Faculty Credentials and SACS

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Faculty Credentials and SACS

• Cary Sowell, Head Librarian
• Dr. Lynn Beaman, Professor
• Austin Community College

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OVERVIEW

• I. Background
• II. Problems
• III. Solutions
• IV. Reactions of Faculty
• V. Where We Are Now

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I. Background

• December 2000 1st SACS Conference
• January 2001 Kickoff
• March 2003 1st Visit
• September 2003 2nd Visit
• January 2004 Warning
• March 2004 Consultant Report
• September 2004 3rd Visit

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II. Problems

• Faculty Qualifications
• 200 faculty hired by exception
• 250 additional faculty were not qualified under
  current guidelines
• Some faculty had drifted into teaching courses
  they were not qualified to teach

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II. Problems Continued

• Credential Documentation
• Inadequate oversight of faculty qualifications
  related to SACS standards
• Unofficial and missing transcripts
• Missing support documentation e.g. current
  licenses/certifications, proof of work experience

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III. Solutions

• Faculty Qualifications
• Tighten rules for hire by exception
• Course comparisons
• Documented policies for troublesome departments
• Instructor of record
• Action plans

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Rationale for Approval
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III. Solutions Continued

• Credential Documentation
• Committee of five
• Human Resources and computer-based processes

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IV. Faculty Reactions
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IV. Faculty Reactions
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V. Where We Are Now

• Faculty
• Developmental Education
• Qualifications Table
• Review Faculty Files

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Questions?

• Insert your contact info here

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Contact Information

• Cary Sowell
• cary_at_austincc.edu
• 512-223-4741
• Lynn Beaman
• lbeaman_at_austincc.edu
• 512-223-3211

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Qualified by Exception

• Non-teaching work experience, including length of
  service, complexity of work, and how closely the
  work corresponds with courses the faculty member
  is requesting to teach at ACC
• College degree closely related to teaching field
• Number of college credits in teaching field or
  closely related area
• Reputation, especially at a national level. This
  can be demonstrated by such activities as
  participation in theatrical or musical
  performances, productions, or exhibits, by
  holding patents, or by membership on national
  boards, committees, or panels

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Qualified by Exception

• Special certifications or licenses
• Publications other than vanity presses
• Awards/honors/commendations
• Proof of how training was achieved
• Excellence in teaching, especially that which is
  long-standing