Clarification of use of faculty workload model

October 15, 2007

Two years of experience with the parametric workload model suggest the need for some refinement and clarification of its intended purpose and use. The model is not intended to be a comprehensive reflection of everything a faculty member does, nor is it intended to rigorously account for every qualitative nuance that differentiates otherwise similar activities. It is intended to capture the basic facts of what each faculty member does (e.g., teaching a course, publishing a paper, or serving on a committee) in order to provide a consistent foundation for informed discussion, assessment, and planning.

Faculty are encouraged to consider the model in developing their personal and professional plans. The model provides a vehicle for exploring alternative combinations of teaching, research and service. The model is not a substitute for discussion and negotiation with program chairs over teaching assignments, however. Faculty desiring to adjust their teaching, either by changing the number of courses taught or the programs in which they teach are expected to discuss their preferences with the appropriate program chairs and reach a negotiated agreement. It remains the case that the standard teaching load for regular faculty at SIS is two courses per term for two terms per year.