Universities are elevated to the global stage not just by the brilliance of individual academics, but due to the systems to train, evaluate, support and retain.
Strong systems ensure consistency in quality and creation of a supportive environment. These systems provide not only the necessary infrastructure for teaching and research, but also offer continuous professional development for faculty and maintain high standards through effective performance evaluation. By prioritizing systemic support and accountability, universities can build a culture of excellence that elevates them nationally and globally.
The current faculty evaluation system in Pakistan’s public-sector universities is outdated and needs significant reform. The Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) used to assess faculty primarily focus on teaching and research, neglecting important aspects such as community engagement, institutional development and international collaboration. This narrow focus stifles creativity and the broad commitment necessary to thrive in today’s competitive academic landscape.
To tackle these challenges, I along with a team of experienced academics at GCU studied different models to create a better planning and evaluation system. We found that leading universities use a mix of metrics, in which research contributions are measured by publication impact, citation metrics, and research grants, while teaching is evaluated through student feedback, peer observations and curriculum development efforts. Service to the university, student mentorship, professional development, community engagement, and global collaborations are also highly valued.
After three years of deliberations, I introduced a new Key Work Objectives (KWO) framework at Government College University (GCU), Lahore in 2023. This framework, inspired by the frameworks used at the University of Southampton, the National University of Singapore, Seoul National University, and the University of Oxford, is designed to evaluate GCU regular teaching faculty comprehensively across all academic positions.
I had seen at the above universities the significant impact of such thorough evaluation systems. These institutions thrive not just because of individual talent, but due to their strong commitment to systematic evaluation and continuous improvement.
The new KWO framework at GCU is divided into three sections: Research and Academic Supervision, Teaching and Institutional Development, and Trainings, Grants, and Other Services. Each section has specific criteria and maximum marks to ensure a thorough assessment.
The Research and Academic Supervision section recognizes the importance of research output and supervision. Marks are awarded for research publications, with higher marks for prestigious journals, and for supervising student degree completions. Significant external research projects, awards and published books are given due weight.
The Teaching and Institutional Development section values teaching contributions and institutional growth. Faculty members earn marks for teaching courses, developing new programmes, and acquiring institutional funds. Institutional development activities are recognized to ensure a balanced evaluation.
Lastly, the Trainings, Grants, and Other Services section encompasses professional development, grants, community service, editorial work, and conference participation. Marks are awarded for national and international trainings, conducting workshops, obtaining travel grants, and engaging in community service. Additional marks are given for editorial roles, conference involvement, and academic presentations.
Faculty members scoring over 80 marks are considered for the Roll of Honour for Academics, eligible for honorariums and incentives. This comprehensive framework aligns faculty evaluation with global standards, ensuring a balanced recognition of research, teaching, and broader academic engagement.
The implementation of the KWO framework began with a pilot phase in select departments, allowing for initial feedback and adjustments. A dedicated committee, comprising representatives from various academic and administrative departments, engaged in thorough consultations with all stakeholders.
I conducted detailed sessions with department chairpersons and faculty members to explain the new system, address concerns and incorporate additional feedback. These sessions highlighted the need to tailor the KWO framework to meet the specific requirements of different departments. For instance, in Fine Arts and Archive Studies, the emphasis was on curating exhibitions rather than traditional publications, while in Sports Sciences, organizing and participating in sports events took precedence over research publications. We also included a mid-year review aspect in the overall performance assessment.
The appreciation and approval of the new KWO framework by the GCU’s Syndicate during 2023 marked a substantive milestone, signifying broad acceptance and institutional endorsement. By aligning the framework with the unique requirements of each discipline, we aimed to create a more equitable and relevant evaluation system that recognizes diverse forms of academic and professional contributions. We expect to make more revisions as we implement the new system.
The new KWO framework is expected to bring numerous benefits, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. By aligning evaluation practices with global standards, we ensure that our faculty members are recognized and rewarded on par with their international peers. This not only enhances the university’s reputation but also makes our faculty more competitive globally.
The new KWO framework supports and celebrates a wide range of academic activities, placing innovation, collaboration and creativity at the forefront of our educational mission. Through this visionary approach, we aim to transform faculty evaluation, ensuring that our academics are equipped to excel on the global stage. This article is a call to action for other universities to adopt similar reforms in their faculty evaluations.
The writer is the former vice chancellor of Government College University, Lahore.