Purpose
This policy articulates the University’s commitment to fostering Teaching excellence across a variety of contexts and in a variety of locations, by means of Integrated Evaluation of Teaching. This approach involves gathering and integrating data from multiple sources using both formative and summative processes. This policy is designed to support the development and implementation of practices that lead to the Teaching excellence envisioned by the University.
In Integrated Evaluation of Teaching, the University upholds principles of transparency, equity, diversity and accessibility, and flexibility by applying this policy and its procedures in a flexible manner. It is recognized that equitable application is not necessarily equal application in all circumstances. Flexibility within this policy allows Academic Units the reasonable exercise of discretion and sound judgement in response to the unique circumstances of the unit and the context of Teaching and learning within the disciplinary culture. In implementing the Integrated Evaluation of Teaching procedures, Academic Units are responsible for the implementation of broad and consistent standards tailored to the distinct Teaching circumstances.
This policy sets out the requirements of an integrated approach to the evaluation of Teaching, as well as the process for submitting to the respective Provost's Office integrated evaluation of teaching procedures developed within Academic Units. These procedures will need to balance the need to nurture and evaluate Teaching excellence as a fundamental component of the University's academic mission, with the time, effort, and capacity to enact them within diverse disciplinary contexts.
Goals
- To provide a mechanism for the evaluation of Teaching to foster and enable Teaching practices designed to enhance student learning and engagement across a variety of contexts and in a variety of locations;
- To support the development and success of Course Instructors across the University;
- To ensure consistent use of integrated evaluation of Teaching processes across the University; and
- To establish a process by which Academic Units can develop and revise procedures for an Integrated Evaluation of Teaching.