D. Faculty Designations

Regular Faculty Appointments

Regular faculty appointments result from national search processes through the procedures described in the Faculty Employment Process section. Faculty members with regular appointments are placed on continuing appointments and are subject to the procedures delineated in the Tenure Policy, University Faculty Promotion Policy, and other policies and procedures applicable to full-time faculty members.

Non-Continuing Faculty Appointments

Individuals on non-regular faculty appointments are not eligible for tenure or promotion, even though they may be hired at a certain rank. They enjoy many of the rights and privileges of regular faculty members, including academic freedom and academic due process, and bear the same fundamental professional responsibilities as regular faculty members. However, they may not be eligible for certain benefits and privileges enjoyed by regular faculty members, e.g., faculty research grants, faculty development funding, membership on departmental, college, or University-wide committees. In addition, part-time faculty members are not eligible for participation in the fringe benefits program.

Non-continuing faculty appointments fall under one of the following categories:

Adjunct Faculty. Adjunct faculty are individuals who provide services to the University without remuneration.

Visiting Faculty. Individuals who are regular members of faculties at other institutions are sometimes invited to teach courses in their areas of interest during a summer session, semester, or academic year. Such appointments are by their very nature terminal, may be part-time or full-time, and may involve an exchange with a faculty member from this institution who establishes a similar relationship with the visiting faculty member's institution.

Part-time Faculty.

• Part-time faculty have the rights and privileges of regular faculty. They have the opportunity to participate in departmental activities, such as department meetings and curricular discussions, and at a minimum should be included in the usual communication flow within the department and college. As appropriate, they may be excluded from deliberations and voting on promotion, tenure, and other personnel matters.
• Part-time appointments are defined as assignments to a maximum of twelve credit hours per academic year spread over two semesters. Part-time faculty do not receive the benefits package.
• The eligibility of part-time faculty for professional development funding is at the discretion of the department and college.
• Academic credentials normally require a minimum of a master's degree; however, in specific cases an exception may be justified based on specific expertise and programmatic needs.
• Departments have the responsibility for the orientation of part-time faculty.
• Evaluation of the teaching of part-time faculty is to occur on a regular basis as defined by the department. The process should be comparable to evaluation procedures established for non-tenured, full-time faculty in the department.
• For part-time appointments, teaching loads and other responsibilities are to be clearly defined in the appointment memorandum.

Office of the Provost 07/03/92

Non Tenure-Track Faculty Appointments

Faculty Senate Bill 13-A-06 begins here

Policy

In the increasingly complex educational environment, in order to provide flexibility in faculty staffing, there may be a need for faculty who are appointed to non tenure-track status. These would include, but are not limited to faculty who teach remedial and/or introductory courses and for which a terminal degree may not be required, and faculty at the regional campuses. Non tenure-track faculty positions will be limited to no more than twenty five percent (25%) of full-time faculty in the University. Excluded from this percentage calculation are all faculty funded by designated funds, auxiliaries, grant funds, or regional campuses; temporary and part-time faculty; and teaching assistants.
Approved by Faculty Senate Bill 13-A-06 February 27, 2013, Reviewed by President March 12, 2013, Approved by Board of Regents April 10, 2013

Procedures

Faculty Senate Bill 13-A-07 begins here

Regular Non-Tenure-Track (RNTT) faculty shall hold at least a master’s degree and additional academic credentials as required by the position as determined by the department.

Such appointments are defined as one-year full-time appointments.

Non-Tenure-Track full-time faculty receive the same benefits package as all other full-time faculty.

Non-Tenure-Track full-time faculty have the same expectations for service, advising, and other academic duties as all other full-time faculty.

Non-Tenure-Track full-time faculty will be appointed on a contract basis one year at a time, with the appointment subject to renewal. Such faculty are afforded all the normal protections of academic freedom as described in the faculty handbook.

Evaluations of Non-Tenure-Track faculty will occur on a regular and timely basis as specified by the department.

The criteria for evaluation and renewal of the contract of RNTT faculty must be specified in writing and must be consistent with the expectations of the position. Faculty appointed to such positions are not generally expected to meet the same standards for scholarship and professional development as Tenure-Track faculty and thus are expected to carry a heavier teaching or service load.

Non-Tenure-Track full-time faculty may be terminated by the University at the end of any academic year, but written notice of the University’s intention to terminate the appointment shall be given by the Provost to the faculty member by:

1. March 1 during the first or second year of appointment:
2. The first day of the spring semester for the third and subsequent years of service.

Budget Procedures

Each year the budget office will calculate the percentages of budgeted tenure-track faculty and budgeted non-tenure-track (RNTT) faculty positions based on the FTE of those positions. These percentages will exclude all faculty positions funded by designated funds, auxiliaries or grant funds as well as faculty positions budgeted at the regional campuses. The calculation will not include temporary faculty, part-time faculty, or teaching assistants.

If the percentage of budgeted tenure-track faculty positions is less than 75%, the budget office will add the difference between the average RNTT budgeted base salary and the average assistant professor budgeted base salary (which was $13,500 as of fiscal year 2013) to a salary pool for each change from a tenure track position that caused the percentage to drop below 75%.

No later than August 1st of each year the budget office will provide a report of budgeted faculty, broken down by department and college, to the Provost and Faculty Senate. This report will also include a breakdown of student credit hours on campus by faculty type for the previous year and the current amount of funds in the salary pool.

During the normal course of reviewing faculty vacancies, the Provost’s office will consider programmatic needs, financial resources and the current tenure-track percentage. During periods when the budgeted tenure-track faculty percentage dips below 75%, priority consideration will be given to personnel actions that will increase the percentage. If a determination is made to convert a RNTT to a tenure-track position or to add a new tenure-track position, available dollars in the salary pool may be used to offset the salary adjustment needed to fund the tenure-track position. Funds in the salary pool will not be used for any purpose other than the conversion to or creation of tenure track positions.

Responsibility for the administration of these reports and the salary pool will be borne by the office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

Approved by Faculty Senate Bill 13-A-07 February 27, 2013, Reviewed by President March 12, 2013, Posted for 15 Day Review April 11. 2013

Emeritus Status

The Faculty Senate reserves the right to recommend Faculty Emeritus status to those faculty who meet the following criteria:

1. Have qualified to retire according to the statutory laws of the State of Missouri
2. Are tenured faculty members or are administrative personnel who have tenured, faculty status. (This requirement may be waived in the case of those faculty members or administrative personnel who were approved for Faculty Emeritus status prior to this date.)
3. Have a minimum of fifteen years' service at Southeast Missouri State University This requirement may be waived in the case of extraordinary service as approved by the Faculty Senate.

Recommendations for Faculty Emeritus status will be made according to the following procedures:

1. The Faculty Senate Professional Affairs Committee will obtain the names of eligible retiring faculty from the Office of the Provost.
2. The Professional Affairs Committee will make recommendations to the Faculty Senate.
3. The Faculty Senate will act upon Professional Affairs Committee recommendations.

The Faculty Senate will forward recommendations to the Provost. Faculty Emeritus status will be recognized in the following ways:

1. Will be honored at a spring reception
2. Will receive a token of appreciation, such as a medallion
3. Will receive a gold, Faculty Emeritus parking tag, which will allow parking in any designated faculty/staff lot. Parking will not be allowed in those spaces reserved for University vehicles. Parking will not be allowed in handicapped spaces unless the Faculty Emeritus individual is entitled to such privilege under the law.
4. Will be eligible to receive a faculty ID card signifying Faculty Emeritus status
5. Will continue to have faculty library privileges
6. Will be granted free admission to University-sponsored concerts, lectures, theater, dance and sporting events on campus for Faculty Emeritus and one guest. Tickets to sporting events will be distributed according to procedures outlined by the Athletics Department
7. Will continue to have access to their Southeast email account as well as receive help desk support from Information Technology.
8. Will receive computer software upgrades where permissible under licensing agreement
9. Will receive University Bookstore faculty discounts
10. Will have access to Faculty Emeritus office in Kent Library
11. Will receive a free, lifetime membership to Johnson Faculty Centre
12. Will receive the University Affiliate Rate for Student Recreation membership with applicable senior citizen discount
13. Will receive free access to Wellness Advantage Program services

Those faculty granted Faculty Emeritus status will receive a handbook outlining privileges upon retirement from Southeast Missouri State University.

Faculty and administrators with faculty status who are not eligible for Faculty Emeritus status may be granted recognition for services in the form of a "Certificate of Appreciation."

Approved by Faculty Senate Bill 01-A-07, November 14, 2001 Approved by President - November, 2001 Approved by Board of Regents - December 14, 2001 Bill 08-A-02 Approved by President April 1, 2008; revised emeritus recognition #7

Graduate Faculty Status

Faculty Senate Bill 12-A-11 and 12-A-12 begin here

Graduate Faculty Status Policy

The graduate programs at Southeast Missouri State University build upon undergraduate programs with a reputation for academic and professional excellence. Graduate faculty members possess demonstrable strengths in the relevant areas and as a group present a solid complement of theorists and specialists appropriately qualified to sustain the graduate programs offered at the University.

The graduate faculty at the University play an important role in fulfilling instructional responsibilities and providing leadership in the graduate programs. They are expected to demonstrate high standards in respect to scholarly effort, research, and the practices associated with graduate study. In most cases, graduate and undergraduate faculty members are one and the same, with graduate faculty members assuming duties and responsibilities in both programs. In essence, graduate faculty teach both graduate and undergraduate classes, advise on both levels, etc. The major assignment of most graduate faculty members deals with undergraduate activities.

Graduate Faculty Assignments

The University recognizes that the added responsibilities assumed by some graduate faculty members entail a significant increase in their faculty assignments. Correspondingly, graduate faculty members with Provost approval may be given a variable load assignment of less than the usual twelve hours of classroom instruction, plus the added responsibilities unique to graduate instruction. These individual arrangements provide an opportunity for graduate faculty members to extend their scholarly pursuits, research, and the normal practices associated with advanced study. Faculty members are thus provided with the necessary time to work on a one-to-one basis with students and to extend the quality and quantity of student scholarship as expected and essential to quality graduate programs. Normally, a request for a variation in a teaching assignment generates from one of three sources. First, during a regular academic term, a graduate faculty member with a significant level of involvement in scholarly, creative, or research efforts and the practices associated with graduate study may receive a variable teaching assignment. Such arrangements, as approved by the dean, are made within regular allocations in the college and approved in advance by the Provost. Second, in those cases where a graduate faculty member has demonstrated on a sustained basis a high standard with respect to scholarly, creative, research or professional service, a department chairperson and dean may recommend a variation in the teaching assignment for the following year. Arrangements of this type require the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School and may be supported by resources available in the college or the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School. Third, when a graduate faculty member has demonstrated over a sustained period of time significant leadership in the practices associated with graduate study, the Dean of the Graduate School may approve a recommendation for a variable teaching assignment. In this latter category the procedures immediately below will be followed with consideration being given to such activities as supervising graduate papers and creative projects, chairing specialist and thesis committees, supervising graduate independent studies, planning and monitoring graduate student degree programs, and other special efforts designed to enhance graduate instruction.

Graduate Faculty Status Procedures

Variable Load Assignment

A plan for the variable load assignment should be developed by the faculty member in consultation with the chairperson, and then be approved by the dean. Included in the plan must be a list of anticipated outcomes that will result from the variable teaching assignment (for example, completed theses or creative projects under the guidance of the faculty member, publications, preparation of grant applications).

The primary responsibility for making a variation in the teaching assignments for graduate faculty members with significant graduate responsibilities rests with the dean of the college. These arrangements should be recommended by the appropriate department chairperson to the dean and approved by the Provost.

Graduate Faculty Responsibilities, Expectations, and Appointment

It is the responsibility of the faculty member and his/her department chairperson to provide adequate evidence of the individual's eligibility for appointment as a graduate faculty member. Department chairpersons in their appraisal of the application must verify that data presented in the request meet the criteria established as qualifications for membership in the graduate faculty. Professional qualifications should include the appropriate doctoral degree, or the terminal degree appropriate to the discipline, or evidence that clearly demonstrates the necessary professional competencies. In no case will an appointment be made where an individual's academic and professional qualifications do not exceed those of the students.

Departments are expected to update annually their graduate faculty roster. Additionally, every five years, department chairpersons are asked to verify that each member of the graduate faculty has been actively involved in decisions affecting graduate education at the departmental level and has taught at least one 600- or 700- level course or two 500-level classes with graduate students enrolled or has supervised graduate student research, graduate independent studies, etc., and has maintained a record of active scholarship.

Regular Graduate Faculty

Members of the regular graduate faculty are responsible for:

1. Chairing and serving on master's and specialist's advisory committees.
2. Directing master's theses, graduate papers and projects, and specialist degree papers and internships.
3. Teaching graduate-level courses and directing graduate-level research.
4. Electing and serving on the Graduate Council and its committees.
5. Serving as a departmental or extra-departmental examiner for final graduate oral or written examinations.
6. Assisting in the preparation and evaluation of master's comprehensive examinations.
7. Providing leadership in improving the quality of graduate education.
8. Serving as graduate student advisors.
9. Demonstrating annually graduate research, creative/scholarly effort, or service.
10. Meeting annually as graduate faculty with the Dean of the Graduate School.

Regular graduate faculty members are expected to:

1. Hold an earned doctorate or the appropriate terminal degree for those disciplines in which the doctorate is traditionally not required or available.
2. Be full-time employees of Southeast Missouri State University and members of the instructional unit to which the appointment is proposed.
3. Have competence in the discipline in which the appointment is proposed as demonstrated by prior study, teaching experience, research, scholarly activity, and professional practice.
4. Provide evidence of peer-reviewed scholarship or creativity as appropriate to the discipline.

Appointment to the regular graduate faculty should be by:

1. Recommendation of the department chairperson.
2. Endorsement of the dean of the college.
3. Approval by the Dean of the Graduate School

Associate Graduate Faculty

Members of the associate graduate faculty are responsible for:

1. Teaching graduate-level courses.
2. Serving on master's committees.
3. Directing master's graduate papers and projects.
4. Serving as departmental examiners for final oral examinations.
5. Assisting in the preparation and evaluation of master's comprehensive examinations.

Associate graduate faculty are expected to:

1. Have completed all requirements for the terminal degree except the dissertation where appropriate.
2. Have completed most requirements where the doctorate is not the terminal degree.
3. Be a full-time employee of Southeast Missouri State University and a member of the instructional unit in which the appointment is proposed.
4. Have competence in the discipline in which the appointment is proposed as demonstrated by prior study, by teaching experience, research, scholarly activity, creative projects, and professional practice.

Appointment to the associate graduate faculty should be by:

1. Recommendation of the department chairperson.
2. Endorsement of the dean of the college.
3. Approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.

At the time of application, the Graduate Dean should be supplied with full documentation supportive of the recommendations of the department and college.

Adjunct Graduate Faculty

Members of the adjunct graduate faculty are individuals who are authorized to teach graduate/dual-enrollment classes or serve on master’s committees.

Adjunct graduate faculty are expected to:

1. Possess academic and professional service qualifications demanded for teaching in a particular area of graduate study, or have a post-graduate degree in the area of emphasis and substantial professional experience in that field.
2. Be employed less than full-time by Southeast Missouri State University.
3. Be reappointed for each course they are employed to teach.

Appointment to the adjunct graduate faculty should be by:

1. Recommendation of the department chairperson.
2. Endorsement of the dean of the college.
3. Approval by the Dean of the Graduate School.

At the time of application, the Dean of the Graduate School should be supplied with full documentation supportive of the recommendation of the department and college.

Honors Faculty

Please refer to the information on Honors Faculty in the Honors Program Section