Faculty Resources
Ombuds
The College of Engineering has a team of three faculty ombuds, each working independently. The role of unit ombuds is an elected role, not an administrative position.
When contacting an ombud via email, please don't share any details - simply request an appointment.
Becky Passonneau (term ends August 2026)
W318 Westgate Building
814-865-9233
rjp49@psu.edu
Michael Janik (term 2025-2028)
205 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building
814-863-9366
mjj13@psu.edu
Ilgin Guler (2025-2027)
217 ECoRE Building
814-867-6210
sig123@psu.edu
Faculty ombuds provide a safe, informal, and highly confidential environment for the discussion of issues and concerns. They assist the faculty member in identifying or creating options for resolution that meet the needs of both the faculty and the university, and they may provide referrals to formal channels with investigatory powers when necessary. They do not keep formal records, conduct formal mediation, perform formal investigations, or serve as an advocate for any party. Faculty ombuds advocate for fairness.
From AC76 policy: "The objective is to enhance communication and clarify possible misunderstandings in situations which involve potential disputes, to advise faculty members and administrators as to appropriate courses of action, and to help settle matters before they become hardened into serious disputes." https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ac76#D
More information about the roles of faculty ombuds can be found at https://senate.psu.edu/faculty/university-faculty-ombuds/
Useful Links for Tenure Line and Professional Track Faculty
Office of Faculty Affairs: https://facultyaffairs.psu.edu/
Resources Available:
- Promotion and Tenure policies, administrative guidelines, and FAQs (updated each academic year)
- Sabbatical Leave information
- Faculty Handbook
- Guidance on Assessment of Teaching Effectiveness
- Center for Faculty Development and Advancement
Activity Insight (Digital Measures): https://activityinsight.psu.edu/
Resources Available:
- Activity Insight System Information and FAQ
- College of Engineering Faculty User Guide
- Activity Insight Training
- COE specific Activity Insight training video
College Activity Insight Representative
Amy Corbett, Faculty Affairs Administrative Coordinator
auh243@psu.edu
AI-Support@psu.edu
Faculty Annual and Extended Evaluations
- Annual Evaluation of Faculty Performance Report in Activity Insight
- Policy AC40: Annual Evaluation of Faculty Performance
- COE Guidelines for Extended Reviews of Tenured Faculty
Sabbatical Leave Information and Application System
College of Engineering Guidelines
- AC80 Engaging in Outside Professional Activities (Conflict of Commitment)
- AC10 Distinguished Professorships
- Endowed Professorships and Chairs
- Process to Request Emeritus Status
- Other Academic Appointments
Promotion & Tenure Online Reviewing Platform (PTORP):
NOTE: Only Review Committees, Department Heads and the Dean will have access to this dossier reviewing platform. https://app.ohr.psu.edu/promotion_tenure/
Tenure Track Faculty Promotion and Tenure
Calendars
Committees and Guidelines
- College Promotion and Tenure Committee List 2025-26 (starting September 2025)
- Procedures for Selection of College Promotion and Tenure Review Committee
- Departmental Promotion and Tenure Committee Structure
- Guidelines and Criteria for Promotion and Tenure in the College of Engineering
- COE Guidelines for Teaching Assessment
- Candidate’s Narrative Statement Guidelines
Professional Track Faculty Promotion
Calendars
Committees and Guidelines
- College Professional Track Faculty Promotion Committee
- Professional Track Faculty College Guidelines (effective July 2023, revised 2025)
- COE Guidelines for Teaching Assessment
Workshops and Panel Discussions
-
Panel Discussion for Professional Track Faculty members relative to the promotion process.
