Changes to the periodic performance review process pass 19-1 after weeks of debate
The University of Idaho Faculty Senate approved revisions to its periodic performance review policy in a 19-1 vote, finalizing changes to how tenured faculty are evaluated.
The Argonaut previously reported on a new policy from the Idaho State Board of Education that required clarified evaluation standards, new committee requirements and changes to administrative oversight. These changes were implemented in the Faculty-Staff Handbook.
It was previously required that all review committees for tenure evaluations consist of faculty of the same or higher rank as the person being reviewed. The senate approved an amendment that now allows only one full time professor to be required for reviews, with members coming from closely related parts in the college when necessary.
A limit was added that reviewees could exclude up to three reviewers, to which the senate raised concerns about allowing faculty to “handpick” their committees.
Debate over mandatory self-evaluations ended in a decision for optional self-evaluations, allowing faculty to add additional context without requiring it. A proposal to add raises or bonuses for top-performing employees was struck down over concerns about legislative reaction, policy overlap and fairness.
The provost’s report, given by Torrey Lawrence, provost and executive vice president, reminded the senate that many courses are still missing textbook submissions and encouraged the senate to comply with faculty.
The Faculty Senate will meet every Tuesday throughout the fall semester to discuss academic policy and campuswide events. Meeting agendas and minutes are available through the UI Faculty Senate website.
Scarlet Herway can be reached at [email protected].