South Dakota Board of Regents Unveils New Post-Tenure Review Policy

The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) has adopted a new post-tenure review policy aimed at enhancing the quality of education and research among tenured faculty across the state’s public universities. This policy, which establishes a consistent five-year review cycle, is designed to uphold high standards in teaching, research, and service throughout a faculty member’s career.

According to BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes, “Our universities are home to exceptional faculty who are deeply committed to student success, research, and institutional accomplishments. This policy reflects our confidence in their work and creates a structure that supports continued excellence.” The initiative seeks to improve the academic environment by providing a clear review process along with opportunities for professional development.

Key Features of the New Policy

The new policy emphasizes the importance of tenure in maintaining institutional stability within higher education. It aims to establish a fair review process that fosters academic growth, transparency, and accountability. Under this policy:

• Tenured faculty will undergo a comprehensive review every five years.
• Reviews will assess contributions in teaching, scholarly and creative activity, and service.
• Evaluations will incorporate student feedback, annual performance reviews, and other documentation.

Implementation of the new review process will commence in the 2026–2027 academic year. Faculty members will be phased into review groups over the subsequent five years. By the sixth year, every tenured faculty member will be reviewed every five years.

BOR President Tim Rave expressed gratitude to those involved in the policy’s development, stating, “The Board extends sincere appreciation to the faculty, administrators, and campus leaders involved in developing this policy. Their teamwork and dedication to improving the tenure process demonstrate the expertise and effort they have invested to ensure their work benefits our faculty, institutions, and students.”

Commitment to Academic Excellence

This new post-tenure review policy underscores the Regents’ ongoing commitment to supporting high-performing faculty. It aims to maintain strong academic standards across all six public universities in South Dakota. By clearly defining performance expectations and implementing consistent reviews, the BOR is taking significant steps toward enhancing the educational landscape in the state.

As the policy is rolled out, it is anticipated to foster a culture of excellence among faculty, ultimately benefiting students and the broader academic community.