To: Academic Deans; Department Chairs/School Directors
From: Donna K. Arnett
Subject: Tenure-Clock Extensions Related to Faculty Research
Date: April 21, 2025

As you know, university leadership is closely monitoring rapidly changing developments related to federal grant funding and working with partners to ensure that our outstanding faculty, staff, and students are able to continue their vital work. As we navigate this evolving landscape, I write to request your assistance in communicating to faculty the tenure-clock and post-tenure review extensions available at the University of South Carolina that may be employed in these circumstances.

ACAF 1.31 Extension of Faculty Tenure-Track Probationary Period and Scheduled Post-Tenure Review provides for a number of circumstances under which faculty may request an extension of the probationary period or post-tenure reviews, including relevant circumstances as approved through academic channels to the provost. Those faculty whose research has been affected by funding disruptions who wish to request review extensions should submit an extension request with a brief justification and accompanying documentation through the academic unit. A maximum of three extensions may be requested, including the automatic Covid extensions granted to all tenure-track faculty members with tenure-start dates of August 15, 2020, through January 1, 2021. All tenured faculty scheduled for post-tenure review from academic years 2021-2022 through 2025-2026 also received automatic review extensions during that time.

Please also reinforce to tenure and promotion committee chairs and faculty reviewers the university’s existing requirement that faculty members who have received tenure-clock and post-tenure review extensions may not be held to a higher standard in their reviews; these faculty members be evaluated as if they had been in rank for the traditional time in the probationary period or post-tenure review period.

The university is committed to ensuring that our faculty have the time and support needed for their academic success, and we will continue to assess how best to provide that support. Please remember that faculty with specific, time-sensitive questions related to funding changes should contact the Office of Research at vpr@mailbox.sc.edu. I’m grateful to you and to our faculty for the most important work you do, and I remain committed to advancing that work alongside you.

c: Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Dean of the Faculty