North Dakota Enacts New Tenure Policy Requiring Master's or Advanced Degrees

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education unanimously approved the new policy, which will apply to future tenure appointments.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has enacted a new tenure policy that requires professors to hold a master's or other advanced degree in order to receive tenure. The policy will not affect current tenured positions but will apply to all future tenure appointments in the North Dakota University System. The board says the new policy aims to ensure greater accountability in the tenure process.

Why it matters

The new tenure policy is a significant change for North Dakota's higher education system, as it raises the educational requirements for professors to earn tenure. Supporters argue it will lead to more qualified faculty, while critics contend it could make it harder for institutions to attract and retain talented professors, especially in specialized fields like the trades.

The details

Under the new policy, tenured faculty will be required to complete a committee review within the first three years of receiving tenure and every five years thereafter. The policy also allows colleges and universities to use special job titles for faculty members with 'special appointments that recognize faculty members' longevity, work experience and/or expertise in their field of study.' This could provide an alternative path for faculty without advanced degrees, such as in vocational programs.

  • The new tenure policy was unanimously approved by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education on February 27, 2026.
  • The policy must be implemented by July 1, 2026, to meet a deadline set by the North Dakota Legislature.

The players

North Dakota State Board of Higher Education

The governing body responsible for overseeing the North Dakota University System, which includes 11 public colleges and universities.

Kevin Black

Chair of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education.

Chris Pieske

Chief compliance officer for the North Dakota University System.

Lisa Johnson

Deputy commissioner for academic and student affairs for the North Dakota University System.

Danita Bye

Member of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education.

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What they’re saying

“From my perspective, I think we have tackled a mountain when it comes to tenure. I think we have addressed this in a way that assures accountability is part of every aspect of tenure moving forward.”

— Kevin Black, Chair, North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (North Dakota Monitor)

“Tenure isn't about job security. It's about the academic freedom for the faculty who are in those roles to be able to address what are sometimes referred to as controversial topics.”

— Lisa Montplaisir, Faculty advisor for the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and member of the Council of College Faculty (North Dakota Monitor)

What’s next

The new tenure policy will go into effect on July 1, 2026, as required by the North Dakota Legislature. The North Dakota University System will need to update other related policies, such as membership requirements for the Committee on Faculty Rights, to align with the new tenure requirements.

The takeaway

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education's decision to require a master's or advanced degree for future tenure appointments represents a significant shift in the state's higher education system. While supporters argue it will lead to more qualified faculty, critics warn it could make it harder for institutions to attract and retain talented professors, especially in specialized fields. The policy's impact on academic freedom and the future makeup of North Dakota's university faculty remains to be seen.