What is Tenure?

Tenure refers to a system in which an employee, typically a teacher or professor, is granted a permanent contract or employment status after a certain number of years of service. This means that the employee cannot be fired or terminated without just cause, and they have more job security than non-tenured employees.

In higher education, tenure is often granted to professors who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and service to their institution. The process of obtaining tenure typically involves a series of evaluations and reviews, and it can take several years to achieve. Once an employee has been granted tenure, they are considered a "tenured professor" and have greater job security and more opportunities for advancement within the institution.

Tenure is not limited to higher education, however. Some industries, such as journalism and law, also have a system of tenure that provides job security to employees who have demonstrated excellence in their field.