Additional processes and procedures specific to the 5-Year comprehensive review of school chairs are outlined in this section. 

Purpose 
The purpose of such a comprehensive review is to evaluate the progress of the School under the Chair’s leadership, to provide the opportunity for constructive input from Faculty and other constituencies, and to review the professional contributions and performance of the Chair as a “leader” and an “administrator.” 

Ultimately, the purpose of such comprehensive reviews is to determine whether the Chair should be reappointed for another term. A second five (5) year appointment has been typical whereas a third five (5) year appointment is unusual. Nevertheless, the reappointment decision will be based on the best interests of the Institute, College, School, and individual. 

Criteria and Procedures 
A review committee is appointed by the Dean of the College as follows: 

  • The Committee will consist of no fewer than five (5) members. 

  • A majority of the Committee members shall be chosen from tenured, non-administrative Faculty members in the School. 

  • The Committee Chair shall be chosen by the Dean in consultation with the School’s Faculty Advisory Committee. 

  • The Committee will normally be chaired by a senior Faculty member. 

  • The Committee Chair is normally from a different academic School in the College. 

  • The School Chair has the opportunity to comment on the composition of the Committee. 

Establishment of Criteria to be Used in Reviews 
The review criteria are to be defined by the Dean and the candidate prior to initial appointment or the Dean and the Chair prior to reappointment. As part of this review criteria, the Dean and Chair will determine the traditional faculty activities (i.e., teaching, scholarship and creative activities, student success, and service) that align with the responsibilities of the Chair’s position. As part of the Dean’s annual review of the Chair, the criteria may be reaffirmed or modified in consultation with the Chair of the School. As part of the Dean’s charge to the review committee, the Dean will review the evaluation criteria established at the beginning of the Chair’s current term, as well as any changes made since that time. Specific responsibilities of school chairs that fall within these general criteria and must be included in the review are posted on the Faculty Affairs website. 

General Criteria 

  • Demonstrating evidence of commitment to the highest standards of quality in teaching, scholarship and creative activities, and academic development with evidence of the School’s actual progress on all three (3). 

  • Providing effective management of internal affairs of the School. 

  • Recruiting/retaining the highest quality Faculty, Staff, and Students. 

  • Managing the School’s fiscal affairs. 

  • Developing/maintaining open communications with all constituencies. 

  • Facilitating goal setting by individuals, programs, and by the School as a whole. 

  • Identifying issues and resolving conflicts affecting the School. 

  • Developing internal and external resources. 

  • Implementing fair and equitable performance evaluations and salary adjustments. 

  • Establishing a working environment conducive to achieving individual and School goals, as well as balancing and reconciling diverse interests with the School. 

  • Building relationships with constituencies within and outside of Georgia Tech. 

Review Process 
The Dean may schedule the review for any time between four (4) and five (5) years after either the initial appointment of the Chair or the preceding formal review. The review may be timed to coincide with the mandatory Board of Regents’ five (5) year Program Review. The review process described below provides 360o feedback assessment. Utmost confidentiality must be maintained during the review process. The Dean will provide the Committee with confidentiality guidelines at their first meeting. 

Early in the process, the Chair should be asked to meet with the review committee to provide a self-assessment. The Committee should seek input from the School’s Faculty, Staff, and Students, and other constituencies as well as peers including other school chairs. The Committee should identify areas where the Chair should place added emphasis/attention if the Chair continues to lead the School over the next five (5) years. 

Conclusion of the Review 
The Committee provides the Dean with a confidential, written report of no more than six (6) pages. The report shall include: 

  • Assessment of the School’s progress under the Chair’s leadership. 

  • Evaluation of the Chair’s performance as a leader and administrator, including a summary of the results of the feedback from each of the constituency groups. 

  • For chairs who are tenured: evaluation of the teaching, scholarship and creative activities, student success, and service that align with the responsibilities of their position as determined by the Dean and Chair.  

  • Recommendations for improvement (if any). 

The Chair being reviewed will have the opportunity to comment on the report. The Dean will evaluate the report and write their own assessment of the School Chair’s performance. The Dean will make a decision regarding the reappointment of the Chair and communicate results of the review both orally and in writing to the Chair. The Dean will inform the Review Committee of the reappointment decision.