The University of Washington’s Office of Academic Personnel (OAP) 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, OAP 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, OAP 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 tempalte 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. Conversely, if your role involves overseeing the structural aspects of case management, such as preparing templates and supporting committee functions, the Case Management training will be most beneficial.
As OAP 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.