Faculty Chat and RPT Resources

Promotion and tenure mark significant milestones in a faculty member’s academic career. Both processes promote the academic freedom of the faculty and help strengthen teaching, research and service at NC State.

Jacob Eapen, an associate professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering is one of the many tenured professors making their mark on campus. We spoke with Eapen to gain insight on promotion and tenure, navigating an in-depth process, and the personal and professional impact of these achievements.

What was your tenure process like? What did you learn about yourself through the process?

JE: The general directions for my research, teaching and professional service were guided by the academic tenure process. Of critical importance was the advice and annual feedback given by the faculty and the Head of the Department. The statement of mutual expectations was also a valuable reference checkpoint for me. In addition, I was fortunate to have helpful suggestions, constructive criticism and mentoring from senior faculty and the Department Head.

What advice do you have for faculty members seeking tenure?

JE: Some of the yardsticks for securing tenure are well-known, such as graduating one or two PhD students, publishing scientific work that is rigorous and influential, developing a good track record in teaching, and providing professional service that highlights leadership skills. Securing competitive grants is also a critical milestone; it allows for the growth and sustenance of a robust research group. Further, it is important to understand the general expectations of the faculty and the department.

What does it mean to you personally to be a tenured faculty member?

JE: Tenure helps the faculty to grow and express in ways that may not be possible without the academic protection that come with it. Tenure encourages independence, flexibility, and it provides an impetus for stepping outside of the comfort zone. More broadly, tenure allows the faculty to take principled positions on matters related to academia and beyond.

How has your scholarship, teaching, mentoring, or extension and engagement work changed since earning tenure?

JE: In the post-tenure period, there is an increased urgency to carve out a reputation of being an excellent teacher and a productive researcher. I am focusing on adding more depth to my research endeavors, and at the same time, more breadth to my teaching efforts.

Upcoming RPT Information Sessions

The Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost is offering general information sessions on the Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure process. The sessions will include details about the process, an overview of the website and a question and answer period. New tenure-track faculty, those who will soon be entering the RPT cycle, and anyone involved in the 2017-2018 RPT process are encouraged to attend. No registration or RSVP is needed to attend. Please familiarize yourself with the RPT website prior to the session and contact arjinnet@ncsu.edu if you have any questions.

General Information Sessions for Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty

• Wednesday, Feb. 22, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Main Campus, Daniels Hall, Room 434
• Friday, Mar. 24, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Centennial Campus, Engineering Building II, Room 1021

General Information Session for Non Tenure-Track Faculty

• This year the Provost’s Office is also offering a separate session devoted to the promotion process for non-tenure track (NTT) faculty with professorial rank. Interested NTT faculty, department heads and RPT department and college administrators are encouraged to attend.
• Thursday, Mar. 2 from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Williams Hall, Room 2215.

Learn more about how to successfully navigate the reappointment, promotion and tenure process.