Uses and abuses of tenure

The purposes of tenure are clear. The principle of tenure in an academic institution is widely accepted. Abuses and legal restrictions make it difficult to administer tenure so that it is equitable to both the institution and the scholar. Some problems could be alleviated by creating clear standards and practices for hiring, promotion, and dismissal; others could be lessened through more attention to definition and procedure. In some instances a change in the structure of the process itself may be necessary. A system combining tenure with periodic evaluation would be a viable alternative.