Faculty evaluation at the University of Kentucky

Faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry are now evaluated through the use of a negotiated Distribution of Effort Agreement. This document, negotiated at the beginning of each academic year, must satisfy both department objectives and the professional and personal requirements of the individual faculty member. It may be modified during the year if both the faculty member and his department chairman agree to the change. This document states work objectives for the year similar to learning objectives in a course. At the end of the year, each faculty member is evaluated on how well he has met his individual objectives. Information relevant to teaching, university service, and student service is gathered by college administrators and forwarded to department chairmen. Together with information on research accomplishment, these data are used by the chairman in the evaluation of each faculty member. The college has clearly charged department chairmen with the direct responsibility for faculty evaluation. The Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure Committee also plays a role in faculty development and evaluation by recommending to the dean ways of improving individual faculty performance.