In November 2023, Bruce Gilley delved into the contentious issue surrounding student evaluations of teaching (SETs), particularly examining claims of inherent biases against women and marginalized groups within academia. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) had filed an amicus brief in support of Alice Wieland, a former business professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, who alleged that gender discrimination influenced her tenure denial based on poor SETs. According to AAUP, there exists substantial empirical evidence demonstrating bias in SETs, which may disadvantage female and minority faculty members.
Gilley countered these assertions by highlighting that student evaluations are just one component of a comprehensive assessment of teaching effectiveness. He argued that evaluations should be considered alongside criteria such as course rigor, innovation, and faculty contributions beyond student feedback. Gilley cautioned against the exclusion of SETs from faculty evaluations, suggesting that doing so could undermine accountability and potentially compromise educational standards.
Critiquing the studies referenced by AAUP, Gilley pointed out methodological limitations and conflicting findings in existing research. While some studies suggest potential advantages for women in evaluations, especially in fields where they are overrepresented, others indicate nuanced biases influenced by student expectations and faculty behaviors over time.
The debate underscores fundamental questions about fairness in academic assessments, the reliability of evaluation metrics, and their impact on career trajectories in higher education. The resolution of these debates will likely shape future academic policies concerning faculty assessment, promotion criteria, and standards for educational quality.
