An essential component of the evaluation process at MIT is the solicitation of written assessments from persons familiar with the individual's character, research and teaching capabilities, and academic qualifications. In order to assure the most candid and useful evaluations, MIT has traditionally accorded such assessments the highest degree of confidentiality. Letters requesting these assessments should include the following statement in the text of the letter or as an enclosure: "Legal developments over the past several years indicate that persons being evaluated may, under a variety of circumstances, obtain access to such assessments of themselves and others. MIT intends to continue its long-standing policy of treating faculty evaluations with the highest degree of confidentiality. This policy includes taking the necessary legal actions, when appropriate, to resist attempts to breach the confidentiality of such records, and, if disclosure is required, to limit its scope as much as is feasible."Although letters and reviews are confidential, a department head may, for counseling purposes, disclose information from letters with faculty under consideration for promotion, using his or her best efforts to assure that no original text or information that would permit identification of the author is conveyed.
The Institute considers the participation of members of the Faculty and staff in peer review, governance, and related service to be a part of their regular duties as MIT faculty and staff members. Responsible participation in these important processes should not place individuals at personal risk. Accordingly, the Provost will authorize legal assistance and indemnification to faculty and staff members who face legal involvement and associated financial expense arising from their responsible participation in these processes.
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