Faculty Evaluation

1. Faculty Evaluation Faculty Workshop on Promotion & Tenure April 1, 2011 A Reviewer’s Perspective

2. About Me • Tenured Professor – I’ve been through the process • Longevity - tenure-track since 1984, adjunct from 1980 to 1984 • Served on the University-wide Faculty Evaluation Committee since 1997 • Current Chair • Served on and/or chaired all sub-committees • Member of the Provost’s Task Force on Evaluation of Faculty Work for Promotion, Tenure, Post-tenure Review and Hiring

3. Levels of Review • Extended Campus Director/President • Department Head/Chair • School or College Peer Review Committee • Dean or Director • University-wide Faculty Evaluation Committee • Provost • Chancellor

4. About the University-wide Faculty Evaluation Committee • UFEC is a standing committee of the Faculty Senate.  Their function and responsibility according to the bylaws is: • to review the recommendations of school and college peer review committees and of deans and directors for their consistency with Board of Regents and University policies and with the requirements adopted by the schools and colleges. • to make recommendations on faculty promotion and tenure to the Provost.

5. About the University-wide Faculty Evaluation Committee • Fifteen members serving 3-year terms • Five each from the three workload categories – Tripartite Academic, Bipartite Academic, and Bipartite Vocational • Three sub-committees each representing a workload category. • Each sub-committee is comprised of three members of that workload category and one each from the other two categories.

6. UFEC Workload • UFEC reviews files from all schools and colleges, plus the extended campuses, for 4-year comprehensive review/ retention, promotion, tenure, 6-year post-tenure review, distinguished professor, and emeritus. • Each sub-committee meets every Friday from the beginning of Spring Semester in January until the 1st of March.

7. UFEC Workload • Each sub-committee meets until all the files in that workload category are reviewed. • The Tripartite Academic sub-committee usually has the largest workload (49 files this year). • Each week the sub-committees review between 5 and 10 files. • Each sub-committee member must read all the files for that week. • In addition, each member will be assigned one or two files for which they will be responsible for writing the Findings & Recommendations.

8. UFEC Workload • It’s a lot of work in a short amount of time. • The files are kept in a secure location at the Administration Building and are only available for review Monday – Friday from 8 to 5. • Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the process, and how it works. • The upshot? Make your file easy to review!

9. The Review • Regent’s policy on the evaluation of faculty describes the purpose of review as follows. • To appraise the extent to which the faculty member has met their professional obligation. • To appraise the extent to which the faculty member’s professional growth and development has proceeded. • To appraise the prospects for the faculty member’s continued professional growth and development. • To identify changes, if any, in emphasis required for such growth.

10. The Review • First I review the unit guidelines. • Then I read the previous levels of review. • Next I read the Vita and the Self Review. • Then I compare the Workloads with the Annual Activity Reports and the Student Evaluations. • Then I compare the different workload components with unit criteria.

11. Your File • You are responsible for the creation of your file. • It is important so allow enough time to do a good job. • Some estimates are up to 100 hours. • Make it easy to review!

12. 1 – Find the Rules. • Obtain and carefullyread 4 documents • Chapter 4 of the Board of Regent’s Policy • Chapter III of the Faculty Handbook (UAA Policy) • The guidelines for your school or college • The Collective Bargaining Agreement for your union • Where can you find them? • The Faculty Services website

13. 2 – Determine the review period. • Review period for promotion is from the last promotion. • Review period for tenure is from initial hire. • If UNAC, advise dean, or director of your intention at the end of your appointment period (May).

14. 3 – Gather the required information. • Workload Agreement(s) • Make sure they have all signatures • Annual Activity Report(s) • Make sure they have all signatures • Must match Workload Agreement • Current Vita • Past Review Summaries • The “colored” sheets • Student Evaluation Summaries

15. 3 – Gather the required information. (continued) • Course syllabi for the review year(s) • One for each different course • If you taught multiple sections of the same course, only include the latest syllabus. • Verification of degrees, certificates, licenses • Original transcripts or a letter from Kim Perkins stating that the transcripts are on file. • Do not copy diplomas.

16. 3 – Gather the required information. (continued) • Additional documentation of teaching, service, and research/creative activity. • Letters of recommendation • Addressing all areas of workload • Internal • External • External reviewers

17. 4 – Organize the information. • This is very important! • Follow the list in the Faculty Handbook and add other sections as necessary. • Include summaries for each element of your workload. • Establish a chronology - be consistent. • Use index tabs with word labels (not numbers or letters) • Most reviewers do not like sheet protectors

18. 5 – Write the Self Review. • This should address each element of your workload. • Explain what you do and how you do it. • Include goals and objectives. • Address any problem areas. • Why is it a problem? • What are you planning to correct the problem?

19. 6 – Include a Letter of Transmittal. • State clearly the intent of the file – retention, promotion, and/or tenure. • Reference the rules with which you wish to be evaluated. • Has there been a recent change in your school or college’s criteria? • Do you want to be evaluated on the new rules or the old ones?

20. Important Notes Time in Rank • The current UAA Policy (Chapter III of the Faculty Handbook) has always allowed for exceptions to minimum time in rank, terminal degree, and experience qualifications. • In 2007, the Provost entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with UNAC that reinforced that fact. • The caveat is that “the basis for exception shall be outstanding academic performance and/or outstanding professional experience.”

21. Additional Thoughts • Don’t be afraid to brag. • Reviewers may not be from your discipline – be clear and go easy on the acronyms. • Reviewers are evaluating your file not you – make sure it’s all in there. • “Would you accept this file from one of your students?” What grade would it get?