• Criteria used in these evaluations are consistent with the mission of the University and the goals of the institution and are part of the Employee Handbook. Pursuant to the institution’s orientation to its instructional mission, the evaluation procedures noted are used primarily, although not exclusively, to measure teaching effectiveness and the overall quality of the classroom environment. While service to the institution and community, and scholarship in the form of research are vital to the development of quality faculty, it is the instructional role of the faculty that is paramount at Athens State. Therefore, quality teaching is the foremost indicator of effectiveness and an important standard for faculty tenure and promotion.
• At Athens State University, two evaluation procedures are performed periodically to assess the faculty. A formal annual evaluation by academic administrators of individual faculty members (College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education) is conducted during January and February. This evaluation begins with a brief self-review according to a form that includes teaching and advising responsibility, scholarship, and service. This evaluation, along with any accompanying documentation, is then reviewed by the faculty member with the appropriate College Dean. Evidence of this review is then sent to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for review and signature. These evaluations are part of the tenure and promotion review process. In addition to annual administrative review of faculty competencies, students in each course are requested to complete an anonymous evaluation of the professor's class online. These evaluations are provided to the faculty members in the semester following their completion. No evaluations can be viewed prior to the awarding of final grades for the class. Both statistical results and anecdotal comments are provided to the faculty members. These evaluations are also used as part of the annual review and provide evidence for promotion and tenure consideration. In the Spring 2009 term, the response rate was 27%. In the Fall 2008 term, the response rate was 30%. A third evaluation tool can be found in a section of the Graduating Senior Exit Survey which is provided through the Office of Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services.
• The approach to the evaluation of Athens State personnel is to be inclusive of a number of criteria such as teaching (instructional competence), professional responsibilities, optional academic activities, as well as service and research which is desirable, but not required. Generally, the approach addresses clear goals, adequate preparation, appropriate methods, and reflective critique. The policies are driven by the requirements of the accreditation process in the College of Education (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, NCATE), the College of Business (Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, ACBSP), and the College of Arts and Sciences (individual departmental reviews). In each of these accreditation and review processes, the evaluations policies and tools are reviewed for appropriateness.
• As a result of annual reviews and class evaluations, faculty may modify course materials or methods of instruction, course assignments, and facilities. As a result of the comments provided by the College Dean, scholarship, advising, or service may also be improved, expanded or modified so as to ensure quality teaching. Course requirements and teaching assignments are subject to change based upon these evaluations. Full-time and part-time teaching assignments, promotion and tenure decisions may also be affected by outcomes documented from evaluations. Both summative and formative results occur from evaluation.