Frequently asked Questions (and Answers) Regarding Merit for 2009-2010

The following is information concerning frequently asked questions about the merit process.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

What time period is eligible for merit consideration?

The merit application can only cover activities that occurred between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

 Where can I find the nomination form for merit?

The Merit Award Nomination Form can be found at https://develop.temple.edu/chp/zchpmerit/.

What documents do I need to submit?

Tenure track and tenured faculty must submit a completed Merit Award Nomination Form, latest vita, and a copy of the two pages provided by the University for the 11 questions related to instructor and course on the Student Feedback Form (SFF) for courses taught from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.  It is appropriate to summarize the SFFs in a table with an explanation page.  Other documents (e.g., grant award acceptance) may be submitted to support the merit case.

Non-tenure track faculty must submit the documents listed in the Merit Guidelines for Non-Tenure Track Faculty (page 3), which were approved by the College Assembly in April 2009.  The specific documents that are required and optional are in the Guidelines, which are available at https://develop.temple.edu/chp/zchpmerit/.

How do I submit my SFF information?

Scan the two pages provided by the University for the 11 questions related to instructor and course on the SFFs for all course taught by the faculty member into a single file.  The SFF summary table per above can also be scanned into this file.

To where, how, and by when do I submit my merit documents?

The applicant must submit all merit documents at the following URL address: https://develop.temple.edu/chp/zchpmerit/.  This is a secure, dedicated website for the College’s 2009-10 merit process and is password protected (use your temple AccessNetID and password).  Each document must be uploaded as a file (e.g., scanned, PDF, MSWord .doc).  The website will be available for document uploading, effective Monday, October 5, 2009.  All documents are due by October 13, 2009 close of business.

How can I present my data clearly?

The salary advisory committee members review all applications prior to the merit meeting.  Last year there were approximately 35 applications that included several pages of supporting documentation.  It is in an applicant’s best interest to make the important information easily retrievable by the committee members.  One suggestion is to summarize the SFF scores and the college means in a table.

I had a study leave last year.  Can I apply for merit?

An applicant can receive merit if s/he had a study leave during the designated time period.  In general, however, most faculty do not apply for merit for the year that a study leave was awarded.  Typically, a faculty member has a study leave to complete a specific project (e.g., write a grant and/or article).  If the project is completed, s/he cannot use that as evidence of the documentation for merit as s/he has already been rewarded for the scholarly work.

I received merit for the last 3 years.  Is there a limit to the number of years one can receive merit?

No, merit applications are evaluated on the documentation for the identified time frame.  Some faculty members receive merit yearly and others receive it on an irregular basis.

Do I need to decide the number of units I want?

The Merit Award Nomination Form has a cell for the number of requested units.  The department chair makes a recommendation to the Dean who makes the final decision on the number of units awarded, not the applicant.

II. TEACHING

My SFF scores this year were only 4.0 on several items but this is a big improvement from the last 2 years.  How can I help the committee know that I worked diligently to improve my teaching?

Include scores from the last 2 to 3 years, knowing that the committee will be evaluating scores only for this year.  Also include a brief explanation, addressing what specifically was completed to improve one’s teaching. 

III. RESEARCH/SCHOLARHIP

Is there a set amount of papers, grants, or presentations that one should include?