Updates on Endowed Positions Guidelines and Eminent Scholars Program
Important updates on guidelines and program processes.
Dear Colleagues,
Endowed positions such as deanships, chairs and professorships represent a distinguished honor bestowed upon University of Arizona faculty. These appointments are instrumental in recruiting and retaining outstanding scholars whose research, teaching, service and leadership advance our mission as a land-grant institution and support our strategic imperatives of student success, research and community impact.
To align with national standards and best practices, and to ensure clarity and consistency across the university, the Office of the Provost, in collaboration with the University of Arizona Foundation and Business Affairs, has established the following guidelines and procedures:
- Endowed Faculty Position Guidelines: outlining the minimum endowment levels, selection and appointment process for endowed faculty roles.
- Expenditure Guidelines: providing direction on the appropriate management and stewardship of endowment payouts.
- Eminent Scholars Program Guidelines: detailing the funding structure and process for awarding Eminent Scholars funding.
We hope these guidelines provide a clear and consistent framework for colleges and departments. We recognize that colleges vary in size, structure and need. Department- and college-level review processes may therefore be adjusted at the dean’s discretion to best meet the needs of the college while maintaining alignment with university standards.
We understand that there may be prior or ongoing discussions or commitments with prospective donors based on previously established endowment minimums. In recognition of these circumstances, a grace period is in place through June 2026 to honor and complete such commitments under the prior funding levels. However, all new endowment agreements and future commitments from today forward must align with the newly established minimum funding thresholds.
Thank you for your continued partnership and stewardship in advancing excellence across the university. Please reach out to the Office of the Provost with questions or for further clarification.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Prelock
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
JP Roczniak
President and CEO, UA Foundation
This email was sent to deans, department heads, chairs, directors, assistant/associate deans, senior leaders and Provost Integrated Leadership Team.