News

The University of Washington’s Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty (APF) is ushering in a new era for its promotion and tenure (P&T) process by implementing the Interfolio Review, Promotion & Tenure (RPT) system. This initiative aims to streamline the management of P&T cases, offering enhanced transparency, thoroughness, and efficiency in the evaluation process. As part of this transition, APF is providing a series of targeted training sessions to ensure that administrators are well-equipped to navigate the new system. But with multiple options available, which one is right for you?

Understanding the Transition

The implementation of Interfolio RPT marks a significant shift in how P&T cases are managed at UW. Designed to support the entire P&T workflow, Interfolio RPT offers features to help manage workflows, requirements , cases, and communications, ultimately simplifying the complex process of promotion and/or tenure review. As with any technology tool implementation project, there is an opportunity for process improvement, standardization, and positive change. To help users get the most out of this new system and be prepared for the January 1 launch, APF has scheduled two distinct training sessions, focusing on different aspects of Interfolio RPT.

Template Management Training: Building a Strong Foundation

If your role is responsible for maintaining the integrity and consistency of the P&T process–including workflows, document requirements, and school/college/campus or department standards that apply to all cases in your unit, the Template Management training is essential.

Key training outcomes include:

• Understanding and cloning the UW’s foundational template
• Adding to institutional requirements, including additional workflow steps, document requirements, forms, and unit-specific instructions
• Getting comfortable navigating around a template and using basic features
• Awareness of best practices

With multiple on-site sessions scheduled across all three UW campuses, there’s ample opportunity to get hands-on template management experience.

Upcoming Template Management sessions in Seattle:

• Wednesday, October 2nd, 9:30-11:00 a.m. waitlist only
• Tuesday, October 8th, 2:30-4:00 p.m. waitlist only
• Wednesday, October 9th, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 15th, 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Each Seattle session is limited to 45 participants, so early registration is encouraged. Location TBD.
UW Bothel and UW Tacoma sessions are invitation only and handled by each chancellor’s office.

Case Management Training: Mastering the Workflow

For those who work closely with candidates, committees, and evaluators to coordinate individual cases at the department and/or school/college/campus level, the Case Management training offers a deep dive into the functional aspects of moving a case through RPT.

Key training outcomes include:

• Initiating a case and moving it through review stages
• Uploading a document
• Getting comfortable with how information is organized in a case
• Creating and editing committees, recusing individual committee members
• Initiating and managing external reviews
• Communicating with the candidate through RPT

With multiple on-site sessions scheduled across all three UW campuses, there’s ample opportunity to get hands-on case management experience.

Upcoming Case Management sessions in Seattle:

• Tuesday, November 5th, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, November 5th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 6th, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, November 6th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

For Seattle Campus sessions, please plan to bring a fully charged laptop, as power outlets are limited. UWB and UWT sessions are invitation only and handled by each chancellor’s office.

Choosing the Right Training for You

Selecting the appropriate training session depends on your role and responsibilities within the P&T process. If you are a decision-maker responsible for managing the entire P&T workflow—from case initiation to completion—the Template Management training will provide the comprehensive guidance you need. If your role involves helping prepare cases, supporting committee functions, and keeping the case review on schedule, the Case Management training will be most beneficial.

As APF continues to roll out Interfolio RPT, these sessions represent an invaluable opportunity to get ahead of the curve and ensure a smooth transition to the new system. With tailored training and ample support, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the complexities of promotion and tenure reviews with confidence.

Summer is winding down, and it’s time to gear up for the academic year ahead. To help faculty members refine their hiring practices, UW ADVANCE and the Office for Faculty Advancement are teaming up to offer a valuable workshop.

Effective Practices for Assessing Faculty Application Materials

This workshop will delve into essential strategies for evaluating faculty applications, with a focus on mitigating bias, utilizing assessment rubrics, and reaching consensus on top candidates.

Choose your preferred format:

• In-person workshop: October 1, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, HUB 145
• Online webinar: October 1, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Zoom

Please note that the same content will be covered in both sessions, and no recording will be available.

A workshop on effective interviewing techniques is planned for November 2024.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your faculty hiring process.

In a moment that has become a cornerstone of our annual APF staff retreat, we recently gathered to honor an individual whose dedication to our shared values has been widely recognized by their colleagues across the University. The APF Core Values Achievement Award is a celebration of the principles that guide our work every day at the University of Washington’s Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty (APF).

As we reflected on the core values that form the foundation of our organization—Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation, Diversity, Respect, Service, and Integrity—we were reminded of their importance not just in our work, but in how we interact with each other and our broader community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Your thoughtful contributions have been vital in recognizing the outstanding work within our community. We also want to acknowledge the diligent efforts of our review committee members: Marjorie Olmstead, Tyler Hitt, and Maria MacGregor. Their careful consideration and commitment to fairness ensured that the selection process honored the spirit of this award and put forward a truly standout nominee.

We were delighted to announce that Heather Bliss, the Director of Academic Human Resources in the Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty , received the 2024 APF Core Values Achievement Award!

Heather was recognized for her outstanding commitment to upholding our core values, particularly in her collaborative efforts and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her contributions have not only enhanced our team’s cohesion but have also significantly impacted the broader APF community. Nominated by peers, direct reports, and even those we serve, Heather’s ability to connect and collaborate across different groups is a testament to her dedication and professionalism.

In their nominations, colleagues highlighted Heather’s ability to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in every interaction. One colleague noted, “Heather promotes a positive work environment, encouraging her team members to ask questions. During meetings, Heather always actively listens to questions and other team members’ ideas,” reflecting the widespread admiration for Heather’s approach to teamwork and collaboration.

Heather’s empathetic approach to leadership was also a recurring theme in her nominations. “Heather always takes a stance of empathy and collaboration [in] meetings. She always makes a point of checking in on a personal level and ensuring that we are all doing well, not just getting our assigned job tasks done,” another nomination read, underscoring the depth of appreciation for Heather’s role in nurturing a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

Another colleague emphasized Heather’s dedication to excellence, stating, “Heather’s collaborative, respectful, and service-oriented approach to her work positively impacts the APF team and the broader community,” showcasing how her efforts have consistently raised the standard for everyone around her.

Since Heather was unable to join us in person for the presentation, the presentation was recorded to ensure she received the full measure of our congratulations and appreciation. The team gathered to applaud and cheer, “Congratulations, Heather!” as we celebrated her well-deserved recognition.

Heather’s embodiment of our core values is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of collaboration, respect, and integrity in shaping a brighter future for our organization and the University of Washington community.