The following definitions and procedures will be used in conducting classroom observations in the Department of Sociology.

1. Classroom observations will be conducted in two classes taught by probationary faculty prior to each personnel decision involving such probationary faculty and in all classes taught by teaching assistants. Tenured faculty may request classroom observation. Observation of full-time faculty will be conducted by peers. Part-time faculty should have one class observed each semester.
2. Full time faculty members to be observed shall select the classes in which observations are to take place. (The chair will manage observations of part-time faculty; TA observations will be managed by the graduate program director.) 
3. Classroom observations of full-time faculty will be conducted by peer observation teams of two peers, who are mutually acceptable to the faculty member to be observed and the Chair. Full-time faculty members will observe part-time faculty members and TA's. 
4. For the purpose of Post Tenure Review, a "peer" is defined as those full-time tenured or non-tenured tenure-track faculty within the department.
5. For full-time faculty the peer observation team shall be admitted to the classroom upon written invitation by the faculty member to be observed and shall observe teaching in a formal classroom setting with students present.
6. Classroom observation shall be based on a standardized written instrument. Observations shall be limited to the following areas: (a) the instructor's general mastery of the course content; (b) the instructor's ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the students present; and (c) the instructor's overall responsiveness to the academic needs of the students present.
7. Within seven days, classroom observers shall provide the observed faculty member and the Chair with written copies of their evaluation and recommendations.
8. If the classroom observation report indicates deficiencies in teaching commitment or effectiveness, the Chair will recommend measures to rectify the deficiencies during the annual performance review.