Faculty Evaluation
Bay Path University strives to recruit, retain, and reward well-qualified and productive faculty. Regular and systematic evaluation of teaching and performance of professional duties is part of the re-appointment and promotion processes. Because reappointment and promotion in rank represent a substantive and serious commitment on the part of the University, evaluation of faculty is conducted with objectivity and professionalism. Systematic and regular evaluations by the faculty member, Dean, and/or the Vice President for Academic Affairs exist as an aid to professional self-development and for continuous improvement in the quality of education at Bay Path University. All faculty will submit an annual report and planning document and will be evaluated annually by their respective Supervisor. Department chairs and Program Directors will be evaluated by the Dean of the School to which the Chair/Director/Coordinator is assigned.
Faculty at Bay Path University are evaluated according to the criteria set forth under Faculty Duties and Responsibilities. The three major categories of the professional duties report and plan to be evaluated are listed below along with descriptions of some of the items to be contained in these sections, respectively. As Bay Path faculty differ in their responsibilities, as well as their individual development needs and plans, a range of effort for evaluation is listed for each of three categories:
Teaching and Advising
Curriculum Design (approx. 25% of time)
- Develop Course Framework: Prepare comprehensive course materials, including the syllabus, student learning outcomes (SLOs), and a teaching plan. Prepares course materials: syllabi, student learning outcomes, teaching plans, and evaluation instruments that are appropriate to the course(s) taught. Maintains course and curriculum relevance through research related to courses taught.
- Establish Assessment Strategy: Design a range of evaluation instruments and grading criteria that are fair, transparent, and directly tied to the learning outcomes. Clearly explain these to students in the syllabus.
- Ensure Course Relevance: Stay current in the field through research to ensure the course content and materials are up-to-date and relevant.
- Contribute to Program Assessment: Conduct and participate in course and program-level assessments as required to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum.
- Refine and Improve: Use feedback from formative and summative evaluations to continuously improve course design and curriculum structure for future semesters.
Teaching and Delivery of Instruction (approx. 25% of time)
- Engage Students: Facilitate interactive learning activities and discussions that are appropriate for the learning outcomes. Show enthusiasm for the subject matter to motivate students.
- Manage the Classroom: Promote and maintain a professional and safe educational environment. This includes upholding standards of behavior, mutual respect, and punctuality.
- Implement Assessments: Administer the planned assessments, provide timely feedback, and return graded student work in a reasonable timeframe. Regularly assesses student learning, with adequate assessments prior to middle of the course (mid-term) to determine students’ progress in course.
- Leverage Technology and Resources: Effectively use technology and all required course materials (e.g., textbooks, lab equipment) to deliver instruction and enhance the student learning experience.
- Provide Support: Communicate high standards and expectations for student performance and offer opportunities for students to provide feedback on the course before the end of the semester.
Advising Students (approx. 10 % of time)
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Communicate a positive and professional attitude toward all teaching and administrative responsibilities.
- Mentor and Advise: Act as a dedicated mentor and resource for students. This includes holding scheduled office hours, making appointments when needed, and advising students on their academic and career paths. Advise students not only on programs and course selection, but also on career opportunities and how courses selected and other activities help to build an appropriate resume.
- Instill Enthusiasm: Motivate students and actively instill a passion for learning.
- Advocate for Students: Respect students' diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and act as an advocate for their academic and professional growth.
Scholarship or Creative Activity: 10% - 30%
Scholarship, Creative Activity, and Professional Development (approx. 20% of time)
- Participates in professional development and scholarly activities in one’s field.
- Publishes and/or produces in the field.
- Leads professional development activities for colleagues and/or others.
- Pursues additional formal education as appropriate or required.
- Maintains appropriate licenses and designations, as position requires.
University and Community Service: 10% - 30%
University and Community Service (approx. 20% of time)
- Serves on Academic Affairs Standing committees, school or program-level committee as assigned
- Collaborates with others on curriculum, committees, and other activities that support the mission of the University.
- Participates in Department/Program, School and University-wide meetings.
- Participates in Commencement and Convocation and other celebratory functions
- Represents department at admissions events, open houses, and other functions.
- Attends University and College functions.
- Attends student events and programs
- Provides community service appropriate to one’s discipline and interests.
- Shares academic expertise with others on campus through workshops, seminars, webinars and other venues