Call for Proposals: 2025-2026 SPFI Hire and Recruitment Initiatives

Today
Office of the Provost

SPFI Funding requests are now open.

Provost Prelock with SPFI Faculty at Fall 2025 SPFI Faculty Welcome Reception

Dear deans, department heads, chairs and directors,

We are pleased to invite proposals for the 2025–2026 Strategic Priorities Faculty Initiative (SPFI).
 

About SPFI Hire Funds

The SPFI program provides temporary financial support to academic departments to enable the hire of full-time tenure-track faculty or continuing-track academic professionals who advance the university’s purpose, mission, and values while contributing to our strategic imperatives.

In addition to hiring support, SPFI Recruitment Funds of up to $1,500 are available to assist with campus visits, honoraria, or proactive recruitment. Start-up costs are not covered under this program.
 

SPFI Goals 
  • Create early hiring opportunities outside the traditional search cycle, allowing departments to recruit highly competitive candidates with expedited approval and financial support from the Office of the Provost.
  • Prioritize faculty whose work demonstrates impact, innovation, and problem-solving within their disciplines.
  • Uphold our land-grant mission by emphasizing research, teaching, and service with meaningful public impact.
     
How to Apply

Review eligibility criteria and application instructions on the Faculty Affairs website. Decisions will be provided within 10 days after due dates. 

  • Submit online through Arizona Cultivate
  • Fall Cycle applications rolling due dates:
    • Sept. 26
    • Oct. 31
    • Nov. 21
       
Funding Cycle
  • Funding is available for the Fall 2025 cycle, with the expectation that hires will begin in Fall 2026.
  • If funds remain after the Fall 2025 cycle, a Spring 2026 nomination cycle will be opened, with anticipated start dates in Spring 2027 or Fall 2027.
  • Once all funds for the year have been allocated, no additional awards will be made.
     

If you have any questions about SPFI and the application process, please contact Dr. Dalila Ayoun, faculty director, Faculty Affairs at ayoun@arizona.edu.

Thank you for your continued partnership in strengthening our faculty community through SPFI.

Warm regards,

Patricia A. Prelock
Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Andrea J. Romero
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

This email was sent to deans, department heads, chairs and directors.