Policy variables that can help maintain tenure ratios at reasonable levels are listed: increase faculty selectivity; award instant tenure sparingly; minimize credit for service elsewhere; lengthen probationary period; keep some on contract basis; appoint some outside tenure track; evaluate the tenured; separate decisions on promotion and tenure;…

Based on information gathered in a survey of senior academic administrators and from in-depth, on-site interviews with faculty, staff, and trustees on campuses across the United States, the successes and failures of principal academic personnel--traditional tenure, tenure with modifications, and nontenure term-contract systems--are described.…