Options for Job Security

We strongly encourage review of all academic staff members for determination of whether longer-term appointments are appropriate. See below for description of different types of appointments for increased job security.

*For Academic staff members with at least seven years of service you must review the academic staff member to determine whether additional job security should be provided.*

1. Rolling Horizon

Rolling horizon appointments are fixed term appointments that are extended daily for the term specified in the letter of appointment. The term may be for one or more years. These appointments are appropriate to recognize the more than satisfactory contributions of academic staff members whose activities are integral to the department or unit's mission. The term of a rolling horizon appointment may be increased or decreased at any time. You may wish to initially grant a rolling horizon appointment of one or two years, increasing the term to three years after additional time has passed. A rolling horizon appointment may be changed to a different type of fixed term renewable appointment upon written notice to the employee; see ASPP 2.01(1)(b). An employee with a rolling horizon appointment, regardless of the term, is entitled to 6 months notice of non-renewal for funding loss.

If funding considerations, such as the uncertainties of soft money, prevent use of rolling horizon appointments, we encourage you to use a multiple year contract that coincides with the term of the funding grant(s). For individuals on hard money, we encourage you to seriously consider the granting of a rolling horizon appointment for two or three years.

2. Multiple Year Contracts

Multiple year contracts are appointments for more than one year which, when they end, become annual fixed term appointments. The term of the appointment can be made for the duration of the funding source. This type of appointment can reward academic staff members who are supported on soft money which cannot support a rolling horizon or indefinite appointment, but whose performance level merits use of a longer-term appointment.

3. Indefinite

Indefinite appointments recognize academic staff for outstanding performance and importance to the continuing mission of the unit. This appointment can be used only where the dean can assure long term funding. These appointments are appropriate for academic staff members who have shown evidence of consistent excellence in performance and professional growth and where fiscal resources exist to make a commitment to them. An indefinite appointment can be ended for cause under ASPP 6 or for reasons of budget or program under ASPP 5. The minimum layoff notice for reasons of budget or program is 24 months. A review process exists for award of indefinite appointments, including review by an Area Review Committee and approval of the dean. See ASPP 2.01(3) and the criteria/guidelines from the relevant Area Review Committees, available from CALS HR.