The Tenure & Promotion Processes

The Faculty Handbook contains information on the standards for, and timelines associated with Boston University’s tenure and promotion processes. Faculty can achieve tenure and promotion to further advance their career and standing at the University by demonstrating excellence in research, teaching, and service. Below you’ll find information for assembling and submitting materials for tenure and promotion.

Assistant to Associate Professor (School of Law Associate to Full)

Tenure-track faculty are reviewed for tenure according to the provisions of their appointment letters and the Faculty Handbook.

This process also applies to promotions for non-tenure track assistant professors.

Quick Links

Click on the link below for instructions for assembling and submitting the required materials for tenure and promotion.

Learn more about the tenure process.

Associate to Full Professor (excluding School of Law)

Faculty can choose to apply for promotion from associate to full professor by following the guidelines and standards outlined in the Faculty Handbook. For associate professors in the School of Law, please see the above information for promotion. This process also applies to non-tenure track associate professors seeking promotion to full professor.

Quick Links

Click on the link below for instructions for assembling and submitting the required materials.

Learn more about the promotion process.

Promotion for Clinical Faculty

Clinical faculty primarily provide undergraduate and graduate teaching, practical instruction, and are experts in the application of practical knowledge, while maintaining a strong record of scholarly or creative work appropriate for their field of practical expertise. While not eligible for tenure, clinical faculty are eligible for promotion. Click on the link below for instructions on assembling and submitting the required materials.

Learn more about promotion for Clinical faculty.

Promotion for Of the Practice Faculty

Associate Professors of the Practice and Professors of the Practice are distinguished practitioners who primarily provide undergraduate and graduate teaching, service and mentoring, informed by their experience as working professionals in the fields from which they have been recruited to join the University. While not eligible for tenure, of the practice faculty are eligible for promotion. Click on the link below for instructions on assembling and submitting the required materials.

Learn more about promotion for Of the Practice faculty.

Promotion for Research Faculty

Research faculty primarily work for the University on research supported by external grants and contracts. While not eligible for tenure, research faculty are eligible for promotion. Click on the link below for instructions on assembling and submitting the required materials.

Learn more about promotion for Research faculty.

Change of Title/Change of Status

The change of title/status form is to be used by faculty who are recommended for a rank change, a title change or change of status as outlined in the Faculty Handbook. See the paperwork requirements below: