The Inquisition/Torture of the Tenure Track

Abstract

This autoethnographic narrative addresses the mental anguish and chaos that were the author’s constant companions during the year of waiting for the results of her tenure decision at a Research I university. Having chosen a non-traditional path to tenure, she found that autoethnography and critical pedagogy could be acceptable forms of scholarship despite their creating numerous questions and consternations on the part of all involved in the process. She uses autoethnography to make sense of the process of moving through self-questioning and doubt into a place of renewed and revitalized strength and belief in her Self and her writing. She concludes with further questions about the tenure and promotion process and the devastating effect it can produce on faculty who covet the assurance of a permanent position in a university.