A Step Backwards

The American Association of University Professors at Ohio University condemns the Board of Trustees' new procedure for evaluating university presidents.  By eliminating student, staff and faculty input in annual evaluations, the decision reverses direction from the good faith attempt by former trustee Gregory Browning and others to promote input and accountability across the university community.  The Board demonstrates lack of respect for students, staff, and faculty by shutting them out of an annual process that might build trust between constituencies, instead encouraging cynicism and isolation.  In addition, its aversion to written documents and public disclosure, which has begun to affect other high offices, runs counter to the principles this institution cherishes.  We commend those students, staff, and faculty who have been more true proponents of these principles than our trustees.   Perhaps, because most of us are exposed to various forms of productive and critical evaluation throughout the year, we have a higher esteem for meaningful assessment.  As professors, moreover, we demand that our students learn the value of critical discussion and opposing opinions.  We can hope the Board finds the courage to hold the president and itself to the same expectations.  Meanwhile, AAUP-OU will plan again to conduct its own evaluation of top administrators this spring,  adding a vote of confidence in the Board of Trustees.