Public Engagement Research Option (PERO) in FAA

Research conducted by faculty members is expected to generate scholarly and/or creative products whose impact can be captured by traditional metrics; however, publicly engaged research may also generate products whose impact may not be adequately captured by traditional metrics. Faculty have an option to select the Public Engagement Research Option (PERO) when a substantial proportion of their record is comprised of such products. PERO allows traditional metrics to be supplemented by alternative metrics that provide insight into societal impact.

PERO information

The Public Engagement Research Option (PERO) was adopted by the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in 2023 as an alternative promotion pathway for tenure-stream faculty. Provost Communication #9 has been updated with the procedures to support selection and promotion review for the PERO. In 2024, the College of Fine & Applied Arts, Promotion and Tenure Policies and Procedures were updated to reflect procedures for PERO. As of 2025, FAA Unit-level policies are undergoing updates to integrate PERO, to be consistent with college and university policy.

To support faculty, their UEOs, and unit- and college-level promotion and tenure committees, this webpage provides a selection of documents and resources that will be commonly used and referred to for PERO cases. Should further information or guidance be needed, please contact Dean’s Fellow for Research, Prof. Mary Pat McGuire mpm1@illinois.edu or Associate Dean for Research, Prof. Jorge Lucero jlucero@illinois.edu.

PERO Documents

PERO Guide Overview of the Public Engagement Research Option (PERO) - Slides PERO-Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Template List of Additional Resources