Pick-A-Prof Information

In November 2008, UH General Counsel received a request from Pick-A-Prof to provide grade distributions for all formal courses at Manoa and Hilo taught during 2008. Pick-A-Prof is a fee for service online data base that markets grade information to assist students in selection of professors. The information sought included instructor name, number of students and the respective number of A’s, B’s. C’s etc. Recently UHPA was informed of this request through Hilo faculty members and the Manoa Faculty Senate. The use of this information could undermine the integrity of academic programs and instructional faculty through encouraging grade shopping and inappropriate assessments of faculty performance.

UHPA has taken the position that the UH should just say “No”. UHPA filed a demand to bargain over release of the information and impact on faculty. John Morton VP for Community College and UH Chief Negotiator, is working in conjunction with UHPA to identify solutions to the problem.

In addition, UHPA legal counsel is assessing the implications of the Hawaii Uniform Information Practice Act and role of the Office of Information Practices in potential release of the information. UHPA has offered the Manoa Faculty Senate a meeting with UHPA legal counsel on this matter.

If you have additional information, please contact UHPA at questions@uhpa.org.