Modernizing Faculty Lifecycle Processes at Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is implementing the Faculty Lifecycle Information System (FLIS), a new platform that will support and streamline faculty related processes across the institution. Following a competitive procurement process, Interfolio by Elsevier was selected as the University's faculty lifecycle platform.
Interfolio will provide a centralized and consistent approach to managing faculty lifecycle processes, from recruitment through career progression and retirement.
Implementation has begun in Fall 2026 using a phased approach. The project is co-sponsored by the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Faculty and Academic Life and Information Systems and Technology (IST), with active participation from Human Resources, all faculties, and institutional partners across campus. The project team works closely with stakeholders across the University to understand requirements, gather feedback, and help shape both the system and its implementation.
Key Benefits
A trusted source of information
Interfolio will serve as the University's authoritative source for faculty lifecycle information, improving data quality, reporting, and consistency.
Simplified and standardized processes
Standardized workflows will reduce manual effort, duplication, and administrative burden.
Transparent process management
Workflow tracking and automated notifications will help keep processes moving and provide better visibility into status and next steps.
Improved information management and reporting
Centralized records will improve access to information and support timely reporting and decision-making.
Collaboration
Shared processes and information will support coordination across faculties and administrative units.
Project Overview
Faculty lifecycle processes are currently supported through a combination of manual workflows, locally maintained systems, and unit-specific practices. While these approaches have supported important workflows for many years, they created inefficiencies, duplicate effort, and challenges with reporting and information management.
FLIS will support faculty members and administrators by providing a more integrated and transparent way to manage faculty lifecycle processes, while maintaining the flexibility needed to reflect the diverse practices and requirements of faculties and academic units.
Currently, FLIS consists of three key modules: Faculty Search, Faculty Lifecycle Management and Review, and Promotion, Permanence, and Tenure.
Guiding Principles
Efficiency by Design
Easy-to-use, standardized, efficient, and sustainable processes.
Data-Informed Decisions
Accurate and accessible information that supports planning, reporting, and decision-making.
Collaboration
The project brings together faculties, academic support units, and institutional partners to support shared needs and goals.
Transparency
Open communication and shared visibility throughout implementation.
About Interfolio
Interfolio is a faculty information platform designed for higher education institutions. A key component of the platform is Dossier, a professional portfolio tool that helps faculty members collect, organize, and maintain academic materials, achievements, and career information over time.
Together, Interfolio and Dossier support both institutional processes and individual record keeping.
Phase I: Faculty Search
The first module to be introduced is Faculty Search, with rollout planned for late Fall 2026. Faculty Search supports the academic hiring process from recruitment and position advertising through candidate evaluation and appointment.
Future Phases
Faculty Lifecycle Management: Supports appointments, contracts, leaves, and retirement-related activities.
Review, Promotion, Permanence, and Tenure: Supports review, permanence, tenure, and promotion processes through standardized workflows and documentation.
Additional information will be shared as implementation planning progresses.
Updates and Resources
Training, communication and ongoing support are central to the implementation approach. As each phase is introduced, users will have access to role-based training, demonstrations and workshops, user guides and reference materials, and ongoing support resources.
Requirements validation has been completed, and testing is underway. Communication on implementation and training will continue to be shared as the project progresses.
The project team is committed to supporting users throughout implementation by providing the information, training, and resources needed to prepare for new processes. This page will serve as a central source of information and will be updated regularly with project news, milestones, training opportunities, FAQs, and additional resources.