Evaluation and Development by Objectives

Tenure-Track and Tenured Faculty Annual Evaluation and Development by Objectives (EDO) - Faculty Handbook, Section 3.2.2

Annual Performance and Planning reviews are required by the “Board of Trustees Policies Governing Academic Freedom, Responsibility, and Tenure” and are required as a term of employment by The University of Tennessee system. At UTC, Faculty Evaluation and Development by Objectives (EDO) is an annual performance oriented system that is based on identifying objectives, establishing a realistic program for obtaining these objectives, and evaluating and rewarding performance in achieving them. An effective faculty EDO system is one where a faculty member’s objectives are clear and where discussion occurs between a faculty member and the academic department head regarding performance so that surprises for either the faculty member or the academic department head will be unlikely when the evaluation occurs. Evaluation of faculty performance is an essential component of the EDO process, providing formative and summative assessment of the individual’s performance so that he/she can maintain or improve subsequent performance; serving as a basis for promotion, tenure, salary, and other decisions; and providing accountability with regard to the quality of teaching, research and service to those concerned with the institution.

Within the context of the institutional goals and long-range plans, individual faculty members propose objectives to their academic department heads. Joint negotiation and agreement between the individual faculty member and the academic department head results in a written set of faculty member objectives. A periodic review of the objectives between the faculty member and the academic department may occur which could alter the written document.

The scope of the EDO is broad in that the format of the review process is consistent for all members of the faculty, is evidentiary based, and represents common goals of all faculty members. The EDO process also recognizes unique disciplinary characteristics and expectations of the faculty members working within their academic discipline.