academics are initially employed on a temporary basis but are immediately given a permanent professorship after a successful probationary phase. As a rule, the entire process lasts six years and is accompanied by two transparent evaluations.

In the first step, the appointment procedure, the University begins by issuing an international call for applications. In agreement with the respective faculty, the equipment, remuneration and performance requirements are negotiated with the prospective appointee on the basis of their teaching and research concept. The Tenure Board is informed of the corresponding performance requirements.

After three years, the faculty initiates an interim evaluation. The candidate is required to submit a self-evaluative report on the basis of the defined performance requirements. The report is reviewed by a faculty evaluation committee, the Tenure Board and the Rectorate. A decision on the continuation of employment is made on the basis of this evaluation. Family responsibilities, for example, are taken into account and included when negotiating individual options for extending the contract.

After a further three years, the faculty initiates the final evaluation. For this purpose, the faculty sets up an appointment committee which – in coordination with the Tenure Board – submits an assessment to the University Senate on the basis of the self-evaluative report. Following a favourable decision by the Senate, the Rectorate formally grants the respective candidate tenure, accompanied by an offer of salary and equipment, as well as a lifetime appointment.

In the event of a negative evaluation, the candidate is granted a bridging period of one year to seek other career opportunities.

Tenure track without assistant professorship

In addition to the traditional tenure-track appointment procedure, in which a W1-level (assistant) professor can secure a W2- or W3-level tenured professorship, the University of Münster also offers alternative models for transitioning to W2- or W3-level professorships.

Following five years of employment as a W2-level professor, candidates are granted tenure upon receiving a positive final evaluation. Thanks to consistent standards and quality criteria, this model lends efficiency to the process for experienced academics. The final evaluation serves as the basis for decisions on granting tenure.

All further rules concerning the model are based on the standard tenure track procedure with an assistant professorship, which guarantees transparent and structured conditions for planning one’s academic career. So-called “programme professorships” (externally funded professorships with obligatory award of lifetime tenure following positive external evaluation) are exempted from having defined performance requirements as provided by §3 of the Appointment Procedure Regulations, Part B.

Tenure Board

The central Tenure Board is the most important quality assurance instrument in the tenure track model at the University of Münster. This committee is responsible for guaranteeing transparent, fair and independent procedures and thus ensuring a high standard of performance. The Tenure Board is made up of professorial members from the 15 faculties who have extensive experience in research, teaching and self-administration.

Current members on the Tenure Board