(421) Implementing an Improved Annual Faculty Review Process to Enhance Faculty Success

Objective:
Describe a new annual faculty review process implemented at one PharmD program.

Methods:
In Summer 2023, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy (FSU COP) enhanced the annual faculty review process facilitated by department chairs to improve faculty feedback and further adhere to elements of Standards 19 and 25. These formative meetings discuss annual teaching, scholarship, and service activities from the prior year, plans and goals for the upcoming year, workload assignments, and faculty development. Department chairs provide written summaries to each faculty member. Historical AACP Faculty Survey data from 2017 and 2021 were reviewed. The 2023 AACP Faculty Survey was open in June and July, during which most of these newly formatted meetings occurred. The number of meetings and items discussed from meeting summaries were provided by department chairs.

Results:
Between 2017 and 2023, the level of agreement improved for AACP Faculty Survey questions 14, 15, 17, and 18, highlighting that performance assessment criteria are clear, allocation is clear, faculty receive formal feedback, and feedback is constructive. The level of agreement for questions 20 and 21 declined from 2017 to 2023, highlighting that faculty received less career guidance and need more funds for development. In 2023, the department chairs met with 37 (95%) faculty. Every discussion covered teaching and service workload as well as annual goals. There was variable discussion of scholarship, practice, professional development, and resources. Faculty wellness was the least covered topic.

Conclusion:
Certain aspects of the AACP Faculty Survey data have improved at FSU COP in recent years. In the future, discussions should include longitudinal career planning and faculty wellbeing.