Tenure Clock & Modified Duties Utilization Survey

Tenure Clock & Modified Duties Utilization Survey Jean A. Waltman, Ph.D. Center for the Education of Women University of Michigan

UM Work/Life Policies • Tenure Clock policy enacted in 1990 • Modified Duties policy enacted in 1991

The Good Newsfrom CEW’s 2002 Survey • The majority of women who used them believes the policies had positive career impacts Tenure Clock 53% Modified Duties 58%

“The year off the clock allowed me to spend time with my baby without worrying that I was going to be so far behind that tenure would be unreachable. It was still difficult to balance work and family obligations, but it sure helped to have the clock stopped. I can’t imagine how women did it before.”

“I cannot yet fully assess the effect the policy has had on my career, but I cherish the [MD] policy’s symbolic as well as practical benefit for integrating a demanding professional life with being a fit parent.”

Why policies are NOT used

“… my chair had no clue about the policy and never offered it as an option…. I really think that chairs have to be told about this option and be told that it is incumbent on them to provide realistic modified duties, and they should be evaluated on their compliance with it.”

“I was afraid to use any stop-clock policy for fear that I would end up not getting tenure. I view my tenure as a very valuable thing… and I was too old for children by the time my tenure came through.”

Birth Patterns

The Next Wave • Stopping the tenure clock more than once • Stopping the tenure clock for more kinds of caregiving • Extending modified duties to adoptive and non-biological parents • Extending modified duties to men faculty • Offering reduced appointments

Status of Other Work-Family Policies at UM • Dual career office • Day care centers & child/elder care

Tenure Clock & Modified Duties Utilization Survey