FACULTY HANDBOOK
2012-2013
[The policies described in the handbook are subject at any time to change by the College acting through its duly constituted officers, the faculty, administration and trustees.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.THE MISSION AND GOALS OF GEORGETOWNCOLLEGE...... 1
A.Institutional Goals...... 1
II.ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE...... 3
A.Introduction...... 3
B.The Trustees...... 3
C.The President of the College...... 3
D.The Administrative Officers...... 4
E.The Administration...... 4
F.The Academic Administration...... 4
III.FACULTY STRUCTURE...... 6
A.Departments of Instruction...... 6
B.Divisional Structure...... 6
*IV. FACULTY PERSONNEL POLICIES...... 7
A. Employment Process...... 7
B. Academic Freedom and Tenure...... 7
1940 Statement of Principles...... 8
Academic Freedom (8); Academic Tenure (9)
1968 Recommended InstitutionalRegulations on Academic Freedom
and Tenure...... 12
Statement of Terms of Appointment (12); Probationary Appointments (12); Termination of Appointment by the Faculty Member (13); Termination of Appointments by the Institution (13); Dismissal Procedures (15); Action by the Governing Board (15); Suspensions (16); Terminal Salary or Notice (16); Academic Freedom (16); Academic Freedom of Non-tenured Faculty (16); Administrative Personnel (17); Political Activities of Faculty Members (17); Grievance Procedure (17); Authority of the President (18); Relation of College Policy to AAUP Statements (18)
C.Policy on Non-Tenure Appointment...... 18
D.Contracts and Salaries...... 19
E.Promotion and Tenure Process...... 20
F.Criteria for Evaluation...... 23
*V.BENEFITS...... 36
A.Faculty Benefits...... 36
B.Benefits Committee...... 36
C.Statutory Benefits...... 36
D.Benefits Program...... 36
E.Retirement Benefits...... 37
F.Leave of Absence (Sabbatical)...... 37
G.Vacations...... 39
H.Tuition Waiver...... 40
I.Summer Study Grant...... 42
J.Other Benefits for Which the College is Responsible...... 43
*VI.FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES & PROCEDURES...... 44
A.Teaching Load...... 44
B.Committee Work...... 44
C.Academic Advising...... 44
D.Participation in Campus Activities...... 45
E.Office Hours...... 45
F.Faculty/Division Meetings...... 45
G.Registration...... 45
H.Meeting Classes...... 45
I.Test and Examination Schedule...... 46
J.Class Rolls...... 46
K.Grading/Academic Records...... 46
1.Early Warning Reports...... 46
2.Final Grades...... 46
3.Grade Changes...... 46
4.Grading Systems...... 47
5. Final Grade Verification...... 47
6. Academic Honesty...... 47
L.Selection and Ordering of Text Books...... 48
M.External Grants...... 48
VII.DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES...... 49
A.Offices...... 49
B.Departmental Charges...... 49
1.Printing...... 49
2.Telephone Toll Calls...... 49
3.Bookstore Purchases...... 49
4.Mail...... 49
C.Purchasing...... 49
D.Academic Equipment...... 50
E.Student Employment...... 50
F.Budget...... 50
G.Library Acquisitions...... 50
H.Curriculum Changes...... 51
I.Travel Reimbursements...... 51
J.Travel Advances...... 51
K.Maintenance Work Orders...... 51
L.Outside Employment...... 51
VIII. BY-LAWS OF THE FACULTY OF GEORGETOWN COLLEGE...... 53
Article I: Name...... 53
Article II: Purpose...... 53
Article III: Membership and Quorum...... 53
Article IV: Officers and Elected Representatives...... 54
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Article V: Elections...... 54
Article VI: Meetings...... 56
Article VII: Committees and Directorships...... 58
Article VIII: Procedure and Parliamentary Procedure...... 81
Article IX: Amendments...... 81
Article X: Suspension of Rules...... 81
APPENDIX A: BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESOLUTION REGARDING BENEFITS..... 82
APPENDIX B: GEORGETOWN COLLEGE POLICY STATEMENTS...... 83
1.NON-DISCRIMINATION...... 83
2.DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT...... 83
3.SEXUAL HARASSMENT...... 83
4.PRIVACY RIGHTS OF STUDENTS...... 84
5.COPYRIGHT REQUIREMENTS...... 85
APPENDIX C: EMPLOYMENT OF PART-TIME FACULTY...... 86
APPENDIX D: EVALUATION FORM...... 88
APPENDIX E: CLARIFICATION OF THE GUIDELINES FOR PROMOTION AND TENURE EVALUATION 93
APPENDIX F: STANDING FACULTY COMMITTEES AND DIRECTORSHIPS...... 94
APPENDIX G: DISMISSAL PROCEDURES...... 95
APPENDIX H: DEPARTMENTS OF INSTRUCTION...... 97
APPENDIX I: DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE...... 98
APPENDIX J: GEORGETOWN COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 2012-2013... 99
APPENDIX K: FACULTY STATEMENT OF ETHICS ……………………………………… 100
APPENDIX L: STUDENT HONOR SYSTEM ………………………………………………. 101
APPENDIX M: POLICY RELATED TO EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND
CONSULTATIVE SERVICES ……………………………………………………………… 108
APPENDIX N: CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND PROMOTION OF LIBRARIANS …110
APPENDIX O: MATERNITY LEAVE POLICY …………………………………………….. 119
* Indicates materials considered Institutional Policy
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I.THE MISSION AND GOALS OF GEORGETOWNCOLLEGE
GeorgetownCollege is a small, residential, co-educational liberal arts college distinguished by a combination of respected, rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs, an array of opportunities for involvement and leadership, a commitment to Christian values and its distinctive heritage. This provides an environment for intellectual, spiritual and social growth. Through a broad undergraduate program, the curriculum offers a foundation for shaping informed thought and action in order to prepare students for their place in society. GeorgetownCollege seeks persons committed to supporting its mission and to realizing their full potential in this community of learners.
A.Institutional Goals.
In fulfilling its mission GeorgetownCollege strives to:
*foster a knowledge of and commitment to the Christian faith;
*maintain a student body whose profile remains above the national average within an atmosphere in which students of varying abilities can achieve to their fullest potential;
*provide students a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences;
*assist students to think analytically, communicate effectively and discriminate among ethical, moral and spiritual values;
*foster the discovery, development, and critical appraisal of knowledge;
*provide programs based upon research and scholarship which will equip motivated students with knowledge, skills, experiences and competencies needed to do advanced academic work in a chosen field or enter successfully a vocation of choice;
*provide pre-professional and professional programs in appropriate areas supplemented by a graduate program in education;
*encourage, in a primarily residential setting, a community of personal, caring and mutually respectful relationships among faculty, students, administration and staff, recognizing the dignity and worth of each individual;
*foster integrity, tolerance, understanding and appreciation of conflicting points of view;
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*enable members of the College community to broaden their awareness of cultural diversity both in this nation and among the nations of the world;
*supplement the academic program through a co-curricular program offering intellectual, cultural and religious experiences;
*enhance physical and social development through student activities and services;
*support the community by offering expertise, facilities, and other services, such as access to cultural and athletic events;
*provide quality support services and facilities that contribute substantially to an environment that is conducive to living, working and learning together.
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II.ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
A.Introduction.The administrative structure of GeorgetownCollege consists of a governing body known as the Board of Trustees, the President of the College, the Vice President/Provost/Dean of the College, Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, Secretary and other vice presidents who are not officers of the corporation appointed by the President. (Article III – Officers of the Corporation – Trustee By-laws)
B.The Trustees. Responsibility for the welfare and growth of the College resides in the Board of Trustees. This governing body consists of thirty-six elected trustees and the President of the College, ex officio. Trustees are elected for three year terms at the fall meeting of the Board of Trustees by a majority of the Trustees then in office. Trustees may serve two consecutive terms. Seventy-five percent of the Board shall be Kentucky Baptist. Representatives of the faculty and the student body are invited to attend the meetings of the Board of Trustees but do not vote.
The Board of Trustees conducts its business through three standing committees which, with their respective service officers, are:
Executive/Finance Committee
Committee on Trustees
Investment Committee
There may be a special or ad hoc committee as the Board of Trustees may from time to time establish for the discharge of particular duties. Nominations for membership of these committees shall be made by the Committee on Trustees.
C.The President of the College. The duties of the President are described in the By-Laws of the Board of Trustees. Subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, the President is the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the operation and administration of the total program of the College. The President's office is located in Giddings Hall, Room 212.
D.The Administrative Officers.
Administrative Officers include the President and second level administrators of the College. The current positions, in addition to the President, include the Provost, the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, the AssociateVice President for Development, the Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Special Assistant to the President and General Counsel and the Director of Religious Life.
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E.The Administration. The administration of the College has been vested in the President, the Administrative Officers, the Executive Cabinet, department heads, and the administrative staff. The Executive Cabinet consists of the President, the Provost/Dean of the college, the Special Assistant to the President/General Counsel, the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students, the Director of Religious Life, the Associate Vice President/Chief Development Officer, the Vice President/Chief Financial Office/Treasurer, the Vice President of Enrollment Management, the Executive Director of New Business Management, Executive Secretary to the President, and the Assistant to the President/Board Secretary. The diagrams that present the administrative structure are found in Appendix J.
F.The Academic Administration. The administration of the academic area of the College is the responsibility of Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost/Dean of the College (hereinafter referred to as Provost), a member of the Executive Cabinet, reporting to the President. Duties of the Provost include, but are not limited to the following:
- Serves as the chief academic officer of the College;
- Coordinates development and articulation of the academic missions and needs;
- Recommends employment of academic personnel;
- Recommends appointment of Director of Library Services,
and other significant academic administrators;
- Appoints Academic Department Chairs and members of non-elected faculty committees;
- Administers the academic budgets;
- Leads, supervises, and evaluates academic programs and personnel;
- Empowers the Academic Council and department chairpersons to perform leadership roles;
- Demonstrates spirit of teamwork and network with all college personnel;
- Encourages and participates in professional/personal growth opportunities.
Academic Department Chairs. The functional unit of the College is the academic department;therefore, the Academic Department Chairs are both faculty and administrative in function and responsibility. As with other faculty, their faculty responsibilities include teaching, advising, serving on appropriate committees, and both internal and external public service. Their administrative duties include developing and managing the departmental budget, managing departmental resources, developing the departmental curriculum and semester class schedules, recommending academic appointments, professional development, and terminations of personnel in their department, and serving on the Academic Council.
Academic Council. The Academic Council chaired by the Provost is composed of the Academic Department Chairs, the Registrar, the Director of Library Services, and the Dean for Academic Enhancement. In addition, the chair of the Foundations & Core Committee and the chair of the Curriculum Committee are ex-officio members of the Academic Council. The Council meets at least monthly from August through April.
As the coordinating body of the academic program, the Academic Council shall consider and recommend to the Faculty matters of policy development and/or change; recommend to the Curriculum Committee and the Foundations & Core Committee curriculum additions, deletions, or modifications recommended by the departments; matters referred to it by the Provost, or President, and/or task forces and any other justified source; and other matters impacting the academic program. Additionally, it is the domain of the Academic Council to determine if funding is available or will be sought in the upcoming budget for any proposal passed on to the Curriculum Committee and the Foundations & Core Committee.
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III.FACULTY STRUCTURE
The By-Laws of the Faculty, Article III, Section 1, define the composition of the Faculty.
A. For administrative and curricular purposes the Faculty are organized into academic departments. As described in Section II, F., Academic Administration, each academic department is chaired by an Academic Department Chair who is appointed by the Provost upon recommendation of the respective department. The term of office of the Academic Department Chair is four years with continuous reappointment possible, subject to favorable review by the affected department and the Provost (see Appendix H).
B. For collegiality purposes the Faculty are organized into divisions. The eighteen departments are grouped into five divisions (see Appendix I). The divisions meet regularly to discuss matters of concern to the division and other items that may be referred to them by a member department, a faculty committee, or a senior administrative officer. Divisional recommendations may be forwarded to the appropriate faculty committee, the Provost, the President of the College, or the Faculty-at-large. The divisions elect representatives for membership on certain faculty committees as described in the By-Laws of the Faculty, Article VII, Section 3. The divisions also elect representatives to the Board of Trustees as described in the By-Laws of the Faculty, Article IV, Sections 2 and 6 and Article V, Section 2.
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*IV. FACULTY PERSONNEL POLICIES[1]
A. Employment Process.[2] Names of prospective candidates for faculty positions may be obtained from university placement services, advertisements in professional journals, nominations by professionals in the field, or other sources. Applications are evaluated by the department seeking to employ a candidate. On the basis of that evaluation, the Provostconcurring, the department chair invites select candidates to interview on campus. Arrangements for the campus visit are made by the Provost. The campus visit may include reading a paper or presenting a seminar or lecture, as well as interviews with administrative officers, department members, and groups of students. With consultation from the Departmental Search Committee the Provost recommends a candidate to the President. If the President or Board of Trustees do not agree, the selection process is repeated.
Undergraduate and graduate faculty must meet the eligibility requirements for faculty as specified by the Commission on Colleges of theSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools. Full-time faculty are expected to be Christian except in unusual cases. Each faculty member teaching graduate education courses at GeorgetownCollege must hold a terminal degree, usually the earned doctorate, in the teaching discipline or a related discipline. In unusual cases, classes may be taught by faculty who have demonstrated exceptional scholarly or creative activity, or professional experience, but who may not possess the required academic credentials.
B. Academic Freedom and Tenure. The AAUP 1940 Statement of Principles and the 1968 Regulations on Academic Freedom have been adopted with slight modifications by the Board of Trustees.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS
1940 Statement of Principles
(As Amended)
The purpose of this statement is to promote public understanding
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and support of academic freedom and tenure and agreement upon procedure to assure them in colleges and universities. Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good and not to further the interest of either the individual teacher[3] or the institution as a whole. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free
exposition. Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and
applies to both teaching and research. Freedom in research is
fundamental to the advancement of truth. Academic freedom in its teaching aspect is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the teacher in teaching and of the student to freedom in learning. It carries with it duties correlative with rights.
Tenure is a means to certain ends; specifically: (1) Freedom of teaching and research and of extramural activities, and (2) A sufficient degree of economic security to make the profession attractive to men and women of ability. Freedom and economic security, hence tenure, are indispensable to the success of an institution in fulfilling its obligation to its students and to society.
Academic Freedom
(1)The teacher is entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of his/her other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
(2)The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his/her subject, but should be careful not to introduce into his/her teaching controversial matter which has no relation to his/her subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.
(3) The college or university teacher is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and an officer of an educational institution. When he/she speaks or writes as a citizen, he/she should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but his/her special position in the community imposes special obligations. As a man/woman of learning and an educational officer, he/she should remember that the public may judge his/her profession and his/her institution by his/her utterances. Hence he/she should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that he/she is not an institutional spokesperson.
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Academic Tenure[4]
[After a probationary period of three to seven years faculty members shall have permanent or continuous tenure and their services shall be terminated only for adequate cause, or under extraordinary circumstances because of financial exigencies.]
['Adequate cause' for termination shall include moral turpitude, incompetency, rank insubordination or continuous violation of college regulations, and prolonged physical or mental incapacity which causes the faculty member to be unable to perform his/her duties even with reasonable accommodation.]
In the interpretation of this principle it is understood that the following represents acceptable academic practice;
(1) The precise terms and conditions of every appointment should be stated in writing and be in the possession of both institution and teacher before the appointment is consummated.
(2) Beginning with appointment to the rank of full-time instructor or a higher rank, the probationary period should not exceed seven years, including within this period full-time service in all institutions of higher education; but subject to the proviso that when, after a term of probationary service of more than three years in one or more institutions, a teacher is called to another institution it may be agreed in writing that his/her new appointment is for a probationary period of not more than four years, even though thereby the person's total probationary period in the academic profession is extended beyond the normal maximum of seven years.