Office for Faculty Affairs

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The Office for Faculty Affairs (OFA) is dedicated to facilitating and promoting the success of all faculty members at Penn State over their careers. 

We seek to facilitate Penn State’s attainment of its mission through the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, a commitment to shared governance, the development of guidance and implementation of policies that promote faculty success over the course of their careers, and the creation of programs and practices that enable and foster faculty development and success.
The OFA oversees academic policies including promotion and tenure, faculty development, leadership training, executive searches, performance reviews, and other issues related to academic personnel and their concerns. 
The Senior Vice Provost serves as the Provost’s contact person for the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the academic arm of the Big Ten Conference; the University Faculty Senate in issues relating to faculty affairs; and is the liaison for the Provost and President to University deans and chancellors.
Faculty Affairs Leadership Links to an external site.

Kathy Bieschke, Senior Vice Provost
Ann Clements, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs 
Abby Diehl, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Peter Hopsicker, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
 Organizational Chart Links to an external site.

 

Primary Strategic Goals

  1. Drive efforts that result in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of a diverse faculty and academic leader workforce.
  2. Reconceptualize and expand the scope and impact of faculty development at Penn State.
  3. Leverage data to drive decision making related to policies, programs, and resources that support faculty.
  4. Foster equity among faculty via operational resilience.

New faculty may want to contact Faculty Affairs to:

  • Learn about the promotion and tenure process.
  • Find out about faculty development and leadership training opportunities.
  • Better understand academic policies and procedures.
  • Access resources, guidance, and news related to sabbaticals, hiring, appointments, and other topics. 

 

Top Items Faculty Should Know About Faculty Affairs

Top Items faculty should know about Faculty Affairs
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Promotion and Tenure Policies

Promotion and Tenure policy and processes live here. We offer an annual workshop series to help faculty in understanding promotion and tenure policies and procedures and can answer questions about the overall university process.

Relevant Resource Links: 
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Welcome to the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement (CFDA)

As you begin your journey at Penn State, we’re excited to introduce you to the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement (CFDA) Links to an external site.—your university-wide partner in professional growth and academic success. Housed within the Office of Faculty Affairs, the CFDA is dedicated to helping faculty and academic administrators thrive at every stage of their careers.

Through innovative programs, tailored resources, and meaningful support, the CFDA fosters welcoming, collaborative academic communities that span campuses and disciplines. Whether you're focused on advancing your teaching, deepening your research capabilities, or growing as a leader, the CFDA is here to help you achieve your goals.
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Faculty Policies

If you have questions about issues and policies such as leaves of absence (including sabbaticals), remote work, working abroad, or any other policy related question, please contact us.

Relevant Resource Links:
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Faculty Digest

We provide a monthly Faculty Digest that provides information about faculty professional development, opportunities to become engaged in the University community, and other information relevant to the faculty experience. Check it out!

Penn State Faculty News Digest Links to an external site. 
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 Academic Freedom and Free Speech

Do you have questions about academic freedom and free speech Links to an external site.? We provide guidance to help you navigate challenging topics and situations. 

 

Relevant Programming for New Faculty

New Faculty Orientation

The University-wide New Faculty Orientation occurs in August of each academic year and is open to all full-time tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty at all commonwealth campuses across the University. Registration is required and participation is strongly encouraged. Highlights include an orientation to the University mission, goals, and vision, our standing as a Land Grant Institution, and an introduction to Penn State’s multi-campus system. New Faculty Orientation provides an opportunity for new faculty to engage with University’s executive leadership. 

Goals: 

  • Introduce new faculty to important policies, programs, and information that support their success.
  • Connect faculty with key administrators and staff.
  • Provide resources to assist new faculty transition to their new roles at Penn State.
  • Nurture networking and a sense of community among our new faculty cohort.

New Faculty Network

The New Faculty Network is a mentoring program that supports the Penn State University mission by familiarizing new faculty with university expectations, practices, and resources; fostering a sense of unity within a geographically distributed university; and maximizing satisfaction, productivity, and retention. The program is designed to support and supplement the various departmental or college mentoring programs which currently exist.

New Faculty Teams Site

The New Faculty Community Links to an external site. space on Teams is facilitated asynchronously by TLT, Faculty Affairs, and SITE. This space serves as a place for faculty to interact and network with peers to gain insights and share best practices surrounding teaching and learning topics and general Penn State resources. Additionally, the Teams space serves as a hub for new faculty to navigate NFO specific resources, overall University resources, and the promotion of upcoming professional development opportunities. 

Teaching with Technology (TwT): Prep and Practice Series for New Faculty


Teaching and Learning with Technology partners with the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence and IT Learning and Development to host TwT: Prep & Practice sessions Links to an external site. to help further empower new faculty members. These sessions  help equip faculty with the necessary skills and knowledge to use technology effectively in their teaching practices. Faculty learn about syllabus requirements and recommendations, best practices for organizing course content in Canvas, setting up assignments and grade books, and providing meaningful feedback to students. 

Faculty Mentorship

As a new faculty member, you’re invited to jumpstart your Penn State journey by exploring our university-wide mentoring resources designed to support your growth, connection, and success. Through mentoring.psu.edu, you’ll find on-demand videos, self-guided activities, and our popular Mentoring 101: The Basics for Mentees class—a special offering that helps you clarify goals, build your personal board of mentors, and make the most of your early faculty years. Whether you’re looking to enhance your teaching, advance your research, or navigate Penn State’s academic landscape, this is a powerful first step. Learn more and get started at mentoring.psu.edu Links to an external site..

 

Faculty Affairs Fun Facts

Penn State has more than 6,000 full-time faculty!

Penn State has its own Laureate!

12 PSU faculty received Fulbright Scholar awards for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Full-time faculty are evenly distributed in terms of age. 
Under 30: 1%
30-39: 23%
40-49: 30%
50-59: 25% 
60+: 21%

 

Additional Resources and Contact Information

Resources

Faculty Affairs Contact Information

Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
205 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-7494
Fax: (814) 863-8583
Email: vpfa@psu.edu