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.
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.
Visit the Interfolio at NIU website for more information and instructions for preparing your promotion and tenure packet and submission.
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:
| Milestone | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Candidate Submission | Varies by department |
| Department Personnel Committee Review | Varies by department |
| Department/School Chair/Director Review | Varies by department |
| College Council Review | Varies by college |
| Dean Review | Varies by college |
| Faculty Senate Personnel Committee Review (submitted via Interfolio) | December 2, 2025 |
| Provost Review | March 2026 |
| Recommendations forwarded to the university president to present at the May Board of Trustees meeting | April 2026 |
| Board of Trustees Final Approval | June 2026 |
Faculty members are encouraged to work closely with department chairs, mentors and colleagues to navigate the tenure and promotion process. Additional resources include:
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.
Office of Faculty Affairs
Bárbara González
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
bgonzalez4@niu.edu
Rachel Gordon
Associate Vice President for Global Affairs and Faculty Development
rgordon@niu.edu
Dave DeThorne
Director of Academic and Labor Relations
ddethorne@niu.edu
Joan Parrish
Assistant to the Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs
jparrish1@niu.edu
Marlene Bryant
Administrative Assistant
mbryant@niu.edu