The report from the department committee should be explanatory and provide an analysis of the case that studying the vitae does not provide.   The purpose of this report is to evaluate the candidate's strengths and weaknesses relative to the standards of the department and discipline.  Since this is the first of several reviews, it is important that the committee present all aspects of the case fully.  The review should be one of analysis, not advocacy.  Any discrepancies or contradictory opinions within the referee's letters should be addressed in a forthright fashion. Ignoring any negative statements or attempting to "explain them away" does not serve to the advantage of the candidate.

Explanatory comments on the journals or publishers used by the candidate will greatly assist in the evaluation.  Indicate the ranking of the journals, which articles are refereed and which not, and other information relevant to appraising the candidate's published works.  Provide analogous evaluations of artistic or other creative efforts that are not in published form.  Where appropriate, comments on the stature of the external referees is helpful.

If the candidate is in a field in which research grants, fellowships, etc., are normally awarded, comment on those aspects of the candidate's record.  The issue is not size or number of awards but recognition by rigorous competitive peer review. Explain any discrepancies in this area and the publishing record.

The departmental committee plays an especially significant role in the analysis of the candidate's record of teaching.  It is important for the committee to carefully evaluate all  evidence related to teaching.  The committee should discuss effective ways to analyze and present statistical data resulting from Student Evaluations, and use them to make meaningful comparisons of the candidate to the rest of the department and/or to faculty teaching courses of similar size, character or content.  The committee should read all signed written comments submitted by students and provide an evaluative sumary of these written statements.  The committee should also review and comment on all materials submitted by the candidate (e.g., Teaching Portfolio) documenting his or her teaching activities.  Finally, the committee should discuss any discrepancies between student and peer evaluations.

The report of the Departmental Committee must be signed by all members of the committee.