Narrative:  

Troy University is in compliance with this Comprehensive Standard.

Troy University regularly evaluates the effectiveness of each faculty member in accord with published criteria as part of its responsibility to continually improve its academic programs. Teaching effectiveness is the most important attribute of any Troy University faculty member, and all full-time faculty members and all adjunct faculty members are evaluated in accordance with the criteria published in the Faculty Handbook regardless of their location. The attributes and qualifications which should be considered and documented in evaluating teaching effectiveness published on page 40 of the Faculty Handbook, effective August 1, 2005 may include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

1. Command of one’s subject
2. Ability to organize subject matter and to present it clearly, logically, and imaginatively
3. Knowledge of current developments in one’s teaching discipline
4. Ability to relate one’s subject to other areas of knowledge
5. Ability to provoke and broaden student interest in the subject matter
6. Ability to develop and utilize effective teaching methods and strategies
7. Availability for and effectiveness in academic advising and directing students
8. Ability to develop and foster student utilization of current information technology
9. Possession and demonstration of the attributes of integrity, industry, open-mindedness, and objectivity in teaching
10. Knowledge and proficiency in current educational technologies (Faculty Handbook, effective Aug. 1, 2005, p. 40)

All full-time faculty members who do not hold tenure status are considered to be in a probationary period. During the probationary period, these faculty members who hold tenure-track appointments will be evaluated by the immediate supervisor. As a part of the evaluation documentation, the immediate supervisor will include any relevant facts which may have a direct bearing on the individual’s progress toward and/or potential for tenure (Faculty Handbook, effective Aug. 1, 2005, p.45)

The policy regarding the evaluation process when seeking promotion in academic rank can be located in the Faculty Handbook, effective Aug. 1, 2005 under section 3.4, p. 40 – Policies on Promotion in Academic Rank.

Troy University’s Adjunct Faculty Member Evaluation process is initiated by the faculty member’s immediate academic supervisor and consists of an initial evaluation that is conducted immediately following the first course assignment and a year-end evaluation to be conducted for the prior academic year. Prospective adjunct faculty members provide a vitae in the required format prior to initial employment and the vitae is to be updated annually. Initial evaluations are to be performed within 30 days of the completion of the first course assignment and a copy forwarded through intermediate administrators to the college dean within 60 days of the completion of the first course assignment. Annual evaluations must be completed and a copy forwarded through intermediate administrators to the college dean. The purpose of this plan is to document the competence and effectiveness of adjunct faculty. The elements of the process include are defined in the Academic Operating Procedures [AOP] and include the following:

1. the preparation and submission of an evaluation portfolio (see Form 4 - Adjunct Faculty Evaluation Portfolio Check Sheet AOP-8-1-07-04 p. 6) by each adjunct faculty member to his or her designated academic supervisor upon completion of the spring semester (or T4 Term) each academic year, but not later than the end of May.
2. the submission of a current vitae, in the prescribed format, (see Form 1 - Adjunct Faculty Member VITAE FORMAT AOP-8-1-07-04 p. 2), by the adjunct faculty member to his or her designated academic supervisor upon initial employment. The vitae should be updated annually and submitted with Portfolio.
3. an initial academic supervisor evaluation is to be performed within 30 days after completion of the first course assignment and a year-end evaluation performed annually thereafter using materials provided in Adjunct Faculty Evaluation Portfolio (see Form 5 – Guidelines for Supervisor Evaluation of Adjunct Faculty Teaching Effectiveness AOP-8-1-07-04 p. 7-8) and student/instructor course evaluations (see Form 2 - Adjunct Faculty Member Evaluation AOP-8-1-07-04 p. 3-4).
4. conduct a conference, via electronically or face to face, between the designated academic supervisor and the adjunct faculty member in which the supervisor provides direct feedback of performance to the adjunct faculty member, including specific recommendations.
5. the completion of an Adjunct Faculty Evaluation Summary by the designated academic supervisor (see Form 3 - Adjunct Faculty Member Evaluation Summary AOP-8-1-07-04 p. 5); 5) Forms 1 through Form 5 should be submitted through academic administrative levels to the College Dean to be reviewed and placed in the adjunct faculty member’s permanent file.

This evaluation process is supported with a student course evaluation to be performed in the initial course assignment and in a minimum of one class per academic year for continuing adjuncts, and summarized on the Adjunct Faculty Evaluation Form (Form 2 AOP-8-1-07-04 p. 3-4).

Troy University evaluates the quality and effectiveness of its faculty members to ensure consistency with the University’s mission. Information regarding these evaluations is available in faculty files in the office of the Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost.

Troy University is in compliance with this Comprehensive Standard.