(Editor's note: This story is the last of a three-part series examining the evaluations of deans of Ohio University's branch campuses.)
Zanesville campus constituents were divided in their assessment of Dean Jim Fonseca, who received a comprehensive evaluation this year.
Comprehensive evaluations are conducted every five years and include input from Group I and Group II faculty, administrators, classified staff and coordinating council members. Constituents anonymously respond to questionnaires about the dean's performance. A committee compiles the responses into data, reviews the dean's personal evaluation and conducts an interview with the dean about the campus. That data is complied into a report that is sent to the provost, who writes a final evaluation.
An 87 percent response rate, or 32 of the 37 faculty members, was needed to consider the evaluation representative of the faculty. 22 responded to the questionnaire.
I always take them very seriously
Fonseca said of his evaluation. I did see some things that I need to improve on. I always treat them seriously and get guidance out of them that I can benefit from them.
Classified and administrative staff gave a mixed review of the dean. Classified staff praised Fonseca's ability to encourage faculty and development and provide resources for staff to do their jobs effectively, but criticized his work in the area of interpersonal relationships and leadership effectiveness.
Administration positively responded to questions about Fonesca's work in the field of affirmative action and his work as a campus advocate, but was less glowing about his performance in the areas of administrative oversight, organizational skills, decision making and vision. Both groups raised concerns in the area of communication.
He does not understand the needs of today's student or our campus responded one staff member. We are operating under an old-school policy way instead of staying abreast of the ever-changing needs of our students.
Fonseca acknowledged that communication is an area where he could improve.
The campus is very busy and in some ways not well-staffed he said. There's a lot going on. A lot of people doing different things and you get folks that are doing things over here that other folks don't know about.
Group I and II faculty praised the dean, and gave him an 81 percent overall approval rating, with 90 percent favoring his reappointment.
Overall, 75 percent of respondents indicated that he should be reappointed.
I regard your comprehensive evaluation to be generally supportive of your campus leadership
wrote Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl, who encouraged Fonseca to use the evaluation as a guide to improve your relationships with the various groups and enhance your skills as a leader.
17
Archives
Jessica Holbrook
200808288526midsize.jpeg
