Department of Sociology

Classroom Observation (Adopted 9/16/2015)

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Classroom Observation Policy

1. Frequency of Classroom Observation.

  1. Full Time Tenured Faculty. Full-time tenured faculty will be evaluated pursuant to this policy in at least two different courses every three years when possible.
  2. Full Time Tenure Track Faculty. Full-time tenure track faculty will be evaluated pursuant to this policy in at least two different courses per year when possible.
  3. Full Time Non-Tenure Track Faculty. Full-time non-tenure track faculty will be evaluated pursuant to this policy in at least two different courses per year when posssible.
  4. Part Time Faculty. Part-time faculty will be evaluated pursuant to this policy for each course taught.

2. Observation and Evaluation Procedures.

  1. Peer Evaluator Selection.
    1. Full-time Tenure Track and Tenured Faculty.
      1. Classroom observations of full-time tenure track or tenured faculty will be conducted by peer observation.
      2. For both full-time tenured faculty and full-time tenure track faculty, a "peer" is defined as a colleague who holds a rank at or above that of the individual being evaluated.
    2. Full-time Non-Tenure Track Faculty and Part-time Faculty. Classroom observations of full-time non-tenure track faculty and part-time faculty will be conducted either by the Chair or by a member of the Department Personnel Committee.
  2. Selection of Classes for Observation.
    1. Full Time Tenure Track and Tenured Faculty. Full time faculty members shall select the classes in which observations are to take place.
    2. Full Time Non-tenure Track Faculty and Part-time Faculty. Full time nontenure track faculty and part-time faculty members shall select the classes in which observations are to take place. Observations in selected classes must be completed before the Department Personnel Committee meets to vote on non-tenure track faculty reappointment.
  3. Evaluation Instrument. Classroom observation shall be based on a standardized written instrument.
  4. Submission of Evaluation Instrument. Within seven days, classroom observers shall provide the observed faculty member and the Chair with written copies of their evaluation and recommendations.

3. Action Taken Pursuant to Classroom Observations. 

If the classroom observation report indicates deficiencies in teaching commitment or effectiveness, the Chair will recommend measures to rectify the deficiencies during the annual performance review.