“It’s as Long as a Piece of String!” Definitions of Canadian U15 Faculty at Midcareer

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how midcareer should be defined in academia.To determine when academics enter and exit midcareer, we sent out an open-ended survey to deans, directors, and chairs in research-based universities across Canada (N=242).The survey findings revealed an understanding that the midcareer phase starts immediately or shortly following the tenure award (and, usually, promotion to associate professor), and one stays in the midcareer phase past the promotion to full professor.Our survey data also showed good agreement that one exits midcareer when one winds down research or achieves a notable recognition for careerlong work.Within midcareer, most respondents agree that there is an expectation for enhancement of one's research and service profile and to lead formally and informally in the university, the scholarly profession, and the community.Although increase in research output is an expectation, in the domain of research, there is a requirement that faculty recruit, retain, and mentor upcoming researchers (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty).These achievements are not measured finely but constitute important milestones in the midcareer phase.