Interfolio RPT is an online platform that streamlines faculty review processes, including promotion, tenure, and annual reviews. It allows candidates to submit materials, committees to review cases and administrators to manage workflows efficiently.
Promotion and Tenure Application and Review Using Interfolio
Northern Illinois University has begun a phased implementation of the Interfolio Review, Promotion and Tenure (RPT) system for managing promotion and tenure processes. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the support we provide to faculty, department chairs and deans during the promotion and tenure process.
To meet that commitment, the Office of the Provost has collaborated closely with Interfolio to align their web-based application with NIU’s established faculty promotion and tenure practices. This system not only streamlines workflows but also enhances security, ensures compliance with evolving guidelines and reduces administrative burden—allowing faculty and staff to focus on their teaching, research and service. NIU joins a growing number of 500+ institutions, in adopting Interfolio RPT to support a more effective and equitable review process.
We are confident that this change will streamline the process and enhance the overall experience for all involved. Learn more about Interfolio.
If you plan to submit an application for promotion and tenure during the 2026-2027 academic year and you do not have a case yet in Interfolio, please reach out to your college Interfolio coordinator. A form to express your intent to submit an application for promotion and tenure during the 2027-2028 academic year will be available in January 2027.
It's important to note that 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.
Faculty Candidates
Faculty candidates include those being considered for promotion to associate professor with or without tenure and those who are seeking promotion from associate professor to full professor.
Committee Members
Members of a department, school, college or university Faculty Senate Personnel Committee who are responsible for reviewing a faculty candidate's promotion and/or tenure case.
Committee Managers
Department chairs, school directors, deans, and administrative staff who are responsible for completing internal requirements on a faculty candidate's promotion and/or tenure case.
Case Managers
Administrative staff who are responsible for moving a faculty promotion and/or tenure case either backward or forward after a committee has finished reviewing.
Interfolio System Training
To supplement available self-paced training, live NIU-specific Interfolio training will be scheduled for those who will be using the Interfolio system during the 2026-2027 cycle. Details to register are available below and recordings will be posted for on-demand viewing.
Using Interfolio as a Committee Manager UPDATED
Interfolio training for personnel committee chairs, department chairs / school directors, and deans
This Interfolio training session is intended for academic leaders and faculty (ie: personnel committee chairs, department chairs / school directors, and deans) who serve as committee managers for sabbatical or promotion and tenure review process within Interfolio. Participants will gain a clear understanding of their responsibilities, learn how to navigate assigned cases and complete required review steps, and explore tools that help support an efficient and successful review process. The training will also introduce available resources and support channels to help committee managers confidently fulfill their role throughout the review cycle. The same session is being offered on both 8/14 and 9/8 and a recording will be available afterward.
Register to attend:
Using Interfolio as a Committee Member UPDATED
Interfolio training for faculty personnel committee members
This Interfolio training session provides faculty who serve as sabbatical or promotion and tenure committee members with the information and skills needed to participate effectively in the Interfolio review process. Participants will learn about their responsibilities as reviewers, how to access and evaluate assigned cases within Interfolio, and best practices for maintaining confidentiality and conducting fair, ethical reviews. The session will also highlight available support resources and answer common questions to help reviewers navigate the system with confidence. The same session is being offered on both 8/20 and 9/11 and a recording will be available afterward.
Register to attend:
Interfolio Getting Started Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
NIU is adopting Interfolio RPT to improve efficiency, transparency and consistency in faculty review processes. By replacing paper-based workflows, the system provides a secure, centralized platform that aligns with the university’s changes to promotion and tenure bylaws. Interfolio RPT streamlines the review process, reducing administrative burden and improving data security. It also simplifies the management of external reviews, ensuring a seamless and modernized approach. NIU joins a growing number of 500+ institutions that use Interfolio RPT to support fair, clear, and efficient faculty evaluations.
No, requirements are not changing for promotion and tenure consideration at NIU. You are only required to submit the materials outlined in your department or school bylaws and follow the usual submission timeline established by your department.
We are simply updating the medium for doing so through Interfolio to streamline workflows while enhancing security, ensuring compliance with evolving guidelines and reducing administrative burden. The goal is for our faculty and staff to be able to focus more on their teaching, research and service.
Faculty, committee members and administrators can log in via the Interfolio portal by searching for Northern Illinois University and then entering their institutional credentials (NIU Account ID and password) when prompted. They can also login directly here with NIU credentials.
On the "Where do you want to go"? screen, two options appear (see screenshot just below). Click the NIU logo to access NIU's Interfolio system. Do NOT click the Interfolio dossier logo; this sends you to a part of Interfolio that NIU does not use.
Currently, on-demand training resources are available, including Interfolio’s help guides and interactive training courses.
Live NIU-specific Interfolio training will be scheduled for those who will be using the system during the 2026-2027 cycle. Find more details here.
You can access Interfolio’s support resources, including user guides and interactive training courses, curated on the Interfolio at NIU support website and through the Interfolio Product Help Center. These materials cover key functions for faculty, committee members and administrators.
For questions about NIU policies and procedures related to the preparation and review of promotion and tenure materials, please contact leadership at your Department/School, College, or the Provost’s Office. Questions best addressed by the Provost’s Office can be directed to interfolio@niu.edu.
For technical issues with Interfolio, Interfolio Scholar Services provides live support Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT. Support is available by phone at 833-844-2118, or via email at interfolio-support@elsevier.com.
Interfolio Scholar Services is available for live support Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. CT. Support is available by phone at 833-844-2118 or email interfolio-support@elsevier.com.
Note: You must log in using your NIU Account ID and password.
Get Help
Interfolio Scholar Services
For technical issues with Interfolio, Interfolio Scholar Services provides live support by phone or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. CT.
833-844-2118
interfolio-support@elsevier.com
Interfolio at NIU
For questions about NIU polices and procedures related to the preparation and review of promotion and tenure or sabbatical materials, please contact leadership at your department / school, college, or the Office of the Provost. Questions best addressed by the Office of the Provost can be directed to interfolio@niu.edu.