Bluefield College Faculty Handbook FACULTY HANDBOOK, Revised September 2011 INTRODUCTION This Faculty Handbook contains the policies and procedures that relate to the Faculty of Bluefield College. Additional policy matters may be found in the Staff Handbook and the Student Handbook. Please read this handbook. In part, it sets forth the College's expectations of its Faculty. The policies and procedures described in this handbook and elsewhere are management guides. The College presently intends to follow these policies and procedures, but the policies and procedures are not contracts between the College and any employee. The College also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change or modify any of its policies and procedures, including those outlined in this handbook, at any time and for any reason. This handbook represents a summary of the more important College guidelines at the time of publication, and it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The benefits described in this handbook may be more fully described elsewhere. For instance, they may be described in benefits manuals and policies of insurance. Those more specific and detailed explanations will prevail over the summary statements made about benefits in this handbook if there are differences or inconsistencies. This manual is evaluated continually and revised. Revisions for the Faculty Handbook are in three categories: (1) corrections for grammar or style; (2) corrections to ensure that the Handbook accurately reflects policy, procedures or processes already in place; (3) substantive changes that alter existing policy, procedures or processes. Revisions at Categories (1) and (2) are made by the Faculty Committee and do not require approval by the VicePresident for Academic Affairs, the President, or the Board of Trustees. Revisions at Category (3) are made with input from the Faculty as represented by the Faculty Committee and require the approval of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the President, and the Board of Trustees. SECTION I AFFILIATION, GOVERNANCE, AND PURPOSE OF BLUEFIELD COLLEGE 1.1 AFFILIATION AND GOVERNANCE Bluefield College is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia and is governed by a Board of Trustees, elected by the Board itself. 1.2 THE GOVERNING BOARD - THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Board of Trustees, composed of thirty members, is responsible for policies and the operational control of the College. Members are divided into five classes. Each class serves a four-year term. Members are eligible to serve two consecutive terms and then must rotate off the Board for a one-year period before becoming eligible to serve again. Six members are elected each year by the Board from recommendations from the Nominating Committee of the Board, and from the Baptist General Association of Virginia. The Board of Trustees meets semiannually and delegates interim authority to its executive committee. Six committees are responsible for overseeing various components of the College program. These are: Enrollment Management, Faculty and Curriculum, Institutional Advancement, Facilities, Finance, and Student Services and Retention. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the curriculum of Bluefield College. The Board approves the number and types of degrees, the number and nature of departments and divisions, and the extent to which the College offers distance learning programs.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 1.3 ADMINISTRATION In order for employees to be knowledgeable about the duties and responsibilities of Bluefield College’s administrators, the following essential job functions of each administrative position are included. Full position descriptions are available for review in the President’s office. The responsibilities of the President include, but are not limited to, the following: •
• • • • • • • •
Providing institutional leadership in the areas of setting goals, providing an integrated vision and mission, preserving historical programs and values, and providing an example of the standards of excellence and achievement that exhibit the character of the College and provide a model for its management. Possessing an educational philosophy that is supportive of liberal arts and professional education in the context of a Christian educational institution. Encouraging and supporting excellence in teaching and community service by the Faculty to support the mission of the College. Being committed to building a strong campus community through communication and accessibility. Maintaining a planning process that identifies and supports appropriate centers of decision-making. Representing Bluefield College in its relations with business and social communities, the Virginia Baptist General Board, and Virginia Baptists. Striving to clarify and enhance the image of the College within the region and in higher education circles. Securing financial support for the College’s programs and capital needs. Working effectively with Trustees, advisory groups, Faculty and staff, and volunteers serving the College.
The responsibilities of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs include, but are not limited to, the following: • Serving as chief administrative officer of the academic affairs of the College. • Providing immediately needed guidance and oversight to the College, in the absence of the President. • Developing, coordinating and supervising the work of the academic divisions, the Library, the Registrar’s Office, and the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE). • Serving as Dean of the Faculty in all matters of Faculty development and evaluation. • Serving as ombudsman to students with academic problems. • Coordinating all Institutional Effectiveness and Research functions of the College. • Preparing, coordinating, and submitting reports related to the academic community. • Encouraging Faculty in the writing of grants and the researching for grants for funding academic programs. The responsibilities of the Vice-President of Enrollment Management include, but are not limited to, the following areas: • Serving as the chief enrollment officer of the College. • Overseeing marketing, recruitment, financial aid and all operations that support the admissions process, including working with the Office of Marketing and Public Relations to develop and implement an effective, integrated marketing plan for the College, as well as coordinating admissions publications and other promotional materials. • Setting and monitoring new student enrollment goals in collaboration with the admissions staff and the College Leadership Team. • Administering the budgets that support the adult inSPIRE and traditional admissions operations of the College. • Administering the admission and financial aid policies of the institution. • Collecting and analyzing enrollment and enrollment data. • Administering admissions data reporting, both internal and external. • Developing and implementing a comprehensive recruitment plan that addresses strategies for diverse constituencies from high school graduates to working adults.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook The responsibilities of the Vice-President for Finance and Administration include, but are not limited to, the following: • Overseeing the financial administration of the college. • Coordinating the personnel management of the institution. • Managing and directing the financial and business services of the College. • Overseeing the management of the auxiliary services of the College. • Overseeing and managing the information technology services of the College. The responsibilities of the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement include, but are not limited to, the following areas: • Serving as chief administrative officer for the fiscal and operational area of Institutional Advancement. • Overseeing and coordinating the on-going donor development and fundraising efforts of the area of Development. • Coordinating and supervising the area of college marketing and public relations. • Overseeing an effective program of Alumni Relations. The responsibilities of the Vice-President for Student Development include, but are not limited to, the following: • Serving as the administrator for all the areas under the Division of Student Development, including campus safety, health services, student activities/organizations, and student leadership development. • Serving as chief student development officer and coordinating, supervising, and administering the student programs, services and activities of the College. • Coordinating and monitoring the student support programs of the College. • Developing and coordinating the Residence Life services and programs of the College. 1.4 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Our Mission Bluefield College is a Christ-centered liberal arts college in covenant with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. We offer a challenging academic experience within a diverse Christian environment. Our academic and cocurricular programs transform students’ lives by integrating liberal arts with career-oriented studies and service to God and the global community. We are committed to graduating students who think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt readily to a changing world. 1.5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES Our Vision Bluefield College will be a nationally recognized Christ-centered liberal arts college, preparing innovative learners and transformational leaders to impact the world. Our Core Values • We are a Christ-centered learning community and affirm our Baptist identity. • We develop students’ potential through academic excellence and the intentional integration of faith, the liberal arts and professional studies. • We create a caring community characterized by respect, support and encouragement for each member of our College community. • We believe passionately in service above self and prepare compassionate, globally-minded students who impact their world. 1.6 CHRISTIAN HERITAGE AND CONTEXT Undergirding the mission and purpose of Bluefield College is a heritage of Christian belief that forms the context and worldview of all aspects of the life of the College. Since its founding in 1922, Bluefield College has been a Virginia Baptist institution. The Baptist heritage shares many common commitments with the heritage of all Christian believers and some commitments distinctive to the Baptist tradition.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Christians have traditionally affirmed: God- The one God who is made known to us through the Bible as the trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is the Creator, Governor, and Savior of the universe. God is the ultimate source of all truth, beauty, and moral value. Humans- All persons are created in the image of God as valuable and responsible beings. Sin- All persons are in need of God’s redemption and reconciliation with God and others. Jesus Christ- Christ fully embodies and reveals the full nature of God and reconciles humans to God through the atonement of the cross and resurrection. Grace- God’s unmerited grace is offered through Christ for forgiveness of sin and full and eternal salvation with God. Faith- All persons must believe in the person and work of Christ to receive God’s gift of salvation. The Holy Spirit- The Spirit of God indwells believers and empowers them to understand and apply the biblical revelation to love and serve God by worship, witness, and acts of caring that meet human needs. Hope- Christian hope, joy, and service are sustained by faith in the promise of Christ’s return and the consummation of God’s plan of redemption. Baptists have traditionally affirmed: Liberty of Conscience – The nature of faith itself demands that no person can coerce another person in matters of conscience. Entrance into Christian faith must be by a free decision of faith by one that comprehends the gospel and is able to respond personally to Christ. Biblical authority – As the unique revelation of God’s nature and will, the Bible, as inspired by the Spirit of God, is the source of authentic and authoritative religious knowledge and cannot be subordinated to ecclesiastical authorities or creeds. Separation of church and state – Liberty of conscience demands that the state cannot force any religious ideology on its citizens. Missions – Christians should share the message of Christ with all people so they may respond. Education – The capacity of the conscience to respond to God’s message implies the ability to seek, to examine, and to understand the knowledge of God and the world. SECTION II ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION 2.1 ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION 2.1.1 VICE-PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS The Vice-President for Academic Affairs serves as the Dean of the Faculty and presides over the business portion of all official Faculty meetings. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs shall begin employment at the academic rank that is commensurate with breadth and depth of academic experience and competence. He or she is the academic leader of the Faculty and is responsible for the implementation of matters related to the purpose of the Faculty. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs presides over the Academic Council and determines the agenda for the Academic Council and Faculty meetings in consultation with the administration, the Faculty, and the Faculty President. He or she serves as an ex-officio member of all Faculty committees, with the exception of the Promotions Committee, on which the Vice-President of Academic Affairs serves as a voting member. 2.1.2 ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT FOR inSPIRE Programs The Associate Vice-President for inSPIRE Programs is the academic officer who oversees all inSPIRE programs. He or she reports to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and his or her duties include but are not limited to: scheduling cohorts and assigning faculty; working with academic divisions to recruit faculty and keep curriculum up-to-date; assisting the Vice-President for Academic Affairs regarding institutional effectiveness and assessment; reporting teaching, technological and learning resource needs for the inSPIRE Program; coordinating online curriculum development with the Dean of Online Programs; monitoring weather conditions and making recommendations regarding cancellation of regional classes; maintaining files and records for the regional offices; developing corporate relations with established firms; assisting with establishment of enrollment goals; and coordinating with the Director of Admissions for inSPIRE Programs as well as Admissions personnel at site locations.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 2.1.3 DEAN OF ONLINE PROGRAMS The Dean of Online Programs (DOP) is responsible for supporting the vision and mission of Bluefield College by providing online academic programs that enable the college to be nimble, strategic, entrepreneurial and responsive to trends of adult learners. Additionally, the DOP will establish academic programs and approaches to learning that encourage inSPIRE programs to be relevant for the marketplace while anticipating educational needs for future industries in a global economy. The role is to be performed in a way that is in harmony with the Christian principles and philosophy of Bluefield College. In conjunction with the President, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs will oversee and manage all professional activities of the DOP. 2.1.4 DIVISION CHAIRS For purposes of academic administration, the Faculty is organized into the Divisions of Business, Christian Studies, Education; Exercise and Sport Science; Fine Arts; Literature, Language and Communications; Science and Mathematics; Social Sciences; and inSPIRE: Human Services; inSPIRE: Public Safety; inSPIRE: Management and Leadership; and InSPIRE: Nursing. Each of these is led by a Division Chair, appointed by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. An annual review of each Division Chair’s performance is conducted by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs by June 30 of each year. The Division Chair will: • teach a course load as determined by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs; • coordinate curriculum development within the Division; • participate in Faculty member recruitment and development; • facilitate co-curricular activities and academic advising by Faculty in the Division; • encourage Faculty support for the total program of the College community—educational, cultural, and social; • serve as an advocate and communicator for academic concerns of the Division Faculty members to the Administration and vice versa; • serve as an advocate for student concerns, appeals, and issues in the Division’s disciplines; • coordinate and supervise the Division budget in accordance with the policies of the College; • evaluate and recommend Faculty members for promotion; • promote and facilitate an atmosphere of creative teaching, advising, and development; • promote collegiality by encouraging inter-Divisional courses, conferences, and activities; • participate in the institutional assessment, including coordination, supervision, and participation in all assessments, evaluation, and strategic planning. 2.1.5 REGISTRAR The Registrar is appointed by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the President and is directly responsible to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The Registrar is responsible for maintaining student academic records; providing Faculty members, advisors, and administrators with student data, grades, and other resource information; and furnishing evaluations of transfer credit and test results to establish academic credit. 2.1.6 DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS The Director of Institutional Effectiveness oversees the administration and results of various surveys, reviews, assessments, and plans for the college in order to ensure that the institutional goals are being met. The Director of Institutional Effectiveness is responsible for reporting and interpreting the results on an annual basis and is also responsible for maintaining and developing resources that educate the college community on best practices in institutional effectiveness. 2.1.7 DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES The Director of Library Services is appointed by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the President and reports to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The Director of Library Services is responsible for the overall operation of the library; for all reports concerning the general program of the library, for specific reports as requested by campus departments, for supervision and evaluation of library staff, for all acquisitions work and cataloging of library materials, and for the study of collection needs.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 2.1.7.1 THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES The Assistant Director directs the selection of new and retrospective materials, notifies Faculty members of new publications and reviews their requests, and supervises the collection. 2.1.7.2 THE REFERENCE AND ELECTRONIC SERVICES LIBRARIAN The Reference and Electronic Services Librarian is responsible for selecting and maintaining computerized data bases, determining academic and educational research needs, providing personalized service in meeting specific student requests, facilitating library services for off-campus students, and maintaining and editing the library web page. 2.1.8 DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUCCESS The Director of Student Success reports to the Vice-President for Student Development and collaborates with Faculty, Staff, and Administrators to develop and implement new programs and adapt existing programs, courses, and support services to increase the number of students at all class levels that return to the College each year, complete their degree and graduate. He or she serves as chair of the Student Success Committee, which oversees retention efforts. 2.1.9 DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS The Director of Academic Programs reports directly to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and is responsible for assisting the Vice-President for Academic Affairs with the operation of academic programs. Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing maintenance of payroll records; handling daily student and faculty issues and concerns; conducting regular audits of teaching loads for all fulltime and adjunct Faculty; assisting the VicePresident for Academic Affairs in recruiting faculty and developing faculty workshops; overseeing the publication of the academic catalog; recording, distributing and archiving the official minutes of all Faculty meetings and Academic Council meetings. 2.1.10 DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES Under the supervision of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Academic Support Services coordinates all aspects of the Academic Center for Excellence with the goals of increasing student academic success and retention and implementing best practices for academic support for all students. 2.1.11 DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE MEDIA AND INITIATIVE The Director of Creative Media and Initiative is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the College website, as well as collaborating with others in creative marketing and special initiatives to promote the College and enhance the College experience for Bluefield College students. This position reports to the Vice-President for Enrollment Management. 2.2 ACADEMIC COUNCIL 2.2.1 MEMBERS: The Academic Council is composed of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Library Services, Division Chairs, the Registrar, and the Faculty President. All shall be voting members except the Faculty President, whose responsibility is to represent Faculty concerns. The Director of Academic Programs is responsible for recording accurately the minutes of the meetings. 2.2.2 DUTIES: The Academic Council reviews and oversees Faculty policies and Faculty-related programs, serves as an executive committee, having general supervision of the affairs and work of the Faculty between regular meetings. The Council determines the hour and place of meetings, establishes quorum, and performs other similar duties and actions as necessary. The primary duty of the Academic Council is to consider curriculum issues and to recommend actions to the Faculty and to the administration in academic areas where the Faculty has responsibility. 2.3 ELECTED OFFICERS OF THE FACULTY 2.3.1 TERM OF OFFICE: All officers serve for one calendar year, starting at the beginning of the fall semester after their election or until their successors are elected. 2.3.2 FACULTY PRESIDENT: Elected by the Faculty, the Faculty President serves as a representative of the Faculty. He or she convenes and presides over all Faculty meetings, while the Vice-President for Academic Affairs
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook presides over the business portion of the Faculty meeting. The Faculty President serves as a member of the College Leadership Team as a representative of the Faculty and serves as a representative of the Faculty to the Board of Trustees. The Faculty President convenes and presides over special meetings of the Faculty, including Faculty Forums (see Section 2.6.5). 2.3.3 FACULTY SECRETARY: The Faculty Secretary is elected by the Faculty and works in cooperation with the office of Academic Affairs to ensure the distribution of Faculty meeting agendas. The Faculty Secretary records minutes of all Faculty meetings for Faculty records. The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for recording, distributing and archiving the official minutes of all Faculty meetings. In the absence of the Faculty President, the Faculty Secretary will serve as acting Faculty President. 2.4 STANDING FACULTY COMMITTEES Each Faculty member shall serve, preferably, on only one of the standing Faculty Committees according to a twoyear rotation. Committees generally are composed of five Faculty members and may include other non-Faculty as ex-officio members. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs serves as an ex-officio member of most committees. Committees should meet at least once a month during the fall and spring terms and report regularly to the Faculty at Faculty meetings regarding progress and goals. Committee Chairpersons should present a written report of the committee’s activities to the Academic Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the conclusion of each academic year. Chairpersons should be elected by the committees during the first meeting, which is scheduled during the Fall Faculty Workshop. The Standing Committees of the Faculty include: 2.4.1 ATHLETICS COMMITTEE The Athletics Committee shall act in accordance with the NAIA Bylaw Article I, Section B, which states: The control of athletics shall be the responsibility of the institution’s chief executive officer. The institution’s chief executive officer is encouraged to appoint a faculty athletics committee to act in an advisory capacity. Accordingly, the Athletics Committee shall advise the President, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the VicePresident for Student Development, and the Athletics Director concerning objectives and policies for the overall intercollegiate athletics program in such areas as, eligibility and participation policies, frequency of play and scheduling policies, and general policies concerning athletic grants-in-aid. The Committee will seek to promote positive relationships with all areas of the College by serving as ombudsman for the Athletics Department. The Committee will formulate and evaluate policies to recommend to Bluefield College administration and faculty. The President, Vice-President for Student Development and the Athletic Director will serve as ex-officio members of the Athletic Committee. 2.4.2 ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The purpose of the enrollment management committee is to discuss current enrollment trends and their impact on the fiscal and academic well-being of the College. The committee exists to recommend policies needed to insure the admission of qualified students to Bluefield College; to annually review the College’s admissions standards; to regularly assess enrollment data, and to advise the academic community on future trends that may impact academic planning. The committee is chaired by the Vice-President for Enrollment Management and consists of the VicePresident for Finance and Administration, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Admissions, the Director of Admissions for inSPIRE Programs, the Office Manager for Enrollment Management and the Director of Financial Aid. 2.4.3 FACULTY COMMITTEE The purpose of the Faculty Committee is to represent the interest of the Faculty by evaluating College policy and proposed changes to College policy, collecting Faculty feedback on issues that concern Faculty, and making recommendations to the Faculty and to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs; to recommend policy and/or policy changes to the Faculty in Faculty meetings and through other communication forums including email; to evaluate and recommend revisions to the Faculty Handbook; in the event that a Faculty member appeals a termination, to examine the appeal and the response by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and make a recommendation to the
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook President; in the event that a Faculty member files a grievance petition, to consider the petition and the response by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and make a recommendation to the President. 2.4.4 FACULTY PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE The Faculty Promotions Committee considers candidates for promotion and makes recommendations. Members must be at the rank of Associate Professor or higher. 2.4.5 GENERAL EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTEE The General Education Steering Committee is charged with oversight of the College's general education program, including assessment of program efficacy and development of proposed improvements based on the results of that assessment. 2.4.6 GLOBAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE The Global Education Committee fosters an environment of global awareness and engagement for students at the College. The committee’s objectives are to provide every student with a broader awareness of diverse cultures, to ensure that every academic major has a component of global awareness in its curriculum, and to provide opportunities for connecting with global and local communities. 2.4.7 HONORS COMMITTEE The Honors Committee works to enhance high academic standards within the college community. Specifically the committee oversees The Bluefield College Honors Program, an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides a stimulating academic environment and intellectual challenge for highly motivated students, and the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. 2.4.8 INSTRUCTIONALTECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE The Instructional Technology Committee facilitates communication between faculty and the Information Services & Technology Department. This committee troubleshoots issues that come up, monitors upcoming changes/updates in campus technology, receives input from faculty about technology issues, and reports on all of these issues as needed. In addition, the committee facilitates training initiatives for teaching and learning with technology. 2.4.9 STUDENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Student Development Committee is concerned with improving all aspects of campus life. The primary means to accomplish this goal is the planning and hosting of related co-curricular activities and course development in the context of symposia and through collaboration with Greek organizations. 2.5 COLLEGE-WIDE COMMITTEES WITH FACULTY REPRESENTATION 2.5.1 College Leadership Team 2.5.2 Strategic Planning Committee 2.5.3 Student Success Committee The Student Success Committee is chaired by the Director of Student Success, and its members oversee retention efforts through collaboration with Faculty, Staff, and Administrators to develop and implement new programs and adapt existing programs, courses, and support services to increase the number of students at all class levels that return to the College each year, complete their degree and graduate. The committee members include but are not limited to the Vice-President for Finance and Administration, the Vice-President for Student Development, the Director of Financial Aid, the Director of Academic Support Services, the Director of Admissions, and the Registrar. 2.5.4 Institutional Effectiveness Committee Revised February 2012 The Institutional Effectiveness (IE) Committee is chaired by the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research. Its members are appointed by the Vice-President of Academic Affairs and serve three-year, overlapping terms. The IE Committee must include a Chair, a Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) or Reaffirmation Committee member, three Faculty members, three staff members, and two ex officio members. Objectives are as follows: (1) Develop knowledge and understanding of SACSCOC and Bluefield College’s assessment process and key statistics; (2) Serve as ambassadors of Assessment and Accreditation while working with the Faculty, staff and administration to ensure a commitment to best practices regarding institutional effectiveness and assessment; (3) Evaluate the College’s Institutional Effectiveness plan and make sure that the plan supports the institution’s mission, core values, vision and strategic plan; (4) Review, recommend, and establish instruments to measure student learning and
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook success; (5) Assist in the ongoing work of institutional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Commission on Colleges and; (6) Review the IE Handbook, Aspirant and Peer Institution lists, and annual Fact Book. The focus of the IE Committee will be to engage in a culture of ongoing evaluation and assessment that results in continual improvements. 2.6 MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY 2.6.1 REGULAR MEETINGS A schedule of regular meetings shall be determined by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Academic Council. 2.6.2 SPECIAL MEETINGS Special meetings may be called in writing by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Faculty President, by the Faculty President in consultation with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, or by the President of the College. The purpose of the meeting should be stated in the call of the meeting. 2.6.3 ATTENDANCE AND VOTING PRIVILEGES All Faculty members are expected to attend all Faculty meetings unless excused by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs or the President. All full-time Faculty members have voting privileges. 2.6.4 QUORUM A simple majority of eligible Faculty members present constitutes a quorum. The Faculty Secretary confirms the number of Faculty members eligible to vote. 2.6.5 FACULTY FORUMS Faculty Forums may be called in writing by the Faculty President. The purpose of the meeting should be stated in the call of the meeting. Faculty Forums are unofficial meetings of Faculty members only. The Faculty President, as directed by the Faculty, may exercise the option of inviting guests who are not Faculty members but who may assist the discussion of the issue for which the meeting was called. The Faculty Forum exists to provide an unofficial opportunity for Faculty to exchange information, share concerns, and evaluate potential effects of proposed policy changes on Faculty. Such a forum allows Faculty to express ideas and suggestions that inform the Faculty President of Faculty opinion, which permits the Faculty President to represent Faculty perspectives more effectively to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. SECTION III POLICIES CONCERNING NEW FACULTY RECRUITMENT Revised February 2012 3.1 INTRODUCTION As a part of the recruiting and employment process, the college requires that all applicants submit certain documents as listed in this section. As part of this process, the College abides by Sections 4.1, Christian Commitment; 4.2, Academic Credentials; and 4.3, Academic Freedom of the Faculty Handbook. 3.2. FULL-TIME FACULTY RECRUITMENT Each Division Chair prepares and submits a position description for each Faculty vacancy to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs for approval. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs is responsible for disseminating the position description and for advertising the vacancy. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs, with assistance from the Division Chair (if needed), processes the materials from applicants. The Division Chair, or designated representative, screens applicants, verifies credentials, and in consultation with a committee that consists of the full-time Division Faculty members and other personnel as selected by the Division Chair, recommends the top applicants to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs determines and notifies the Division Chair of the applicants to be interviewed. All applicants for full-time Faculty positions must submit the following documents, and applicants invited to campus must submit them before their visit: •
a cover letter of interest
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook • • • • • •
a complete curriculum vita/resume a completed application a statement of teaching philosophy, including an understanding of the liberal arts in education official copies of all graduate transcripts a statement of Christian faith three letters of reference.
These required documents, as well as any additional supporting documents or evidence, are stored in the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs in a file that also contains the Faculty Credentials Form, which is a checklist to be completed for all full-time Faculty candidates. A copy of the Faculty Credentials Form is in MyBC and can be found by first clicking on the Faculty tab, then clicking on Faculty Resources on the left side of the screen, and then clicking on Forms and Committees. The Faculty Credentials Form can also be found at this link: https://mybc.bluefield.edu/ICS/Faculty/Academic_Affairs/Forms_and_Committees.jnz The Vice-President for Academic Affairs or designee is responsible for making the arrangements for the campus visits. Typical interviews include meetings/appointments with the following: • President • Vice-President for Academic Affairs • Division Chair • Division Faculty members/committee members • Students from the Faculty member’s area • Director of Human Resources. The visit should also include: • Lesson presentation to students/Faculty members • Tour of the campus and community. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs will notify the Division Chair of the decision concerning the employment status of the applicant. Contracts are approved and offered by the President. 3.3 ADJUNCT FACULTY RECRUITMENT Adjunct Faculty members are recruited and selected based on the same principles, criteria, documents, and credentials as full-time Faculty. The hiring process, which generally is briefer and less formal, begins with submission of the required materials. All applicants for adjunct Faculty positions must provide the following documents: • • • • • • •
a cover letter of interest a complete curriculum vita/resume a completed application a statement of teaching philosophy, including an understanding of the liberal arts in education official copies of all graduate transcripts a statement of Christian faith three letters of reference.
These required documents, as well as any additional supporting documents or evidence, are stored in the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs in a file that also includes the Faculty Credentials Form, which is a required checklist for all adjunct Faculty candidates. The Division Chair reviews the applicant’s credentials and documents, interviews the applicant, and then makes a recommendation to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. 3.4 RELIGIOUS PREFERENCE
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Bluefield College may discriminate on religious grounds in its employment practices in order to fulfill its mission. It is the policy of the College to employ Faculty members who are active in their chosen churches and supportive of the Christian goals of the College. Preferences in hiring may be given to Baptist applicants. 3.5 NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Bluefield College is a private, four-year liberal arts college but adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of all applicable Federal and State civil rights laws and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service or genetic information in the pursuit of its educational goals or in the administration of personnel policies and procedures. 3.6 ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR FACULTY Faculty credentials must equal or exceed all applicable guidelines and requirements from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools and other relevant accreditation agencies. 3.7 BACKGROUND SCREENINGS Bluefield College assigns third party professional screening services to conduct lawful screenings not limited to educational, criminal, driving, credit, and employment histories. As a part of the hiring process for all employees, the college requires that each applicant complete an Employment Notification and Acknowledgment form that is provided by the Human Resources Office. A summary of rights will be made available under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and, based on a background investigation that is unfavorable, the college may deny employment. A copy of the Bluefield College Background Check Policy is in MyBC and can be found by first clicking on the Faculty tab, then clicking on Faculty Resources on the left side of the screen, and then clicking on Policies and Procedures. The Bluefield College Background Check Policy can also be found at this link: https://mybc.bluefield.edu/ICS/Faculty/Academic_Affairs/Policies_and_Procedures.jnz 3.8 FACULTY ORIENTATION Orientation for all Faculty members is the responsibility of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Faculty members are provided access to the College catalog, the Faculty Handbook, and relevant Departmental/Division information. Division Chairs and Faculty members should support and orient new Faculty members to their Division. SECTION IV POLICIES CONCERNING FACULTY EMPLOYMENT 4.1 CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT As a Christian liberal arts college with Baptist affiliation, Bluefield College seeks Faculty members who are committed to the Christian faith and in support of the purpose and philosophy of the College. The College seeks Faculty members who are also willing to become involved in the total life of the College community. 4.2 ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS Faculty members are required to submit to the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs up-to-date, official transcripts of all college work and up-to-date records of professional honors, awards, and current memberships in professional societies/organizations.
4.3 ACADEMIC FREEDOM Founded upon the Mission and Purpose of Bluefield College as a Christ-centered institution and upon the 1940 “Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure of the American Association of University Professors,” the following statement of academic freedom has been adopted: 1.
The academic freedom of the teacher must be exercised in harmony with the Mission, Purpose, and Christian Heritage of Bluefield College.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 2. 3. 4.
The teacher is entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of his or her other academic duties; but research for monetary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the College. The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his or her subject, but he or she should be careful not to introduce into his or her teaching controversial matters which have no relation to his or her subject. The Faculty member is a citizen, a member of a learned profession, and an officer of an educational institution. When speaking or writing as a citizen, the Faculty member should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but the special position in the community associated with the profession imposes particular obligations. As a person of learning and an educational officer, a Faculty member should remember that the public may judge his or her profession and the institution by the statements he or she makes. Hence the Faculty member should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, and should show respect for the opinions of others and for the image of the institution served.
4.4 FACULTY CONTRACTS The Vice-President for Academic Affairs issues contracts to Full-time Faculty and letters to Adjunct Faculty with the signed approval of the President of the College. “Full-time Faculty” and “Adjunct Faculty” are designated as such in their annual appointments. 4.4.1 PROBATIONARY CONTRACT A probationary contract is a full-time contract for an academic year. It carries no obligation or promise of future employment. The College will notify Faculty members who are serving on probationary contracts by March 1 if a new contract will be offered at the expiration of the current probationary contract. Non-renewal of a probationary contract is not a dismissal and the College is not obliged to provide reasons for the non-renewal. All decisions for contract renewal will be conferred by the President and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Division Chair. Appeals of contractual decisions involve the Division Chair, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and the President. The President will make the final decision, and all decisions by the President will be final. 4.4.2 MULTI-YEAR CONTINUING CONTRACT A multi-year continuing contract, usually for three years, is a full-time contract, and may be renewed annually. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Division Chair shall make a recommendation to the President, who shall determine whether the Faculty member will be offered another contract, and if so, whether the contract will be a multi-year contract or a probationary contract. Non-renewal is not a dismissal, and the College is not obliged to provide reasons for the non-renewal. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs shall make a recommendation to the President on whether the Faculty member would be offered another contract, and the President either affirms or denies the request. 4.4.3 ADJUNCT FACULTY CONTRACT AND EMPLOYMENT Adjunct Faculty members are employed on a course-by-course basis for specific courses and provided a letter from the Vice-President for Academic Affairs stating the conditions and compensation. Adjunct employment for specific courses carries with it no promise of future adjunct employment. Adjunct Faculty members serve under the supervision of the Chair(s) of the Academic Division and Department in which the Adjunct Faculty member teaches. Adjunct Faculty members must be accessible to their students. All Adjunct Faculty must publish a telephone number and an e-mail address with times of availability on the course syllabus. Adjunct Faculty members should be available immediately before and after the class session to answer any questions from students. If the Adjunct Faculty member has a campus office, a schedule of office hours must be posted on the office door. In the event a student has difficulty communicating with an Adjunct Faculty member, the Division Chair or the Office of Academic Affairs is available to assist the student. 4.4.4 TERMINATION OF A CONTRACT PRIOR TO ITS EXPIRATION The College may dismiss a Faculty member, terminating his or her contract, prior to the expiration of the term of the contract, in the event the faculty member breaches one or more of the terms and conditions of this agreement; there is financial exigency as determined by the Board of Trustees and publically announced; discontinuance of a department or program to which the Faculty member is assigned; falsification of credentials or experience; professional incompetence; neglect of duties; misappropriation or misuse of college resources; insubordination;
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook inability, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the essential functions of your the Faculty position because of physical or mental incapacity after the Faculty member has used or exhausted any final leave to which he or she is legally entitled; illegal discrimination or harassment; fraudulent or unethical behavior; exploitation of students, staff, or other faculty members or their families for personal benefit or gain; verbal or physical abuse directed toward students, staff, other Faculty members or their families; violation of College policies relative to Campus Safety; private conduct which compromises the fulfillment of professional duties and/or harms the reputation of the College; commission of a crime; sexual misconduct considered to be contrary to the standards and expectations of the College; alcohol or substance abuse; spreading rumors or gossip that libel the College, its employees, or its students; or any legal cause. 4.4.5 APPEAL PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF TERMINATION Prior to effective termination, a Faculty member shall be entitled to notice of the reason for termination in writing from the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and an opportunity to appeal the decision. Appeal of a termination decision may be made in writing to the Faculty Committee, which will operate independently of any influence by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs or the President. Ultimately, the decision of the President shall be final. • A written appeal must be filed with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. • The Vice-President for Academic Affairs, within seven days, forwards the petition to the Chair of the Faculty Committee with his or her written response to the appeal. • The Chair of the Faculty Committee must call a meeting of the Committee, within seven days, to consider the appeal. • The Faculty Committee must examine the appeal and the Vice-President’s response, within seven days. • The Faculty Committee considers the matter using the written accounts provided. • The Faculty Committee may request additional information including written statements or personal appearances. • Should the Faculty committee request that the Faculty member be present during the hearing, the Faculty member may ask a colleague of the College, such as a Division Chair, fellow Faculty member or the Faculty President, to be present. • Throughout the written appeals process, the Faculty member may consult with legal counsel or friends. Should the Faculty member be requested to appear before the Faculty Committee, legal counsel may be present, but the Faculty member must notify the College in writing and must allow the College fourteen days before rescheduling the hearing. • The Faculty Committee ideally shall conclude its deliberation within seven days of hearing the appeal. • The Faculty Committee shall forward its recommendation to the President of the College with copies to both the Faculty member bringing the appeal and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. • The President reviews the Faculty member’s appeal, the written response from the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and the recommendation of the Faculty Committee; and then he or she notifies the Faculty member of his or her decision within seven days. 4.4.6 FACULTY RESIGNATION A letter of resignation should be provided by the Faculty member to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs by April 15. 4.4.7 EMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT Following retirement, a Faculty member may be offered employment as an Adjunct Faculty member.
4.5 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 4.5.1 PURPOSE Grievance issues shall concern any condition of employment, other than dismissal or a decision to not offer a contract, including issues of academic freedom, promotion, salary, work assignments, and work conditions. Grievances must pertain to the implementation of College policies and may not contest the substance of the policies.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 4.5.2 PROCESS If possible, grievances should be resolved in a timely manner via consultation with the Faculty member’s Division Chair. If the grievance is not resolved at this level, the Faculty member may seek resolution through appeal to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The Faculty member will receive in writing the decision of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs within seven days. If the Faculty member remains dissatisfied he or she may appeal to the Faculty Committee via the Formal Grievance Procedure. 4.5.3 FORMAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE A formal grievance should be initiated only after other avenues have been pursued. If the Faculty member decides to pursue a formal grievance, the grievance must be initiated within fourteen days after receipt of the written decision of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Failure to submit the appeal within the fourteen-day period will constitute the end of the Formal Grievance Procedure. The following procedure must be observed: • • •
•
• • •
•
• • •
A written grievance must be filed with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs, within fourteen days, forwards the petition to the Chair of the Faculty Committee with his or her written response to the grievance. The Chair of the Faculty Committee must call a meeting of the Committee within fourteen days of having received the petition from the Vice-President for Academic Affairs to consider the appeal and examine the grievance and the Vice-President’s response. The Faculty Committee must decide either: to accept the petition, meaning that the committee decides it has jurisdiction over the matter and the appeal has been filed properly; or to reject the petition, meaning that the committee decides it does not have jurisdiction over the matter or the appeal was not filed properly. If the Faculty Committee accepts the petition, then it considers the matter using the written accounts provided. The Faculty Committee may request additional information including written statements or personal appearances. Should the Faculty Committee request that the Faculty member be present during the hearing, the Faculty member may ask a colleague of the College, such as a Division Chair, fellow Faculty member or the Faculty President, to be present. Throughout the written appeals process, the Faculty member may consult with legal counsel or friends. Should the Faculty member be requested to appear before the Faculty Committee, legal counsel may be present, but the Faculty member must notify the College in writing and must allow the College fourteen days before rescheduling the hearing. The Faculty Committee should make every effort to conclude its deliberation within fourteen days of hearing the petition. The Faculty Committee shall forward its recommendation to the President of the College with copies to both the Faculty member bringing the grievance and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The President reviews the Faculty member’s appeal and notifies the Faculty member of his or her final decision within fourteen days.
4.6 FACULTY RANK Rank for full-time Faculty is determined by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the President upon initial hiring, with input from the Division Chair in the academic field of appointment for teaching Faculty or from the Library Director for library Faculty. The Faculty member may be awarded credit toward promotion at initial hiring by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the President. Such credit must be documented in a letter to the Faculty member and in the Faculty member’s file.
4.6.1 TEACHING FACULTY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR RANKS: Visiting Faculty • Visiting appointments are understood to be temporary. The rank and length of the appointment are determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Division Chair. Instructor • A minimum of a master’s degree with 18 graduate hours in the discipline of appointment • Previous teaching experience preferred
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook
Assistant Professor (one of the following credentials required) • A minimum of a master’s degree with 18 graduate hours in the discipline of appointment with five years of college teaching experience • An earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree in the discipline of appointment o The Vice-President for Academic Affairs determines what constitutes the terminal degree in the discipline. Associate Professor (both are required) • An earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree in the discipline of appointment o The Vice President for Academic Affairs determines what constitutes the terminal degree in the discipline. • A minimum of five years successful college teaching experience at the rank of Assistant Professor Professor (both are required) • An earned doctorate or appropriate terminal degree in the discipline of appointment o The Vice President for Academic Affairs determines what constitutes the terminal degree in the discipline. • A minimum of five years of successful college teaching experience at the rank of Associate Professor. Faculty Emeritus • Retired from teaching while under contract at Bluefield College. • A rank of Associate or Full Professor. • A minimum of 15 years of service to the College. 4.6.2 LIBRARY FACULTY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR RANKS: Assistant Librarian • A minimum of a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree Senior Assistant Librarian (both are required) • A minimum of MLS or MLIS degree • A minimum of 5 years library experience at the college level Associate Librarian (both are required) • A minimum of MLS or MLIS degree • A minimum of 10 years library experience at the college level Librarian (all are required) • A minimum of MLS or MLIS degree • A second master’s degree • A minimum of 15 years library experience on the college level
4.7 EVALUATION OF FACULTY 4.7.1 TEACHING FACULTY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS A. Teaching a. Course Design 1. Each course syllabus is consistent with course objectives, College Mission, and Guidelines for Course Syllabi (see Section 5.8).
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 2.
Course content and objectives take into account the nature of the discipline, foundational knowledge, application, integration, and life-long learning, as well as the characteristics of the learners. 3. Learning experiences are selected to provide opportunities for students to acquire important information and skills and to incorporate the content into their own lives. 4. Assessment and grading are based on the course objectives and learning outcomes and adequately provide students with timely feedback to improve their performance throughout the course. Assessment and grading practices are fair and unbiased with criteria clearly communicated to the students. b. Instruction 1. Each class meeting shows preparation on the part of the Faculty member and is organized so that the time is well-spent. 2. Teaching and learning activities are based on the course objectives and learning goals, but engage the learners in ways that hold their attention and provide for questions, discussion, and critical thinking. 3. Teaching and learning activities help students learn independently and promote conceptual learning in the discipline through integration within a content area or across content areas. 4. The class instruction promotes students’ commitment to their own learning and reflects a variety of teaching and learning strategies. 5. The faculty member shows concern and respect for students. 6. The faculty member keeps regular office hours. 7. The faculty member communicates with students. c. Course Enhancement 1. The faculty member revises course syllabi each semester according to course evaluations, student feedback, and notes. 2. The faculty member keeps content, teaching methods, and instructional tools up to date. 3. As much as possible, the faculty member attends professional meetings, consult with colleagues, read professional journal and books, conduct research, and take courses to improve knowledge of content, as well as teaching and learning strategies. B. Service to the College Related to Student Recruitment and Retention a. Provide appropriate academic advisement to students. b. Attend Open House and meet with prospective students and their families by appointment. c. Cooperate with the Office of Admissions to aid in the recruitment of students for the College. Related to College Success a. Participate in Division and Faculty meetings. b. Participate as a committee member of a standing committee of the College. c. Counsel with individual students and/or groups as appropriate to enhance their growth and learning. d. Contribute to the students’ overall experience by participating in campus life. Some examples may include attending Convocation, fine arts events, and athletic events; sponsoring a student organization; “adopting” an international student or an athletic team; participating in intramurals; and leading extracurricular student outings. e. Work cooperatively with other members of the College community. C. Service to the Profession a. Be a member of at least one professional organization. b. Attend professional meetings as time and funding allow. c. Maintain currency in respective academic discipline. d. Participate in professional endeavors, which may include research/creative activities, presentations at professional meetings, professional performances or exhibitions, publication of scholarly work, and completion of coursework toward an advanced degree. D. Service to the Church and Community a. Be actively involved in a local church. b. Participate in community activities.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 4.7.2 LIBRARY FACULTY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS A. Library Service. a. Perform the Essential Functions and Requirements outlined in the appropriate job description. B. Service to the College a. Participate in Library and Faculty meetings. b. Participate as a committee member of a standing committee of the College. c. Counsel with individual students and/or groups as appropriate to enhance their growth and learning. d. Cooperate with the Office of Admissions to aid in the recruitment of students for the College. e. Contribute to the students’ overall experience by participating in campus life. Some examples of such participation include attending Convocation, fine arts events, and athletic events; sponsoring a student organization; “adopting” an international student or an athletic team; participating in intramurals; and leading extracurricular student outings. f. Work cooperatively with other members of the College community. C. Service to the Profession a. Be a member of at least one professional organization. b. Attend a professional meeting at least biannually. c. Maintain currency in library science. d. Participate in professional endeavors, which may include research/creative activities, presentations at professional meetings, professional performances or exhibitions, publication of scholarly work, and completion of coursework toward an advanced degree. D. Service to the Church and Community a. Be actively involved in a local church. b. Participate in community activities. 4.7.3 PROCEDURE FOR EVALUATIONS 1. At the conclusion of each course in the fall and spring terms, students evaluate each teaching Faculty member. 2.
By May 30, each year, the teaching Faculty member submits a written self-evaluation using the Faculty Annual Report Form (see Appendix) to the Division Chair. Similarly, by May 30 each year, the library Faculty member submits a written self-evaluation using the Faculty Annual Report Form (Appendix).
3.
By August 1, the Division Chair/Library Director reviews the Faculty Annual Report, course evaluations, course syllabi, grade distributions, and other pertinent information and completes the Faculty Annual Report, which includes goal setting and assessment.
4.
The Division Chair/Library Director meets with the Faculty member to discuss the Faculty Annual Report with completed chair response before the Fall semester begins.
5.
The Faculty member may submit a formal written response that will become part of the Faculty Annual Report within a week of the conference. Both the Faculty member and the Division Chair/Library Director sign the Faculty Annual Report, and the Faculty member keeps a copy for his or her file.
6.
Division Chairs submit the completed Faculty Annual Report to the Office of Academic Affairs by September 30.
7.
The Vice-President for Academic Affairs conducts the annual evaluation process for Division Chairs and the Library Director, following the same process as described above in Steps 1-3 and completing the same Faculty Annual Report Form, as found in the Appendix.
4.8 FACULTY PROMOTION
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Promotion is a privilege granted by the Trustees upon recommendation by the administration. The requirements for specific ranks and for promotion are listed in Section 4.6.1. Fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee the promotion in rank. Promotion and rank are factors in salary determination. Rank for an incoming Faculty member is negotiated in the initial contract. Promotion requires that the Faculty member has received a multi-year contract. The Faculty member must satisfy the minimum standards for the next highest rank. Application for promotion in academic rank shall be initiated by individual Faculty members and be based on the Faculty Performance Standards. 4.8.1 PROCEDURES FOR PROMOTION APPLICATION The Faculty member seeking promotion shall obtain an Application for Promotion from the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The applicant shall submit the Application for Promotion and supporting documentation, including a self-evaluation and a portfolio, to the Division Chair/Library Director by February 1. The Division Chair/Library Director shall submit the application, supporting documentation and recommendation for or against promotion to the Faculty Promotions Committee by February 15. The Committee will review the materials, on the application for promotion by secret ballot. If a simple majority approves the application for promotion, the Committee shall send its recommendation to the President of the College. If the Committee fails to recommend for promotion, the applicant shall be notified. The Committee will provide the applicant with reasons for denial. The Committee shall report its decision by March 15. The Trustees of the College make the final decision to grant a promotion, after receiving a recommendation from the President. 4.8.2 PROMOTION AND RANK FOR FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF WHO TEACH Minimum promotion and rank standards as well as other considerations are the same for administrators who hold Faculty rank as for the regular Faculty. The President makes recommendations to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs concerning promotions of administrators. Upon agreement between the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the President, the President recommends all promotions to the Board of Trustees. 4.9 FACULTY DEVELOPMENT 4.9.1 FACULTY WORKSHOPS All full-time Faculty members are required to attend the fall Faculty workshop and other workshops as scheduled, as well as monthly Faculty meetings. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs, in consultation with Faculty officers, the President, and the Academic Council, plans and implements these workshops. The fall workshop constitutes the first official Faculty meeting of the academic year. Adjunct Faculty members are encouraged to attend. 4.9.2 PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS Faculty members are urged to join and attend meetings of professional organizations. Subject to the availability of funds, the College will assist with the expenses for attendance or participation. Faculty members publishing papers or serving as an officer of the organization will receive priority consideration regarding distribution of professional development funds. Faculty members are encouraged to participate and contribute to their chosen disciplines through research, publication, professional presentations, and membership in their respective professional organizations. Appalachian College Association (ACA) funds may also be available. 4.9.3 EDUCATIONAL LEAVE Educational and Sabbatical leave are granted to full-time Faculty only. Bluefield College, upon approval by the Board of Trustees, may grant a leave of one academic year at one-half salary for completion of residence requirements for a doctoral degree. In return, the Faculty member is required to teach two consecutive academic years at Bluefield College in order to cancel the promissory note for the half salary. Should the Faculty member choose not to return, he or she is required to pay Bluefield College the amount received during the leave of absence, plus interest at rates existing at time of repayment. All educational leaves must be applied for and approved in advance and are contingent on financial and budget concerns. 4.9.3.1 EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR FULL-TIME FACULTY The College may also financially support Faculty in obtaining academic credentials mutually beneficial to the Faculty member and the College.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook
The College seeks to provide a $5000 forgivable loan to a Faculty member; faculty members seeking to achieve their terminal degree are given priority assistance. Requests and justification for support must be submitted in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs by February 1 of the academic year prior to the year the candidate seeks the forgivable loan. After completing the degree requirements, the faculty member will teach for two consecutive academic years at Bluefield College. Should the Faculty member choose not to return, he or she is required to pay Bluefield College the amount received plus interest at rates existing at time of repayment. 4.9.4 SABBATICAL LEAVE After six academic years of teaching at Bluefield College, a regular full-time Faculty member holding the rank of Assistant Professor or higher may request consideration for a sabbatical leave of absence. No later than December 1 in the academic year prior to the one in which the leave is desired, a Faculty member must file a written application including an acceptable proposal for the use of the leave. The application is subject to the approval of the Division Chair, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the President, and the Board of Trustees. Notification of those selected for the sabbaticals occurs after the spring Trustee meeting. The purpose of sabbatical leave is to support post-doctoral study or research. It is expected that the sabbatical leave will enhance the Faculty member’s role with students and participation in the academic life of the college. A Faculty member may apply for a sabbatical for one academic year (nine months) at half pay, or for one semester (four and one-half months) with full pay. If the Faculty member selects the one-semester option and is approved, the remaining semester of the academic year may not be applied to the accumulation of the six years of service that is required before the next sabbatical leave. Leaves are not automatically granted. The following factors are considered in granting sabbatical leaves of absence: • No more than two members of the Faculty may be on either sabbatical leave or special study leave in any fiscal year. • Normally, a Faculty member will not be granted a leave of absence from teaching if other leaves have been granted within a three-year period. • Financial and budget considerations. Leaves with pay will not be granted to Faculty members who use such periods of leave to accept full-time employment of any kind. With prior approval of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, adjunct employment may be permitted. All Faculty members who take sabbatical leave with pay are expected to return to the College for at least one year or they will repay the stipend received during such leave within twelve months from the end of the leave. Upon completion of the sabbatical, a report will be submitted within sixty days by the Faculty member to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs through the Division Chair. This report may or may not be made public, depending upon the nature of the sabbatical. 4.10 FACULTY COMPENSATION 4.10.1 SALARIES The Board of Trustees establishes salary guidelines for all salaries and salary increases, which are updated each year according to current tuition and other income sources. On an annual basis, the College will provide the Faculty with average salaries for each faculty rank for a three-year period. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs submits recommendations for salary increases to the President.
4.10.2 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT AND PAY All Faculty members are encouraged to be creative in planning for summer offerings. The College would like to offer a broad variety of summer school courses, and every opportunity possible will be made to provide some degree of employment for those who wish to teach. Summer school classes are offered on an as-needed basis. Faculty members receive additional compensation for teaching summer school. Remuneration is dependent upon student enrollment in each class. Current remuneration policies for online instruction, overload pay and summer terms can be found in the Academic Affairs office and on the Faculty portal under the Faculty Resources/Policies and Procedures tab.
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4.10.3 BENEFITS 4.10.3.1 INSURANCE, ANNUITY, PENSION, AND RETIREMENT PLANS Information about health, dental, vision and disability insurance, retirement, annuity, pension plans, and other benefits are available through the Human Resources Office. 4.10.3.2 HOUSING Bluefield College has a limited number of houses and cottages for rent to incoming personnel. Rental of these houses is based on availability at the time of employment. For details on renting, contact the Human Resources Office. 4.10.3.3 MOVING EXPENSES Bluefield College will pay the moving expenses of household furnishing for a new Faculty member. Total moving expenses paid by the College will not exceed $1500. Reimbursement of moving expenses is based on submitted receipts. In the event that a Faculty member terminates employment with Bluefield College prior to the completion of his/her second academic year, the Faculty member will be expected to refund the College a pro-rated share of moving expenses previously paid. 4.10.3.4 ACADEMIC APPAREL Faculty members are responsible for securing appropriate academic regalia. Bluefield College will reimburse the Faculty member for the purchase of academic regalia at the rate of 20% for each year of employment completed. The Faculty member should submit a copy of the receipt to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the time of submission of their employment contract for the coming year. 4.10.3.5 UNDERGRADUATE TUITION WAIVER/FINANCIAL AID The following specific rules will apply to the granting of the tuition waiver: 1. Beginning with the semester of employment, all full-time Faculty members, their spouses and dependent children are allowed a tuition waiver for attending Bluefield College classes. 2.
Beginning with the start of the semester following the date of employment, all adjunct Faculty members are allowed a tuition waiver for one course per semester for attending Bluefield College classes. Spouses and dependents of adjunct Faculty members are not eligible for the tuition waiver program.
3.
“Dependent children” are defined as being: • under 24 years of age • unmarried • having no dependents • not having Veteran status • living with parents.
4.
The amount of the tuition waiver will be the fee for tuition less any state or federal grants available such as TAG or PELL. The recipients of the waiver must complete the necessary forms within the deadlines to apply for state and federal aid. The alternative is to document why they are not eligible for such assistance or accept a reduced tuition waiver. Those recipients who receive a reduced tuition waiver due to failure to complete the necessary forms will be responsible for payment of the balance. “Tuition” does not include activity, technology or general fees.
5.
For the Fall and Spring Terms, Faculty members can take only one three- or four-credit hour class per semester during working hours and must have permission of the Division Chair and Vice-President for Academic Affairs. For the Summer Term, employees must have approval from the Division Chair and Vice-President for Academic Affairs.
6.
In order to participate in the Tuition Waiver Program, the full-time Faculty member, spouse or dependent of the full-time Faculty member, or adjunct Faculty member must complete an Application for Faculty/Staff to
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Participate in Tuition Assistance Programs form and submit it to the Human Resources Director by February 1 for courses to be taken in the coming summer, or fall and/or spring of the following academic year. 7.
Once approved, the recipient must complete a Tuition Waver Form and submit it to the Financial Aid Office before the beginning of each semester. The Tuition Waiver Form is available at the Financial Aid Office, along with information about deadlines. The Financial Aid Office will send a copy of the form to the Business Office for processing.
8.
The recipient must meet admissions and SAP requirements if he or she is a degree-seeking student.
9.
Any other Bluefield College funds will be applied to tuition before the tuition waiver is applied.
10. Tuition wavier will not apply to the following: • private music lessons • special tutoring • CLEP tests or credit by examination • general fees • room and board. 11. Termination of employment prior to the end of the first six weeks of a semester will result in termination of employee, spouse, and dependent tuition waivers. 12. Tuition waiver recipients who carry at least 6 hours are eligible to apply for federal loans after having completed the FAFSA. Loan funds can be used for additional living expenses. 13. During the Summer Term, a tuition waiver will not be granted for a class unless the class has a sufficient number of paying students to cover the cost of the class. 4.10.3.5 TUITION EXCHANGE POLICY The College participates in a Tuition Exchange Program with other institutions. This program is available to dependent children and spouses of full-time Faculty at Bluefield College. The Bluefield College-sponsored student will receive a full or partial tuition waiver for the school attended. Bluefield College is a member of two such programs: the CIC Tuition Exchange (cic.edu/tep/index.asp) and the Tuition Exchange, Inc. (tuitionexchange.org). The policies and processes for the two Tuition Exchange programs are available in the Vice-President for Academic Affairs Office. 4.10.3.6 ADMISSION TO CONCERTS, LECTURES, PLAYS, AND SPORTING EVENTS With a valid Faculty Identification Card, Faculty members are admitted without charge to most College concerts, lectures, and sporting events. 4.11 FACULTY LOAD AND RELATED POLICIES 4.11.1 FACULTY LOAD Each full-time Faculty member at Bluefield College is expected to make his or her work at the College his or her principle occupation. Each full-time Faculty member is expected to teach twelve to fifteen credit hours per semester or the equivalent. Division Chairs should take into account the number of preparations, number of students taught, and the nature of the subject when establishing Faculty teaching loads. Faculty members also are expected to keep the office hours that they state on their syllabi, and office hours should be at reasonable times. Faculty members should contribute to the general program of the College, serve on committees, accurately and effectively advise their assigned advisees, and participate in other related activities. 4.11.2 ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT Full-time employment involves duties and responsibilities that require the majority of the Faculty member’s energies and time. Although Faculty members may obtain employment additional to their full-time duties for the College, the additional employment must not adversely affect their ability to meet the responsibilities set forth in their agreement with the College. Teaching courses additional to the regular load, including overloads, weekend classes, internships, and directed studies, is considered additional employment. Any compensated work that exceeds
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 10 hours per week must receive the approval of both the Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. No Faculty member may hold full-time employment elsewhere while holding full-time employment with Bluefield College. 4.11.3 FURTHER GRADUATE STUDY Faculty must obtain approval well in advance of the intended starting date of advanced study. The Faculty member should submit a request in writing to the Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Approval is based on the potential benefit to the Faculty member’s professional goals, the College’s need for particular Faculty expertise and credentials, and the consequences for the educational program of the College. 4.12 ACADEMIC COUNSELING DUTIES Faculty members should be as helpful to students as possible in resolving academic problems. Students with serious and ongoing academic needs may be referred to the Academic Center for Excellence, located on the bottom floor of Rish Hall. Students are responsible for communicating to Faculty members when they need academic counseling. For further information, see Section 5.7 Reports of Failing and Unsatisfactory Work. 4.13 SUPPORT OF COLLEGE ACTIVITIES Faculty members are expected to participate in the life of the College through various College activities. While Faculty members have different personal interests in terms of activities, Faculty are expected to make an effort to participate in a variety of activities. 4.14 COMMUNITY AND CHURCH INVOLVEMENT Bluefield College encourages active involvement by Faculty in church and community life. Such involvement must not interfere with the Faculty member’s College duties. When questions of interpretation or understanding arise, Faculty should discuss the matter with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Serving as pastor or other church staff position should be treated as outside employment. 4.15 FACULTY LEAVE POLICIES 4.15.1 SICK LEAVE Faculty members do not accumulate designated sick leave days but rather are granted up to four months of paid sick leave upon their hire. In the case of a short-term illness requiring absence, arrangements are made with the Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs for missed classes. The use of colleagues or special assignments is an acceptable practice. Faculty members needing to use their sick leave beyond five consecutive work days must complete the Faculty Leave Request (Non-FMLA) form. (See Section 4.15.2 Extended Leave below.) 4.15.2 EXTENDED LEAVE For extended absences due to injury or illness, or to provide assistance to an immediate family member, certification of the medical cause of the absence will be required. Faculty members (1) needing to use their sick leave beyond five consecutive work days (extended leave with pay), (2) needing to be placed on disability leave without pay, or (3) needing to take leave without pay to care for family members when FMLA does not apply, must complete the Faculty Leave Request (non-FMLA) form, which may be found on myBC under the Intranet and Faculty tabs. The College will respond by the following procedure: 1. Secure an adjunct Faculty to substitute for the full-time Faculty for a period of up to four months. All Collegepaid benefits will continue while the Faculty member is on sick leave. 2. At the end of four months, the full-time Faculty member will be placed on Disability Leave Without Pay, at which time (or leading up to this time) the faculty member may apply for long-term disability insurance coverage with the College’s provider of that coverage. The Faculty member’s position will be held through the remainder of the academic year or up to the end of the first semester of the subsequent academic year, if the unpaid leave begins at the start of the spring semester. During any unpaid leave, the College will not provide benefits; but to the extent allowed by the policies of insurance, the employee may continue benefits at his or her own expense. All accrued benefits at the time of unpaid leave are reserved for the employee’s return to work. 3. During the absence, the Faculty member must keep his or her Division Chair informed of his or her medical status.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 4.
All other requirements noted in the Faculty Leave Request (Non-FMLA) form also must be met.
4.15.3 FAMILY/MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA) Occasionally, an employee may be absent from work for an extended period due to personal or family related illness or injury. After 1,250 hours of work during the previous 12 months of employment for the College, the employee is eligible for up to a total of 12 work weeks of leave (combined paid and unpaid) during a 12-month period in accordance with the following provisions of the federally mandated Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Eligible reasons for family/medical leave: • • • •
Birth of a son or daughter of the employee and in order to care for the son or daughter. Placement of a son or daughter with the employee for adoption or foster care. To care for a spouse, son or daughter or parent who has serious health condition. For a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the job.
Terms of family/medical leave: • Accrued paid vacation and sick leave shall be used initially by the employee, then leave without pay may be used to extend the leave for the remainder of the 12 weeks, if needed. While on leave of absence, employees do not receive vacation accrual, sick leave accrual, service credit, or holiday pay. • Medical leave may be taken intermittently (e.g., by working fewer days in a week or fewer hours in a day) if such a schedule is needed for medical reasons. Medical documentation from a physician will be required. Procedures: • Requests for family or medical leave must be in writing 30 days in advance, (except for emergencies) and must include the reason for the request and the anticipated time period for the leave. For a serious health condition, the employee may be required to provide medical certification. Notification forms and forms for obtaining medical certification are available in the Human Resources office. Return to Work: •
•
Eligible employees who take a family or medical leave of absence will be able to return to the same or equivalent position and employment benefits with certification from the health care provider that the employee is able to resume work. If an employee does not return to work as agreed upon after the 12-week period, unless other arrangements are made, he/she shall be considered to have resigned from the College effective the last day worked.
A complete statement of the College's policies regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is available in the Human Resources Office. 4.15.4 JURY DUTY When a Faculty member is summoned for jury duty, the Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs should be notified. If the court excuses the Faculty member from jury duty during working hours, the Faculty member should report to work. Bluefield College pays the Faculty member’s regular salary while he/she serves on jury duty. Payment continues for as many weeks as the Faculty member is required to serve on the jury. It is expected that the Faculty member will help arrange for class coverage during the absence. Any honorarium or compensation for jury duty shall be retained by the Faculty member.
4.15.5 SUBPOENA If a Faculty member is subpoenaed as a witness in a legal proceeding, the Faculty member should notify the Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs immediately. It is expected that the Faculty member will help arrange for class coverage during the absence. 4.15.6 BEREAVEMENT LEAVE Bereavement leave with pay is provided as follows:
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook • •
Up to five days due to the death of a spouse, child, parent, or parent-in-law. Up to three days due to the death of a grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law or son-in-law.
The Faculty member must notify the Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and assist in making appropriate arrangements for classes. 4.16 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY Course syllabi and course lecture materials produced/created by individual faculty members are the property of that individual for the educational benefit of the college and may remain with both the faculty member and the college beyond the employment of the individual. Other creative and intellectual materials such as published books, anthems, art work and plays remain the property of the faculty member. 4.17 EXTERNALLY FUNDED GRANTS AND CONTRACTS All externally funded grants and contracts must be clearly related to the purpose of Bluefield College. In accepting funds from outside agencies, Bluefield College must maintain control over the administration of research projects in accord with the College’s adopted statement on Academic Freedom. Bluefield College is primarily a teaching institution in which Faculty research is limited. Faculty members normally teach loads of twelve (12) to fifteen (15) credit hours. Faculty members are encouraged to engage in research that enhances their academic discipline but does not interfere with their teaching load. Faculty members receive 100% of all funds from stipends or supplements paid for their services from grants or consulting at anytime during the year. Grants and contacts must be received only for specified periods of time, and the College cannot use funds for salaries without a clear plan for transfer of such salaries to the regular budget of the College within set phase-out schedule. Under no circumstances can the College use funds from external grants and contracts to support its regular operating budget. SECTION V POLICIES CONCERNING FACULTY INSTRUCTION 5.1 INTRODUCTION Bluefield College recruits Faculty members who are: • Qualified for their position • Christians in belief and practice • Competent and knowledgeable in their chosen field • Committed to teaching as a profession. Quality student advising and professional development are also considered an integral part of teaching. 5.2 FACULTY AND THE COLLEGE SCHEDULE 5.2.1 COLLEGE ACADEMIC CALENDAR The academic calendar is published each year in the College Catalog and in the Student Handbook, and it is posted on the college web site. The academic calendar covers the entire calendar year and includes all important dates relating to academic matters. Faculty should pay close attention to this calendar when planning course syllabi and course calendars. 5.2.2 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CLASSES The primary function of each Faculty member is to facilitate student learning. The Faculty member is expected to meet scheduled classes or design appropriate alternative learning experiences. In the case of absence due to illness, Faculty members should promptly notify their Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs’ Office with instructions for the missed classes. Faculty members should notify by email their Division Chairs about planned absences. For all planned absences, the Faculty member must provide clear instructions for students, which may include tests, structured assignments, or other learning activities.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook ` 5.2.3 INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY For inclement weather, follow the guidelines below, which can also be found at: http://www.bluefield.edu/campus-resources/class-cancellations/inclement-weather-procedure/ The decision to delay or cancel classes is based on two primary factors: 1) current weather/road conditions, and 2) anticipated changes in weather/road conditions. When classes are canceled or delayed, the decision is based on what seems best for the majority of students. Weather and road conditions can vary from county to county and even within counties. In the event of inclement weather, one of two options may be invoked: 1) Inclement Weather Schedule, or 2) Classes Canceled. 1. Inclement Weather Schedule: MWF classes Scheduled time Delay time 8:00 10:00 9:00 11:00 11:00 12:00 12:00 1:00 1:00 2:00 2:00 3:00 3:00 4:00 evening classes regular time
TT classes Scheduled time 8:00 9:30 11:00 afternoon evening classes
Delay time 10:00-10:50 11:00-11:50 12:00-12:50 regular time regular time
2. Classes Canceled: All classes will be canceled, including night classes. Administrative Procedure Regarding Inclement Weather for Classes on the Main Campus 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
By 5:45 a.m. each day, road and weather conditions are assessed by the Director of Maintenance and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. If a delay or cancellation decision is to be made, it will be determined by 6:00 a.m. by the Director of Maintenance and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who will notify the Vice-President for Student Development and the Director of Public Relations. The Vice-President for Student Development will then immediately notify appropriate residential personnel, who will inform on-campus students about the status of classes. Between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., the Director of Public Relations will disseminate e-mails to the "BCall" and "student" list-serves notifying faculty, staff and students about the status of classes. Between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., the Director of Public Relations will distribute a similar notice by e-mail and text message to faculty, staff and students who have subscribed to the College's RamAlert emergency notification system. Between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., the Director of Public Relations will post a notice on the Bluefield College website, www.bluefield.edu, concerning the status of classes. Between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., the Director of Public Relations will notify local media outlets about the status of classes. Please see the following list of media outlets that will be notified. Also, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., the Director of Public Relations will place an automated message on the College's main telephone voicemail greeting (276) 326-3682 and its 800 number greetings (800872-0175 and 800-872-0176). When the "Inclement Weather Schedule" is announced, students should continue to monitor the situation for updates in the event deteriorating conditions require a "Classes Cancelled" notice. Subsequent "Classes Cancelled" notices will be distributed in the same manner as previous announcements.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 10. While the College does its best to utilize the news media, from time to time miscommunication and/or malfunctions of media equipment may occur. The official message will be communicated through BC's RamAlert wireless notification system and/or posted on the College's website and/or on the main telephone numbers. It would be prudent to check several sources. 11. For delayed openings (reported in the media as "Inclement Weather" schedule or "Two-hour delay"), staff will be asked to arrive by 10:00 a.m., earlier if feasible, take only a 30-minute lunch, and work until 5:00 p.m. Staff members are encouraged to use their best judgment when assessing their ability to travel safely to work. A staff member who believes road conditions to work are too hazardous should inform his or her supervisor. 12. In addition, commuter students are expected to use good judgment when deciding if conditions in their particular location are too severe. The college cannot know the conditions present at each commuter's home, nor can the college be responsible for each commuter's decision or safety. Faculty members will work with commuters who miss class due to dangerous road conditions; however, it is the student's responsibility to keep up with lectures, turn in all assignments, take exams/tests, etc. 13. Regardless of delay or cancellation, students are responsible for class work and assignments. In the case of cancellation, students should expect the assignments, tests, presentations, etc., to be due on the next class period, unless the instructor has informed the student differently on the course syllabus. Sources to Rely on for Communication about the Status of Classes on the Main Campus Primary Source • • •
Bluefield College RamAlert e-mail and text messaging emergency notification system Bluefield College e-mail list-serves for students, faculty and staff ("BCall" and "BCstudents") BC website at www.bluefield.edu. If a notice is not posted on the home page, use www.bluefield.edu/weather.
Secondary Sources • • • •
Bluefield College main telephone number: 276.326.3682 Bluefield College main telephone number: 800.872.0175 Bluefield College main telephone number: 800.872.0176 On-campus residence hall directors or resident advisors.
Other Sources • • • • • • • • •
WVVA-TV 6 WDBJ-TV 7 WVNS-CBS TV 59 J-104 Radio: FM 104.5 Kicks Country Radio: FM 106.3 and 107.7 The Eagle Radio: FM 100.9 and 100.1 WHIS Talk Radio: AM 1440 and 1470 Spirit FM Radio: FM 91.1 Star 95 Radio: FM 95.9.
General Policy for Students Attending Classes NOT on the Main Campus in Bluefield The decision to delay or cancel classes is based on two primary factors: 1) current weather/road conditions, and 2) anticipated changes in weather/road conditions. The decision to delay or cancel classes is based on what seems best for the majority of students. If class is canceled, then that class period must be made up. Professors and students are encouraged to choose the make-up time carefully as the entire class is expected to attend. Administrative Procedure Regarding Inclement Weather for Classes NOT on the Main Campus
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 1. 2. 3. 4.
The decision to cancel classes at locations not on the main campus is the responsibility of the professor teaching the course in consultation with his or her academic Division Chair. If the chair is not available, coordination should take place with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Consultation and a decision regarding the cancellation of classes not on the main campus should, ideally, take place within at least one hour of the start of class or at the earliest possible time to avoid students beginning to travel to the class site. Communication to students regarding the status of classes should be made via e-mail or by telephone by the professor teaching the course. The professor teaching the course, the Division Chair, or the Vice-President for Academic Affairs will also notify the Director of Public Relations, who will post an announcement on the BC website.
5.3 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT BY THE FACULTY 5.3.1 ADDITION OR DELETION OF A COURSE: When a course is to be deleted or a new course added, the appropriate Faculty member should develop a written proposal. The proposal should include: • Rationale including impact on current program • Resource requirement such as faculty, technology, equipment, facilities • Working syllabus that must include: o Course name and number o Course description o Course objectives o Catalog rotation The following process should be observed: • Discussion and approval in the Division • Discussion and approval by the Academic Council • Discussion and approval by the full Faculty 5.3.2 CREATION OF A NEW MAJOR OR MODIFICATION OF AN EXISTING MAJOR: Proposals for new programs or modifications to existing programs must also include: • A rationale for the new program or the proposed change • Data indicating the need for the new program or the proposed change • Detailed description of the curriculum for the new program or the proposed change • Working syllabus that must include: o Course name and number o Course description o Course objectives o Catalog rotation • Resource requirement such as faculty, technology, equipment, facilities The Academic Council and/or the Faculty may choose to reject the program outright, refer it back to the Division/Department for further study and recommendation, amend it, or approve it. If approved by the Faculty, the proposal is referred to the Board of Trustees by way of the Board’s Faculty and Curriculum Committee and the President. All proposals to add or delete majors or minors are approved/disapproved by the Board of Trustees. Changes are considered by the Faculty and Curriculum Committee of the Board of Trustees, which may suggest changes to the Faculty or refer them to the complete Board. The Board may accept, reject, or refer such proposals back to the Faculty for further study and recommendation. 5.4 STUDENT ADVISING Each student is assigned a qualified advisor early in the student’s program. Advisors must keep an up-to-date file for each of their advisees and provide personal assistance that meets the student’s particular needs and goals. A request
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook to change advisors must be initiated by the student, approved by the current and previous advisors, and submitted by the student to the Office of the Registrar. General Education requirements, particularly English and mathematics, should be taken during the student’s first two years closely following catalog requirements. The student is ultimately responsible for the fulfillment of graduation requirements. The Registrar’s Office is responsible for providing students with access to information about graduation requirements. Faculty members should strongly encourage students to assume responsibility throughout their time at Bluefield College. Full-time faculty advisors should be assigned no more than forty advisees. 5.5 PREREGISTRATION During fall and spring semesters for on-campus students and one month before the end of each semester for inSPIRE students, approximately two weeks are devoted to pre-registration for the next semester (in the spring, oncampus students also pre-register for summer terms). Since priority and special emphasis is given to student retention at Bluefield College, it is particularly important that Faculty advisors engage in pre-registration and advisement effectively and efficiently. On-campus Faculty should: • Contact all advisees prior to the beginning of the pre-registration period • Arrange advising appointments • During the appointment, examine the student’s course of study and select appropriate courses. • Direct the student to complete pre -registration as prescribed by the Registrar’s office. Faculty in inSPIRE majors should: • Schedule an appointment with each student in their learning group • Review requirements for graduation and advise students about weekend college classes, CLEP testing, etc. • Ensure pre-registration information is returned to the Registrar promptly 5.6.1 CLASS ATTENDANCE Regular class attendance is recognized as critical to the teaching/learning process. Traditional students who have unexcused absences which equal or surpass 25% of the number of class meetings shall fail to receive academic credit for the course and will receive a grade of F. This college-wide policy serves as the basis for instructors’ individual attendance policies as described in their course syllabi. This policy clarifies the consequences of the student’s decision for not attending class sessions. Instructors will maintain class rolls for all courses. At the discretion of the instructor, unexcused absences can result in severe academic penalties including academic withdrawal, reductions in course final grades, out-of-class reading assignments with in-class oral reports, and out-ofclass meetings with the course instructor. All such penalties must be included in the course syllabus. 5.6.2 CATEGORIES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES • School Sponsored Events (Athletics, Drama, Music) • Personal Injuries or illness (Requires a medical excuse) • Serious illness or death in immediate family members (Parents, Children, Siblings, Grandparents) Excused absences require written documentation. 5.6.3 MAKE UP WORK Students should notify the course instructor in advance about any planned absence so homework assignments can be made. When missing a class, students should ask a fellow student to take class notes and collect any course handouts. 5.7 REPORTS OF FAILING AND UNSATISFACTORY WORK Faculty must keep sufficiently accurate academic progress records to detect and assist students who are failing or otherwise doing unsatisfactory work. Faculty members are expected to communicate course expectations clearly to students as well as when the student’s performance is not acceptable. Notification should be given to the student
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook prior to the last day to drop the class without academic penalty, which includes, but is not limited to, recording on MyBC all grades of D or F by the midterm deadline for students who have either a D or F at midterm. Faculty members are expected to assist students having difficulties by working with the student’s Faculty advisor, the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), the Registrar’s office, and /or others to determine what assistance may be needed. Faculty members are expected to report academic performance problems including failure to complete homework assignments and excessive absences to ACE by using the Immediate Alert form found on the Faculty portal on MyBC. 5.8 GUIDELINES FOR COURSE SYLLABI Faculty members are required to post a copy of each syllabus on the Academic Drive. A copy must be provided to each student on the first day of class. Each syllabus should include: • Course prefix, number, title, and description • The semester and year the course is being offered • Faculty member information – name, office location, phone number, and email address. • The exact catalog description of the course • Purpose of the course and its connection to either the major and/or the general education requirement • Required textbooks, supplementary texts, and other required or recommended resources • ISBN number of required textbooks or other sources • Learning outcomes of the course including knowledge, skills, and attitudes students are expected to achieve • The way in which these goals will be evaluated • Grading criteria and grade computation • Attendance and absence policy • Outline of course material Required Syllabus Statements: Plagiarism Statement Students in this course as in all Bluefield College courses are expected to complete their own assignments and to cite all sources for material they use. See the Bluefield College Student Handbook for information on plagiarism and the Honor Code. Bluefield College Attendance Policy Statement Regular class attendance is recognized as critical to the teaching and learning process. Students must attend a minimum of 75% of classes in a course to receive academic credit. This college-wide policy serves as the basis for the instructor’s individual attendance policies as described in her or his course syllabi. This policy clarifies the consequences of the student’s decision for not attending class sessions. Instructors will maintain class rolls for all courses. At the discretion of the instructor, unexcused absences can result in severe academic penalties ranging from: academic withdrawal; reductions in course final grades; out-of-class reading assignments with in-class oral reports, to out-of-class meetings with the course instructor. All such penalties must be included in the course syllabi.
Disability Statement Please notify the instructor at the beginning of this course if you are a student with a documented disability who may require appropriate accommodations in order to be provided the opportunity to fulfill course requirements. Should you need accommodations, please contact Crystal Kieloch, Director of Academic Support Services, at 276-326-4606 or 800.872.0175 ext 4606. Suggested Syllabus Statements: ACE Center/Online Writing Lab:
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Located on the bottom floor of Rish Hall, Bluefield College houses ACE (Academic Center for Excellence). The ACE director is Mrs. Crystal Kieloch. Students may text Mrs. Kieloch at 276.245.2502 or email her at
[email protected] to set up an appointment to seek writing assistance. Tutoring in many disciplines is available through the ACE center. You may also receive assistance with most writing assignments by using the ACE Online Writing Lab (formerly known as COWL). This service is also provided through the ACE center. You may submit your essay electronically and receive feedback via your e-mail address. Use the link in the lower left-hand corner of the MyBC homepage to access the online writing lab. Information for Faculty Regarding Academic Support for Students with Disabilities Here is the response from the United States Department of Education and Office of Civil Rights (retrieved January 21, 2010) at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html The appropriate academic adjustment must be determined based on your disability and individual needs. Academic adjustments may include auxiliary aids and modifications to academic requirements as are necessary to ensure equal educational opportunity. Examples of such adjustments are arranging for priority registration; reducing a course load; substituting one course for another; providing note takers, recording devices, sign language interpreters, extended time for testing and, if telephones are provided in dorm rooms, a TTY in your dorm room; and equipping school computers with screen-reading, voice recognition or other adaptive software or hardware. In providing an academic adjustment, your postsecondary school is not required to lower or effect substantial modifications to essential requirements. For example, although your school may be required to provide extended testing time, it is not required to change the substantive content of the test. In addition, your postsecondary school does not have to make modifications that would fundamentally alter the nature of a service, program or activity or would result in undue financial or administrative burdens. Finally, your postsecondary school does not have to provide personal attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices or services of a personal nature, such as tutoring and typing. 5.9 CLASS LISTS Class lists are available to each instructor on MyBC. Faculty must reconcile students in attendance with the class list. On-Campus Students: Students in attendance but not on the class list must be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Faculty should immediately notify the Registrar’s Office if students on the list are not attending class. The Registrar’s Office will remind faculty by email to check their class lists and send by email to the Registrar’s Office by the stated deadline the names of any students attending classes in which they are not enrolled and any who are NOT attending classes in which they ARE enrolled.
inSPIRE Students : The Registrar’s Office will send weekly reminders to inSPIRE Faculty requesting notification of students with two consecutive unexcused absences. In addition, the Registrar’s Office sends a class confirmation form to the first course instructor at the beginning of each semester for the degree completion majors. It is the responsibility of the instructor to make known any corrections on each class list promptly and report them to the Registrar’s Office. Students must not be allowed to remain in class without proper registration. 5.10 GRADE REPORTING, CHANGING OF GRADES, AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION SHEET
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Each instructor should adopt a fair and consistent grading method for each course. Faculty members are expected to use the approved grading system (outlined below). Grades must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office via MyBC promptly after the final examination. For on-campus students, grades must be submitted prior to graduation. For degree completion students, grades must be submitted within two weeks of the end of the course. Any change of grade must have a justifiable reason and be reported on the Change-of-Grade form available on MyBC. The change of grade form must be completed and returned to the Registrar’s Office. 5.10.1. GRADING SYSTEM Letter Grades Quality Points Per Semester Hour* A 4.0 Quality Points A3.7 Quality Points B+ 3.3 Quality Points B 3.0 Quality Points B2.7 Quality Points C+ 2.3 Quality Points C 2.0 Quality Points C1.7 Quality Points D+ 1.3 Quality Points D 1.0 Quality Points D0.7 Quality Points F 0.0 Quality Points P Passing 0 Quality Points I Incomplete 0 Quality Points NG No Grade Reported 0 Quality Points IP In Progress 0 Quality Points AU Audit 0 Quality Points DR Withdraw from school 0 Quality Points W Drop a class 0 Quality Points *Used to determine Grade Point Average - GPA Grades of P, NG, IP, AU, DR, W, and R are not used in computing quality point averages. 5.11 ADVISOR COPY OF STUDENT TRANSCRIPTS Faculty may view an advisor’s copy of a student’s transcript. Transcripts of students’ records are available to Faculty advisors on MyBC. 5.11.1 FERPA REGULATIONS FOR SCHOOL OFFICIALS Who is considered a School Official? • • •
a person employed by Bluefield College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position a person elected to the Board of Trustees a person employed by or under contract to Bluefield College to perform a special task, such as an attorney or auditor.
Access to Student Data College officials requesting other than directory information will be given such information if they have a legitimate educational interest. College officials have a legitimate educational interest if it is necessary or desirable for them to have access in order to carry out their official duties and/or to implement the policies of the College, or if it is in the educational interest of the student in question for such officials to have the information. Persons receiving this
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook information (or directory information prior to its publication) are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of the students involved. They are not permitted to re-release this data to persons, other than College officials with a legitimate educational interest, without the prior written consent of the students involved. Parents of a dependent student as defined by the Internal Revenue Code may have access to the students’ educational records. Parents’ must provide the Office of the Registrar a copy of their most recent federal income tax form, indicating that they declared the student as a dependent in order to document dependency. 5.12 EXAMINATION POLICY AND ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING Faculty members are expected to administer examinations or other appropriate evaluation measures to students in all classes. Such assessment of learning devices may include take home tests, papers, oral presentations, projects, and portfolios, as well as in-class examinations. The nature, frequency, and type of learning assessments is at the discretion of the Faculty member, but should: • clearly connect with the goals of the course stated in the syllabi • the type of course, and • the particular subject matter. All such assessments and evaluations must be consistently administered and graded for all students. Faculty members should be aware that a logical rationale for the assessment utilized in the class will facilitate student learning and prevent student-Faculty relationship difficulties. Since the final exam schedule is devised to distribute exams across the examination period, final examinations are to be administered at the designated final exam time. Faculty members are not to deviate from the final exam schedule unless specific written permission is obtained in advance from their Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. 5.13 CREDIT BY EXAMINATION Credit by examination may be awarded through the College-Level Examination Program (C.L.E.P.), DANTES, and the Advanced Placement Examination program. Proper approval by the Division Chair and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs approval is necessary. For information on these credit-by-examination and other possible alternative credits, such as experiential credits, students should contact the Registrar’s office. 5.14 USE OF LIBRARY The purchase of books and materials for various academic programs is determined by the Director of Library Services in consultation with the Division Chairs on the basis of need and funds available. Materials are to be requested on appropriate forms furnished by the Librarian. Faculty members may check out materials for a reasonable period of time. When Faculty members need materials not in the library, the library staff will attempt to obtain them through Inter-Library Loan. 5.15 CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM Definitions: • Cheating - unauthorized help on any work submitted, including homework, papers, projects, tests, or examinations. • Plagiarism– use of published works of an author without giving proper citations or credit. Cheating and plagiarism are serious infractions of the academic process of the college which should be handled as follows: • The Faculty member should determine a course of action based on the seriousness of the offense and the level of experience of the student. The Faculty member should be certain that the student understands the nature of cheating and/or plagiarism. If the Faculty member believes that the infraction can be adequately handled within the context of the particular course, then no further action is required. • If the Faculty member believes the infraction to be more serious--for example, multiple occurrences, student is sufficiently knowledgeable, or the infraction seriously undermines the academic atmosphere--the Faculty member may refer the matter to the Student Development Committee. In these cases, the violation should be reported to the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the office of the VicePresident for Student Development. Students reported for cheating or plagiarism will be handled in accordance with the Bluefield College Disciplinary Program process.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 5.16 USE OF TECHNOLOGY 5.16.1 COMPUTER RESOURCES ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY The hardware and software computer resources of Bluefield College are available to the students, faculty and staff in support of the educational and administrative goals of the college. It is expected that users of these resources will engage in activities such as conducting research, completing course-work, communicating with others, accessing information in the performance of normal college-related job responsibilities and exploring other information sources. Using the system on an occasional basis for personal use, such as corresponding with friends or family through electronic mail, may also be considered appropriate, but in all cases usage should defer to college-related activities. The computer system may not be used for commercial or solicitation purposes without the express written consent of appropriate school officials. The computer resources provided by the college are the sole and exclusive property of the college. It is expected, in turn, that users must respect the rights and privacy of others and must obey school policies and state and federal laws that may apply to their activities while using the computer system. Although the college, in its official capacity, will make every effort to respect the privacy of users of the computer system, it should be understood by all users that the computer systems are owned and operated by a private and Christ-centered college. Bluefield College considers any violation of the acceptable use principles or guidelines to be a serious offense. Any or all of these systems and all files on these systems may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and disclosed to Bluefield College and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign. Bluefield College also reserves the right to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operation. Bluefield College also reserves the right to determine what is acceptable and not acceptable in the use of computer systems. Bluefield College Department of Information Services and Technology may suspend or limit access to the college’s resources for misuse of software, hardware, and/or network services. Other actions may be taken depending on the nature of any misuse including investigating any suspicious activity. Violations may result in loss of access privileges and/or prosecution under civil or criminal laws. By using these systems, users are consenting to follow and submit to all Bluefield College policies concerning appropriate network use. Administrators of individual systems such as the library or computer labs may establish policies that place additional responsibilities upon users. Access to communication systems and networks owned or operated by Bluefield College imply certain responsibilities and obligations. Access is granted subject to college policies and local, state, and federal laws. Acceptable use is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanism, and individual rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment. 5.16.2 LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES There are several legal obligations for users of the computer system. The examples provided here are the most significant, but should not be considered a complete list. It is the responsibility of users to be aware of and respect state and federal statutes that may regulate their activities. • Users must obey copyright laws and respect the intellectual property of others. • Software license agreements must be honored. The college makes every effort to properly purchase and license all software installed on the institution’s computer systems. There is no stated or implicit consent given to users to copy any of the programs or data residing on these systems. • It is a violation of Virginia law to access a computer system without authorization or to gain access to a computer system for the use of fraud or malicious activities such as the destruction of files or programs. • It is a civil offense to make false statements about another person (libel), especially if it results in the loss of that person’s good name (defamation). • The creation of knowing distribution of a computer virus or “worm” is a violation of federal statute. • The creation or knowing distribution of a chain letter is a violation of federal statute. 5.16.3 ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Although certain activities of users may not be strictly illegal, there may be cases in which a user might violate the ethical standards of the college. Guidelines for appropriate behavior may be found in any number of campus publications such as handbooks, catalogs, and policy manuals. Common sense and a personal sense of responsibility are important here. Some coursework and/or research by faculty and students may necessitate access to sites that are considered hateful, demeaning, or even pornographic to some or all members of the college community. It may also be necessary to use language or talk about subjects through email that could be considered similarly inappropriate. Faculty and the students in their courses are asked to remember that they are part of a Christ-centered college and should limit access to such sites and language to what is needed for a course or research work. They should also be considerate of those
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook who might accidentally witness such materials and remember that electronic communication is inherently not private. The privacy of other users’ files and electronic mail messages is to be respected at all times. No user, with the exception of authorized system administrators, shall access or attempt to access another user’s files or electronic mail messages without the explicit consent of that user. In addition, no unauthorized attempt shall be made to obtain the passwords or access codes of any other user and no use of another person’s user ID or password is allowed unless specifically approved by a computer system administrator. This approval will be granted only for purposes of correcting problems or checking systems status and/or security. No attempt will be made by any user to secure unauthorized access to system files or confidential academic or administrative records. 5.16.4 GOOD CITIZEN RESPONSIBILITY Beyond the legal and ethical guidelines in this policy, responsible users of the college’s computer systems should recognize the fact that they are members of a large electronic community. As good citizens of this community, users of this community, users can take several steps to make utilization of the college’s resources a rewarding experience for themselves and others. • Report improper use or vandalism of any computer resource. • Limit duration of use when utilizing lab and library technologies and defer to non-recreational users. • Clean old files and documents off of shared resources such as file servers and electronic mail boxes. • Make considerate use of computer resources in public areas. Refrain from accessing programs that produce loud noises or which contain graphic material that may offend others. • Users will make every attempt to avoid the unintentional spread of computer viruses through awareness and technological means such as operating system updates, virus scans, and anti-spyware/malware scans. 5.16.5 TECHNOLOGY AND TEACHING All faculty members are expected to utilize and integrate technology into the teaching and learning process. The college will provide resources and training through its IT Committee, the IST Department as required, other trained faculty and staff, its association with the Appalachian College Association and other external resources. 5.16.6 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Course syllabi and course lecture materials produced/created by individual faculty members are the property of that individual for the educational benefit of the college and may remain with both the faculty member and the college beyond the employment of the individual. Other creative and intellectual materials such as published books, anthems, art work and plays remain the property of the faculty member. 5.17 AUDIO -VISUAL EQUIPMENT With certain exceptions, audio-visual equipment is maintained and handled by the Director of Library Services. There is a well-equipped Audio Visual room in the library. Scheduled use of that room should be arranged in advance at the main desk in the library. Problems with equipment should be reported immediately to the Library staff. Requests for Audio Visual equipment for classroom use should be made to the Director of Library Services with sufficient notice to allow arrangements to be made. 5.18 DUPLICATION OF MATERIALS The College provides designated copy machines for students and faculty. The faculty member is responsible for knowing and observing all laws relating to copyrights. 5.18.1 COPYRIGHT AND FAIR USE Fair Use allows use of copyrighted materials for educational purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. You may use the three following guidelines to help determine if fair use applies: 1. 2. 3.
Purpose: Using selected pieces of copyrighted materials for specific educational purposes may qualify as fair use if the selection is used on a temporary basis, are not maintained in a collection, and are not redistributed with frequency or regularity. Quantity of material used: If you are copying small selections (i.e. paragraphs) from a copyrighted material, fair use easily applies. If you are copying large portions (i.e. chapters, entire works, etc.), fair use may be questionable. Detriment to owner of content: If there will be no loss (monetary or otherwise) due to copying and/or distributing a copyrighted material, the fair use exemption may apply.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Unfortunately, the guidelines for fair use are not clear. Even though your intention is only for educational use, you still may not be exempt. Faculty members are urged to research Copyright and Fair Use law and become familiar with the guidelines governing the use of such materials. If in doubt, do not use the material without first obtaining written permission from the owner of the copyrighted content.
5.19 FACULTY OFFICES AND OFFICE HOURS The College provides each full-time Faculty member with an office. All Faculty members are required to submit their schedules, including class and office times, to their Division Chairs and to post these schedules on the Academic Drive. Faculty class schedules and office hours must be posted on the Faculty member’s door. All Faculty members are expected to hold regular office hours, a minimum of 10 office hours per week, at times conducive for serving students. Scheduled hours should be observed. 5.20 MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF CLASSROOMS, OFFICES, AND EQUIPMENT The College provides housekeeping services to keep classrooms and offices clean. However, each Faculty member should report maintenance and cleaning needs to the Director of Maintenance promptly. Faculty members are expected to see that students do not abuse property and equipment. Buildings will be locked at or before 11:00 p.m. by Campus Safety. Faculty members who are in a building after 11:00 p.m. or on weekends are responsible for ensuring that the building is locked and secured when they leave. Faculty members who give students keys to campus facilities assume responsibility for the campus property involved. 5.21 FIELD TRIPS AND USE OF COLLEGE VEHICLES Field trips are to be scheduled in advance and should be a part of the syllabus given to each student at the beginning of a course. An advanced written notice of each trip should be submitted when possible to the VicePresident for Academic Affairs. Such notice should include destination, manner of transportation, number and names of students, contact information during the trip in the event a student or Faculty member needs to be contacted and any other pertinent information. Use of College vehicles is based on priority, and authorized by the Office of Human Resources at current mileage rates. For further details, consult the Bus/Van policy, which may be found on MyBC on the Intranet under the Employee Tools portal. 5.22 DIRECTED STUDIES AND SPECIAL TOPICS COURSES Directed Study courses offer students the opportunity to explore topics of interest under the direction of a Faculty member. To be eligible, the student must be a junior or senior and must obtain approval for the Directed Study from: • the Faculty member, • his or her advisor, and • the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Approval is based on the student’s major, current GPA, and need for the course. Faculty members who administer a Directed Study course must communicate weekly with the student to ensure quality learning. Catalog numbers 3501, 3502, and 3503 are used for Directed Study courses. The student is responsible for ensuring that he or she is properly registered for the course. A specific title for the course is required before enrollment can occur. Faculty members receive no compensation for Directed Studies classes. Special Topics courses (numbered 4501, 4502, or 4503) are intended to offer advanced or experimental courses. A specific title for the course is required before enrollment can occur. Special Topics courses contribute to the Faculty member’s academic load, provided enrollment in the course is sufficient to justify the course as part of the Faculty member’s load. Special Topics courses are not to be used to bypass the course approval process. A course that has been offered several times in the Special Topics format should be submitted for approval via the “Addition or Deletion of a Course” process (see Section 5.3.1). 5.23 INTERNSHIPS Faculty members are to follow the catalog requirements for student internships. They must ensure that the student has completed the appropriate Internship form. The student must coordinate the experience with his or her supervisor whether the Internship is on or off campus. Internships must begin and conclude within one semester, except under extreme circumstances that can be approved only by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook following the student’s request. If an extension is approved by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the student is given an Incomplete. Internships offered at Bluefield College are as follows: • Field Internship: Indirect (Student receives 1-3 hours of academic credit) A mentor at a worksite supervises the student and the Faculty member’s contact hours are fewer than 20 hours; counts as Faculty load; overload hours are paid at the following rate: $80 x credit hours x number of students, up to per/hour faculty pay, which caps at 6 students (Doctorate: $550/credit hour; Master’s: $500/credit hour). • Field Internship: Direct (Student receives 1-3 hours of academic credit) Faculty member supervises the student, and contact hours are 20 hours or more during the semester; counts as Faculty load; overload hours are paid at the following rate: $120 x credit hours x number of students, up to per/hour faculty pay, which caps at 4 students (Doctorate: $550/credit hour; Master’s: $500/credit hour). • Academic Internship (Student receives 1-3 hours of academic credit) Faculty member supervises the student, and contact hours are 20 hours or more during the semester; counts as Faculty load; overload hours are paid at the following rate: $120 x credit hours x number of students, up to per/hour faculty pay, which caps at 4 students (Doctorate: $550/credit hour; Master’s: $500/credit hour). • Practicum (Student receives 9 or more hours of academic credit) Faculty member supervises the student, and contact hours are 20 hours or more during the semester; counts as ONE HOUR per student toward Faculty load. 5.24 ORDERING AND CHANGING OF TEXTBOOKS - BOOKSTORE PROCEDURES Faculty are responsible for submitting textbook orders to the bookstore by the dates prescribed by the bookstore manager to ensure that textbooks are available for students at the beginning of the semester. Division Chairs are responsible for ensuring Faculty cooperation in textbook ordering. All Faculty members teaching the same course in the same academic semester must use the same text. 5.25 REQUESTING SUPPLIES Faculty members who need supplies should complete a purchase order, available in the Business Office, and have the Division Chair sign it and submit it to the Business Office before supplies are ordered or purchased. Purchase orders must be approved by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs before submission to the Business Office if the amount exceeds $100. 5.26 DIVISIONAL BUDGETS Divisional budgets are developed by the Division Chair in cooperation with the members of the Division and submitted to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs reviews them and forwards them to the Vice-President for Finance and Administration for approval and incorporation into the College budget. All expenditures are made by purchase orders or requisitions, which must be approved by the Division Chair and submitted to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who then forwards them to the Vice-President for Finance and Administration. The budget year starts the first day of July. All expenditures by Faculty members are to be made within the amount of allocations established for any given budget year. 5.27 COMMENCEMENT ATTENDANCE All full-time Faculty members are required to attend all commencement ceremonies. Any absences must be approved in advance by the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. 5.28 POSTAGE AND TELEPHONE USE Postage and telephones are for College use only. Mail must be properly prepared and delivered to the Book Store for posting and mailing. The use of telephones is confined to local calls and long distance calls if they are a necessary part of the Faculty member’s responsibilities. Personal long distance phone calls should not be charged to the College. 5.29 PUBLICATIONS AND THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook The Office of Public Relations manages the college’s media relations, community relations, advertising, marketing and the development and/or distribution of its publications in an effort to promote the college, its Faculty, staff, students, activities, and accomplishments. Faculty members are expected to communicate to the Office of Public Relations the appropriate details of any college events, actions, or accomplishments that warrant publicity. In the event that an activity or program is cancelled, postponed, or changed in any way, the Faculty member should immediately notify the PR Office so that publicity can be promptly amended. In addition, all publications, publicity or promotional material (including but not limited to brochures, flyers, posters, news releases, solicitations and newsletters) must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Public Relations prior to distribution to ensure accuracy, consistency and quality. SECTION VI POLICIES CONCERNING CAMPUS SECURITY 6.1 FACULTY IDENTIFICATION An identification card is issued to all college employees. This card is necessary for dining hall privileges and most college events. It is available in the office of the Vice-President for Student Development. 6.2 REGISTRATION AND PARKING OF FACULTY VEHICLES ON CAMPUS Each Faculty member should get a parking permit from the office of the Vice-President for Student Development to be displayed on each vehicle brought onto campus. Faculty will park in assigned spaces. 6.3 DRUG-FREE INSTITUTION POLICY In keeping with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, no use of alcohol or use of any controlled or unlawful substance is condoned on College property at any time. It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use a controlled substance or unlawfully use or unlawfully possess alcohol on any College property or at any College sponsored activity. Excessive alcohol consumption or use of illicit substances impair the user's ability to function, changes the user's behavior and subjects the user to serious health risks, including disease, addiction and death. The College is committed to the safety and well-being of the College community and to the provision of a drug-free workplace. Because of this, all employees of the College may be subject to blood or urinalysis screening for drug or alcohol use. It is, therefore, the expectation of the College that all employees comply with these regulations as a condition of employment. An employee's violation of this policy will subject the violator to immediate disciplinary action, as set out in the Personnel Policies, up to and including termination, or completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, in addition to referral for prosecution under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America, under which penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both. Any employee, as a condition of employment, is required to notify the employer immediately of any criminal drug conviction. 6.4 SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY The College is committed to maintaining a work environment free of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. The College will not tolerate harassment of the Bluefield College community by anyone, including staff, Faculty, vendors or students of the College. Workplace and sexual harassment may violate one or more of the following: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any staff or Faculty member who engages in workplace or sexual harassment violates this policy and the law. Harassment is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, or disability when it: • Has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment; • Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance; or • Otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment opportunities. Workplace harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following:
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook • •
Epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, or disability; and Written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, or disability and that is placed on walls, bulletin boards, or elsewhere on College premises, or circulated in the workplace. This also includes act that purport to be, or are meant to be, "jokes" or “pranks,” but that are hostile or demeaning, such as hate mail, threats, defaced photographs, or other such conduct.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and any other physical, verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: • Submission to the conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or continued employment; • Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting an employee, such as promotion, demotion or evaluation. The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to unwelcome sexual propositions; sexual innuendo, suggestive remarks, vulgar or sexually explicit comments, gestures or conduct, sexually oriented kidding, teasing, or practical jokes; and physical contact, such as brushing against another's body, pinching or patting. Sexual and workplace harassment may be present when the intended target of the conduct is not offended, but others reasonably find the conduct intimidating, hostile or abusive. All staff and Faculty members are responsible for maintaining the workplace free of harassment and intimidation. In this role, the responsibilities of all College supervisors, and administrators, include, but are not limited to, the following: • Discussing this policy with employees and assure that all of them are aware that they can work in an environment free of harassment. • Assuring employees that they are not required to endure degrading, denigrating, abusive or hostile treatment because of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. • Informing employees of the complaint process, including the employee’s right to bypass an offending staff or Faculty member. • Immediately reporting any complaints concerning workplace harassment received from employees to the Personnel Coordinator. All students, staff, and Faculty members are responsible for helping to assure that the College is kept free of workplace harassment. The Personnel Coordinator should be notified immediately if any person experiences or witnesses workplace harassment. If any employee believes that he or she is being harassed by the Personnel Coordinator, the formal complaint should be brought directly to the Vice-President for Finance and Administration. All harassment complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the conduct of a full and fair investigation. Personnel violating confidentiality will be immediately disciplined. Communications will be made to others only on a limited "need to know" basis. There will be no retaliation against any college community member for filing complaints of workplace harassment. The College is committed to promptly and thoroughly investigating all harassment complaints promptly, the goal being to complete the investigation within thirty (30) days. The complainant will be kept informed throughout the process. If, after a thorough investigation, it is determined that harassment has occurred, immediate and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to end the harassment. Appropriate follow-up steps will be taken to ensure that the harassment has stopped. 6.5 SECURITY ON CAMPUS, OFFICE, AND CLASSROOMS Bluefield College provides a full-time Security Officer on campus from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. seven days per week. It is the responsibility of all Faculty members to secure their offices and the buildings prior to leaving after hours. The following information is presented to assist Faculty in reporting incidents of criminal activity or other emergencies occurring on campus:
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook
Campus Safety requires the active cooperation, assistance, and support of the campus community, which it serves. All members of the campus community are encouraged to report, accurately and promptly, all emergencies or incidents of criminal activity occurring on campus. Members reporting such incidents are ensured access to local emergency services. Campus Safety will maintain a campus presence between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when students are present, as well as 5:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these hours, members of the campus community should report non-emergency incidents by calling the Campus Safety telephone number (304-887-1795). However, if emergency circumstances exist, campus community members should immediately dial 911 first to report the incident and then notify Campus Safety. Members of the campus community should report incidents of non-emergency criminal activity that occur when there is not a Campus Safety presence to the Office of Student Development and/or the Director of Resident Life. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., members of the campus community should report non-emergencies or incidents of criminal activity to the full-time Campus Safety Officer. As stated above, any emergency should be reported by dialing 911 first and then notifying Campus Safety. A list of emergency telephone numbers is included in the campus telephone directory. The institution endeavors to provide a timely and factual response to reports of incidents involving criminal activity. All persons on campus are entitled to courteous and respectful treatment without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, or disability.
APPENDIX Faculty Annual Report Form and Chair Response Name: Date Completed by Faculty:
Rank: Date Completed by Division Chair:
Courses Taught in Academic Year 2010-2011 Revised September 2011
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Fall
# Students
Spring
# Students
Summer/May
# Students
New Course?
Online Course?
TOTAL Course Hours New Course?
Online Course?
TOTAL Course Hours New Course?
Online Course?
TOTAL Course Hours
Course Hours
T= Course Hours
T= Course Hours
T=
Number of Advisees: FALL Number of Advisees: SPRING Faculty and College Committees on which you served. Indicate if you were the chair or secretary.
Faculty Performance Rating Descriptors and Standards: TEACHING TEACHING: Course Design (Reference: Creating Significant Learning Experiences by Dee Fink) 1.
The course syllabus is consistent with course objectives, the college catalog description, and the College Mission.
2.
Course content and objectives take into account the nature of the discipline, foundational knowledge, application, integration, and life-long learning, as well as the characteristics of the learners.
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook 3.
Learning experiences are selected to provide rich learning opportunities where students acquire the important information and skills, as well as practicing reflection designed to incorporate the content into their own lives.
4.
Assessment and grading are based on the learning goals and objectives and adequately provide students with feedback to improve their performance throughout the course. Assessment and grading practices are fair and unbiased with criteria clearly communicated to the student.
Faculty Member Self-Evaluation and Comments on Course Design: Chair Response: TEACHING: Instruction (Reference: What the Best College Teachers Do by Ken Bain) 1.
Each class meeting shows preparation on the part of the faculty member and is organized so that the time is well-spent.
2.
Teaching and learning activities are based on the course goals and objectives, but engage the learners in ways that hold their attention and provides for questions, discussion, and critical thinking.
3.
Teaching and learning activities help students learn independently and promote conceptual learning in the discipline through integration within a content area or across content areas.
4.
The class instruction promotes student commitment to their own success in the class and reflects a variety of teaching and learning strategies.
5.
The faculty member shows concern and respect for students through positive affirming classroom language, effective explanations of subject matter, valuing student contributions in class, and addressing student questions and concerns.
6.
The faculty member keeps regular office hours and encourages students to come by during that time for extra help, to answer questions, or to advise students on the course or their major.
7.
The faculty member promptly answers questions through telephone messages or emails and communicates his/her response policy to the students at the beginning of the semester.
Faculty Member Comments on Instruction: Chair Response: TEACHING: Course Enhancement 1.
The faculty member revises course syllabi each semester according to course evaluations, student feedback, and notes.
2.
The faculty member keeps content, teaching methods, and instructional tools up to date.
3.
As much as possible, the faculty member attends professional meetings, consult with colleagues, read professional journal and books, conduct research, and take courses to improve knowledge of content, as well as teaching and learning strategies.
Faculty Member Comments on Course Enhancement: Chair Response: TEACHING: Student Impact 1.
The faculty member demonstrates how student course evaluations, including student comments, are used each semester to improve teaching and enhance learning outcomes through, for example, stated goals, syllabi revisions, and documented changes in teaching/learning activities.
2.
The faculty member communicates in each course the required statement in the syllabus about the importance of student evaluations in improving teaching and course design.*
3.
The faculty member and chair meet annually to determine a course of action based on the results of student course evaluations as documented below.
Fall Data from Section 1: General Questions Mean Course Number Mean
Department Mean:
Spring Data from Section 1: General Questions Mean Course Number
Department Mean:
All College Mean: MEAN
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Mean May/Summer Data from Section 1: General Questions Mean Course Number Mean
Department Mean:
All College Mean: MEAN
Faculty Member Comments on Student Impact: Chair Response based on Review of Course Evaluations:
Concerns Commendations Jointly Agreed Upon Strategies for Improvement (Chair and Faculty Member)
Goals for 2010-2011 (Last Year)
Self-Evaluation of How Goals Were Met
Goals for 2011-2012 (This Year)
*Statement on Syllabus* Ongoing course improvement is an important aspect of effective teaching. Tools used to review and improve courses include student course evaluations and feedback. Therefore, students are urged, not only to carefully complete the course evaluation, but to add comments which explain and give details about strengths and weaknesses of the course.
Record of Service and Accomplishments for 2010-2011 Service to the College Campus Activities and/or Organization Involvement: Activities Related to Recruitment and Retention: Service to the Profession Current Memberships in Professional Organizations: Professional Development: (Conferences, Courses, Workshops, etc.) Include dates, titles, etc. Research, Reading, or Creative Professional Activities:
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Bluefield College Faculty Handbook Service to the Church and Community Church Involvement: Community Involvement:
Chair Summary Response: Overall Teaching Effectiveness Contributions to the Mission of the College/Profession/Church/Community Concerns Commendations Suggestions for Improvement Signature of Chair:
Date:
Signature of Faculty Member:
Date:
Submitted to Academic Affairs Office
Date:
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