Strategic Priorities Faculty Initiative (SPFI)

Criteria for SPFI Funding Requests

Departments seeking financial support to recruit faculty through the Strategic Priorities Faculty Initiative (SPFI) must demonstrate that proposed candidates align with one or more of the priority areas outlined above. Interdisciplinary hires are strongly encouraged, particularly those who will help advance the University of Arizona’s distinctiveness, values, and mission. Hires must be on tenure-track or continuing-track.

In light of the University’s R1 status and land-grant mission, we seek faculty who will strengthen our commitments in these areas:

• We value work that is high impact, innovative, critical, and problem-solving.
• We prioritize research, teaching, and service that contribute to the public good through community engagement and applied impact across the state of Arizona. 

SPFI Evaluation Criteria

Applications should demonstrate a candidate’s potential or proven capacity in the following areas:

1. High-Quality Pedagogy to Serve All Students

• Contributing to our understanding of conditions that promote success and connection in an academic community.
• Innovating in curriculum and pedagogy to engage and support all students.
• Using best practices with evidence-based outcomes for mentoring students in higher education and in the applicant’s discipline.

2. Publicly Engaged Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

• Engaging in research or scholarship that addresses the current needs of society and has the potential to impact Arizona, the region, and the world for the better.
• Artistic expression and scholarly products that reflect and elevate unique voices.
• Exploring innovation and cutting-edge work within the discipline.
• Demonstrating potential for collaboration with the University’s interdisciplinary programs. 

3. Community-Engaged Outreach and Service

• A record of service that advances the land-grant mission and expands opportunities within the discipline.
• Expertise in addressing the economic, social, and cultural needs of Arizona through outreach and service.

Funding

• The funding source for this initiative is the Provost’s Investment Fund. All departments receiving support from the fund must acknowledge the contribution from the Provost’s Investment Fund.
• Funding requests for up to $100,000 per hire are accepted for a duration of up to three years, based on the formula outlined below.

The award amount depends on the merit of the proposal and available funds. 

Submission Requirements

All SPFI applications must be submitted through the SPFI Application Form in Arizona Cultivate by deans or department heads. Applications are reviewed by the SPFI Committee. Please submit one application per candidate.

1. Written Statement (Required)

Provide responses that address the following:

a. Alignment with University Priorities

• Describe how the candidate’s background, experience, and qualifications will advance the University’s Purpose, Mission, Values, and strategic imperatives.

b. Candidate Support and Retention Plan

• Describe the department, college, or unit’s plan to support and retain the candidate.
• A mentoring plan must be included.

c. Candidate Vetting Process

• Outline the internal process for reviewing and vetting the candidate, including how faculty or other stakeholders will participate prior to extending an offer.

d. Startup Package Plan

• Provide a description of the proposed startup package, ensuring it is comparable to recent peer faculty hires in your unit. Please note SPFI funding cannot be used for startup packages. 

e. Strategic Alignment

• Summarize how the proposed hire aligns with and builds upon existing departmental investments that support SPFI priorities.

f. Enriching Academic and Institutional Perspectives

• Explain how the candidate will bring new perspectives to teaching, research, and service in your unit.
• Please describe how this hire will broaden perspectives within your unit and in your discipline. 

2. Candidate Curriculum Vitae

• Attach the candidate’s current CV.
• You may also include supplemental materials such as student evaluations, publications, or evidence of collaborative projects.
• Supplemental materials are especially helpful if the CV does not provide full detail.

3. Budget Sheet

Provide a clear budget using the template form including:

1. Candidate’s proposed salary, FTE, title, and anticipated start date
2. Requested percentage of salary and duration of support (up to three years)
3. Departmental or college startup funding commitments

4. Letters of Support from Department Head and Dean

Each application must include a joint letter of support that contains:

1. A brief explanation of the long-term funding plan for the position, including confirmation that the funding is incorporated into the department and college’s All Funds Budget Plan.
2. Confirmation that the proposed salary is comparable to recent hires in the unit.
3. A statement of the priority order of this request relative to any other SPFI requests submitted by the department.
4. Signatures from both the Department Head and Dean affirming agreement to financial commitments per the SPFI funding model.
5. If multiple applications are submitted from the same college, include a letter from the Dean identifying the college’s hiring priorities.

5. SPFI Priorities Statement

Provide a statement from the department that outlines the candidate’s track record, experience, and commitment to advancing the SPFI priorities.

Eligibility

• SPFI hiring funds are limited to tenure-track and continuing-track faculty positions, as the program represents a multi-year commitment and long-term investment. Candidates can be of any rank.
• SPFI funds may not be used to support candidates who have applied to an existing open search. All applicants to open positions must be evaluated equitably within the established search process.

Timeline

Application Deadline and Review 

Applications are due the last Friday of the month. Applications are accepted from October 2025 through December 2025. Reviews will occur monthly and conclude with the final decision from the Provost. Decisions will be provided in 2 weeks. Contact Dr. Andrea Romero, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, at romeroa@arizona.edu or (520) 626-0202 if you need an expedited decision.

Please note that once all available funds for the year have been allocated, no additional awards will be made. 

Funding Model

The Initiative is funded and administered by the Office of  the Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Funding of no more than $100,000 per  hire is available for up to three years based on the formula below.

The total amount of funding available each year depends on the hires that have been made in the previous two years. The process described under “Application Review” will be used to determine the funding awarded. Salary funding will include associated fringe benefits. In some cases, lesser levels of funding may be offered to maximize the number of hires under this program. The typical funding model employed by the Initiative is included below.

Awarded funds will be transferred to the colleges/units from the Provost’s Investment Fund.

Funding for Recruitment

The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, has also committed funds to help departments’ costs of recruitment of promising candidates for the Strategic Priorities Faculty Initiative (SPFI) recruitments. The funds will help support departments in the vetting of future SPFI candidates, however a subsequent submission of a SPFI Hiring Fund application is not required. Please apply here. 

2008-2020 Strategic Priorities Faculty Initiative (SPFI) Report

The first ever survey of active faculty hired through the SPFI program was conducted in Fall 2020. For more information, access the 2008-2020 Strategic Priorities Faculty Initiative (SPFI) Report in the Faculty Affairs Reports and Data website. 

Questions and comments

Questions can be directed to Dr. Dalila Ayoun, Faculty Director for Hiring, Compliance, and Faculty Relations at ayoun@arizona.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions