Probationary Period (Tenure Track)

At the Keck School of Medicine, the probationary period (that is, the maximum period of employment on the tenure track, if there are no extensions) is 8 years for basic scientists (with a mandatory tenure decision date at the end of 7 years), and 9 years for physician-scientists with clinical assignments (with a mandatory tenure decision date at the end of 8 years). The decision on the length of the probationary period for each faculty member is made at the time of hire based on the profile of activities and/or past experience in academic institutions.

As with all probationary appointments on the Tenure Track at USC, probationary appointments are annually renewable appointments for one year at a time. Continuation as a Tenure Track faculty member is contingent upon achievement of sufficient progress towards the receipt of tenure as recommended by department and/or school committees, chairs, and institute directors and decided by the Dean. Processes and procedures governing discontinuation of a Tenure Track appointment are as described in the UCAPT Manual and the Faculty Handbook. At the Keck School of Medicine, review and recommendations by appropriate faculty committees, consultation with the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, and decision of the Dean are required in addition to what is described in the UCAPT Manual and the Faculty Handbook. In addition to what is described in these documents, review and recommendations by appropriate faculty committees, consultation with the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, and decision of the Dean are also required at the Keck School. If a probationary faculty member’s appointment is not renewed, and that faculty member has been at USC for over one year, they are allowed one additional fiscal year after the date of notification of non-renewal before they must leave, as per the Faculty Handbook.