Tenure

Charlie Thurber competes with Elaine Grasso for a coveted tenure-track position at Grey College. The Yale-bound newcomer instantly becomes a formidable rival, raising the stakes for Thurber’s career. Across the campus, Thurber faces mounting pressure to publish as a key determinant of tenure.

Jay Hadley pressures Thurber to undermine Grasso's tenure bid, fueling the rivalry with underhanded scheming. At the same time, Jay's obsession with proving Bigfoot adds an odd undertone to his advice.

Thurber's articles keep getting rejected by journals, deepening his anxiety about professional merit. The looming 'publish or perish' pressure gnaws at his confidence and self-worth.

Despite the rivalry, Thurber and Grasso begin to share advice after she struggles as a classroom teacher. Their professional respect grows into a tentative friendship that softens the competition between them.

Thurber's sister presses him for money to fund their father's retirement home, adding a financial burden to his already strained life. The demand complicates his focus on work and stability.

Beth, a smitten student, flirt with Thurber and becomes an awkward obstacle to his focus. To manage the situation, Thurber hires Beth to pose as his girlfriend for a dinner with Grasso and her snobbish boyfriend Warren.

The dinner centers on Thurber's ruse, with Beth presenting as his girlfriend while Grasso and Warren observe. The arrangement creates awkward tension and forces Thurber to confront his blurry professional and personal lines.

The tenure review heads toward disaster until the dean casts a tie-breaking vote in Thurber's favor, citing strong student evaluations. Thurber is offered probational tenure, but with the caveat that his classroom time will be reduced to allow more time for publishing.

Thurber invites his ailing father to move in with him and hosts a party at his home to celebrate. The gathering underscores the fragile balance between his family obligations and his career.

Grasso has broken up with her boyfriend Warren, hinting she would like to pursue a relationship with Thurber. The revelation occurs in the wake of the party, signaling a potential new personal chapter.

The film closes with Thurber preparing to start teaching at another college, signaling his decision to quit Grey and focus on what he does best. The move underscores his commitment to the classroom and his students.

Thurber reflects on his vocation as his father reminds him that his true calling is to teach in the classroom. The message reinforces his choice to pursue the job that aligns with his passion for educating students.