More than ten years ago now, LMU was one of the first universities in Germany to introduce so-called tenure-track professorships. Since then, the University has dedicated its tenure-track program to providing outstanding junior academics with an early perspective on an attractive career path leading to a permanent LMU professorship
Today, more than 200 researchers hold a tenure-track professorship at the University or have received tenure at LMU.
Junior academics are eligible to apply for a tenure-track professorship at LMU (see "How to apply"). Tenure-track professorships at the University are W2 positions, which are initially limited to a period of six years. All these professorships may be converted into permanent posts at a later stage. Successful tenure-track candidates are appointed to a professorship at LMU with all the corresponding rights and obligations. A tenure-track position at LMU is considered to be the equivalent of an Assistant Professorship (as compared to US universities such as UC Berkeley).
Successful completion of the tenure process (see. "Tenure process") leads to a permanent W2 professorship. These positions are comparable to the Associate Professorship (with tenure) offered at US universities.
LMU offers two possible ways to apply for a tenure-track professorship at the University:
Successful applicants for a tenure-track professorship are at liberty to negotiatate with LMU concerning the conditions of their appointment. These negotiations, for example, can determine the salary and the professorship's endowment.
In the course of this appointment process, candidates will also receive all the information they need concerning the tenure-track process itself.
In 2008 LMU compiled a performance criteria catalog. This is regularly reviewed and contains information concerning the criteria that affect the final decision to award tenure. In general, however, these criteria center around an evaluation of the candidate’s
In the process leading up to the granting of tenure, candidates are regularly informed of these criteria, and the necessary further steps. Specific questions concerning an individual's tenure track are also covered off in the process leading up to the candidate’s appointment.
Following a successful appointment, candidates hold their professorship post for a fixed-term of six-years. This officially represents the start of their tenure-track phase.
During their tenure-track phase, academics are expected to develop themselves and enhance their academic profile. This will ensure they successfully complete the tenure process. And LMU offers a number of dedicated services to help with just that:
The tenure process at LMU refers to the procedure which culminates in a decision to grant (or deny) tenure. Such a decision is based on a clear and transparent set of performance criteria.
The tenure process is initiated following the submission of an "application for tenure evaluation" by the candidate concerned. The earliest date at which candidates may receive tenure is three years after their appointment. Candidates should expect to receive a letter specifically informing them of this option during their tenure-track phase. The latest date at which candidates may apply for tenure evaluation is at the beginning of the fifth year of their tenure-track phase.
Following the candidate's "application for tenure evaluation," the faculty responsible establishes a Faculty Commission. Based on at least two external reviews, this Commission considers whether the relevant performance criteria have been met. The tenure application and faculty vote are then forwarded to a university-wide Tenure Commission, which delivers an opinion on the tenure process. The University Governing Board then makes a decision concerning the tenure application based on the recommendations of both commissions.
If approved, candidates are appointed to a permanent W2 professorship. In addition, from mid-2018, newly appointed tenure-track professors receive a salary increase (on a fixed-sum basis) when tenure is granted.
If tenure is denied, candidates are offered appropriate completion funding in order to provide sufficient time to find new employment.
Tenure evaluation: performance criteria
Research performance
Teaching Performance
Further performance indicators
Following the tenure decision and appointment to a tenured professorship, the candidate concerned receives a position comparable to that of the Associate Professor (with tenure) offered at US universities. From a planning perspective, there are 350 positions at LMU that have been reserved for such professorships on a long-term basis.
Tenured W2 professorships naturally encompass all the relevant rights and obligations. But LMU also offers additional support services which include — for example access to the Investment Fund. Associate Professors who demonstrate outstanding academic performance or take on additional responsibilities may also stand to receive a salary raise. Indeed, in exceptional cases of outstanding academic performance, a W2 professorship can also be turned into a W3 position. This is comparable to a the Full Professorship offered at US universities.
In response to its application for competitive funding from the Joint Federal and State Support Program for Junior Academics (WISNA), LMU has been awarded sufficient resources for the creation of 20 new tenure-track professorships. These new positions, which must be filled by May 31, 2023, will enable highly qualified junior academics to be recruited over the coming years.