3.2.11 Teaching Evaluation Policy

The teaching evaluation system consists of two components: A) student evaluation and B) peer or colleague evaluation. The evaluation of teaching will provide information which individuals can use in improving skills and in course development. Some evaluation information will be used by academic administrators as partial support for and justification of personnel decisions (reappointment, promotion, tenure and salary adjustments) concerning the faculty member being evaluated. The evaluation of teaching will be weighted in a manner which is commensurate with the assigned teaching responsibilities of each faculty member.

A. Student Ratings of Instruction

While it remains a University policy to conduct student rating of instruction, the mechanism by which the evaluation occurs is currently under revision.

B. Peer or Colleague Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness

1. Scope:

Peer or colleague evaluation applies to all faculty except graduate teaching assistants.

2. Mechanism of peer or colleague evaluation:

Each department or school will establish an internal mechanism by which it evaluates the appropriateness of level, content, and currency of courses taught by individual faculty members and the quality of the faculty member's contributions to the teaching mission of the University.

3. Procedures for peer or colleague evaluation:

Peer or colleague evaluations will be conducted according to a departmentally established mechanism and reported initially to the evaluated faculty member. After he or she has had the opportunity to respond to the evaluation, the evaluators will report a final summary evaluation to the evaluated faculty member and to his/her immediate academic administrator. The evaluated faculty member may submit a written statement if he/she wishes formally to rebut or affirm the evaluation.

4. Uses of peer or colleague evaluation:

The evaluated faculty member will be able to use the evaluation as guidance in course development and teaching improvement. Peer or colleague evaluations are intended to ensure that faculty receive constructive advice concerning their professional development, but the responsibility for using that advice to improve instruction rests with the evaluated faculty member.

The information derived from peer or colleague evaluation will be used by academic administrators as partial support for and justification of personnel decisions (reappointment, promotion, tenure and salary adjustments). The evaluation of teaching will be weighted in a manner which is commensurate with the assigned teaching responsibilities of each faculty member. (Senate Proposal 2-87)