Shifting Culture by Creating Synergy and Equity Through the Unification of Tenure Criteria

Abstract

Background: Tenure requirements within universities vary; however, most focus on excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship. Within our university, faculty with either research or clinical doctorates were on both tenure and clinical tracks, with reported marginalization from clinical track faculty. Method: A task force was convened in 2018 to develop a unified single track that included a single set of criteria for all College of Health Professions faculty to obtain tenure. The Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) Roadmap was used to guide the work of the task force. Result: The implementation of a single track has influenced discourse around previous notions regarding what is considered “tenure worthy” and has opened the door to contractual equity among faculty. Conclusion: Internal structures, such as implementation of a single track, can support cohesion and productivity that facilitates collaborations among faculty of all ranks and degree backgrounds, promoting a culture that continues to embrace intellectual discourse and unity. [ J Nurs Educ . 2022;61(8):455–459.]