7/12/2007
SECTION II – FACULTY INFORMATION
2.2 Academic Freedom and Responsibility
2.4 Americans with Disabilities Act: ADA
2.5.1 Budget Protocol2.6 Campus Police2.5.3 Equipment Purchase and Maintenance
2.7.1 College Letterhead Stationery and Logo2.8 Committee Assignments: Academic Affairs
2.9.1 Academic Calendar
2.10.1 Institutional Course Evaluation Measures2.10.3 Course Information Sheet
2.11 Employment Benefits/Documentation
2.11.1 Employee Handbook2.12 Employment Procedures and Contracts
2.12.1 Employment Procedures
2.13 Evening and Community-Based Courses
2.13.1 Concurrent Enrollment2.14 Faculty Classification System2.13.2 Distance Learning Program
2.14.1 Full-time Faculty2.15 Faculty Duties and Responsibilities
2.15.1 Full-time Faculty2.16 Faculty Evaluation
2.17 Faculty Offices and Accommodations
2.17.1 Office Space and Hours
2.18.1 Orientation for New Faculty2.19 Faculty Remuneration
2.19.1 Faculty Salary Schedule
2.20.1 Academic Technology Services2.21 Grievance Procedure2.20.2 Learning Center/Computer Laboratories
2.23.1 Sick Leave -- Full-time and Adjunct Faculty2.24 Mentor Program2.23.2 Sick Leave -- Part-time Faculty
2.23.3 Personal Leave -- Full-time and Adjunct Faculty
2.24.1 Traditional Courses2.25 News Releases2.24.2 Distance Learning Courses
2.24.2.1 Internet Courses 2.24.2.2 Video Conferenced Course
2.27.1 Council of Division Chairs2.28 Plagiarism
2.30 Responsibilities and Relationships of the Faculty
2.30.1 Academic Advising2.31 Travel and Transportation2.30.7 Faculty Absences/Walks/Class Cancellations2.30.6.2 Adjunct Faculty (No longer available)
2.30.6.4 Summer Office Duty Hours
2.30.10 Outside Work and Responsibilities
2.30.11 Planning and Evaluation
2.30.12 Professional Development
2.30.13 Reporting Accidents and Security Violations
2.30.14 Solicitation On and Off Campus
2.31.1 Attendance at Conferences
2.32 Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes7/12/2007
2.32.1 Institutional Research and Effectiveness
2.2 ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY
Each faculty member shall be entitled to the pursuit and expression of scholarly inquiry with neither undue restriction nor fear of institutional censorship or reprisals. Limitations to this statement exist within the bounds of intellectual honesty, professional integrity, and respect for the opinions of others.
The mastery of subject matter makes a faculty member a qualified authority in his or her discipline. In recognition of that expertise, the faculty member shall have an active role in the planning and implementation of curricula, the selection of textbooks, readings, and other teaching materials, and in the choice of instructional methodologies. The faculty member shall have the sole responsibility for assigning grades within the limits provided by law.
Each faculty member possesses the rights and privileges afforded every private citizen. These freedoms include the right to exercise civic, political, or religious convictions and to speak freely outside of the classroom on matters of public concern. When exercising his rights as a private citizen, a faculty member should avoid creating the impression that he or she is speaking or acting on behalf of his or her employing institution or of his or her profession.
The concept of academic freedom must be accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility mutually exercised by the faculty, administration and the Board. The essential responsibilities of a faculty member shall include maintenance of competence in the assigned field of specialization and the demonstration of such competence in class lectures, discussions, and printed materials.
A faculty member shall exercise professional judgment and restraint in the use of controversial material in the classroom without forfeiting the pedagogical benefits of controversy and free inquiry. A faculty member should avoid introducing controversial material that has no relationship to the subject matter being taught.
Blinn College Board Policy Manual - Policy DGC (LOCAL)
The College does not provide medical staff or facilities, nor does it assume any medical/financial responsibility for administrators, faculty, students, visitors or staff. In case of a medical emergency or accident, call (911) and notify campus security: Brenham (979)830-4195; Bryan (979)209-7418; Schulenburg Dean (979) 743-5200; Sealy Director (979) 627-7997;
No college employee is authorized to administer medical assistance or medications of any kind. Any accident/injury involving an administrator, a faculty member, student, or visitor to the campus must be reported to the immediate supervisor and the Blinn College Risk Manager as soon as possible (979)830-4179.
2.4 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: ADA
A student who identifies her/himself as a person with a disability and provides appropriate documentation to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) should present the instructor with a document prepared by the Director/Counselor, ODS. This document will inform the instructor of accommodations approved by ODS; the instructor and the student are required to conference to agree upon which of the recommended accommodations most appropriate for the course will be provided for the current semester. For additional information on services on any Blinn Campus, contact the Director, Office of Disability Services at (979) 830-4157.
2.5.1 Budget Protocol2.6 CAMPUS POLICEThe Board of Trustees is required by law to adopt an annual budget of income and expenditures for the College. The budget for a given fiscal year is adopted in the summer for implementation each September.
Preparation of the budget is an integral part of the goal-setting and planning process of the College; it begins with the individual faculty member and proceeds through the division (or functional unit), the Budget Planning Committee, the Executive Council, the President, and the Board of Trustees.
Each division is responsible for estimating needs for the upcoming academic year. The division chair is responsible for seeking input from individual faculty members regarding their needs. Through a series of conferences among the division personnel, an agreement is reached whereby the desired expenditures for the year are proposed for consideration to the College’s Budget Planning Committee. The Budget Planning Committee presents its recommendations to the Executive Council and the President for further review. When the budget is in its final draft, the President calls for a budget workshop in which the Board of Trustees reviews the proposed budget. Following the workshop, the Board considers the budget in the Board’s regular monthly meeting. The Board of Trustees must approve the budget by September 1 of each year.Any taxpayer of the district may be present and participate in the final budget approval hearing.
The person responsible for a budget will be able to review budget expenditures and reports online. Contact the Director Administrative Computing Services to arrange this access. Any errors and/or questions about budgets please refer to the Budget Manager.
2.5.3 Equipment Purchase and Maintenance
Funds for the purchase of teaching and office equipment are provided, as needed, in the annual budget for the division. Faculty members should communicate their needs to the division chair during the budget process and, upon approval of those needs, should submit the Purchase Requisition form (Appendix I) to the chairman for processing.
Malfunctioning equipment should be reported to the division chair for maintenance, repair, or replacement.
2.5.4 Expenditure of College Funds
College monies may be expended only by authorized college personnel such as faculty or professional staff through the approved budget process which requires completion and approval of a Purchase Requisition form (Appendix I).
All purchases for which Blinn College is responsible must be made through the Purchasing Director on an official Purchase Requisition form (Appendix I) as follows:
1. All purchases made by divisions must be included in the division budget, and obtained via the Purchase Requisition Form. Any non-budgeted items require special approval.2.5.6 Supplies for Office and Classroom2. Faculty members must obtain prior approval before making cash purchases requiring a Blinn College reimbursement.
During preparation of the annual budget, faculty should determine any office or classroom supplies they will need during the academic year. See 2.5 Budget Protocol.
Once office and classroom supplies have been incorporated into the division's budget, the faculty member obtains these supplies from items kept on hand by the division or by completing a Purchase Requisition form (Appendix I). When this form has been approved by all necessary administrators, the faculty member may obtain the requested items using the approved Purchase Order prepared by the Director of Purchasing.
In the event of a crime or security violation on campus, call campus security immediately: Brenham (979) 830-4195; Bryan (979) 209-7418; Schulenburg Director (979) 743-5200 or 911 in an emergency; Sealy Director (979) 627-7997 or 911 in an emergency.
2.7.1 College Letterhead Stationery and Logo
Blinn College letterhead stationery and logo are an official emblem of the College and should be used only for approved or authorized college business. Neither the College letterhead nor logo may be altered. Use of college letterhead stationery in conducting correspondence, for example, implies that the College has endorsed any ideas or actions contained therein. To avoid legal responsibility for unauthorized use of its letterhead stationery and logo, the College has provided the following directives. College letterhead stationery may not be used as:
1. personal stationery by an employee;2.7.2 Conducting Surveys2. an implication that an action or activity has College approval when it does not;
3. a conveyance for an outside remunerative or nonremunerative activities;
4. an espousal of personal or professional belief, opinion, or cause not held by the College; and
5. an attempt to represent or imply a position by the College on any social, political, or professional issue not approved by the College.
Individuals or groups wishing to administer research and opinion surveys to college faculty, staff, student body and/or the public at large, must obtain prior approval from the appropriate Vice President and the Executive Council.
Copyright laws and fair-use guidelines are varied, complex, and ever-changing. Because of this, each individual instructor must know the copyright laws and fair-use guidelines pertaining to the material s/he is duplicating. For current information concerning copyright laws and guidelines, please consult the latest edition of The Copyright Primer for Librarians and Educators by Janis H. Bruwelheide on reserve in the library. This useful primer also contains an extensive bibliography addressing the broad spectrum of copyright issues.
Another useful resource is the Blinn College Library copyright link.
2.8 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
As part of their professional responsibility, full-time faculty will be called upon to serve on various college committees including committees that support academic affairs. The standing committees for academic affairs are as follows: (1) Academic Dishonesty Committee, (2) Academic Standards Committee, (3) Curriculum Committee, (4) Final Grade Appeals Committee, (5) Instructional Technology Committee, and (6) Professional Development Committee. Periodically ad hoc committees will be formed to provide input into issues involving the College.
Since the College promotes participatory management and shared decision making, professional involvement of faculty on committees is essential. Your contribution to the work of committees is vital to all segments of the College community, and much valued.
A list of standing committees and their members in the academic affairs area is available on the Blinn College website under the heading "Boards and Committees".
2.9.1 Academic Calendar
Classes at Blinn College may be dismissed for inclement weather, national
disaster, or other unavoidable circumstances. If classes are in session
when such a situation arises, the division chair, upon receiving authorization
from the appropriate vice president, will notify the instructors and
students of class cancellations. Should these extraordinary situations
occur prior to the beginning of an instructional day, the decision to
suspend classes is typically made between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. for
day classes and by 3:00 p.m. for evening classes. Notification is made
through area radio and television stations as well as the college website.
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| KULF - 94.1 FM | KBTX - Channel 3 |
| KTTX/KWHI - 106.1 FM/1280 AM | Northland Cable Television |
| KAGG - 1510 AM | CMA Cablevision |
| KORA - 98.3 FM | |
| KTAM - 1240 AM | |
| KTSR - 92.1 FM | |
| KVLG - 1570 AM | |
| KBUK - 104.9 FM |
If classes are suspended, faculty members are not required to report to their respective campus, but are considered to be on call and available. If classes are not suspended but a faculty member is unable to reach his/her teaching assignment due to inclement weather, the instructor should immediately advise his/her supervisor or appropriate dean. Faculty members do not have the authority to cancel classes. The decision to cancel classes must be made with the approval of the appropriatae division chair and authorization from the Vice President of Academic Affairs and/or the President.
Class Make-Up:
1. In the event classes are dismissed, the instructor will be responsible for notifying her/his students how the missed class time will be redeemed.
2. Information concerning make-up work will be given to students within one week following the cancelled class period(s).
For additional information see the Inclement Weather Policy in Appendix C.
Instructors should confer with their division chair before scheduling class field trips. A trip ticket form must be completed at least one month prior to the day of the field trip if college transportation is utilized.
Employees of Blinn College are encouraged to publish and copyright, and invent and patent, materials and objects of their own creation which will contribute to the advancement of knowledge. The College desires to encourage this and to protect the interest of its faculty and personnel in relation to disclosure of scientific and technological developments, inventions (including computer software), discoveries, and original works and ideas which may have monetary value. It is also the responsibility of the College to ensure that public funds and property are not used for personal gain. The author, creator or inventor is free to benefit from royalties and monies occurring from such publication or invention, subject to the guidelines in Blinn College Board Policy DBD (LOCAL). Because intellectual property policy is an evolving and dynamic entity, faculty and personnel may contact the Executive Vice President or Vice President Academic Affairs for any recent policy changes.
A student who misses a major or final examination may ask the instructor for permission to make up the examination. If the instructor determines that the student missed the examination for no legitimate reason, the instructor may refuse a make-up examination. If a student is absent while officially representing the College, for example as a college club member or as a participant in a choral, band, or athletic event, the student should be permitted to make up the examination. Major examinations are to be made up at a time both fair and reasonable for all parties. Final examinations must be made up within a reasonable time to allow the instructor to submit the final grade(s) on the day and time defined by the Admissions and Records Office. If a student cannot complete the final examination in that time frame, an Incomplete (I) may be considered: consult further the Incomplete Policy in the Bulletin and Appendix I.
2.9.7 Close of Semester Items to be Submitted/Returned
Final grades are submitted using BORIS. The Registrar determines due dates for final grades and these dates are shown on the official academic calendar located on the Blinn College web site. Grade books are the property of Blinn College and should be retained by faculty members for one calendar year. Faculty who are leaving the employment of the College must submit their grade book(s) for the current and past calendar year to their respective academic chairman. Faculty who are teaching during summer sessions are to turn in grade books at the end of the summer term. Part-time instructors must turn in grade books for the current and past calendar year to their division chair. Any discrepancies an instructor may have between the class roles and actual class attendance should be resolved with the assistance of the Registrar.
Blinn College has three institutional course evaluation measures: pre/post testing, grade distribution, and tracking. Each course offered by the College does/must envelope two of these three measures. Division chairs provide faculty with information regarding specific evaluation measures pertaining to courses taught in the division. Faculty members teaching courses which participate in the pre/post test program may obtain copies of the course inventory from the division chair. Recording sheets for the pre/post test scores are provided by the Deans of Academic Affairs Brenham/Bryan who are responsible for coordinating all components of the pre/post test procedure.
Another of the institutional course evaluation measures is the grade distribution program. All courses are included in the program. Semester studies are produced by the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, and distributed to division chairs. Blinn College chairmen analyze this information, and conference with instructors when deemed appropriate. Grade distribution anomalies, such as unexpectedly high drop rates, might warrant discussion.If the division chairs and instructor determine that changes are justified, they will work together to address these changes. A follow-up analysis of the effect of these changes will be discussed when the next grade distribution report is made available.
Blinn's tracking protocol is an intra-collegiate tracking system: e.g., tracking sequential courses within a content area, or tracking relevant content areas that lend themselves to interdisciplinary connections. The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness is instrumental in helping to create the parameters of tracking as an evaluation measure, and compiles and distributes these results.
At Blinn College, a course syllabus is the official document by which a division’s faculty delineates the purpose, structure, and proposed student learning outcomes of a course. Every course taught on all campuses, regardless of modality, must adhere to the requirements contained in each course syllabus. It is critical that syllabi be followed if courses are to have the continuity necessary to ensure the desired student learning outcomes. Syllabi are approved by the Division Chair, confirmed by the Academic Affairs Office, and placed on file in both the Division Chair’s office and in the Academic Affairs Office.
Title Page
The following information appears on the title page of each syllabus:
Heading for the Syllabus
The first page of the syllabus begins with a heading that includes the course title and course number. If the course is in the Core Curriculum, this is stated below the course title and course number on the first page.
Purpose Statement
The first major section of the syllabus is the purpose statement which is a brief explanation of why the College teaches the course and how it contributes to addressing the goals of the division and of the college curriculum as a whole.
Course Description
This section includes the following:
Student Learning Outcomes
Student learning outcomes represent the critical core knowledge a student should possess upon completion of the course. The student learning outcomes for a course will typically include affective, cognitive, and behavioral (psycho-motor) objectives. These outcomes relate to the general program goals, division goals, institutional goals, and the college mission.
Course Requirements
This section is intended to include any learning activities, industry standards, and/or senior institution transfer requirements that are fundamental to the course. All sections of the course, regardless of location or modality, must include these requirements.
Grading System
The master course syllabus defines the broad parameters within which an instructor’s grading system for that specific course must fall. Student evaluations for all courses at the College must include at least four major grades. A comprehensive final exam constituting 10-30 percent of the student’s grade is required for all courses. The current college attendance policy also requires that the student’s final grade include at least ten percent for participation. Beyond these basic requirements, the faculty define any other activities/assignments that are necessary to assure overall consistency in addressing the student learning outcomes for each specific course.
Assessment
Multiple measures will be used to evaluate the student learning outcomes for each course. These measures may be content specific, attitudinal, or behavioral. The strategies designed to measure student learning outcomes may be developed by division/program faculty members or may include established institutional measures such as grade distribution, pre/post tests, and inter-institutional course tracking. Faculty members must identify the assessment strategies which will be used to assess all sections of all courses regardless of location or modality. The results of these assessment strategies will be provided to the faculty members so the information will be used for course/program improvement.
Semester Instructional Schedule
Each syllabus contains some indication of how the course material is distributed during the semester. The division faculty decide how specific this section should be to ensure that course instruction is appropriately consistent. For many courses, a general statement that provides minimal guidelines about course sequencing and emphasis suffices. In other situations, division faculty may choose to be more rigid about defining in the syllabus a schedule of topics and/or assignments.
Materials
All appropriate textbooks and special course materials are listed and clearly identified as required. The information provided must be complete enough to also address instructional modality and location. Faculty are encouraged to use supplemental materials with the approval of the division chair.
The division chair has the right and responsibility to check and approve all syllabi, course information sheets, and course packets given out or sold as part of the course. Any educational material sold to students must also be made available in sufficient numbers for easy access by the students in the course. In most cases, this would involve materials on reserve in the library. In the case of electronic resource information, et. al., copies in their respective forms (e.g., CD’s) should be readily available to students. Blinn College Board Policy DBD LOCAL states that “no college employee will realize a profit from material sold exclusively to College students.”
2.10.4 Faculty Responsibility for Curriculum
The responsibility for the development and maintenance of a program or division’s instructional curriculum is assigned to the faculty of that program or division. All courses, current and proposed, are developed using the following process:
The Curriculum Committee, a course-recommending body, is composed of division chairs from Brenham and Bryan campuses, along with faculty representatives from the various academic and technical education divisions as well as the Schulenburg and Sealy campuses. The Curriculum Committee usually meets at least six times during the academic year. All proposed new courses, or course changes, must be reviewed and endorsed by this Committee before being forwarded to the Academic Affairs office for ratification.
2.11 EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS/DOCUMENTATION
2.11.2 Faculty Enrollment in Blinn College Courses
Faculty members may enroll in college courses on their own time unless other arrangements are approved by the College President. Tuition and fees must be paid by the faculty member, but use of non-expendable textbooks may be extended to the instructor, Blinn College Board Policy Manual, Policy DEB (LOCAL).
For further information concerning health or life insurance, the retirement program, or salary documents, please contact the Personnel Office.
A general personnel file for each faculty member is maintained by the
Human Resources Office.
The file contains required employment information including the following:
2. record of employment (absences, vacation days, etc.),
3. health insurance plan, and
4. retirement plan.
Upon request, faculty members or their authorized representatives will be permitted to review their files; see Blinn College Board Policy Manual, Policy DBA (LEGAL).
2.12.1 Employment Procedures
When a full-time teaching position becomes available, it is advertised through the Human Resources Office.
All applications are submitted online at employment.blinn.edu. The approval process for all position requisitions and employment offer forms can be found in the workflow document in the online hiring system.
When a vacancy has been identified on the Brenham campus, a faculty selection committee is appointed by the Vice President Academic Affairs or designee. On the Bryan campus this is accomplished by the Vice President Bryan Campus or designee. The membership of this committee is usually comprised of a division chair (functions as committee chairman), other faculty from the division, Dean of Academic Affairs, and any others appointed by the respective Vice President. The reviewing, screening, and evaluation of applications are completed by this committee. After this process is completed, the committee then recommends a number of applicants to be invited for personal interviews. The Director of Human Resources or designee contacts the candidates, arranges for the interviews, and notifies the candidates of the action taken by the review committee.
The Director of Human Resources or designee monitors the entire process. The committee recommends a candidate. The candidate may be required to meet the respective Vice President as well as the President before a recommendation for employment is presented to the Board. This process is documented through the online application and selection system.
All faculty who teach at Blinn College receive contracts. For additional information concerning contract parameters and remuneration, consult the Vice President Academic Affairs. Copies of full-time, adjunct, and part-time faculty contracts are located in Appendix E.
A file for each faculty member is maintained in the Vice President Academic Affairs office. Faculty members must provide all necessary information upon request. As presently organized, the files contain the following: employment application; proof of English proficiency; official transcripts; copies of appropriate certificates; and faculty correspondence/requests. Additional information related to faculty responsibilities is also maintained by the Vice President Academic Affairs office.
A faculty member may obtain an official Blinn College name tag by contacting the Vice President Academic Affairs. Faculty may also obtain a photo ID by contacting the Vice President of Student Services.
Inquiries concerning professional vacancies should be forwarded to the Director of Human Resources. For specific information call (979)830-4127. For positions currently available, consult the Blinn College Web Site.
Copies of full-time and part-time faculty contracts are available in Appendix E. If you have any questions regarding your contract, contact the Director of Human Resources. (The adjunct faculty position is no longer available.)
A copy of the current "Faculty and Professional Staff Salary Schedule" is available on the Blinn College web site . If you have any questions about this document, contact the Personnel Director.
2.12.8 Salary and Contract Schedules
Blinn College faculty are remunerated through varying contracts commensurate with faculty teaching credentials and experience, and according to faculty status and teaching load. For specific salary and contract parameters, consult the Faculty Salary Schedule.
Although Blinn College does not have a program of professorial rank/tenure, Blinn provides its faculty with two levels of contracts based on years of service to the institution. A new full-time faculty member receives a one-year contract through his/her first four years of teaching. A faculty member in good standing completing four years of teaching at Blinn College is eligible to receive a two-year contract thereafter. (Two year contracts are awarded only during the years the state legislature meets.)
2.12.10 Termination of Employment
Blinn College reserves the right to terminate employment of any faculty member for just cause. For additional information refer to Blinn College Board Policy DMAA (LEGAL) and DMAA (LOCAL).
2.13.1 Concurrent Enrollment2.14 Faculty Classification SystemA qualified high school junior or senior may be eligible to enroll in college-level courses (no more than six hours a semester) and receive high school as well as college credit for courses in Blinn College’s dual credit program. Dual credit classes may be taught on a Blinn Campus, in an area high school, or through distance learning modalities. Faculty members teaching these courses must possess the minimum credentials as defined by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For additional information consult the Director of Off-Campus Programs for High Schools (979) 830-4039.
2.13.2 Distance Learning Program
Blinn College has a distance learning program which includes internet classes and two-way video instruction. Blinn College instructors administer these courses and design Course Information Sheets, assignments, projects, and examinations. In distance learning courses, on-campus review sessions and on-campus examinations may be conducted. For specific information concerning distance learning classes, contact the Dean of Distance Education: Bryan (979) 209-7403.
2.13.3 Evening Courses: On and Off Campus
Evening classes generally meet either one or two evenings each week for a total of 150 minutes. Some classes meet on a different schedule as required by the nature, location, and extent of instruction for the course.
Full-time faculty may be assigned to an evening course on or off campus. Final determination regarding an individual instructor's workload will be made by the appropriate division chair in consultation with the appropriate dean.
Division chairs and program directors are primarily responsible for locating appropriate faculty to teach at approved off-campus locations, subject to approval by the appropriate Vice President.
2.13.4 Prison Educational Programs
Blinn College has contracts to provide the courses at select state and federal prisons. The Coordinator of Prison Programs and Technical Education Dual Credit has the primary administrative responsibility for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice program at Wallace Pack and O. L. Luther Units in Navasota, the Federal Women's Prison, and the Giddings State Home and School (Texas Youth Commission).
Faculty who are teaching in a prison have an additional obligation to function in a manner conforming to the uniqueness of a prison environment. When a faculty member accepts a teaching assignment at a prison, the appropriate administrator arranges for a background check and facility orientation.
2.14.1 Full-Time Teaching Faculty:2.15 FACULTY DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITIES1. holds a term contract of one or two years duration;
2. teaches no fewer than fifteen (15) semester hours each long semester; science faculty teach no fewer than 12 hours each long semester;
3. conducts all duties and responsibilities as defined in the Faculty Handbook, Board Policy Manual, and employee contract; and
4. receives the employee benefit package; and
5. works 40 hours per week with a minimum of 35 on-campus hours.
2.14.2 Adjunct Faculty: (This classification is no longer available; deleted after the 2003-04 academic year)
1. holds a one-semester term contract;
2. teaches no more than twelve (12) semester hours each long semester;
3. conducts all duties and responsibilities as defined in the Faculty Handbook, Board Policy Manual, and employee contract;
4. is compensated on the part-time salary schedule; and
5. works 17 or less on-campus hours per week.
Instructors in the District shall meet or exceed the current standards of the College Delegate Assembly for the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Blinn College Board Policy (DN). The minimum standard defined by SACS is a master’s degree preferably in the content field with eighteen (18) graduate hours prefixed in the teaching field/content area. In technical and workforce education, instructors must possess appropriate academic preparation or academic preparation coupled with work experience. The minimum academic degree for faculty teaching in professional, occupational, and technical areas must be at the same level at which the faculty member is teaching (e.g., an instructor teaching in an associate degree program must hold an associate degree). The typical combination is a baccalaureate degree with appropriate work experience.
The maximum number of credit hours taught in a semester by a part-time instructor is twelve (12). The maximum number for full-time instructors is fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) semester credit hours consisting of five (5) lecture courses or four (4) laboratory courses.
Full time faculty will teach no more than 3 internet sections as part of their course load. Faculty teaching 4 hour courses will teach no more than 2 internet sections each semester. If specific needs rise, the division chairs are allowed to make exceptions on a temporary basis after consultation with their counterpart on the other campuses, as applicable.
Hours above the fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) are considered "overloads". Faculty members who teach a course with a minimum enrollment of 65 students and a maximum enrollment of 80 students will be paid an overload a the part-time rate. Only one "overload" teaching course will be approved by the appropriate dean and vice president. Normally, division chairmen make recommendations for teaching overloads.
A teaching "overload" is defined as a sixth three-hour course, a sixth two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory course, or a fifth three-hour lecture and three-hour laboratory course. Normally, division chairs may recommend to the appropriate vice president for approval only one "overload" teaching course. Faculty teaching an "overload" are still required to maintain regular office hours. When a faculty member teaches an "overload" in another division, the chairmen of both divisions must agree in writing and make a joint recommendation for approval to the appropriate dean and vice president.
A faculty member teaching summer courses should not teach more than five courses over a ten week period (including the 10-week summer session) with this proviso: an instructor teaching only 10-week courses during the summer session may teach a total of four (4) courses. For all other summer session teaching scenarios, the normal teaching load would be as follows: two courses summer I, two courses summer II, and one ten-week course. A faculty member wishing to deviate from this normal summer teaching load should consult with his or her division chair. If a faculty member wishes to teach an additional course, s/he must have the approval of the respective division chair and dean.
2.14.4.1 TRS Retiree Instructional Load
The maximum number of credit hours taught in a semester by a Teacher Retirement System (TRS) retiree is twelve (12).
A faculty member who is a TRS retiree teaching summer classes should not teach more than one course during summer I and one course during summer II or no more than two ten-week courses (faculty members who retired before January 1, 2001 are exempt from these TRS restrictions). This guideline is established as a consequence of TRS regulation. The individual retiree faculty member bears the responsibility to follow the guidelines within their retirement contract with TRS.
2.15.1 Full-Time FacultyInstructors provide classroom instruction and are responsible to the division chair. All full-time faculty must
1. adequately prepare for all classes,
3. follow all course and division requirements in the course syllabus,
4. teach assigned classes at the location and time designated using the College- adopted course materials such as textbooks and other supplementary materials,
5. meet classes at the designated time and for the duration of that scheduled period,
6. assist in enforcing college regulations,
7. read in class, and/or post all student notices authorized and distributed by college administrators,
8. post/maintain required office hours,
9. leave the classroom/laboratory in proper order,
10. refer students to Student Services in cases where personal, crisis, or career counseling may be helpful or needed,
11. participate in required college orientation/instructional development meetings as notified,
12. participate in the faculty evaluation process,
13. attend faculty and division meetings,
14. serve on division or college committees as assigned,
15. participate in division decisions regarding curriculum review, pre- and post-test instruments, textbook selection, supplementary materials, etc. (Faculty are responsible for maintaining, reviewing, revising, and administering all course-related materials.)
16. record required student performance components such as attendance, grades, pre- and post-test scores, etc.,
17. administer final examinations following the official Course Schedule and follow all other college policies and procedures concerning final examinations,
18. meet all college deadlines for submitting student records as well as personnel/employment records as notified,
19. participate in and assist with collegiate activities such as the University Interscholastic League (UIL), commencement, and so forth,
20. remain current regarding duties and responsibilities related to the courses taught (e.g., utilize available educational technology as it relates to instructional responsibilities),
21. provide students with necessary academic advisement and assistance,
22. participate in student registration as assigned,
23. maintain professional competence,
24. conduct instructional and college-related functions in a professional manner,
25. become familiar with and abide by all College regulations regarding students and faculty as published in the Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, Bulletin, Blinn College Board Policy Manual, and employee contract,
26. establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and supervisors, and
27. turn in twelfth day rosters on time to ensure only currently registered
students attend class.
2. provide students with the necessary Course Information Sheet as outlined in the Faculty Handbook,
3. follow all course and division requirements in the course syllabus,
4. teach assigned classes at the location and time designated using the college- adopted course materials such as textbooks and other supplementary materials,
5. meet classes at the designated time and for the duration of that scheduled period,
6. assist in the enforcement of college regulations,
7. read in class, and/or post all student notices authorized and distributed by college administrators,
8. leave the classroom/laboratory in proper order,
9. post/maintain required office hour(s) per section taught,
10. refer students to Student Services in cases where personal, crisis, or career counseling may be helpful or needed,
11. participate in required college orientation/instructional development meetings as notified,
12. participate in the faculty evaluation process,
13. attend faculty and division meetings,
14. participate in division decisions regarding curriculum review, pre- and post-test instruments, textbook selection, supplementary materials, etc. (Faculty is responsible for maintaining, reviewing, revising, and administering all course-related materials.)
15. record required student performance components such as attendance, grades, pre- and post-test scores, etc.,
16. administer final examinations following the official Course Schedule and follow all other college policies and procedures concerning final examinations,
17. meet all college deadlines for submitting student records as well as personnel/employment records as notified,
18. maintain professional competence,
19. conduct instructional and college-related functions in a professional manner,
20. become familiar with and abide by all college regulations regarding students and faculty as published in the Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, Bulletin, Blinn College Board Policy Manual, and employee contract,
21. establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and supervisors, and
22. turn in twelfth day rosters on time to ensure only currently registered students attend class.
Part-time instructors provide classroom instruction and are responsible to division chair. All part-time instructors must
2. provide students with the necessary Course Information Sheet as outlined in the Faculty Handbook,
3. follow all course and division requirements in the course syllabus,
4. teach assigned classes at the location and time designated using the college- adopted course materials such as textbooks and other supplementary materials,
5. meet classes at the designated time and for the duration of that scheduled period,
6. assist in enforcing college regulations,
7. read in class, and/or post all student notices authorized and distributed by college administrators,
8. leave the classroom/laboratory in proper order,
9. be available 30 minutes before or after each class meeting in a designated area,
10. refer students to Student Services in cases where personal, crisis, or career counseling may be helpful or needed,
11. participate in required college orientation/instructional development meetings as notified,
12. participate in the faculty evaluation process,
13. record required student performance components such as attendance, grades, pre- and post-test scores, etc.,
14. administer final examinations following the official Course Schedule and follow all other college policies and procedures concerning final examinations,
15. meet all college deadlines for submitting student records as well as personnel/employment records as notified,
16. maintain professional competence,
17. conduct instructional and college-related functions in a professional manner,
18. become familiar with and abide by all college regulations regarding students and faculty as published in the Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, u>Blinn College Bulletin, Blinn College Board Policy Manual. and employee contract,
19. establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and supervisors, and
20. turn in twelfth day rosters on time to ensure only currently registered
students attend class.
Division chair must
2. provide orientation, supervision, and support to all faculty members within the division or program area,
3. conduct the necessary faculty evaluation process, and document follow-up activities,
4. coordinate institutional effectiveness activities that are an integral part of the division's operation,
5. coordinate and plan, with faculty and/or assistant division chair, curriculum development, program revisions, textbook adoptions, course scheduling, etc.,
6. coordinate the development of syllabi for all courses taught in the division as well as other materials pertinent to instruction,
7. routinely visit off-campus sites to maintain the necessary continuity for all courses taught or programs offered within the division,
8. disseminate information to faculty members in a timely manner,
9. ensure that budgets, schedules, purchase requisitions, textbook orders, inventories, and other necessary documents that affect the division are processed in a timely manner,
10. participate in official college meetings as requested, including college responsibilities such as UIL, registration, student counseling, advisory committees, and other duties as assigned,
11. conduct regular division meetings and maintain minutes,
12. ensure that all faculty members within the division abide by and enforce college policies,
13. prepare any reports or documents as requested by the Deans of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Technical and Workforce Education, and
14. be responsible for the security of all classrooms and equipment within
the division.
2. conduct the necessary faculty evaluation process and document follow-up activities,
3. coordinate and plan with faculty and division chair curriculum development, program revisions, textbook adoptions, and course scheduling,
4. coordinate the development of syllabi for all courses taught in the division as well as other materials pertinent to instruction as directed by the division chair,
5. work closely with the division chair to maintain the necessary continuity for all courses taught or programs offered by the division at the off-campus site(s),
6. disseminate information to faculty members in a timely manner,
7. ensure that budgets, schedules, purchase requisitions, textbook orders, inventories, and other necessary documents that affect the division are processed in a timely manner,
8. participate in official college meetings as requested,
9. engage in college responsibilities such as UIL, registration, student counseling, advisory committees, and other duties as assigned,
10. aid faculty members within the division to abide by and enforce college policies,
11. prepare any reports or documents as requested by the division chair or the Academic Affairs office, and
12. assist in keeping classrooms and equipment secure within the division.
The faculty evaluation process is comprised of three components: (1) student evaluation, (2) supervisor’s evaluation and (3) professional development plan. This process begins with student evaluations administered during the fall semester. The faculty member reviews the results of these evaluations during the spring semester. At this time the faculty member will also be evaluated by his/her immediate supervisor and will prepare an individual professional development plan. In Appendix G is the Faculty Evaluation System pamphlet outlining implementation of this process.
2.17 FACULTY OFFICES AND ACCOMMODATIONS
2.17.1 Office Space and Hours
Faculty who are conferring with students face to face should meet only in an approved Blinn facility or location.
Each fall semester the College conducts an orientation session for new faculty. The session is required of all faculty teaching for Blinn College for the first time. New faculty are notified of the time and day for the session. Sessions are held on both the Brenham and Bryan campuses. For more information contact the Vice President Academic Affairs.
2.19.3 Substitute
Teaching
See Faculty Absences 2.30.7
2.20.1 Academic Technology Services2.21 GRIEVANCE PROCEDUREThe Dean of Academic Technology Services and staff provide various services to faculty and instructional divisions including the following:
1. assistance in determining hardware and software needs for the division and the individual faculty member,For assistance you may contact a staff member at (979) 830-4221.2. technical support in the repair and service of existing hardware housed in the division or in faculty offices,
3. consultation with divisions and faculty concerning effective hardware and/or software configuration used for instruction in student lab, and
4. implementation on the master plan of the College for instructional technology and the WAN and LAN systems owned by the institution.
The Instructional Technology Committee is composed of faculty from various divisions who have interest in the use of instructional technology as well as the use of computers and peripheral equipment/resources in the teaching and learning process. The Committee serves as an advisory group to the Dean of Academic Technology Services.
2.20.2 Learning Center/Computer Laboratories
Blinn College supports its instructional program by providing computer laboratories and learning centers open to all students on the two main Brenham and Bryan campuses.
The Learning Center on the Brenham campus is located in the Academic Building. The Learning Center staff provides small group as well as individualized tutoring for students in select subject areas. The Learning Center also houses an extensive video collection including tutorials in the areas of mathematics, English, and reading. Numerous software packages are also available on the network. The Learning Center also includes a testing center. Faculty members may make arrangements through the Learning Center director to place software programs in the center for student use. For additional information contact (979) 830-4427.
The Learning Center on the Bryan campus offers services which include special THEA mini-sessions, tutoring in several subject areas, and testing services. Several academic divisions have non-print resources such as audio-visuals and cassettes available for use by students in the laboratory. Numerous software packages are available to students for their use. Faculty members may make arrangements through the Learning Center director to place software programs in the center for student use. For additional information contact at (979) 209-7267.
On the Brenham campus the Bob Bullock Business and Computer Science Center houses a computer laboratory open to all students. Faculty members may make arrangements with the laboratory director to place software programs in the laboratory for student use. Commonly used software programs are available. The laboratory also has multi-media resources. For additional information contact (979) 830-4298.
Computer laboratories are available for students on the Schulenburg and Sealy campuses. Commonly used software programs are available. For additional information on the laboratories, contact the Schulenburg campus at 979-743-5200 or the Sealy campus at 979-627-0830.
Technical and Workforce Education has the Allied Health facility containing a computer laboratory designed to support allied health studies. The software comprises commonly used programs and some specialized content software such as ADAM.
See Mentor Program 2.242.20.4 New Faculty OrientationSee Orientation 2.18.12.20.5 Library ServicesFor library services consult the following numbers: for the Brenham campus call (979) 830-4250; for the Bryan campus call (979) 821-0270 or visit the Blinn College library website (http://www.blinn.edu/Library/).
The Blinn College Board of Trustees affirms the right of its employees to seek relief from work-related conditions which the employee believes to be unfair, inequitable, discriminatory or a hindrance to effective work. The district has defined formal and informal procedures through which an individual employee is given the opportunity to present views and to have work-related problems and complaints addressed without fear of prejudice, coercion or reprisal. The district shall receive, process, and resolve employee grievances fairly, equitably, and promptly in accord with the provisions of Blinn College Board Policy DGBA (LOCAL).
If a faculty member desires to invite a guest speaker, s/he should consult with the division chair. The College does not automatically provide compensation/honorariums to guest speakers scheduled for classes.
The leave policies of Blinn College include two main areas: sick leave
and personal leave (there are other leaves involving certain exigencies – for this
information please consult your supervisor and/or the Human Resources Office). Sick leave
and personal leave ceases upon the termination of employment. No compensation or time-off
is provided for unused sick or personal leave.
2.23.1 Sick Leave – Full-Time Faculty (for 2003 –2004 Academic Year)2.24 MENTOR PROGRAM
Full-time and adjunct faculty members are granted sick leave at a rate of 8 hours (one day) per month of their contract period. Employees may accumulate a maximum of 480 hours (60 days) of sick leave. For the summer sessions, full-time and adjunct faculty receive one and one–half days sick leave per each summer semester. Summer sick leave is an exception to the rule concerning accumulation of sick leave: full-time and adjunct faculty may NOT use any sick leave accumulated during the regular academic year in the summer. For further information consult your immediate supervisor, or the Human Resources Office.2.23.2 Sick Leave – Part-Time Faculty
Each part-time faculty member receives three days of sick leave per semester for an academic year. If a part-time faculty member teaches both fall and spring semesters, s/he accumulates a total of six days sick leave. For the summer sessions, part-time faculty receive one and one-half days sick leave per each summer semester. Part-time faculty may NOT accumulate and/or carry over days of sick leave from academic year to academic year.
2.23.3 Personal Leave – Full-Time Faculty
Full-time faculty receive two days of personal leave with pay beginning September 1 of each academic year. This personal leave does not accumulate from academic year to academic year. Personal leave is designed to permit the faculty member to conduct necessary business that cannot be transacted after regular teaching hours or on weekends. Personal leave may be defined as, but not limited to, legal or business proceedings, funeral of family or friends, illness with the immediate family, and personal illness and pregnancy in the absence of accrued sick leave. Personal leave is not intended to increase vacation or holiday time, and each employee is expected to exercise professional judgment in applying for this leave. It is granted at the discretion of the College and must be approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor and the appropriate vice president. To request personal leave, fill out the Combination Leave Request and Absence Report (Appendix I).
2.23.4 Personal Leave – Part-Time Faculty
Personal leave is not available for part-time faculty
2.23.5 Catastrophic Injury and Illness Fund
A copy of the policy can be found in the Administrative Policy Manual.
All first semester/year faculty members will have a full-time faculty member designated as their mentor. Utilizing official College publications such as the Bulletin, Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, etc., the mentor will advise the new faculty member on College policy and procedure as well as general responsibilities.
2.24.2 Distance Learning Courses
Distance learning faculty will be chosen by their respective division chairmen in cooperation with the Dean of Distance Learning. General training sessions for distance learning instructors will be provided at least once a year. Training topics will vary.
Internet instructors will meet with the Dean of Distance Learning to discuss course management issues and to explore course content package options. Internet instructors who are developing their own content will work in tandem with the Dean of Distance Learning on issues such as course presentation and instructional design. Internet instructors will receive either on-line or real-time training in using the delivery system of the College. All internet faculty will be invited to in-house distance learning sessions that apply to distance learning in general or to Internet courses in particular.
Information to be released to the press should be submitted to the Office of Public Information. Faculty on the Brenham, Schulenburg, and Sealy campuses and off-campus sites should contact the Director of Public Information in Brenham at (979) 830-4113 and faculty on the Bryan campus should contact the Public Information Officer at (979) 209-7285.
Off-campus teaching is located in the following sites: the Bryan Federal Women's Prison, the Giddings State School, Texas Department of Criminal Justice units, and select high school facilities in the College's service area. These locations vary considerably as to number of programs, enrollments, and services available for students and faculty. Contact the Coordinator of Prison Programs and Technical Education Dual Credit at (979) 209-7207. For information about dual-credit courses at service area high schools, contact the Director of Off-Campus Programs for High Schools at (979) 830-4039. See also 2.13.3 Evening Courses: On and Off Campus 2.13.3 Evening Courses: On and Off Campus and 2.13.4 Prison Educational Program.
The purpose of the Council shall be the following: to provide a forum for discussion of academic policies; to formulate recommendations relative to policies and, at the appropriate time, to communicate such recommendations to the Administrative Council; to work toward professional growth and development of its members; and to provide a channel of reciprocal communication between the Council membership and policy-making bodies of Blinn College. The Council may consider non-academic policies at the specific direction of the president of the College.
Membership in the Council shall consist of full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, part-time faculty and librarians. Members of the Council of Division Chairs are not eligible for membership. To insure equal representation, there shall be one representative from each division per campus. The representative will be chosen each spring semester by a vote of the Council members of that division. The current Division Representative shall organize the election and report the result to the Council President. In the event that the current Division
Representative fails to perform these duties, a committee of at least two Council members from that division may form, with the approval of the Council President, to hold the election and report the results. The new Division Representative shall assume the position on the first day of June. A current list of members shall be maintained by officers of the Council (Appendix J).
2.27.3 Professional Associations: Brenham and Bryan
The primary purpose of the Associations is to provide a channel of reciprocal communication between the administration and the faculty.
The Associations may discuss and make recommendations on reports presented by such standing and ad hoc faculty committees as may be appointed to work toward professional growth; administer the faculty scholarship fund (an endowed scholarship fund established by the faculty); conduct faculty social events; and elect faculty delegates to attend professional meetings of institution-wide interest as official representatives of the faculty.
The membership shall consist of those eligible persons who have paid the dues as established by the organization. Those eligible for membership for either the Brenham or Bryan chapter shall consist of off-campus staff members who are employed either (1) on a full-time, or part-time contract, or (2) in a position requiring at least a bachelor's degree (Appendix J).
The Blinn College Board Policy Manual contains board policies, administrative regulations, and exhibits governing the operation of the College District. The manual may be accessed at http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/239501(Appendix B).
The Administrative Policy Manual adopted by the Executive Council contains select administrative policies and operational procedures that govern the daily operations of the College District. Copies of the Administrative Policy Manual are located in the W. L. Moody, Jr. Library and in the offices of all vice presidents.
2.30 RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE FACULTY
2.30.1 Academic Advising2.30.7 Faculty Absences/Walks/Class CancellationsFaculty members are asked to serve in the role of academic advisor for students enrolled at Blinn College. Each instructional division has named a select group of faculty to serve as advisors to students. Working with the Director of Counseling Services, faculty utilize an advising notebook to provide students with guidance regarding their academic careers.
Faculty advisors, academic advisors, and counselors are available to offer information and academic guidance to students. Faculty advisors and counselors are available to offer information and academic guidance to students, and are available to advise students throughout the year.
Certain students are required to be advised prior to registration. They include students enrolling in Blinn College for the first time (except co-enrolled students at a senior institution who provide appropriate approval); students who fail any part of the THEA test; students who are on scholastic probation; students readmitted following suspension; and students enrolled in certificate programs in Technical and Workforce Education.
Faculty should contact their appropriate division chair and discuss their role in academic advising.
Blinn College holds one commencement exercise each year at the end of the spring semester. August and December graduates are given the opportunity of participating in the May graduation ceremony. All full-time faculty are required to participate (See Division Chair for assignment); part-time are encouraged to participate. Faculty are reminded each spring through a notice distributed by the Vice President Academic Affairs on the Brenham campus and Academic Affairs on the Bryan campus to arrange for their regalia. Regalia is available for rent by contacting the Office of Academic Affairs in Brenham (979)830-4130 for the Brenham, Schulenburg and Sealy campuses, and Academic Affairs (979)209-7301 or Technical and Workforce Education (979)821-0212 for the Bryan campus. Orders for faculty members on the off-campus sites are arranged by the secretary for the Vice President Academic Affairs located on the Brenham campus.
See 2.8 Committee Assignment2.30.4 Desk CopiesInstructors are required to obtain their own desk copies from the book publisher. The College bookstores do not have an obligation to provide free textbooks to divisions or instructors. Desk copies may be obtained using the following procedure:
1. Standard procedure: it is the instructor's responsibility to request desk copies, using college letterhead, from the book publisher.2.30.5 Dress Code2. Emergency procedure: an instructor may obtain a textbook from the bookstore for the interim period by authority of the division chair.
A faculty member employed by Blinn College should wear an attire that projects a professional image suited to his or her particular discipline and duties.
All employees shall be subject to assignment and reassignment by the College President at any time.
All full-time faculty members are required to work 40 hours a week with a minimum 35-hour on-campus duty hours per week (Monday through Friday) and to be on campus during that time to be available for meetings with division chairmen, administration, committees, and students. The specific duty hours must be approved each semester by the appropriate division chairman and academic or technical dean. Faculty are encouraged to work the traditional 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. workday, except when teaching evening or weekend classes.
As part of the workweek, full-time faculty are required to maintain office hours. Office hours are defined by teaching load and the number of courses with and without laboratories. For each nonlaboratory course taught by the faculty member, two office hours per week are required. For each laboratory course taught by the faculty member, one and one-half hours per week are required. As example, a faculty member teaching five nonlaboratory courses would maintain ten office hours each week while a faculty member teaching four laboratory courses would maintain six office hours each week.
Part-time faculty are to be available for students one hour per section per week. In each case, office hour information must be included in the course information guide given to students at the beginning of the semester. Full-time and adjunct faculty are required to post their office hours. This must be posted prior to the first day of classes each semester and a copy sent to the division chairman and the academic or technical dean.
[taken from Board Policy DI (Local)].
2.30.6.2. Adjunct Faculty (This classification is no longer available at Blinn College)
Part-time faculty are to schedule office hours and be available for students one hour per section per week. Office hours are to be included in the course information guide given to students at the beginning of each semester.
2.30.6.4 Summer Office Duty Hours
Summer office/duty hours for faculty consist of a minimum of thirty (30) minutes per class meeting to permit students to visit with the faculty member in his/her office.
2.30.6.5 Office Hours for Internet Faculty
Full-time faculty teaching Internet based courses, as a component of their teaching load, may use the following formula in determining off-campus office hours for each Internet course being taught:
3 Semester Credit Hour Course = 4 Off-Campus Office Hours Per Week
4 Semester Credit Hour Course = 5 off-Campus Office Hours Per Week
Full-time faculty may not exceed 10 off-campus office hours per week, and these hours may not be accumulated from week to week.
Faculty who are conferring with students face to face should meet only in an approved Blinn facility or location.
2.30.6.6 Office Hours During Finals Week
Full-time faculty should be available for student consultation during finals week. Since finals week has its own unique scheduling, faculty must arrange their office hours to deal adequately with students’ questions related to final exams. Faculty should consider posting their office hours during the final exam days for the convenience of the students.
When faculty members find it necessary to be absent for any reason other than illness, they must secure approval from their respective division chairman or immediate supervisor. A faculty member who arranges for a replacement instructor for his/her class for whatever reason (e.g., substitute instructor, guest lecture, test proctor, etc.) MUST notify his/her respective division chair. Only an individual approved by the division should be invited to the classroom; this process will ensure that proper credential, remuneration, and liability concerns are addressed. When a faculty member is ill, it is imperative that the faculty member notify his or her immediate supervisor as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made. The instructor should make every effort to provide his or her immediate supervisor (division or assistant division chairman, or program director) with the appropriate course/class materials to be used by the substitute instructor so students will not be unduly affected by the instructor's absence.
In the event an emergency occurs and it is impossible to reach the division or assistant division chair or immediate supervisor, the instructor should contact the office of the Vice-President Academic Affairs (Brenham campus) or appropriate dean (Bryan campus). It is imperative that notice is given as soon as possible so that arrangements may be made regarding teaching the classes.
Upon returning to duty the faculty member must report immediately all absences to the office of the Vice-President Academic Affairs by filing the Blinn College Combination Leave Request and Absence Report (Appendix I).
With respect to an absence due to attendance at a professional meeting or an absence due to some other reason, the instructor should submit a Trip Ticket one month in advance to the division or assistant division chairman (Appendix I).
Class cancellation due to absence can be authorized only in an emergency by an appropriate division chair, dean of academic affairs or dean of technical and workforce education. The instructor may not cancel class(es) without the appropriate authorization. The institution does not sanction WALKS (classes dismissed without prior approval or arrangement). Likewise, faculty should not dismiss early the first class of the semester; all classes should meet their full, scheduled times. A division or assistant division chairman may approve an activity assigned in lieu of a class if 1) it benefits the student, 2) the instructor has anticipated the absence, and 3) a qualified instructor cannot be found as a substitute.
It is a division chair's responsibility to file monthly the Report on Substitute Teaching (Appendix I) with the office of Vice President Academic Affairs (Brenham/Schulenburg campus), the Dean of Academic Affairs (Bryan campus), the Dean of Technical and Workforce Education (Bryan).
The contractual obligations of full-time instructors include service on committees as assigned, attendance at division meetings, and attendance at meetings called by the President, Executive Council or Vice President Academic Affairs, unless an exception is authorized prior to any such called meeting. Full-time faculty are required to arrange their personal and professional commitments so they may attend all required meetings. Part-time faculty are strongly encouraged to attend any and all meetings which may affect their division assignment(s). Meetings scheduled by senior administration are typically held at the beginning of each semester. Division meetings scheduled by the chairmen are held throughout the semester.
See 2.30.6 Duty Hours and 2.17.1 Office Space and Hours.
2.30.10 Outside Work and Responsibilities
Full-time faculty members shall give full-time service to the College. During the required thirty-five hour work week, faculty members shall not engage in any other business or profession except with the prior written approval of the Vice President Academic Affairs and/or the Executive Council. Any such approval must be requested with each contract renewal for employment. Such a request may be denied if it is determined 1) that, in the opinion of the Vice President Academic Affairs and/or the Executive Council, such outside work and responsibilities interfere with the faculty member's efficiency as an instructor and/or staff member, 2) that the outside activity discredits in some way the institution or the faculty member involved, and 3) that the outside activity creates in any way a conflict of interest with the College.
A full-time faculty member must obtain approval for personal or unpaid leave that takes him or her away from his or her college responsibilities and duties.