UNH Prof Fired for Lowering Fellow Faculty Member's Student Evaluations

A University of New Hampshire professor is being terminated effective May 17 after he admitted to intentionally lowering the student evaluations of another faculty member.

In a press release issued Thursday, UNH said Provost John Aber decided that termination was the appropriate step for this "serious breach of ethical standards."

Aber’s determination was informed by the recommendation of the Professional Standards Committee of the Faculty Senate, according to the press release. The PSC members unanimously agreed that Dorfsman’s conduct constituted moral turpitude and “evinces a gross disregard for the rights of others, is a clear and intentional breach of duties owed to others and to the university by virtue of employment at UNH and membership in the profession, in which such an act is considered contrary to the accepted and expected rules of moral behavior, justice, or honesty, and evokes condemnation.” The PSC’s recommendation contained a range of possible sanctions.
 
UNH added that Aber's decision reinforces the university's "commitment to upholding and teaching ethical behavior," adding that Dorfsman’s conduct "disregarded the rights of his colleague, undermined the evaluations submitted by our students... and corrupted an important process by which our faculty’s teaching effectiveness is measured."
 
If Dorfsman decides to grieve the provost’s dismissal decision, the case will be decided by an arbitrator.