Enabling possibility: Reform of faculty appointments and evaluation
Most of the time, when we talk about how faculty are recruited, appointed, retained and promoted, we are discussing a problem.
Faculty appointment and evaluation systems at many institutions rely on definitions of excellence and patterns of work that do not reflect changing stakeholder needs, behaviors and realities. This paper examines how colleges and universities can reform relevant policies and practices in ways that advance their unique institutional missions and goals, including support for all faculty and demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
The author outlines three types of faculty appointment and evaluation reforms that can benefit both faculty and institutions: setting multiple pathways to tenure, creating a tenure-by-objectives system, and strengthening the employment conditions of non-tenure-track systems.
Sign up for the TIAA Institute Newsletter
Get the latest research and insights straight to your inbox