Memo from Provost Driscoll:
September 9th, 2008
Dear Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty Members:
The previous few years have been a time of extraordinary growth and positive momentum for UAA. Our strategic plan and refinement of our unique mission reflect our shared vision of our future. An important step toward that future is the examination, review, and refinement of our policies, processes, and systems to ensure they support us in achieving our goals.
In April 2008, the Task Force on the Evaluation of Faculty Work for Promotion, Tenure, Post-Tenure Review, and Hiring took up their charge to lead the institutional effort to consider anew our shared definitions and expectations for faculty work. The task force members reflect the diversity of faculty work roles, disciplines, and campus locations, and are committed to an inclusive, faculty-based process.
This fall the Task Force will be inviting you to participate in one of the Faculty Forums they will be hosting. The initial focus of the forums will be to identify the shared values that exist within the mosaic of faculty talent, and to generate definitions and measures of quality that cut across all dimensions of faculty work. These shared values and definitions of quality will then be used to guide the development of recommendations for revising and redesigning an enhanced faculty evaluation system.
While I know that each of you have very full schedules, I encourage you to make the time to participate with your colleagues and give shape to this important work. As faculty, you are uniquely positioned to influence and guide the continuing trajectory of UAA’S positive growth and strengthen the institution by crafting a faculty evaluation system that is future oriented and supports, honors, values, and highlights the mosaic of faculty talent that is the foundation of the success of this institution. Your perspective and insights are critical to ensuring our ultimate success in this effort.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Task Force Chair, Let Fickel, (
aflcf@uaa.alaska.edu) if you would like more information or if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Mike
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Michael A Driscoll
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
