This overview of the promotion and/or tenure review process for faculty is intended to supplement requirements found in the UW Faculty Code Section 24-54, Faculty Code Section 25-41, and UW Executive Order V. If there is a conflict between this guidance and either the Faculty Code or Executive Order, the provisions of the Faculty Code or Executive Order govern.
Mandatory Reviews
Titles/ranks requiring mandatory reviews include:
- Assistant professors (tenure-eligible, WOT, research, clinical-dental pathway, APL)
- Associate professor tenure track
- Professor tenure track
All mandatory reviews must be forwarded to the provost, regardless of the recommendation, for final determination.
The mandatory review occurs in the sixth year for assistant professors and the fifth year for associate professor tenure track and professor tenure track, unless the promotion/tenure clock has been extended by the Provost with one or more clock waivers. For this purpose, “year” begins on December 17 for faculty in 9-month appointments and January 2 for 12-month appointments. For example, 9-month assistant professors starting December 17, 2019 through December 16, 2020 have their mandatory review in AY2025-26.
Non-Mandatory Reviews
Non-mandatory reviews should be conducted in the following circumstances:
- Promotions to associate professor (tenured, WOT, research, clinical-dental pathway, APL) prior to the mandatory review year
- Promotions to associate professor (teaching, clinical practice)
- Recommendations for an award of tenure only to an individual appointed in the WOT track
- Associate professor tenure track or professor tenure track prior to the mandatory review year
- Promotions to professor (all tracks: tenured, WOT, research, teaching, clinical practice, clinical-dental pathway)
- Promotions to senior artist in residence
Voting Eligibility
The University of Washington Faculty Code outlines faculty voting eligibility and procedures, including roles that can vote and exceptions by track. Votes require a majority of eligible members, and certain actions may be delegated to committees. Faculty on leave are generally ineligible to vote. Specific guidelines are detailed in the Faculty Code, and Academic HR maintains records.
Voting Matrix
The University of Washington Faculty Code outlines voting member eligibility and specifies requirements for effective voting, which depend on the type of action.
Learn more on the Voting Matrix page.