Faculty Promotion and Tenure Guidelines

At Northern Illinois University, promotion and tenure recognize faculty members' contributions to teaching, research, service and engagement. This process is guided by Faculty Senate Bylaws Article 8: The Academic Personnel Process, which outlines the policies and procedures for faculty evaluation, promotion and tenure.

Key Aspects of Promotion and Tenure

• Criteria for Evaluation: Faculty members are evaluated based on their accomplishments in teaching, scholarship and service. Specific expectations vary by department and college.
• Annual Review Process: Regular evaluations provide feedback on progress toward tenure and promotion.
• Tenure Timeline: The standard probationary period before tenure consideration is six years, with exceptions for prior service or special circumstances. These exceptions should always be documented in writing, either in an offer letter or an MOU.
• Promotion to Associate Professor: This typically occurs alongside tenure and requires demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service. Specific expectations vary by department and college.
• Promotion to Professor: This requires sustained contributions beyond the associate professor level. Specific expectations vary by department and college.

Transition to Interfolio System for Promotion and Tenure Review

Starting in spring 2025, NIU began a phased implementation of the Interfolio Review, Promotion and Tenure (RPT) system to streamline the promotion and tenure process. Faculty members preparing for promotion and tenure during the 2025-2026 cycle will be the first cohort to use this improved system.

No requirements are changing for promotion and tenure consideration at NIU with the implementation of the Interfolio system. You should submit the materials already required in your department’s bylaws and follow the usual submission timeline established by your department.

Deadlines

The deadlines for promotion and tenure review for the 2025-2026 cycle vary by department and college for initial candidate submissions and reviews, progressing through multiple levels of evaluation. However, the milestones in the process and deadline timeframes are as follows:

Tenure and Promotion Resources for Faculty

Faculty members are encouraged to work closely with department chairs, mentors and colleagues to navigate the tenure and promotion process. Additional resources include:

• Department and College Guidelines: Each academic unit provides specific criteria and expectations.
• Workshops and Support: NIU offers professional development sessions to help faculty prepare strong tenure and promotion portfolios.
• Mentoring Opportunities: Connect with experienced faculty for guidance.

Need guidance? Contact your department chair or faculty mentor for support. If you have additional questions, please contact provost@niu.edu.

If you have any questions about this information not clarified at the department/college levels, please contact provost@niu.edu.