It is no secret that my tenure application at Romulus University did not pass. Well, there are more than a few faculty around here who don’t know because I don’t advertise misfortune around here. Besides, most of the people here are so depressed that I think if they heard I received my walking papers, they might need to check themselves into a sanitarium. At least that is the vibe I am getting.

I recently discovered some details surrounding my tenure appeal meeting that will require me to provide some lengthy background information that only PhDs know how to deliver. I will try to keep it concise, but nothing in academia can ever be short and sweet. I submitted my appeal to the committee. I enclosed a letter informing them of my circumstances, as well as a complete tenure packet, so that they could evaluate it for themselves.

The letter essentially states that the individuals who were supposed to follow the procedure after I submitted my paperwork did not follow it. In fact, a lot of the procedure for tenure was ignored or overlooked. I did everything I was supposed to do in the submission process. However, nobody moved anything forward after I turned in my materials, nor did I receive any notice about missing paperwork. I even have email receipts confirming that I sent the proper documentation. Yet, nothing progressed past this point.

Fast forward to the day I was notified of my denial. The reason for my denial was over missing paperwork, the same material that I sent to the proper people months before. Naturally, I decided to appeal the decision and plead my case. I would meet with the faculty tribunal to discuss this matter. My part of their meeting lasted fifteen minutes. I told them my side of the story and thanked them for their time.

Less than two hours later, I received an email stating that the committee had upheld the decision to deny tenure. No details, just one sentence affirming the first decision. That is all the information I needed to figure out that the powers that be no longer want me on this campus. Since then, I come to the office, do my thing, teach my courses, and move on with my life. I decided that I will do the bare minimum of engagement with this institution. This decision does not mean I abandoned my obligations.

One of my colleagues asked me if I was aware that I had another appeal that I could use after the first denial. I told them that I did, but why would I bother when it seems I am unwanted here? Besides, if I did win the second appeal, what good would that achieve? The tension around here would be awful, mainly for them, but if it takes three tries to convince you to like me, then we have a problem. That is not a healthy relationship, despite what Peppy Le Pew believes.

The reason my colleague asked me this question was that they discovered that the committee had made their decision based on the assumption that I would move forward with the second appeal. While it doesn’t seem explicitly stated, it appears that the committee had instructions not to overturn the decision. Apparently, the committee knew that shenanigans were afoot because of the evidence I provided. However, the edict they received made the decision too difficult for them to overturn. At one point, the head of the committee began crying because they knew the decision they were making was wrong.  Yet, they went through with it anyway.

Honestly, I don’t care that you shed tears making your decision. You had the evidence, and you didn’t do the right thing. This meeting was your opportunity to stand up for what was right, but you chose to affirm the mistake. Trying to find solace in the idea that the person might make a second appeal is a coward’s way out. Your tears mean nothing. There are no good intentions when all you do is hope this burden passes over you for someone else to bear. Now you have to live with your decision and take it with you to the grave.

I am not mad at the committee. If anything, I am disappointed. I see that self-preservation has precedence here. I don’t understand why. Romulus is crumbling, and many around here are clinging to it when they should abandon ship. Ever since my denial, I have witnessed a lot of evidence suggesting that this place is starting to circle the drain. I am glad for my eventual release. I have a head start in finding better alternatives.