York Technical College establishes sound methods to evaluate instructional excellence and course quality, and uses data and findings to make adjustments and improvements to programs, course delivery, faculty development, and faculty and student support. Methods used by the College to evaluate instructional excellence and course quality include:
- Fall-to-spring persistence rates
- Fall-to-fall persistence rates
- Course completion rates
- Semester and modality grade comparisons
- Equity gaps in success
- Student course survey results
- Program learning outcomes assessment results
- Public reporting
Continued growth of faculty is a core value at York Technical College. As such, all faculty should expect to receive feedback on their courses, assignments, instructional methods, and the interpersonal aspects of teaching. Some of this feedback will inevitably come from self-reflection, but you will also receive meaningful insight from students, colleagues, supervisors, and through professional development opportunities, training sessions, and workshops.
Faculty Observations
New faculty are observed during their first course and observed annually thereafter. This observation includes observation of a live class and a course audit of the D2L course shell by departments and/or the ITE. Audits include review of course layout, attendance records, gradebook information, and other content.
In-Person observations are generally announced; however, department chairs and academic divisions may conduct unannounced observations.
Upon completion of an observation, faculty should receive a copy of the observation, and have the ability to discuss the observation with the supervisor.
Faculty Performance Evaluation System (FPMS)
Faculty evaluations are managed in the Faculty Performance Evaluation System (FPMS) and occur annually for all full-time employees, regardless of the modality in which they teach. Adjunct faculty are evaluated during the first term they teach for the College and then at least annually for those offered additional temporary teaching assignments. Faculty evaluations are conducted for faculty instruction in all delivery methods. Those instructing in an online, hybrid, or other course with online components may be observed using the Online & Hybrid Course Expectations document, approved by QLC and CASA.
Full-Time Faculty - All full-time faculty are evaluated annually on their performance for the year using the Faculty Performance Management System (FPMS). These evaluations are based on the two job duties below as well as other identified areas of assessment.
- Teaching Performance: Success criteria include demonstration of expert knowledge and utilization of well-designed and engaging activities in the classes taught.
- Instructional Management: Success criteria include adherence to York Technical College policies regarding confidentiality of information, offering special resources for specified students, and timely processing of grade and withdrawal reporting.
Faculty have the opportunity to review their evaluation with the department chair, discuss accomplishments, questions, and concerns. They also have the opportunity to set goals for the following year.
Adjunct Faculty - Adjunct faculty should be evaluated during the first term they teach for the College and annually thereafter for those offered subsequent temporary teaching assignments. There are two job duties specified for adjunct faculty, Teaching Performance and Instructional Management. Optional job duties may be performed by each adjunct faculty member and should be included under number 3 of the job duty section of the Adjunct Faculty Performance Appraisal.
- Teaching Performance: Success criteria include providing students with course syllabus, grading/attendance policy, and other relevant information in timely manner; relating instructional materials, discussions, and examples and illustrations; pacing the instruction over the semester; providing students with timely assessments; returning assessment results in timely manner; relating assessments to course objectives; following acceptable department and College grading policies; utilizing appropriate instructional technology; maintaining a positive environment for optimum student performance
- Instructional Management: Success criteria include submitting reports in a timely manner; practicing effective class management; prioritizing duties and using time wisely; adhering to class schedules; providing effective classroom/lab supervision; maintaining accurate records; handling students’ work and records in professional manner; providing disciplinary action where appropriate; performing other duties as required
End of Course Surveys
All students are requested to complete an anonymous and confidential end-of-course survey for each course in which they are enrolled. Faculty and students are notified through email and D2L once course evaluations become available. Evaluations are submitted through a system called SmartEvals. Once the evaluation period has ended, faculty will receive notification that evaluations for their courses are available for viewing and downloading, if preferred.
The College goal for course survey response rates is 70%! Faculty who achieve a 70% or higher response rates indicate that instructors talking about the importance of course surveys and how the information is used are two of the best ways to increase student completion.
Appendix F contains the current End of Course Survey . Please familiarize yourself with the survey so you are aware of the questions asked of students.
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