Graduate students in Chemistry, Math and Physics have organized two professional development workshops for the Spring 2015 term. The first of these workshops focused on the tenure process. Bryn Mawr’s own Professor of Math Lisa Traynor presented a revealing look at a process that can often seem obscure, even to graduate students training for academic careers.
Beginning with a brief history of the tenure system, Professor Traynor then carefully defined its many terms and explained in detail each of the steps leading up to becoming a professor with tenure. In addition, she also offered advice about balancing the various demands of a teaching career, research and departmental service and offered strategies for how best to stay on track throughout the reappointment process and on through tenure approval. Throughout, Professor Traynor entertained questions from the graduate students, maintaining the frank and open dialogue that is a hallmark of graduate education at Bryn Mawr.
Professor Traynor has been teaching at Bryn Mawr since 1993 and was promoted to Full Professor in 2006. She also serves on the Committee on Appointments at Bryn Mawr College and so was able to offer a look at the tenure process from the administrative side.