Professional Studies Peer Evaluations

University of Maine at Machias
Policy & Procedures Manual
SUBJECT: FACULTY PERSONNEL POLICIES SECTION III
PAGE: 307
DATE: 05/95, 02/01, 03/03
SECTION: Professional Studies Division – Peer Evaluations
I. EVALUATION

A. Areas of Evaluation

1) Primary        –   Instruction (see criteria sheet titled “Some Appropriate

                               Items Which May Be Considered by the Peer
Committee”: Teaching Materials and Classroom
Expectations sections)

2) Secondary

–   Active participation and commitment to program

                               assessment and development including Program Faculty
meetings

– Course and curricular development

– Student Advising

– Departmental, college, campus, and university/system

  assignments and service (see criteria sheet titled “Some

  Appropriate Items Which May Be Considered by the

  Peer Committee”: Faculty Service section)

– Public Service (related to discipline only)

3) Tertiary

– Staying current in field

– Research

– Scholarly writing

– Publications, papers, conference presentations

– Creative works/activity in discipline

– Professional activities

 

B. Recognizing there are different models for successful professors, we do insist on:

1) Excellence in instruction as indicated by criteria above

2) Accessibility and commitment to student academic advising

3) A continuing commitment to professional growth and pursuit of

   increased excellence within the evaluation criteria

4) Meaningful, substantial contributions and/or active participation within

   the area of secondary criteria

5) Some contribution and/or participation within the area of tertiary criteria.

     Level of expectation may be determined by conditions of hire

 

C. Faculty Review Report Format (Prepared by member being evaluated)

1) Narrative which addresses above criteria

2) Portfolio (include the following)

3) Course syllabi

4) Student evaluations (include summary sheets)

5) Tests

6) Other appropriate materials

7) Self-evaluation (strengths, accomplishments, areas for improvement,

                   assessment of previous goals)

8) Future Goals

a. Long-term (maximum 4 years)

b. Annual

 
II. PEER COMMITTEE

A. Composition – a minimum of two UMM faculty members, at least one of whom is from the Professional Studies Division. At least one member must be tenured

1) One member selected by the division member to be evaluated

2) Other member selected by the Chair of the Division from a list of

            suggested peers from the candidate

3) The two members of the Peer Committee will agree upon a chair

 

B. Resources (for review by the committee)

1) Classroom visitations by each committee member in consultation with

            the instructor. Some classroom visitations may occur during the fall

    semester

2) Student evaluation or summaries for the evaluation period

3) Written narrative by the member being evaluated

4) Exhibits (See Section IA for examples)

5) Personnel file of faculty being evaluated

6) Participation in and responsiveness to Program Reviews

7) The division member being evaluated or the Peer Evaluation Committee

    may request a meeting to discuss any of the above resources

 

C. The Peer Committee will meet in person with the person being evaluated prior to the writing of the committee’s written report. This meeting is to review the findings of the Committee and solicit any additional information or explanation.

 

D. Written Report (by Peer Committee)

1) Should include:

a. Commendations

b. Recommendations related to evaluation criteria

c. Recommendations related to job action (continuing contract,

    promotion, tenure) when appropriate

 

2) Will be submitted to Division Chair according to the Reappointment and Non-Reappointment Time Table as printed in the Faculty Handbook – Latest Edition

3) A copy will be provided to division member being evaluated

4) The member being evaluated may respond to the report in writing to the Committee or to the Division Chair within one week of the completion of the report and such responses must be copied to the committee and Division Chair

 
III. DIVISION CHAIR

A. Writes a written evaluation and makes recommendations to be passed on to the Vice President for Academic Affairs in accordance with the dates listed in the Faculty Handbook

 

B. Resources available for review

1) Personnel file of division member

2) Classroom visitations

3) Student evaluations

4) Faculty Review Report

5) Peer Committee’s written report

 
IV. PROMOTION AND TENURE

A. A division member applying for promotion or tenure shall:

1) Make application in writing to the Division Chair no later than September 15

2) Select a Peer Committee in accordance with the guidelines stated in Section II A of the Peer Evaluation Policy of the Professional Studies Division no later than September 30

3) Follow guidelines contained in the AFUM Contract and Faculty Handbook

4) The division member may consult with the Division Chair in regard to assembling his/her tenure presentation

 

B. The Peer Committee shall make its recommendation no later than November 1, giving it to the Division Chair for study and transmittal according to the guidelines listed in the AFUM Contract.

 
 
 
SOME APPROPRIATE ITEMS WHICH MAY BE CONSIDERED BY THE
PEER COMMITTEES
 
Teaching Materials
The syllabus adequately outlines the sequence of topics to be covered
The stated course objectives are clear
The difficulty level is appropriate for the enrolled students
The course is an adequate prerequisite for other courses
The course objectives are congruent with the department curricula
The written assignments and projects are carefully chosen to reflect course goals
A variety of assignments is available to meet individual student needs
The assignments are intellectually challenging to the students
The exam content is representative of the course content and objectives
The standards used for grading are communicated to the students
 
Classroom Expectations
Defines objectives for the class presentation
Effectively organizes learning situations to meet the objectives of the class presentation
Uses instructional methods encouraging relevant student participation in the learning process
Uses class time effectively
Demonstrates enthusiasm for the subject matter
Communicates clearly and effectively to the level of the students
Explains important ideas simply and clearly
Demonstrates command of subject matter
Responds appropriately to student questions and comments
Encourages critical thinking and analysis
 
Faculty Service
Attends committee and faculty meetings regularly
Does an appropriate share of institutional service assignments
Accepts service assignments willingly
Makes a positive contribution to assigned committees
Serves effectively as a committee chairperson
Maintains a professional and cooperative attitude in dealing with colleagues
Actively participates in establishing and supporting division goals
Is prompt and accurate with reports, grades, and so on
Is genuinely interested in assisting colleagues