I am sending the following version of the comments I made on the senate floor. Peer review did not survive so some of the arguments are not germaine to the present discussion, although some departements may still institute peer review.
The Regents are asking for a post-tenure review policy for some of the following reasons:
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The governing boards and legislators in other states are demanding that faculty be reviewed.·
The citizens of Iowa and the legislators are asking for the same thing in IowaThe Regents listen to the comments of Iowans.·
The University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa both have post-tenure review.A post-tenure peer review policy may strengthen tenure, reinforce academic freedom and possibly improve the performance of a few. There are several reasons for this.
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Those of our colleagues who are not maintaining their performance may benefit from the peer comparison and the assistance suggested by an improvement plan.·
The faculty in a department will better know and understand what their colleagues are doing and will develop a better appreciation for the strength and breadth of their department.·
Those faculty who are not performing satisfactorily will feel peer pressure (in addition to the financial pressure that should have already been applied) to improve.·
The faculty who are carrying the load for low performers may get more help.·
Peer review could serve as a supplement to the annual administrative review and provide assistance to the DEO and/or protection of the faculty member from the DEO.·
We will convey to the people of Iowa that we value their support of higher education and that we are making a serious effort at continuous improvementthus positive PR.·
Our university survives and prospers by convincing others that performance of the total mission is achieved better here than elsewhere.
Dean L. Ulrichson
1031 Sweeney Hall
Iowa State University email:
dlulrich@iastate.edu
Ames, IA 50011