College of Engineering Confidentiality Policy Related to Promotion and Tenure Process

Confidentiality in all aspects and stages of the promotion and tenure process in the Primary Committees (PC), the Engineering Area Promotions Committee (EAPC), and the University Promotions Committee (UPC) is critical to achieving the proper outcome. The Purdue University promotions policy states:

“It is in the best interest of the University and faculty that full and frank discussions occur during the deliberations of promotion committees. The confidentiality of remarks made at such meetings should, therefore, be carefully preserved. Recommendations against promotion may be discussed with the faculty member affected, in a discreet manner and without undue delay, by the appropriate department head or dean. Faculty will be advised of their promotion progress by their department head after the Primary Committee and by their dean after the Area Committee and University Promotions Committee meetings.”

Breaching confidentiality can have devastating effects on faculty morale and the college’s overall climate, leading to grievances, retention difficulties, and, potentially, legal action. PC, EAPC, and UPC members are therefore prohibited from disclosing to individuals outside their committee the deliberations (in full or in part) that have occurred. Only the Head or the Dean will communicate with the candidates regarding the outcome of the promotion and tenure process.

Committee members who are active in mentoring junior faculty will be able to do so by providing guidance directly to the candidate based on the feedback given by the Head or the Dean. This guidance will not refer to any specifics of the deliberations of the PC, EAPC and UPC.

The privilege of membership on the PC, EAPC, and UPC depends on maintaining complete confidentiality. The College of Engineering’s confidentiality policy will be clearly communicated to the entire engineering faculty.

Approved by the EAPC March 31, 2005