Faculty Affairs and Development

Faculty Affairs and Development Services

The Office of Faculty Affairs supports Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) faculty at all stages of their careers through comprehensive professional development programs, resources, and personalized guidance. Investing in faculty enhances the educational experience for AWSOM students and helps advance the field of medical education.

Faculty Resources

We curate and provide access to essential resources, including teaching tools, educational support, and much more.

Faculty Policies & Governance

Faculty Affairs Initiatives

Faculty Affairs and Development supports the AWSOM mission and vision through the following initiatives:

Faculty Operations and Oversight

We provide a structural and supportive foundation for faculty success at AWSOM.

Maintain and revise faculty policies, bylaws, and handbooks in conjunction with the Faculty Assembly.
Oversee governance structures and ensure equitable committee participation.
Maintain an up-to-date roster of faculty and their roles.
Manage annual faculty performance evaluations.
Promote faculty well-being through targeted initiatives and resources.
Recognize faculty achievements and contributions through formal and informal programs.

Faculty Development

We offer growth opportunities to enhance faculty skills and retention.

Provide professional development programs for all faculty.
Offer a comprehensive development program tailored for clinical part-time faculty.

Recruiting and Onboarding

We help attract, welcome, and support top-tier faculty.

Assist with the recruitment process for full-time and adjunct faculty.
Support HR in the onboarding process.
Provide orientation to help new faculty integrate smoothly into AWSOM.

Appointments and Promotions

We manage faculty career progression and offer committee support.

Support the Appointment and Promotion Committee (APC).
Oversee faculty appointment and promotion processes.
Manage annual faculty appointments.

Faculty Governance at AWSOM

Shared governance at AWSOM is rooted in the Faculty Assembly, the primary representative body of the faculty. Through this structure, faculty members actively shape institutional policies, uphold academic standards, and contribute to strategic decision-making. The Faculty Executive Committee (FEC), elected by the Assembly, facilitates its operations and serves as a liaison between the faculty and the Dean’s Cabinet.

The Assembly also oversees four standing committees - Admissions Committee (AdCom), Curriculum Committee (CC), Student Promotions Committee (SPC), and Faculty Appointment & Promotion Committee (APC) - each entrusted with independent authority over core academic functions. This model ensures that faculty expertise and voice are central to the School’s mission, operations, and continuous improvement.