Systematic post-tenure evaluation, uniformly and universally applied, preserves the strengths of tenure while allaying public suspicions about tenure and concerns about faculty vigor and accountability. Failure to address increasing public concerns will otherwise increase the likelihood of external regulation. (MSE)

Results of a conference reviewing recommendations favoring post-tenure evaluation were that: current procedures for evaluating faculty are satisfactory; additional formal periodic evaluation would incur unacceptable costs and scant benefit; and results of any evaluation should not be used as grounds for dismissal. (MSE)

This report examines post-tenure review for college faculty and reviews initiatives to strengthen post-tenure review at Oregon University System (OUS) institutions. It defines post-tenure review and discusses the issues involved in implementing such policies. The report addresses the components of the post-tenure review process, including…

Describes a study that compared the faculty evaluation practices of a sample of occupational therapy (OT) chairpersons with those of a national sample of deans of liberal arts colleges. Discusses significant differences and similarities between the two groups and raises questions about the defensibility of evaluating certain dimensions of OT…

A survey of continuing education administrators addressed the question of the interpretation of the public service component of faculty evaluation. A majority of responses revealed that teaching credit or noncredit continuing education courses as a community service was not widely recognized in tenure and evaluation processes. (SK)

Survey responses from 44 of 62 agricultural department heads showed that "Journal of Agricultural Education" was rated highest for familiarity and quality. Most important factors in faculty evaluation were articles in refereed journals, presentation of papers, and quantity of articles and presentations. (SK)

Presents an analysis of the arguments for and against consideration of collegiality in higher education employment decisions and a review of the relevant case law. Critics argue that unless collegiality is specified as a separate criterion for evaluation in the faculty contract or handbook, its use is a breach of contract. Others are concerned…

Asserts that for universities to avoid the growing possibility of lawsuits, tenure evaluation procedures must be clear and fair. Provides suggestions to reduce the likelihood of litigation and to increase the institution's chance of success in a lawsuit. (EV)

For too strictly judging job applicants on their academic merits, an outstanding Brooklyn College history professor incurred administrative wrath that--in a vicious campaign of innuendo and slander couched in allegations of "uncollegiality"--almost sank his career. Margaret King chronicles how an alliance of those interested in scholarly…

Questionnaires concerning the importance of publication in professional journals were sent to 193 university economics department heads. There was a 60 percent response rate. Questions were asked about: (1) the necessity of publications for appointment and promotion, (2) how department heads rate the various journals in terms of prestige accrued…

In response to an increasing demand for faculty evaluation, focus is on elements of a successful evaluation program. It is suggested that faculty must be consulted in order to arrive at a mutually agreed upon structure, incorporating such areas as which sources should provide the information or data on which the evaluation will be based. Another…

The end of faculty growth in higher education has led to near panic predictions of aging, highly tenured, more costly, steady-state faculties as the "growth bulge" hired in the 1960's age. This study discusses two models for simulating the behavior over time of indices of faculty health such as average age and salary, annual new hires,…

This report discusses criticism of academic tenure and examines the literature that supports or refutes these criticisms. The author finds current tenure practices result in a collective faculty that will age over time and that the percentage of tenured faculty will increase markedly. But he also concludes that studies of faculty adaptability and…

Given the intensified importance of the promotion and tenure process, the question arises as to whether the faculty's peer reviewing role formally extends beyond the departmental level antecedent to administrative review. The typical structure and function for that role is discussed. (MLW)

The Supreme Court decision to let stand a lower-court ruling that allows a government agency to inspect confidential documents in a faculty tenure case is discussed. An appeal by Franklin and Marshall College on a decision granting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission access to tenure materials was declined. (MLW)