October 8, 2015 - A&S Faculty Meeting Minutes

1. Approval of A&S Faculty Meeting minutes from September 17, 2015

Dr. Gene Anderson moved approval of the minutes of September 17, 2015. Dr. Jane Berry seconded. With no further discussion, the minutes were approved by voice vote.

2. Approval of Actions of Academic Council from October 6, 2015

Dr. Tze Loo moved approval of the actions of Academic Council from October 6, 2015. Dr. Peter Smallwood seconded. With no further discussion, the actions were approved by voice vote.           

3. Presentation on Undergraduate Research – Dr. Vincent Wang

Dr. Wang presented data for the 2015 Undergraduate Summer Research Program, which was provided by the Vice President for Planning and Policy, Dr. Lori Schuyler. A&S continues to provide the majority of opportunities for undergraduate researchers on campus. Dean Skerrett thanked the A&S faculty for their pioneering and expanding work in making possible the Richmond Guarantee, which is now a signature outcome of the Fulfilling the Promise Campaign.

4. Calibration of Merit Scores Across Divisions – Dr. Ben Broening

Dr. Ben Broening presented divisional data and analysis of merit scores assigned in the annual review process last year.  Professor Tze Loo inquired how the merit scores are assigned in the Dean's office. Dean Skerrett described the process in which two associate deans independently review each faculty member's file.  They then compare these two scores to the scores assigned by the department chair. In the great majority of cases, there is unanimity across all three evaluators. Dean Skerrett reviews each file, and then discusses with the associate deans those files where there is divergence.  In the case of divergence, the associate deans and the dean compare elements of those files to other files in the division and in other divisions. Ultimately, the dean must assign a score in each case.  Dean Skerrett noted that the rate of convergence has increased in each year since the new process began, suggesting that calibration is taking place.  

Dr. Ben Broening will prepare and present further analysis of the data to the department chairs during their annual calibration meeting.  This annual calibration meeting is required by the Guideline for Merit Reviews: http://asadmin.richmond.edu/deans-office/annual-review/merit-review-guidelines.pdf.

A faculty member asked how to secure more service responsibilities. Dean Skerrett recommended working directly with the chair of the Nominating Committee, Dr. Ladelle McWhorter, to identify preferred service roles.

Associate Provost, Dr. Laz Lima, praised the clarity of the A & S annual merit review process.

Dr. Lima also expressed concern that some department chairs are unaware of the invisible labor that adheres to a particular type of service that doesn’t render institutionally, in particular service of women at the rank of associate and faculty from under-represented groups.   He expressed concern about inequity in the system indicated by mid-career faculty members at the associate level, who are women who take on many service burdens.  He would like to use data-driven analysis to see how our evaluation and promotion processes can make a difference.

Dean Skerrett encouraged faculty to share concerns with their department chairs so they can bring these issues to Academic Council and faculty meetings.

5. A&S @Work – Dean Skerrett

Dean Skerrett shared that this is the second year offering A&S @ Work.  The event for A & S students will take place on February 20, 2016. The goal is to teach students about the value of liberal education for their career goals.  She mentioned that she is interesting in hearing from faculty about alums who might like to come back to participate in the event. She asked that faculty send her names of young alums, 5-10 years post-graduation, who are finding their career paths.