New faculty members often need quick access to university policies, departmental expectations, and guidance on advising and research—especially when colleagues aren't immediately available. Purple provides tailored support to help faculty navigate university resources and requirements, allowing them to focus on research, teaching, and mentoring with greater confidence.

Note: Select the Pure Purple agent to access these functions.

Purple uses large language models, a probability‑driven and non‑deterministic technology. This means results can vary and should not be assumed to be complete or error‑free. Purple is designed to assist with thinking through policy applicability and interpretation, not to provide definitive answers or substitute for expert review. Final decisions should always be informed by official regulations, institutional policy, and consultation with appropriate specialists.

Try it yourself

Step 1: Describe your role and what you need

Start by giving Purple context about your position and what you'd like to understand. For example:

"I'm a new faculty member (associate professor, tenure track). Can you help me understand university policies, departmental expectations, and best practices for advising and research?"

Purple will provide an overview covering:

• University policies (Faculty Code, promotion and tenure, research conduct, diversity and inclusion)
• Departmental expectations for teaching, research, and service
• Best practices for advising and mentoring students
• Best practices for research collaboration, funding, and publication
• Key resources and offices to support you

Step 2: Ask for specific information

Narrow your focus based on what's most relevant. For example:

"Can you outline the major points from the Faculty Code and Governance that apply to me?"

Purple will summarize applicable policies, such as:

• Faculty appointments and shared governance
• Promotion and tenure processes and timelines
• Voting rights and faculty responsibilities
• Review and reappointment procedures

Step 3: Get actionable guidance

Request practical support for planning and preparation. For example:

"How is tenure reviewed? Can you create a 6-year plan for preparing for mandatory review? What should I be doing each year?"

Purple will provide a year-by-year breakdown with specific activities, including:

• Year 1: Establish foundations and clarify expectations for research, teaching, and service.
• Years 2–3: Build your research and teaching portfolios in preparation for review.
• Year 3: Third-year review.
  • If successful, continue on the promotion track.
  • If concerns are identified, address required improvements.
• Years 4–5: If the third-year review is successful, prepare promotion documentation and seek feedback from mentors and senior faculty.
• Year 5: Submit the promotion case.
• Year 6: Promotion decision and, if successful, promotion takes effect.
• If not successful at promotion: Faculty typically remain at UW for one additional year and depart in Year 7.

Step 4: Refine your next questions based on Purple's responses

Continue the conversation to dive deeper into specific policies, get links to official resources, or tailor guidance to your department or discipline.