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. 

You may contact your choice of any of the three ombuds. 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

Rachel Brennan (term ends August 2027)
208K ECoRE Building
814-865-9428
rab44@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

From the university faculty ombud: “My fellow ombuds and I are committed to listening to the faculty; answering questions; explaining policies and procedures; providing information and advice; exploring possible solutions; suggesting appropriate referrals; and assisting in pursuing resolution of differences.” 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

Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs:  https://www.vpfa.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

Activity Insight (Digital Measures):  https://activityinsight.psu.edu/

Resources Available:

College Activity Insight Representative

Amy Corbett, Faculty Affairs Administrative Coordinator
auh243@psu.edu
AI-Support@psu.edu

Self-Report of Activity (SRA) and Faculty Evaluations

Sabbatical Leave Information and Application System

College of Engineering Guidelines

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/

Corporate Engagement Center Resource Library

The resource library is intended to share information on resources, best practices, and topics that impact the work of Penn State faculty and staff members who engage with corporations. 

Visit the Corporate Engagement Center Resource Library.

Tenure Line Faculty

Calendars

Committees and Guidelines

Workshop and Panel Discussions

Professional Track Faculty

Calendars

Committees and Guidelines

Workshops and Panel Discussions

  • Panel Discussion for Professional Track Faculty members relative to the promotion process.

    Workshop PDF (from November 29, 2024)