March 31, 2025
An email was sent out regarding tenure clock extensions, including resources available to the campus community. To assist faculty in understanding the process, there is an Extending the Tenure Clock Policy, a tip sheet on extending the tenure clock and an assistant professor tenure clock guide.
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to take a moment to share an important resource that may be helpful as you navigate your path toward tenure - MSU’s Extending the Tenure Clock policy.
This policy is designed to support tenure system probationary faculty who encounter circumstances that may affect their ability to meet tenure expectations. There are two types of tenure clock extensions:
Faculty requesting an automatic extension for childbirth or adoption must notify their department chairperson, school director, or dean (for non-departmental colleges) in writing, including the child's name and birth/adoption date. Eligibility applies even if the birth/adoption occurred before joining MSU. Requests must be made within two years of the event and before the dossier submission deadline for the next reappointment, promotion, or tenure review.
We recognize that recent and evolving changes in federal research funding may be creating uncertainty and challenges for some faculty. These shifts can disrupt research plans, affect funding stability, and prompt the need to reconsider short- and long-term scholarly goals. If you find yourself impacted, please know that MSU’s Extending the Tenure Clock policy is available to support you during this time.
While we are closely monitoring developments at the federal level, the full scope and duration of their impact remain uncertain. As such, non-automatic tenure clock extension requests should continue to be submitted on an individual basis, grounded in each faculty member’s unique circumstances.
To assist faculty in understanding the tenure clock extension process, we encourage you to review the following resources:
Your chair, school director, or dean will be helpful to you as you consider whether to request an extension. In addition, your unit’s peer review committee or your mentor/mentoring committee can serve as a resource. These conversations can help you think through not only the immediate benefits of an extension but also how it may shape your longer-term progress toward tenure, including expectations for your next review. Thoughtful planning and open dialogue with your department or college leadership can help you navigate both the decision to request an extension and how best to sustain your momentum in the years ahead.
If you have any additional questions or would like to discuss your specific situation, my offices—the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs and the Office for Faculty and Staff Development—are here to provide guidance and support to ensure you have the resources and flexibility needed for success.
Best regards,
Teresa Mastin, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs
Michigan State University
March 27, 2025
An email was sent to share MSU’s Paid Family Sick Leave Policy for Faculty and Academic Staff for salaried faculty and academic staff to support family caregiving needs related to medical issues including but not limited to diagnosis, illness, treatment, and preventative care. This policy brings clarity and consistency to longstanding practices and aligns with the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), addressing an area of MSU’s leave policies that previously lacked clear definition.
Dear Faculty and Academic Staff,
We are pleased to share the formalization of MSU’s Paid Family Sick Leave Policy for Faculty and Academic Staff for salaried faculty and academic staff to support family caregiving needs related to medical issues including but not limited to diagnosis, illness, treatment, and preventative care. This policy brings clarity and consistency to longstanding practices and aligns with the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), addressing an area of MSU’s leave policies that previously lacked clear definition.
Throughout the policy development process, we engaged with key stakeholder groups, including the University Committee on Faculty Affairs (UCFA), the Academic Specialist Advisory Committee, and the Council of Faculty Affairs Deans. Their feedback was instrumental in shaping this policy.
Key Highlights
Recognizing that that faculty and academic staff have flexibility in their schedules, this policy establishes a designated bank of time for caregiving while maintaining that time-tracking is not required. However, individual units may implement their own procedures as needed.
To support support faculty and academic staff in understanding this new policy, we have developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource which provide details on key provisions and implementation.
Additionally, we are creating a Personal and Family Leave Summary, a comprehensive reference outlining all available leave options for personal and family-related circumstances.
We understand that taking time off—specifically for those with teaching responsibilities—can present challenges. To support instructional continuity, we are working with stakeholders to compile a resource document with effective strategies and practices from units across MSU and other universities.
We appreciate your dedication to your roles and your contributions to MSU’s academic community. If you have any questions about this policy, please reach out to the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs at (517) 353-5300 or FASAffairs@msu.edu.
Sincerely,
Teresa Mastin, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs
Michigan State University
March 17, 2025
The university recently finalized and implemented revised guidelines for assistant dean and associate dean positions, effective March 10, 2025. Informed by benchmarking and stakeholder feedback, these updates reflect a commitment to equity, consistency and flexibility across the institution while recognizing the unique needs of each college.
Some of the key changes include:
Resources have been developed to assist deans with this process, including a document titled, “MSU Guidelines – Position Differentiation for Associate and Assistant Deans,” which is available here. A Phase 2 project will focus on developing university-wide criteria and guidance for promotion to senior assistant dean. More details on the timeline for this initiative will be shared in the coming months.
Feb. 26, 2025
MSU is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment. The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President of Administration recently announced the introduction of the interim Policy on Protection from Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct. The new policy protects university community members from retaliation when they report concerns in good faith or participate in an investigation or review of misconduct. It complements, rather than replaces, existing university policies that prohibit retaliation.
See the full joint message that was sent out on Feb. 26, 2025, here.
Feb. 10, 2025
We are excited to announce changes to the policy formerly known as Course Fee Courtesy, beginning with the Fall 2025 semester. Key updates: the new policy name, Tuition Benefit Program, provides greater clarity and aligns with naming conventions used by peer institutions; the credit limit for the benefit has been increased to a maximum of 134 credits or until the first bachelor's degree is completed. elimination of the five-year waiting period for all full-time employees; updated language throughout.
Find the policy, which the Board of Trustees approved on Feb. 7, 2025, here.
Nov. 13, 2024
Beginning in summer 2025, MSU will match 10% of retirement contributions on summer salaries (earned between May 16 and Aug. 15) for benefit-eligible AY faculty and academic staff. Please find President Guskiewicz's announcement here.
Aug. 28, 2024
Key policy revisions for 2024-25 include the new policy on Faculty Rights and Responsibilities, the addition of a statement on Faculty Professional Integrity, the addition of Prohibition on Participation in Malign Foreign Talent Programs, the addition of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Pregnancy-Related Conditions for Students and Employees, and reference changes from OIE to ISR throughout.
Please find the entire 2024-25 policy update guide here.
Dec. 6, 2023
Teresa Mastin has been selected as MSU's next vice provost and associate vice president for faculty and academic staff affairs, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Oct. 26, 2023
Email from Interim Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs Ann Austin to call attention to the implementation of the changes in the Awarding Emeritum Status policy which replaced the prior Emeritus policy in June 2022. One of the primary changes was to how Emeritum status is granted. Previously, emeritus status was granted automatically. Emeritum status is now requested and reviewed through an approval process. Individuals seeking Emeritum status must complete the new Emeritum Request Form before or at the time of retirement.
Nov. 3, 2022
Email from Interim Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs Ann Austin to call attention to the policy for requesting an extension of the tenure system probationary appointment. The policy includes a number of reasons for automatic extensions.
Dec. 20, 2022
Email to Faculty and Academic Staff regarding Michigan State University's commitment to the value of inclusion and it has always been our policy to permit students, faculty and staff to observe holidays set aside by their chosen religious faiths. As we have furthered our commitment through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report and Plan, we are pleased to announce forthcoming revisions to the current Religious Observance Policy.