Per APM 133, there is an eight-year probationary period for certain academic titles. This is commonly referred to the "the clock" or "the tenure clock" for tenure-track titles. Faculty experiencing certain circumstances (as described below) may request time off the clock.
Time off the Clock (TOC) may be requested for:
- Care of a newborn/newly adopted child/children
- Significant circumstances that have a serious effect on one's ability to carry out job duties
General Parameters
- The request to stop the clock “should be made as soon as the need becomes apparent” (per APM 133-17-h.), but must be requested within two years of event (birth/adoption or other disruptive event)
- All requests for TOC must be submitted prior to July 1 of the year in which a final appraisal (tenure or security of employment) or promotion case is due.
- Units should review and adhere to campus guidelines on spring appraisals.
- Requests are made using the Time off the Clock Certification Form
Parameters for the care of a child/children
- Must certify you have at least 50% responsibility
- One year off the clock per birth or adoption
- If childbearing or parental leave is approved, the period of approved leave is automatically excluded from the tenure clock (per the terms of APM 133-17-g(3).)
- Two years maximum without exceptional approval from UC Office of the President (UCOP)
Parameters for significant circumstances
- Could be for a serious health condition or disability (documentation should state there’s a serious medical condition, not a diagnosis)
- Could be for other circumstances that affect one’s research program that are beyond one’s control (e.g. bereavement, flooded lab, termination of a significant research grant, inability to travel for research, etc.)
- Two years maximum without exceptional approval from UCOP
If someone has two years TOC, we can send a request to OP for an exceptional third year off the clock, provided the parameters above are met. No additional years after such a third exceptional year will be granted.
Relevant policies: APM 133-17-h. and APM 760-30
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I have an approved clock stoppage, but I want to undergo either my mid-career or final appraisal (tenure or security of employment)/promotion review on my original timeline?
Please note that an approved clock stoppage does not preclude someone from undergoing either a mid-career or promotion review "early" (i.e. not use the clock stoppage). Note that if you have an approved clock stoppage before your mid-career review, you may opt to undergo your mid-career review based on your original timeline and still use the approved clock stoppage for the timing of your promotion review.
Will I be negatively assessed for having stopped the clock at the time of my final appraisal (tenure or security of employment)/promotion review?
You will not be arbitrarily disadvantaged at the time of your promotion review due to having stopped the clock (see APM 133-17-i.). We encourage academic units to use the sample language provided by the campus to explain any clock stoppages to external reviewers.