Why It Might Become Harder For Florida College System Professors To Earn Tenure

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Faculty at Brevard Community College and 27 other community colleges may be impacted by proposed changes to the way continuing contracts are awarded.

State education leaders are holding a workshop this afternoon on hiring requirements at state colleges

The State Board of Education wants to update the process of issuing continuing contracts — the community college version of tenure — and align the rule with Florida statutes.

The Florida Department of Education is taking public input on the community college system proposal.

Under the proposed rules, full-time faculty would have to meet theses requirements to be eligible for continuing contracts:

• They must have completed five years of satisfactory service in the same college.
• They need the recommendation of the president and approval by the board.
• They must comply with criteria including continuing professional development, subject matter knowledge, feedback from students, and service to community.

The proposals suggest tougher standards may be on the way for faculty seeking tenure at the state’s 28 community colleges.

Public input is being heard this afternoon at Seminole State College in Heathrow.

No decision is expected by the State Board of Education on the proposed rule until early next year.