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[crowie]

This interesting article outlines this dean's general objections to 'early tenure' and ends with a list of 3 criteria he uses for making an exception to the rule.

What was interesting to me, though, was his reaction to a candidate for a tt job who asked him about the prospects of early tenure during the interview.  This dean's response was to see the candidate as presumptuous and even to now be concerned that this candidate will be a 'problem' a few years down the line.  So, note to candidates, don't ask about early tenure during the first interview with the dean.  At least to the dean who wrote  the article, you will come off as presumptuous and as a potential troublemaker:

http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/2008/04/2008042101c/careers.html

Actually, it reminds me a bit of my rant about "I'll do anything to get an A" from students who come especially before the first assignment has been given--I sensed the same wariness and frustration in the dean's attitude: Here you are, you haven't even been offered or started the job yet and you are talking about early tenure and asking me about 'the process' involved.  Get back in line!

[conjugate]

Strangely, when I applied for my current posting, a colleague at another place encouraged me to ask about early tenure, and both the dean and VPAA at my current institution were happy to explain its workings.  Like anything else, I think this varies.

[chaud]

I think it also depends on where you are on the TT before you get there. For example, if you have already been on the TT for 4 years and have a strong pub record, they may consider letting you go up "early" in year 2 or 3 at the new place. I did read this article, but I cant' remember if he was only speaking of those new assistants and not advanced assistants.

[cajun]

A question:  If you think you might reasonably go up for tenure early, do you need to have that in the original contract?  Or can you decide after, say, 3 years if you're making good progress and ticking off all the boxes? 

I'm about to receive my first contract and wondering if this is something I need to have added.  I haven't seen the contract or its wording, yet.

[conjugate]

A question:  If you think you might reasonably go up for tenure early, do you need to have that in the original contract?  Or can you decide after, say, 3 years if you're making good progress and ticking off all the boxes? 

I'm about to receive my first contract and wondering if this is something I need to have added.  I haven't seen the contract or its wording, yet.

Depends.  My current post has a faculty handbook with early tenure spelled out explicitly.  Your institution may have similar policies in the handbook.  Read it (it's probably online, or ask your SCC about it, perhaps).  Chaud's remark is also very appropriate; both the people I spoke to and the person who advised me to ask about it were aware that I'd had previous T-t experience.