A Study On American Tenure System Of University

With the development of knowledge-based economy, the society has more and more expectations of the universities. The basis of the building of staff, which is the key to the development of the universities, is good personnel system. Peking University and East China Normal University reform the personnel system by studying American tenure system. Before studying we should make a detailed and complete study.First, the essay gives the concept and the core of American tenure system of university. Then, the essay focuses on tracking down the history of American tenure system by classifying it into three stages: the embryonic stage (from the emergence of universities in Middle Ages to the year 1900) ;the establishing stage (from the year 1900 to the year 1940) and the developing stage (from the year 1940 on) , according to some symbolic events. Although American tenure system has been being criticized since its emergence, it has contributed a lot to the United States. The debate between supporters and opponents focuses on the following aspects: whether it is closely related to academic freedom; whether it hampers academic development; whether it is an important method of attracting talented people; whether it aggravates the inequality of profession. The essay makes an analysis of the aspects mentioned above.Many factors affect American tenure system of university, most important of which are the promotion of the development of academic freedom; the support from AAUP; the protection of judicial system and the effect of cultural tradition. The author analyses the effect of American tenure system on the society, academic development, the universities, the professors and the students. Then the author puts forward forming the free academic environment, establishing academic standard, building own organization and improving the legal system when we learn the good experience.