Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB947

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/24
• Refer: 1/12/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Faculty tenure and probationary appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

The proposed legislation has significant implications for the governance and structural integrity of faculty appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions. By reestablishing the previous tenure provisions, the bill is seen as a step towards ensuring that faculty can perform their roles without the fear of arbitrary dismissal, as it mandates that tenured faculty can only be dismissed for just cause and following due procedure. This progression is viewed favorably by proponents who argue that it strengthens academic freedom and institutional integrity, fostering an environment conducive to teaching and research.

Summary

Assembly Bill 947 aims to restore provisions regarding faculty tenure and probationary appointments at institutions within the University of Wisconsin System, which were altered by the enactment of the 2015-17 biennial budget act (2015 Act 55). The bill revitalizes the ability of the Board of Regents to grant tenure appointments under certain conditions, emphasizing that ranked faculty members can obtain tenure for an unlimited period, upon affirmative recommendations from both the relevant chancellor and academic department, barring impermissible factors from influencing these decisions. The intent behind this bill is to enhance job security for faculty members, thereby reinforcing the stability of educational staff within the university system.

Contention

Despite the anticipated benefits, Assembly Bill 947 has faced scrutiny and opposition. Critics argue that restoration of these tenure provisions could inhibit necessary administrative flexibility in faculty management, particularly in times of budget cuts or program modifications. There are concerns that rigid tenure structures may lead to complacency among faculty members and limit the ability of institutions to adapt quickly to changing educational demands and financial constraints. The debate surrounding AB947 thus encapsulates a broader discussion about balancing academic freedom with institutional accountability and responsiveness.