All Office of the Provost Policies

Academic Integrity: A Basic Guide, is a central resource of policies governing academic integrity for all students and faculty at Northwestern. More about Academic Integrity

When individuals involved in a consensual romantic or sexual relationship are in positions of unequal power at the university, there is the potential for a conflict of interest, favoritism, and exploitation. In order to protect the integrity of the university academic and work environment, this policy outlines limitations on consensual romantic or sexual relationships between faculty, staff and students. More about Consensual Romantic or Sexual Relationships Between Faculty, Staff and Students

In order to protect the integrity of the university academic and work environment, Northwestern University has limitations on supervisory or evaluative relationships between relatives. More about Employment or Evaluation of Relatives

Policy to address a faculty member’s inability to fulfill the essential function of their professional obligations due to significant physical or personal impairment, or significantly disruptive behavior. More about Faculty Fitness Panel

Different leave policies will apply depending on the faculty category. See relevant policies and definitions of faculty categories. More about Faculty Medical Leaves, Family Leaves, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Related Policies

Northwestern University strongly supports its schools and faculties in developing and implementing curricular change and innovation. Since many of the exciting new fields of study are inherently multi-disciplinary, and often do not fit neatly within a single school, all recommendations for curricular changes and/or new academic programs must follow the following process. More about New Program Development

Although Northwestern University does not as an institution observe religious holidays, the academic calendar is designed to avoid conflicts with observed holidays. More about Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance

From time to time schools create curricular packages smaller than a major or a minor (if that is an option within a school) that they present to students as a “certificate.” Programs leading to certificates are designed to recognize work completed through a set of courses with a specified focus or concentration. More about Policy on Awarding Certificates

The Higher Learning Commission, Northwestern’s regional institutional accreditor, requires that the University articulate an institutional policy regarding the awarding of credit. Northwestern’s policy, which is in compliance with the federal definitions regarding the assignment of credit, reflects the current practices of the schools and programs.  More about Policy on Awarding Credit

Northwestern will permit faculty members to request extensions of their probationary period in cases where circumstances have arisen to interfere substantially with the research and/or other projects the faculty member intends to submit as part of his or her tenure review. Such circumstances may include parental responsibilities, personal or family emergencies or problems beyond the faculty member's control relating to his/her research or scholarly activities. More about Policy on Extending the Probationary Period for Tenure-Track Faculty

The Faculty Family Leave policy establishes faculty family leaves for purposes of birth, adoption, or care for a child after birth or adoption. More about Policy on Faculty Family Leave

Faculty members with benefits-eligible, half-time or greater appointments who are unable to work as a result of a medically certified disability become eligible for paid sick leave. More about Policy on Faculty Medical Leave

More about Policy on Non-Retaliation

Policy on unauthorized student recording of classroom or other academic activities. More about Policy on Recording Classes

Learn about the tenure process, including procedures for both continuing faculty promotions and outside appointments. More about Policy on Tenure and Promotion Standards and Procedures

Central administration set guidelines regarding eligibility to vote in matters regarding promotion and tenure, where school recommendations are sent on to the Provost and President. More about Policy Regarding Participation in Personnel Decisions

Faculty are members of a community including students, staff, and faculty colleagues. Members of the Northwestern community are expected to deal with each other with respect and consideration. More about Provost’s Statement on Civility

More about Research Visitors Framework

Policy on sponsoring legal permanent residency for Northwestern faculty. More about Sponsorship for Legal Permanent Residence

Undergraduate students enrolled in courses with in-person class meetings are expected to be on campus and in attendance no later than the end of the first week of the quarter and must plan to remain until the end of the quarter. More about Undergraduate Policy on In-Person Arrival and Course Engagement