Promotion File
Letters of Evaluation
Assessing Promotion to Associate Professor Rank
In 2016, I was promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor. The process involved six steps:
- Letter of Evaluation by Department (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics);
- Letter of Evaluation by Faculty Personnel Committee (FPC; university-wide);
- Letter of Evaluation by Dean of Faculty;
- Letters of Evaluation by External Assessors;
- Letters of Evaluation by Students;
- Class Observation Reports by Deans;
- Decision by the Board of Trustees.
Documents relating to 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are below. For privacy reasons, all names have been omitted.
From: PPE EVALUATION COMMITTEE To: FACULTY PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (FPC) Date: 23 MARCH 2016
This letter seeks to evaluate the promotion file of Dr. Herman Salton, who is applying for promotion to associate professor at AUW. Dr. Salton first came to AUW in Fall 2013 as an Assistant Professor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). He has served as Chair of PPE since 2014. This letter will comment on Dr. Salton’s professional development as it relates to his teaching, scholarship, and service, with the strong recommendation that he be promoted to the rank of associate professor.
Dr. Salton has distinguished himself as an excellent teacher, versatile scholar, and conscientious leader at AUW. Although he has not yet finished three years of teaching since earning his Ph.D. in International Politics in 2014, his earlier Ph.D. in International Law (2007) is relevant to his teaching and scholarship. Given his outstanding performance in the areas of teaching, research, and service, the PPE program deems Dr. Salton’s promotion to associate professor both timely and warranted.
Teaching
In 2012, Dr. Salton received a Teaching Excellence Award at the University of Wales. Since joining AUW in Fall 2013, Dr. Salton has continued to prove himself an engaging, inspiring, and innovative teacher who challenges students while stimulating their intellectual curiosity and growth. He has taught core courses as well as required and elective courses for the PPE major.
Drawing on his professional background as a diplomat as well as his academic expertise in International Law and International Politics, he has designed fascinating courses such as “The Morality of Massacres and Genocides,” “A History of International Relations in Fifty Objects,” “Parliament of Man,” “International Leadership,” “Multilateral Diplomacy,” and “Diplomacy and Statecraft.” His dedication to designing new and innovative courses is a testament to his commitment to serving AUW’s mission of providing a world-class education to its students.
Dr. Salton’s courses have been well enrolled and highly rated by observers and students – as reflected in his class observation reports and remarkable IDEA scores. His file includes IDEA results for 13 courses. Aside from a 4.1 summary evaluation score for International Ethics in Fall 2013, his summary evaluation scores range from 4.6 to 4.9 (out of 5.0) for 12 of the courses. Of the 13 courses, he placed among the top 10% of classes in the IDEA database for 8 courses, top 20% for 4 courses, and middle 40% for 1 course (International Ethics in Fall 2013). It is worth noting that when he re-offered International Ethics in Fall 2015, after redesigning it based on student feedback, his summary evaluation score increased to 4.7 and he placed among the top 10% of classes in the IDEA database.
In the evaluations, students commented on the transformative impact of taking Dr. Salton’s courses: one said she now aims to become a diplomat, several developed an interest in studying international relations in graduate school, many noted the impressive progress they had made in sharpening their critical thinking and communication skills. Students appreciate the wide range of teaching materials and assignments such as simulations he deploys to make each class session interactive and enhance active student learning. Particularly noteworthy is the extensive constructive feedback Dr. Salton gives students to enable them to understand how to strengthen their performance. In a classroom observation report and letter of support, colleagues have noted his excellent classroom management skills – while encouraging and requiring student participation, he ensures connections between interventions and course objectives are clear.
Dr. Salton’s passion for teaching also made working with him an invaluable experience for Teaching Assistants, for whom he served as an inspiring role model and mentor. Two of Dr. Salton’s former teaching assistants wrote letters underlining his dedication to encouraging student participation in class, maximizing availability outside the classroom, and advocating for students whenever possible. He has also tirelessly advocated for students’ access to research opportunities as he believes research assistantships provide much-needed experience and professional development to students.
Ten AUW alumnae have also written letters of support for Dr. Salton’s file to express their appreciation for Dr. Salton’s dedication to their learning within and beyond the classroom. They praised the interest he took in mentoring them and encouraging them to pursue their academic, professional, and research interests. One alumna mentioned that she never thought she could be a “good writer” until Dr. Salton’s guidance enabled her to make concrete improvements in her writing and eventually obtain an A on a written assignment. Alumnae who served as his research assistants expressed appreciation for the professional development and mentoring he provided them. Such testimonials underline Dr. Salton’s ability to provide individual attention to students and serve AUW’s mission to build their leadership capacity, while managing the overall needs and expectations of often over-enrolled courses. The IDEA evaluations and alumnae letters indicate that Dr. Salton’s teaching has played a pivotal role in enabling AUW’s students and graduates to thrive intellectually and professionally.
Scholarship
Dr. Salton is an impressive scholar. He holds two doctoral degrees (International Politics, 2014, University of Wales and International Law, 2007, University of Auckland), has published in three languages (English, French, and Italian), and currently has a book under contract with the Oxford University Press (OUP). His M.Phil. dissertation was accepted with Highest Distinction at Oxford in 2009. His doctoral dissertation was accepted with Distinction at the University of Wales. Dr. Salton’s numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and his considerable progress with Dangerous Diplomacy under the OUP contract attest to the quality and depth of his academic work. He has used multiple angles and approaches to deeply examine issues such as France’s legal and political responses to veiling and the UN’s response to the genocide in Rwanda. Dr. Salton’s passion for his research and writing is a source of inspiration for the AUW community, including teaching assistants, research assistants, students, and colleagues. External reviewers have also commented positively on the range, volume, and quality of Dr. Salton’s scholarship.
Service
Dr. Salton has proven himself to be a hardworking and dependable colleague, deeply committed to strengthening AUW as an institution and community of learning. He has dedicated considerable time and effort to AUW in various capacities: chair of the PPE program (2014-present), member of the Dean of Faculty and Pro-VC search committee (2014-present), co-director for Center for International Programs (2014-2015), coordinator for Ethical Reasoning Courses in the core (2014-present), University Parliamentarian (2013-2015), and academic advisor for the Model United Nations Club. Colleagues have expressed appreciation for the conscientiousness, professionalism, integrity, and collegiality with which Dr. Salton has served the university
In their evaluation of Dr. Salton as PPE chair, PPE program members mentioned that he is “diligent,” “cooperative,” “inclusive,” “efficient,” and “organized.” In a letter of support, a colleague expressed appreciation for Dr. Salton’s ability to work with “any group of people,” and his willingness and ability to learn from others. Another colleague noted that the inclusive, collaborative, and respectful style of leadership that Dr. Salton used to guide the PPE program through a restructuring of its requirements.
Dr. Salton was very open and transparent to faculty when he served as a member of the DOF search committee. He updated faculty regularly. As parliamentarian, he always stood up for faculty rights and successfully mediated many critical situations through innovative solutions.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Dr. Salton has made stellar contributions to AUW through his outstanding performance in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. Dr. Salton is an inspiring, innovative, and engaging teacher, versatile scholar, and diligent leader in the AUW community. The PPE program therefore strongly recommends that he be promoted to the rank of Associate Professor at AUW.
SIGNED
DEPARTMENT EVALUATION COMMITTEE
[Names and Signatures Omitted for Privacy Reasons]
From: FACULTY PERSONNEL COMMITTEE (FPC) To: DEAN OF FACULTY (DOF) Date: 2 APRIL 2016
After considering both the promotion file and letter of evaluation from the PPE program, we support Dr. Herman Salton’s application for promotion to Associate Professor at AUW on the basis of his achievements in teaching, research and service to AUW. Without repeating what has already been presented in detail by the PPE program, our reasons are detailed below.
Teaching
Dr. Salton has contributed greatly to teaching both in the Core and PPE curriculum at AUW. Dr. Salton obtained his first PhD in Law in 2007. Further graduate studies in an additional two fields, comprising a Masters of Philosophy at Oxford University in 2009 and a PhD in International Politics from the University of Wales in 2014, have enabled him to teach and conduct research in a diverse range of fields. In his three years at AUW, Dr. Salton has taught six different courses and received exemplary student ratings on his teaching method and style and their perceived learning in his classes. Employing student-centered and guided learning strategies while providing extensive feedback on their written assessment provides students with the ideal supportive environment in which to develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, all central tenet’s to the mission of AUW. Working with Dr. Salton has also provided valuable mentorship to the two AUW Fellows who contributed letters of recommendation to his promotion file.
Research
Dr. Salton published his first papers and books with smaller publishers and broad-reaching topical journals, however, his most recent scholarly work, Dangerous Diplomacy, is under contract with Oxford University Press (OUP). He also has published in numerous peer-reviewed and highly respected academic journals on important, yet controversial, issues such as the genocide in Rwanda and the question of the veil in France. In his publications, he uses his own diverse academic background to approach these issues from multiple perspectives. For example, he examined the question of veiling in France from political, but also legal perspectives, bringing a deeper and more rounded analysis to his paper. Dr. Salton also regularly publishes in three different languages: English, French and Italian. His numerous publications and his contract with OUP demonstrate the ongoing caliber, depth and quality of Dr. Salton’s academic work.
Service
Dr. Salton has served AUW community in numerous capacities since beginning his employment in Fall 2013. He has been the chair of PPE since 2014 and has directed the program in various phases, solidifying the program through several restructuring of its requirements. Dr. Salton’s fellow faculty within the PPE program described him as “diligent,” “cooperative,” “inclusive,” “efficient,” and “organized” and appreciated his ability to work and learn from others. He has also been a coordinator for Ethical Reasoning Courses in the core since 2014. Outside of his contributions to the PPE and Core curriculum, Dr. Salton served as Co-director for Center for International Programs (2014-2015) during which time he initiated and implemented many student exchange programs and coordinated several MOUs between AUW and other academic institutions. He has been a faculty representative on the Dean of Faculty and/or Pro- Vice Chancellor search committees (2014-present). As an academic advisor for the Model United Nations Club (2013-present), Dr. Salton advised, trained and prepared the members to participate in the annual MUN conferences. Finally as the University Parliamentarian (2013-2015), Dr. Salton was an invaluable asset to the faculty body in advising and assisting the Faculty Chair in conducting the faculty meeting in a conducive, collegial and professional manner.
Recommendation
The above summary, the letter from the PPE program, and the promotion file are evidence that Dr. Salton fulfils the criteria for Associate Professor described in the AUW Faculty Handbook: possessing a doctorate; having completed five years of successful teaching, at least three of which is post-PhD, at the university or college level as an assistant professor; demonstrating excellence as a teacher; demonstrating professional achievement of high quality; and, contributing significant service to the University. For these reasons we support Dr. Herman Salton’s application for promotion to Associate Professor at AUW.
SIGNED
FACULTY PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
[Names and Signatures Omitted for Privacy Reasons]
From: DEAN OF FACULTY (DOF) To: BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) Date: 18 APRIL 2016
“As you can see from the attached letters from the Department Evaluation Committee and the Faculty Personnel Committee, Dr. Salton is admired and respected by his students and colleagues alike.
He is an excellent teacher, a productive scholar, and devotes a tremendous amount of time and energy to [this university]…He has served as the Chair of PPE, Faculty Parliamentarian, and Co-Director of Center for International Programs, and has remarkable teaching evaluations and references from alumnae and colleagues who have worked with him and evaluated his classes.
As Dean of Faculty, I agree with the evaluations from the PPE Department Evaluation Committee and the Faculty Personnel Committee, and recommend that Herman Salton be promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of PPE. Along with the Procedures from the Faculty Handbook and the committee evaluation letters, I have included Herman Salton’s CV and a digital copy of his promotion file.”
SIGNED
DEAN OF FACULTY
[Name and Signature Omitted for Privacy Reasons]
CONFIDENTIAL LETTERS OF REFERENCE BY STUDENTS RECOMMENDING PROMOTION TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Source: Promotion File (Excerpts)
“I must admit I did not have any interest in politics nor in international relations. However, after having been in Professor Salton’s classes, I have become more aware and more concerned about global ethics and world crises. He truly has inspired us and imparted significant knowledge upon us.”
- Former Student from Bhutan, 2016
“None of the courses I took with Professor Salton was required for me, yet I chose to take them mostly because of his excellent teaching method and the encouragement he provides for his students in growing a personal interest in the subject. He never pushes his students to pick a side while discussing an international issue. He encourages being inquisitive yet constructive both in class discussions and in assignments. His devotion to education and mentoring makes him a valuable member of the university”.
- Former Student from Bangladesh, 2016
“Professor Salton is extremely hard-working and organized, and I feel privileged to have attended his courses. I respect him immensely for his professionalism as well as for his knowledge of the subject matter, ranging in breadth from history and politics, to ethics and international law. His teaching style is original and effortlessly delivered. He is always well-prepared, resulting in classes that run smoothly. He encourages student participation and is flexible in the direction of class discussions, while also being able to relate those discussions back to the core of the lesson which is being discussed. I also found him exceptionally fair in his assessments”.
- Former Student from Bangladesh, Class of 2015
“Although I always thought I was not a good writer, Professor Salton made me understand that I can do better in my writing. As a result of his effort, I started his classes by getting a ‘B’ grade and ended up with an ‘A’ grade. This was due to the interesting course materials and to his excellent command on delivering lectures…He treated each of us equally and made sure we all participated in his class. He valued whatever [we] had to say.”
- Former Student from Pakistan, Class of 2016
“Prof. Salton is not only incredibly accomplished; he is one of the most kind, organized, supportive, and invested professors I’ve known. As his [former] teaching assistant, I was able to witness how he interacted with students in and outside of class. Inside class he encouraged participation, facilitated nuanced discussions and debates, and challenged his students to look past the ideas and histories they grew up with as objective. Outside of class, he held some of the most well-attended office hours…From sitting in on his class and many discussions with students, I know he is not only an inspiration to them, but mentored and supported them in invaluable ways”.
- Former Teaching Assistant from the United States of America, 2015
“Prof. Salton played a most important role in helping me find my true interest and capability in terms of studies. As a student, I always loved his teaching style and classes. As a young and new lecturer myself, I am always in search of better ways to teach my students. Therefore, I try to duplicate all the ways Professor Salton used to adopt when I was his student, as they proved very beneficials to students like me. Apart from being his student, I had the honor of working with him as his research assistant. I was impressed with his abilities and work ethic”.
- Former Student and Research Assistant from Bhutan, 2015
Prof. Salton is an excellent teacher and it has been a great pleasure to working with him. His ability to explain difficult concepts in a broad variety of ways, to hold the attention of the class throughout a 90-minute session, to use both the board and slides effectively, and to engage a large class in discussion. He is particularly good at keeping the students thinking during the lecture and of inviting questions and comments. He responded generously and sensitively to questions, and always made extra sure that students understood the course materials clearly. Professor Salton is truly a standout professor because of his sheer dedication to his students…Without his assistance, I doubt I could take right decision for my career as well as post graduation.”
- Former Student from Bangladesh, 2015
“Prof. Salton motivated us to think very deeply about global issues related to politics and diplomacy. He also emphasized our presentation skills…We learned how to analyze academic literature very critically. We participated in several Security Council Simulations where we represented us very professionally in a professional environment. We were not only learning doing research, but also how to present important information in concise way to our audience. We were guided to submit written academic documents after extensive research…I had several appointments with Prof. Salton because I faced challenges [with] research materials. Whenever we submitted written documents, presented oral presentation, and attended classes, we got immediate response from him. When I got my grades on those two courses, I observed Prof. Salton explained my grades properly. He took time and in detailed he explained where I could improve in future”.
- Former Student from Bangladesh, 2015
CLASS VISITATION REPORTS BY DEANS OF FACULTY Source: Annual Reports (Excerpts)
I attended a lecture by Herman Salton in ETHR 1015 International Ethics…Dr. Salton crafted an exemplary class composed of both a 20-minute student-led presentation on a country (Syria) followed by an instructor-led discussion of the day’s reading. The class atmosphere was highly conducive to learning; the students were clearly engaged and most were active participants throughout the duration of the class…From the presentation I saw in class it appeared that, through his detailed instructions, Dr. Salton had managed this very successfully. The student was well prepared for her presentation and had questions ready to prompt discussion. The student presentation on the Syrian uprising and civil war set up a perfect example for Dr. Salton’s discussion of the ethics of foreign intervention justified by humanitarian reasons. Dr. Salton led a very animated session in which the students actually had to be silenced occasionally in order to move the class forward through the material. The topic of this class is so pertinent to many of our students given the foreign intervention in their countries. It is not surprising that they are very interested and I was impressed at how skillfully Dr. Salton kept them focused on a theoretical discussion of the topic and did not allow the class to be sidetracked into a session of personal anecdotes and storytelling…Overall, I thought this was an extremely successful class and a really excellent effort from a young faculty member new to teaching in AUW’s unique environment.
- Dean of Faculty, Class Observation Report, 2013, Asian University for Women, Bangladesh
I attended a Diplomacy and Statecraft class by Dr. Salton on 16 Nov 2014 at 4.30pm. Dr. Salton has more than 5 years teaching experience, so a classroom visitation was not required, but he was generous enough to invite me into his class as an indication to less experienced faculty that the process is not to be feared and is one that can provide useful feedback to participants…Dr. Salton arrived before the class start time, greeting the students and setting up required equipment with the TA. He began the class promptly, first recognizing that students are extremely busy at present and reminding them about upcoming assessment…Dr. Salton used his visual aids very effectively during the class, provide background information or terms on PowerPoint slides without text-overcrowding, and asked students to populate a visual representation on the importance of formal exchanges between countries themselves to encourage engagement with the content… Although I have no knowledge of diplomacy or international treaties, Dr. Salton’s mode of delivering information, clear explanations and use of regional examples allowed me to easily follow the class […]
- Associate Dean, Class Observation Report, 2015, Asian University for Women, Bangladesh