(as of 01/12/2017)
Note: In all cases, faculty may believe that a specific activity involved significantly greater effort or impact, and thus should be ranked at a higher level. To have an activity considered for increased rank, faculty should submit to the chair or DPC (depending on whether it is a merit or tenure/promotion decision) a statement arguing for the increase, providing evidence of the effort and/or impact. For all three areas, multiple activities in a given grid can be used in an argument to be placed into a higher category of the grid at the chair’s discretion.
Blank Activity Table [DOC] use for annual reviews and promotion/tenure files, using the Appointment, Tenure & Promotion document as a guide for what activities count at what level
Scholarship
The Department of Communication accepts as its position on "Scholarship" a thesis offered by Ernest L. Boyer, President of The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, in the report of that foundation, Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1990). In this work Boyer argues that "scholarship" should be more broadly defined so that the "work of faculty" reflects "more realistically the full range of academic civic mandates."
Boyer identifies three areas of scholarship which we consider valuable to this department: the scholarship of discovery, the scholarship of integration, and the scholarship of application.
The scholarship of discovery is most recognizable as traditional "research," the search for knowledge for its own sake, and the principled mode of inquiry that characterizes this quest. This includes not only traditional research but also creative projects that demonstrate, apply or develop the skills and aesthetics of any of the various communication media.
The scholarship of integration is in making informed connections across the disciplines, to understand the broad and broadest contexts in which one's work fits. The integrative scholar is a synthesizing eclectic, using her or his industry and intellect to strengthen learning by going beyond the walls of the discipline.
The scholarship of application seeks to bridge the gap between the worlds inside and outside of the academy and to center this deeply and squarely within the context of disciplinary understanding. This includes not only those traditional areas of consulting, workshop teaching, and data collection and sharing, but also all efforts to apply the knowledge and skills of our discipline to the community, region, state, and nation.
Teaching
The Department of Communication accepts, without reservation, Boyer's judgment that "inspired teaching keeps the flame of scholarship alive. Without the teaching function, the continuity of knowledge will be broken and the store of human knowledge dangerously diminished." We also accept teaching as our primary responsibility, as delegated by the University's mission statement.
The Department agrees with the following principles stated by Boyer:
"Teaching begins with what the teacher knows. Those who teach must, above all, be well informed, and steeped in the knowledge of their fields."
Teaching is "a dynamic endeavor involving all the analogies, metaphors, and images that build bridges between the teacher's understanding and the student's learning, Pedagogical procedures must be carefully planned, continuously examined, and relate directly to the subject taught."
Great teachers "create a common ground of intellectual commitment. They stimulate active, not passive, learning and encourage students to be critical, creative thinkers, with the capacity to go on learning after their college days are over."
Teaching "must be vigorously assessed, using criteria that we recognize within the academy, not just in a single institution."
Teaching Activities Ranking
| SUPERIOR | OUTSTANDING | SATISFACTORY | UNSATISFACTORY OR N/A |
EVALUATIONS |
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COURSE DEVELOPMENT/ REVISION |
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ADVISING |
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CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT |
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FACULTY INSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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SERVICE LEARNING |
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AWARDS |
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INTERNSHIP SUPERVISION |
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THESIS COMMITTEE |
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STUDY ABROAD |
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MENTORING | ||||
MULTI-SECTION COORDINATION |
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INTERDISCIPLINARY EFFORTS/ CREDENTIALING |
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COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (4) |
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INSTRUCTIONAL INSTITUTES/ WORKSHOPS |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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DISTANCE EDUCATION |
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OTHER ACTIVITES |
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(2) Chair may adjust faculty ranking based on consistent student comments on evaluation form, documentable informal feedback from faculty member, and/or peer review reports (required for non-tenured faculty before each personnel decision & tenured faculty in the post-tenure review process).
(3) Evaluation of Advising: Using an online form, students would receive a code from advisor to allow one-time completion of form during their senior year.
(4) Definition of Co-Curricular vs. Extra-Curricular: a co-curricular club is one in which the faculty member uses their professional knowledge to instruct members of the club. This is in contrast to an extra-curricular club, in which the faculty member oversees and coordinates club activities. Extra-curricular club advising is credited as service.
Note: Items above the black bar in the table are those that all faculty are expected to engage in, while activities below the bar are strongly encouraged.
Scholarship Activities Ranking
SUPERIOR | OUTSTANDING | SATISFACTORY | UNSATISFACTORY OR N/A | |
EDITORIAL ACTIVITIES |
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WRITING & PUBLISHING |
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AUDIO/VIDEO/ MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION (1) |
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PRESENTATIONS |
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GRANTS |
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MENTORING |
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PROFESSIONAL/SCHOLARLY WORKSHOPS |
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AWARDS |
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COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH REPORTS |
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CONSULTING (RELATED TO PROFESSIONAL FIELD) |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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OTHER ACTIVITES |
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(1) Audio/video/multimedia productions count within scholarship when they involve scholarly research related to either content or techniques, are original creative works related to scholarly expertise, and are disseminated.
Tiers
To be developed by concentration areas, should provide specific criteria for tiers, and potentially a list of titles; outlet medium (digital or otherwise) should not be a consideration for tier ranking.
Certification Process
When faculty members are considering publication of scholarship in an outlet that is not listed in the tier system, or they are uncertain where it will fall based on the criteria established, the following procedure should be followed:
As early as possible, the faculty member should inform the faculty in his/her concentration area in writing of the potential outlet, and request a ranking.
The concentration faculty should meet as quickly as possible and determine the tier level for the proposed outlet.
The concentration faculty should inform the faculty member of the tier level in writing; this decision should be included in the documentation presented for tenure and promotion.
Refereed
At least two people knowledgeable in the field of study or type of data review the submission, with a determination made of its quality and recommendations made regarding its final disposition. Refereeing implies that the submission has the possibility of being rejected.
Service
In addition to scholarship and teaching, faculty are expected to provide service to the department, the university, and their respective professions. In addition, service to the broader community outside of academia (whether local, regional, or national), when directly related to one's professional expertise, is valued by the department. The Department of Communication considers these activities vital to all the institutions of academia and thus includes them in our list of factors to be considered in promotion/tenure decisions.
Service Activities Ranking
Faculty are expected and obligated to perform the following services:
active participation on standing and/or ad hoc departmental committee
participation in 2 of 3 major events (graduation/convocation)
regular attendance at faculty meetings (unless scheduling conflict with other university commitments prohibits attendance)
Failure to engage in these minimum activities will result in a reduction in service ranking.
faculty member presents evidence of activity, weight is determined by chairperson
SUPERIOR | OUTSTANDING | SATISFACTORY | UNSATISFACTORY OR N/A | |
DEPARTMENTAL |
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UNIVERSITY/ COLLEGE |
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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION |
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SPEAKING/ PERFORMANCES/ PRODUCTIONS/ COMMENTARY FOR CIVIC GROUPS/ MEDIA OUTLETS (DIRECTLY RELATED TO PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE) |
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CIVIC BOARDS/STEERING COMMITTEES (DIRECTLY RELATED TO PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE) |
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PUBLIC/PRIVATE SCHOOL SERVICE (DIRECTLY RELATED TO PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE) |
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EXTERNAL PROGRAM EVALUATION |
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ASSESSMENT |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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OTHER ACTIVITES |
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Guidelines for Appointment, Tenure & Promotion Decisions
Minimal Criteria in the Department of Communication for consideration of appointment/promotion to the rank of Instructor are:
A master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field or special competencies in lieu of the master's degree;
Evidence of potential in teaching; and
Evidence of potential in at least one of the following:
Research or other germane creative activity; or
professional service to the university and/or to the public.
Evaluation of potential is to be done in accordance with the activities rankings above. Potential is defined as demonstrated activity in the satisfactory area or above.
Lecturer
Minimal Criteria in the Department of Communication for consideration of appointment/promotion to the rank of Lecturer are:
A master's degree from an accredited institution with 18 graduate credits in their field of teaching;
Evidence of potential in teaching;
Evidence of potential in institutional service.
Evaluation of potential is to be done in accordance with the activities rankings above. Potential is defined as demonstrated activity in the satisfactory area or above.
Senior Lecturer:
A master’s degree from an accredited institution with 18 graduate credits in their field of teaching; and experience teaching a minimum of 40 courses (or the equivalent thereof) at Appalachian post matriculation for the master’s degree;
Demonstrated ability in teaching; and
Demonstrated ability in institutional service to the university
Assistant Professor
Minimal Criteria in the Department of Communication for consideration of appointment/promotion to the rank of Assistant Professor are:
The appropriate earned terminal degree from an accredited institution, unless there are exceptional circumstances;
Demonstrated ability in teaching;
Evidence of ability for research or other germane creative activity;
Willingness to participate in institutional affairs and professional service to the university and/or to the public.
Evaluation of ability is to be done in accordance with the activities rankings above. Ability is defined as significant activity in the satisfactory area or above.
NOTE 1: An Assistant Professor may request review for promotion to Associate Professor with tenure one year earlier than the mandatory year. An Assistant Professor must request review for promotion and tenure at the same time. If the Assistant Professor is granted promotion to Associate Professor and tenure, the action shall become effective at the beginning of the next fiscal year. If the Assistant Professor is unsuccessful in his/her review, he/she may request review in the following, mandatory year.
NOTE 2: An Assistant Professor must be considered for tenure during his or her sixth year if he or she has not been granted tenure earlier. Under no circumstances should the length of the probationary period exceed seven years of full-time service except when the probationary period has been extended according the provisions of 3.8.5.10, 3.8.5.11, and/or 6.2 of the Faculty Handbook.
Associate Professor
Minimal Criteria in the Department of Communication for consideration of appointment/promotion to the rank of Associate Professor are:
The appropriate earned terminal degree from an accredited institution, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and at least five years of appropriate experience;
Recognized skill in Teaching;
Recognized accomplishment in research or other germane creative activity in accord with University and College expectations (an average of two refereed publications or juried creative works—or the equivalent—every three years);
Recognized accomplishment in professional Service to the university and/or to the public; and
Demonstrated willingness to participate in institutional affairs.
Evaluation of accomplishment is to be done in accordance with the activities rankings above. Accomplishment is defined as consistent and significant activity in the satisfactory area or above and activity in the outstanding area or above
Professor
Minimal Criteria in the Department of Communication for consideration of appointment/promotion to the rank of Professor are:
The appropriate earned terminal degree from an accredited institution, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and at least ten years of appropriate experience;
Recognized skill in teaching;
Outstanding accomplishment in at least one of the following;
(i) outstanding accomplishment in research or other germane creative activity with ongoing, recognized accomplishment in professional service to the University and/or public; and/or
(ii) outstanding accomplishment in professional service to the University and/or to the public with ongoing, recognized accomplishment in research or other germane creative activity; and
Demonstrated ability and participation in institutional affairs.
Evaluation of outstanding accomplishment is to be done in accordance with the activities rankings above. Outstanding accomplishment is defined as significant activity in the outstanding area and activity in the superior area.
An initial appointment to the rank of professor shall be made with permanent tenure.
Tenure
To obtain tenure in the Department of Communication a faculty member will be required to possess an earned doctorate, or other appropriate terminal degree, from an accredited institution (unless there are exceptional circumstances). Conferral of tenure requires an assessment of the appropriateness of the faculty member's abilities and knowledge to the department's present and future needs and priorities, and a positive evaluation of the faculty member's professional competence, with that evaluation verifying
Recognized accomplishment in Teaching & Scholarship;
Evidence of ability in professional Service to the university and/or public;
Willingness and ability to work constructively with colleagues and students;
Strong potential for future contributions to the department and university.
Evaluation of accomplishment is to be done in accordance with the activities rankings above. Accomplishment is defined as consistent and significant activity in the satisfactory area or above and activity in the outstanding area or above.
Merit Calculations
Merit calculations will be based upon the criteria from the Appointment, Tenure and PromotionDocument approved by the Department of Communication in 2015, as evidenced and reported in the Annual Report of the faculty person concerned and pursuant to the salary allocation guidelines in effect during the particular salary cycle.
Weights of Activities for Faculty Ranks
| TEACHING | SCHOLARSHIP | SERVICE |
LECTURER | 70% | 30% (combined) | |
INSTRUCTOR | 70% | 15% | 15% |
ASSISTANT 3/3 | 55% | 25% | 20% |
ASSOCIATE/FULL 4/4 | 60% | 20% | 20% |
ASSOCIATE/FULL 3/3 | 50% | 30% | 20% |
Merit Calculation Process
Faculty will submit to the chair annually a list of their activities for the previous year, broken down by area of activity (teaching, scholarship, and service) and by ranking (superior, outstanding, and satisfactory), using the Department's Definition of Scholarship and Specific Policies Relative to Appointment and Promotion document. Based on this information, the chair will rate each faculty member's performance in teaching, scholarship, and service (in the case of Lecturers, one rating will be assigned to service and scholarship combined) on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being poor, 5 being excellent). Multiplying this rating by the weight of each category listed above will give a final overall rating (maximum of 5, minimum of 1) for the faculty member. For example, an assistant professor who performs at the highest level in all three areas would receive the following score: (5 x .55) + (5 x .25) + (5 x .20) = 5. A full professor on a 3/3 load who performed at a mid-level in teaching and a low level in service and scholarship would receive the following score: (3 x .5) + (1 x .3) + (1 x .2) = 2.
The chair will then group the faculty into approximate thirds and allocate merit raises as follows:*
60% to the top third,
30% to the middle third, and
10% to the remaining third
* The Department recognizes that merit pay is designed to reward meritorious effort. Consistent with that recognition, the chair has the right to exclude a faculty member from consideration for merit pay based on legitimate administrative reasons (performance, disciplinary, etc.). The chair also has the right to consider previous years' performance when warranted.