ACADEMIC TENURE IS A SYSTEM OF JOB PROTECTIONS (E.G. ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM. SALARY, ETC.) THAT VIRTUALLY GUARANTEES THAT A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR WILL NEVER BE FIRED OR LET GO EXCEPT IN THE MOST EXTREME OF CIRCUMSTANCES. THE USUAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACADEMIC TENURE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: EARNING POST-GRADUATE DEGREES (MASTERALS OR DOCTORATES), PUBLISHING RESEARCHES, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, AND A RECORD OFF SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY AS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR