Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to share forthcoming updates to Provost’s Communications 9 and 26, specifically related to optional statements in the promotion and tenure process.
In recent years, tenure-system and specialized faculty have had the option to submit an optional statement on their contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This process is explained in Provost’s Communications 9 and 26.
Beginning with the AY 26-27 promotion cycle, faculty instead will be allowed to submit an optional statement that discusses the full range of their contributions to the university’s mission and values. This new optional statement will allow candidates to share their activities on any topic they deem relevant to the university’s mission that is not adequately captured in the research, teaching, or service sections of the dossier. Examples may include activities to support a diverse and inclusive campus, extend academic freedom, pursue novel modes of community engagement, or other ways in which the candidate has advanced the university’s mission. This new approach is consistent with University of Illinois System guidance regarding the federal and legal landscape.
As before, there is no penalty or negative inference if a candidate chooses not to complete such a statement.
Changes in Provost’s Communication #9 for tenure-system faculty will be implemented in anticipation of the AY 2026-27 promotion cycle. Candidates in the current AY 2025-26 cycle will continue to be considered under the November 2024 version of Communication 9.
Changes in Provost’s Communication 26 for specialized faculty will be implemented for candidates being put forward after January 1, 2026.
I anticipate that changes to both Communications 9 and 26 will be posted on the Office of the Provost website before December 1. The new versions of Communications 9 and 26 will also contain updated guidance around teaching evaluations and the new student forms for feedback on teaching.
This information has been communicated with the deans and will be shared later this week in a message to all faculty.
If you have questions about the upcoming revisions to these Communications, please send queries to the Office of the Provost (provost@illinois.edu).
Sincerely,
John Coleman
Provost