How to prepare one's tenure or promotion dossier

Abstract

In earlier editorials, we have written about challenges academics face: generating research ideas, working with students, getting published, staying relevant to our various audiences, and finding a balance among our responsibilities. When going up for tenure or promotion, the academic has to put together all of these accomplishments in a dossier for review. This is a daunting task—everything the candidate has been working on over the last several years needs to be presented convincingly to the review committees at the candidate's institute. In this editorial, we present a detailed structure by which the candidate can present his/her tenure or promotion case in a complete, effective, and organized way. We also note the importance of understanding the specific requirements of the candidate's institute, so that appropriate adjustments and additions can be made.