UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at Penn State have announced the launch of the Provost Endorsement Program. This pioneering initiative represents a significant step forward in recognizing and supporting the professional growth of faculty members across the University.
The Provost Endorsement Program is a direct response to several institutional challenges, including the need for more visibility and appreciation for faculty efforts in self-development as educators, researchers, artists and leaders. The program aims to make current large-scale professional development opportunities more easily discoverable and accessible to faculty across all Penn State campuses and colleges and to promote the growth of rich professional development opportunities.
"This program is about valuing our faculty and their dedication to excellence," said Penn State Provost Justin Schwartz. "It’s designed to elevate the work they do, often behind the scenes, in developing themselves for the benefit of the University and our students."
The endorsement program targets three core domains: (1) Teaching and Outreach; (2) Research, Scholarship and Creative Accomplishment; and (3) Leadership and Service. Each domain has been tailored to meet the unique needs of the University’s diverse instructor community, providing them with the necessary tools and recognition to thrive in their respective fields. These domains align with areas of the dossier for promotion and tenure.
Each Provost Endorsement will encapsulate a clear goal, purpose and learning outcomes. They will be grounded in current research and practices, include reflective activities, encourage peer interaction, and offer a substantial curriculum with a minimum of 10 hours of content and interaction.
"With the Provost Endorsement Program, we are setting a new standard for professional development — one that is purposeful, sustainable and aligned with our institutional commitment to faculty and students," Schwartz added. "We are committed to fostering an environment where our faculty's pursuit of knowledge is supported and celebrated."
This spring, several offerings will be available in each domain area. They will be offered by Commonwealth Campus Instructional Design, Educational Equity, the Graduate School, the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, Teaching and Learning with Technology, and World Campus Faculty Development.
Applications to have your campus, college or unit’s professional development program accredited as a Provost Endorsement for the 2024-25 academic year will be available in late spring 2024.
Click here for more information about the Provost Endorsement Program and how to apply.