Partnering in faculty success. Elevating scholarship and teaching.
The Office of Faculty Affairs strengthens the University of Rochester’s academic mission by supporting faculty excellence across all schools. Working with our colleagues in the Office of the Provost, deans, department chairs, and campus partners, we shape the policies, programs, and resources that empower faculty to thrive as scholars, teachers, and leaders.
We advance the University’s academic mission by supporting faculty careers, from recruitment and onboarding to professional growth, recognition, promotion, and retention. Through strategic leadership and operational excellence, we help ensure that faculty have the environment, tools, and support they need to achieve their highest ambitions.
We guide and support schools and departments through faculty appointment processes, annual and mid-course reviews, tenure and promotion, and career milestone evaluations. Our office ensures consistency, transparency, and alignment with institutional standards across the University.
We oversee the functionality, governance, and training for the University’s faculty data platform. The system guides faculty processes, streamlines activity reporting, review workflows, and data accuracy across academic units.
From early-career workshops and leadership development to mentoring programs and peer networks, we provide tools that help faculty grow as teachers, researchers, and leaders.
We collaborate with the Faculty Senate, deans, and academic leadership on institutional policies that shape faculty work, academic standards, and the academic enterprise.
We support academic units in designing inclusive searches, attracting exceptional scholars, and maintaining hiring practices aligned with University goals.
Our office helps new faculty navigate their first years at Rochester, ensuring they have access to the resources, training, and support networks needed to launch successful careers.
We promote opportunities for faculty leadership, service, and interdisciplinary collaboration, helping faculty expand their impact campus-wide and nationally.
We champion transparent, equitable processes, and provide resources for faculty and leaders to navigate reviews with confidence.
Find up-to-date guidance on appointments, review, promotion, tenure, leaves, sabbaticals, and conflict-of-interest policies.
Access training, documentation, and support for activity reporting and review workflows.
Connect with partners across the University for instructional improvement, classroom innovation, and assessment tools.
Learn where to go for grant development support, compliance guidance, proposal assistance, and interdisciplinary research resources.
Explore support programs including employee assistance, family-care resources, and mentoring networks.
We celebrate University of Rochester faculty who are revolutionizing their fields, discovering ways to address the world’s biggest challenges, and making our lives ever better.
Faculty drive the University of Rochester’s missions in education, research, the arts, and health care. The work of our faculty shapes the lives of our students, advances discovery, and contributes to communities locally and globally. In turn, the University provides the supportive environment in which faculty build their careers, pursue new ideas, and achieve lasting impact.
The Office of Faculty Affairs supports faculty across all schools and disciplines in their teaching, research, creative activity, and service. Working in close partnership with academic leadership, the office strengthens faculty pathways by enhancing review and promotion processes, expanding mentoring and professional development opportunities, and improving the clarity, transparency, and effectiveness of institutional systems and policies.
Some of this work is highly visible; much of it takes place behind the scenes. In all cases, our focus is the same: to create the conditions in which faculty at every stage of their careers can thrive and succeed in the work most meaningful to them.
We are committed to continuous improvement and to serving the needs of our faculty. Faculty partnership is critical to our work, and we welcome feedback and engagement.
Kevin McFarland
Dr. Steven Chu Professor in Physics and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Need help or additional information?
Have a question about a policy, review process, appointment, upcoming career milestone, or need a consultation? Our office is here to help.