Most college and university administrators claim to care deeply about the quality of teaching at their institutions. But, too often, their actions belie their words. Consider, for example, the following questions. Which candidate for a faculty position is usually viewed as more attractive, the promising researcher or the promising teacher? Who…

Student evaluations of faculty members are worth reading, but some difficulties in their interpretation must be solved if they are not to subvert the teaching process. Problems include the perceived connection between lowered academic standards and student evaluations, the role of personalities, and their use for personnel decisions. (MSE)

Describes concerns within the academic community on the use of collegiality as a factor in decisions concerning faculty employment, promotion, tenure, and termination. Such concerns include discrimination and stifling of dissent. Discusses how courts have decided in favor of universities in almost every discrimination case in which collegiality…