Tenure-track positions revert to the Academic Impact Fund (AIF) in the Office of the Provost upon resignation or retirement of incumbent, thereby putting in place a process for the University to access academic needs and reallocate positions where necessary to better serve students. This process strengthens academic programs by ensuring resources are matched with priorities and that resources are being used most effectively and appropriately. All tenure-track vacant positions must be authorized by the Provost and approved by the President before the position can be advertised, searched, and filled.
The Deans annually submit prioritized position requests the first week of March to the Provost with the budget narratives that support the public presentations held in late March or early April. The review process includes analysis by Provost staff and subsequent consultation with the Deans. The positions are reviewed objectively, using agreed upon productivity measures and reviewed subjectively regarding program need and program integrity.
After appropriate review and consultation, the Office of the Provost makes recommendations regarding authorized positions to the President for final approval. Upon this approval, the Deans are notified by memorandum of the approved searches in their respective units. Mid-year requests can be made for extenuating circumstances. As funding availability allows, those requests are considered on a case by case basis by the Provost in consultation with the appropriate Dean for possible authorization of an additional search. Such requests must also be approved by the President.
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost
Contact: Office of the Provost (309-438-7018)
Revised on: 04/2017
