Robert W. Weinbach

Deans' Quality Assessment of Faculty Publications for Tenure/Promotion Decisions.

Abstract Social work educators seeking promotion and/or tenure must demonstrate achievement in the area of productive scholarship. Judgments are made by administrators regarding the quantity and quality of a candidates record of publication. We surveyed deans of graduate programs to ascertain the importance of various factors in their quality assessment of a journal article or book publication. The findings are presented and discussed.

University Rewards for Faculty Community Service

Survey data collected from deans and directors of graduate schools of social work indicate that community service is the least valued of faculty activities among faculty peers, deans, and university administrators. Publication and teaching are consistently the most valued and rewarded in tenure and promotion and other personnel decisions. Findings are discussed, and recommendations made that might help to close the gap between the need for service activities and the existing faculty reward system.

Faculty Rewards for Community Service Activities: An Update.

Abstract The authors of this article report the findings from a replication of their research on the importance placed on various faculty activities by graduate deans and directors. In particular, community service activities were assessed as to their perceived significance. Similarities and changes since the earlier research are discussed in relation to current trends and issues within higher education.

Manipulations of Student Evaluations: No Laughing Matter

Abstract There is serious question about the validity of student evaluations of faculty. There is also increasing evidence that evaluations are susceptible to manipulation by faculty who must depend heavily on them for favorable personnel action. A tongue-in-cheek list of behaviors to improve ones evaluations suggests that manipulation is both common and a serious threat to quality social work education. A reduced emphasis on student evaluations is strongly advocated.

Quality Assessment of Community Service Activities.

Abstract Community service generally is not valued highly or rewarded by university administrators and peers. Social work faculty tend to perform activities which reflect a wide range of quality and value to the recipient. The authors surveyed graduate social work deans and requested that they evaluate an extensive list of commonly-reported community service activities. The authors then constructed a rank ordering. Findings indicate that activities which are most valued tend to employ professional expertise, are unpaid, are offered to professionals or agencies, reflect a sizable time commitment, and provide visibility for the school.