Columbia Southern University uses various evaluation tools to provide support and accountability for faculty, including classroom observations, end of course surveys, course setup checks, annual evaluations, and performance improvement plans if needed. Classroom observations are conducted twice a year and contain specific criteria faculty must meet while teaching. End of course surveys provide student feedback. Course setup checks ensure courses meet requirements, and annual evaluations cover faculty performance. A performance improvement plan can help faculty improve if they are struggling to meet expectations.

1. Evaluations
READING 3.2

2. Introduction
Columbia Southern University takes pride in its dedication to
continuous improvement. One method CSU utilizes to grow is
through the evaluation of processes, procedures, and
performance. CSU offers a number of evaluative tools to assist in
this effort. Please review the following slides to learn how the
University offers support and accountability for CSU Faculty.

3. Classroom Observation
Classroom Observations are conducted twice a year for every
faculty member. Observations are conducted for both TERM and
LifePace Learning Courses.
The Classroom Observation contains specific expectations you will
be required to complete while facilitating your course. Please use
these as facilitation guides as you teach your courses:
Classroom Observation Term
Classroom Observation LPL

4. CLASSROOM OBSERVATION: TERM
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
INSTRUCTOR: OBSERVER: DATE:
COURSE: DISCIPLINE: PROGRAM:
Criteria: RUBRIC:
1 – Full credit: Meets standard
2 – No credit: Standard not met 1 2 Weight/100
1 Administers a minimum of three (3) Collaborate sessions to instruct curriculum and/or facilitate student engagement. 15
2
Poses open-ended questions in the Discussion Board Forum which foster student engagement, enhance critical thinking skills,
and create an added value to course participation.
5
3
Responds to a minimum of 10 initial Discussion Board posts per unit. If there are fewer than 10 students in the class, then all
initial posts must receive a response, while offering substantive, learner-specific feedback.
10
4 Posts the Welcome Video and Transcript correctly and ensures they are appropriately aligned to the course. 5
5 Posts the Ask the Professor announcement in the correct forum, encouraging student inquiries. 5
6
Displays a minimum of three (3) Course Announcements (beginning, middle, and end) referencing student resources and course
events (e.g., faculty availability, Collaborate offerings, current events, reminder of next term, words of encouragement, etc.).
10
7
Prepares eight (8) clearly written and well-organized Unit Introductions that communicate key concepts and learner
expectations.
5
8
Demonstrates active classroom engagement and provides instruction and feedback to students a minimum of four (4) days per
week.
10
9 Responds to all student inquiries within 48 hours (in Blackboard and email), according to CSU policy. 5
10 Adheres to the Employee Code of Conduct and uses positive and concise communication with students and staff. 5
11 Grades student submissions within three (3) days and research papers or projects within five (5) days. 10
12 Provides new, substantive, and learner-specific feedback for all student submissions. 15
TOTAL (100):
OBSERVED STRENGTHS:
Type your comments here…

5. CLASSROOM OBSERVATION: LPL
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
INSTRUCTOR: OBSERVER: DATE:
COURSE: DISCIPLINE: PROGRAM:
Criteria RUBRIC:
1 – Full credit: Meets standard
2 – No credit: Standard not met 1 2 Weight/100
1 Provides new, substantive, and learner-specific feedback for all student submissions. 20
2 Posts the Welcome Video and Transcript correctly and ensures they are appropriately aligned to the course. 10
3
Displays a Welcome Announcement referencing classroom expectations, student resources, and appropriate contact
information.
10
4 Prepares clearly written and well-organized Unit Introductions that communicate key concepts and learner expectations. 15
5 Responds to all student inquiries within 48 hours (in Blackboard and email), according to CSU policy. 15
6
Adheres to the Employee Code of Conduct and delivers positive, thoughtful, and concise communication to students, staff,
administration, and colleagues.
10
7 Grades student submissions within three (3) days and research papers or projects within five (5) days. 20
TOTAL (100):
OBSERVED STRENGTHS
Type your comments here…
OBSERVERED OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH
Type your comments here…

6. End of Course Surveys
At the end of every course, the University requests each student to
complete a survey. These survey results offer insight and
perspective information to the student's experience and can be
useful for instructors to review. Once the course has ended,
Faculty members can find these survey results in the Faculty
Portal. If you have any difficulty locating these survey results,
please contact your Faculty Support Specialist for assistance.

7. Course Setup Support Check
Columbia Southern University takes pride in the quality of its
courses. At the beginning of each term, Faculty are responsible for
meeting the course setup requirements (covered in Unit IV of this
course). As a method to provide a high level of support for faculty
during the setup process, Course Setup Support Checks are
conducted for every course. If a reviewer finds any missing setup
items, the Faculty member will receive an email with a
corresponding tutorial. However, if setup items remain absent
from the course during proceeding checks, this process moves
gradually from a support function to an accountability measure
with the program's Faculty administrators.

8. Annual Evaluation
Annual Evaluations are conducted for every faculty member once a
year by a Faculty administrator. This evaluation covers a wide-array
of performance areas and is designed to motivate instructors and
to provide areas of growth and improvement.

9. Performance Improvement Plan
In the event a CSU Faculty member struggles to meet his or her
expectations, the University offers a Performance Improvement
Plan to assist them in identifying key expectations and areas of
growth. Columbia Southern University places a high value on each
of its Faculty members and is dedicated to assisting in their
success.