Look up pro tem in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Pro tempore (/ˌproʊˈtɛmpəri,-ˌreɪ/), abbreviated pro tem or p.t.,[1] is a Latin phrase which best translates to 'for the time being' in English. This phrase is often used to describe a person who acts as a locum tenens 'placeholder'. The phrase is also used to describe officers appointed on a temporary basis, prior to the formalisation of their appointments.[2]
A common use of pro tempore in the United States is in municipalities such as cities and towns with regard to the position of the mayor. In many cities, the city council appoints one of its members (often its president) to act as mayor pro tempore (pro tem) (or vice mayor) in the absence of the actual mayor.[3]
Judge pro tem
In judicial courts, attorneys that volunteer in proceedings are called "judge pro tem" or judge pro tempore, though they may be paid in some circumstances. They typically have to meet some basic criteria to qualify, and often serve as neutrals or mediators in alternative dispute resolution processes.[4][5][6][7][8] Among other things, they can also serve as masters and interim judges.[9]
Academic leaders: president, vice-president, dean pro tem
Universities sometimes appoint senior positions such as presidents, vice presidents or heads of faculties temporarily until ratified by a board of governors or senate committee. These positions are titled "President pro tempore", "Vice-President pro tempore" or "Dean pro tempore".[10][11]
A pro-cathedral is a church that temporarily serves as a cathedral — the 'pro' is an abbreviation of pro tempore. Perhaps the most notable example is St Mary's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland, which had been a pro-cathedral from the Reformation until 2025.[12]
