A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Promotion and Tenure Process for Experiential Education Faculty

Objective: To understand the process of the promotion and tenure (P&T) as experienced by faculty members in experiential education (EE).

Methods: A quantitative survey of EE faculty at any academic rank investigated the general landscape of experiences in P&T. Phenomenological qualitative interviews with faculty who currently work in EE and who achieved promotion to full professor while working within EE provided additional context. Analysis was completed using a mixed-methods approach. Incomplete survey responses were excluded.

Results: Survey respondents indicated feeling different from other clinical faculty, particularly in the need to justify their work to the P&T committee (26/38; 68%). Respondents noted how challenging the P&T process was and perceived a lack of understanding of EE work among P&T committee members, chairs, and/or colleagues. In qualitative interviews, 3 themes emerged, which were characterizing a misunderstood role; navigating an unclear process with creativity and courage; and seeking outside-of-the-box mentoring.

Conclusion: Experiential education faculty may require specific guidance and a thoughtful approach in tailoring their dossier for the P&T process, especially in accounting for administrative work and other unique aspects of the role. To promote inclusivity and retention of EE faculty, greater understanding of the EE role is needed as it applies to guidelines for P&T. Furthermore, EE faculty and others with unique roles should receive guidance to meaningfully apply P&T guidelines in a manner that best represents their role.