Departmental Assessment

Reports the results of a survey to locate campus evaluation policies and practices that encourage constructive change in departments and a stronger culture of collective responsibility for the unit's success. Specific recommendations are offered–ideas that could aid in creating a more "self-regarding" institution, stronger and more widely accepted methods for evaluating departments and collectives, and eventually greater flexibility for departmental faculty. The authors review materials from 130 institutions, following visits to eight campuses, and identify the key components: (1) the degree to which the organizational and cultural setting promotes a conducive atmosphere for evaluation; (2) the credibility and fairness of evaluation policies and practices; and (3) the validity and reliability of evaluation standards, criteria, and measures.Supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts.