AA/PPS 04.01.20 - Faculty Qualifications, Responsibilities, and Titles

POLICY STATEMENT

Texas State University is committed to hiring faculty who are qualified in their respective disciplines to meet the responsibilities and performance expectations associated with their job titles.

1. FACULTY QUALIFICATIONS

   1. To ensure the quality and integrity of its academic programs, Texas State University appoints faculty members with the credentials and qualifications to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

   2. Texas State hires qualified faculty as instructors of record to meet the teaching component of its mission. Instructors of record have overall responsibility for the development and implementation of the syllabus, as well as the right to evaluate student performance and assign grades.

   3. When making decisions to appoint faculty members as instructors of record, Texas State gives primary consideration to the highest academic credential or degree earned in the discipline and follows the Faculty Credentials Guidelines of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), as follows:

      1. Faculty teaching general education courses at the undergraduate level: doctorate or master’s degree in the teaching discipline or master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline);

      2. Faculty teaching baccalaureate courses: doctorate or master’s degree in the teaching discipline or master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline);

      3. Faculty teaching graduate and post-baccalaureate coursework: earned doctorate/terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline; and graduate faculty status, per AA/PPS No. 04.01.30, Nomination and Evaluation Procedures for Graduate Faculty; and

      4. Graduate teaching assistants: master’s in the teaching discipline or 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline, direct supervision by a faculty member experienced in the teaching discipline, regular in-service training, and planned and periodic evaluations. UPPS No. 07.07.06, Graduate Student Employment, provides information on titles, responsibilities, and eligibility for graduate student employment in assistantship positions.

   4. Departments, schools, and/or colleges will adopt faculty qualifications policies using the format provided by Faculty and Academic Resources. The policy will list appropriate credentials for instructional levels and disciplinary areas, including academic credentials, terminal degrees other than the doctorate, any required current job-related state, federal, or university license, certification, or other credentials (LCC), and/or other experiences, credentials, or qualifications. Faculty qualifications policies will be reviewed every five years, with academic units responsible for updating them as necessary due to new courses, new academic programs, new academic credentials, or other changes.

   5. When appropriate and on a case-by-case basis, Texas State may also consider demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes of the assigned courses. These qualifications will be considered in accompanying, or in lieu of, academic credentials. Qualification by demonstrated competencies and achievements is rare and relies on compelling evidence in the employment justification process by the hiring academic unit (i.e., complete resume, external recognition in field and unique professional experience)

      1. An Employment Justification form must be submitted to Faculty and Academic Resources for any faculty member who does not meet the academic credentials in the faculty qualifications policy of the hiring unit.

      2. The justification developed and submitted by the hiring academic unit must include a current resume/vita and clear evidence of graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline, complementary work experiences and professional progress in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, scholarly or creative record, and/or other evidence that qualifies the faculty member to teach particular courses.

      3. When determining acceptable qualifications for faculty employed under an employment justification, the justification may not rely primarily or solely on “continuous documented excellence in teaching.”

      4. Employment justification requests are made on a course-by-course basis in advance of hiring decisions and/or prior to the semester in which the courses are taught. These justifications must be approved by department chairs/school directors, college deans, assistant provost, and dean of The Graduate College, if applicable.

      5. Departments/schools are responsible for monitoring the course assignments of faculty employed with justifications and making updates to the justification when a faculty member’s course teaching assignments are changed.

      6. In April of each year, Faculty and Academic Resources will conduct a random review of 10 faculty to compare the courses listed in an approved employment justification to each faculty member’s course teaching schedule for the upcoming fall semester. As needed, results of the review will be communicated to hiring departments for action.

2. FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES

   1. Texas State faculty members have responsibility for the effective undertaking of teaching, research, scholarly and creative activities, and service as expected within their discipline and as determined by faculty title, appointment type, and assigned workload. Department, school, and college policies will delineate faculty responsibilities and duties and performance expectations, including those for active participation in shared governance.

   2. Specific faculty responsibilities may vary from year to year and will be reported, as described in AA/PPS No. 04.01.40, Faculty Workload, Faculty Workload. Faculty roles and responsibilities will be specified in other policy statements and the Faculty Handbook, including:

      1. AA/PPS No. 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses;

      2. AA/PPS No. 04.02.01, Development/Evaluation of Tenure-Track Faculty;

      3. Department faculty evaluation policies mandated by AA/PPS No. 04.02.10, Performance Evaluation of Continuing Faculty and Post-Tenure Review and AA/PPS No. 04.02.11, Performance Evaluation of Non-Continuing Non-Tenure Line Faculty;

      4. AA/PPS No. 04.02.20, Tenure and Promotion Review;

      5. Department and college tenure and promotion policies required by AA/PPS No. 04.02.20, Tenure and Promotion Review;

      6. AA/PPS No. 04.01.21, Research Faculty Appointments; AA/PPS No. 04.01.22, Clinical Faculty Appointments; AA/PPS No. 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments; and AA/PPS No. 04.01.23, Faculty of Practice Appointments; and

      7. AA/PPS No. 04.01.05, Endowed Chairs, Endowed Professorship, and University Chairs: Operating Guidelines.

3. CONTRACT CONDITIONS

   1. Faculty members are employed on a full-time or part-time basis.

      1. Full-time faculty are employed on a 100 percent basis and spend at least 50 percent of their time in faculty-related duties, including teaching and research, scholarly and creative, and service activities.

      2. Part-time faculty are employed on less than a 100 percent basis and spend at least 50 percent of their assigned time on faculty-related duties, including teaching and research, scholarly, and creative activities.

   2. Faculty members are employed on a continuing and non-continuing basis.

      1. Continuing faculty are faculty members appointed on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis with tenure, in a tenure-track position, or on a term basis. Senior lecturers, faculty of practice, instructional faculty, clinical faculty, and research faculty at all ranks are typically appointed on a term basis, as described in Section 03.03.

      2. Non-continuing faculty are appointed on a per-course or FTE basis for one semester or one academic year, are not tenured, and are not in a tenure-track or term appointment. This group includes lecturers, visiting faculty, and other faculty hired for one semester or one academic year (fall and spring semesters).

   3. All faculty appointments are for a specified period and are not to exceed one year, as specified by The Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, Chapter V, Section 4.1, Employment.

      1. Faculty who are not in tenured or tenure-track appointments may be appointed for a specified term, renewable annually, ranging from one to five years.

      2. Eligibility for reappointment each year is contingent upon satisfactory annual performance evaluations during the term period, departmental need, and continuity of funding

4. FACULTY TITLES

   1. Tenure-line faculty are faculty who are eligible for consideration for tenure following a stipulated probationary period, or who have earned tenure. Titles for tenure-track and tenured faculty include:

      1. Assistant professor;

      2. Associate professor;

      3. Professor;

      4. Professor – endowed chair;

      5. Professor – endowed professor;

      6. Professor – university chair;

      7. Regents’ professor;

      8. Chair – associate professor;

      9. Chair – professor;

      10. Program chair – associate professor;

      11. Program chair – professor;

      12. School director – associate professor;

      13. School director – professor; and

      14. University distinguished professor.

   2. Non-tenure-line faculty (NLF) are faculty who are not eligible for tenure. Emeritus faculty are included in this group because tenure is surrendered at the time of retirement. Select NLF titles are eligible for promotion or are the result of promotion, including assistant professors, associate professors, and professors in research, clinical, instructional, or faculty of practice titles. Titles for NLF include:

      1. Lecturer – instructional faculty are hired on a non-continuing basis for one academic year or semester, either on a per course or FTE appointment. Lecturers may be reappointed, pending successful annual reviews and recommendations to reappoint. Lecturer duties are restricted to teaching functions and may include limited service activities.

      2. Senior Lecturer – instructional faculty are hired on a continuing basis in an FTE appointment. Senior lecturer appointments may be made for a specific term, not to exceed five years, pending successful annual reviews and recommendations to reappoint, renewable annually. Senior lecturers may be reappointed to subsequent five-year terms. Senior lecturer duties include the teaching function and expanded service activities. Scholarly and creative activities may be encouraged and allowed, but not required.

      3. Clinical Lecturer – instructional faculty hired either on a per course or FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. For specific requirements for appointment at this rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.22, Clinical Faculty Appointments.

      4. Clinical Assistant Professor – instructional faculty hired on a continuing basis in an FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the clinical track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointment at this rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.22, Clinical Faculty Appointments.

      5. Clinical Associate Professor – instructional faculty hired on a continuing basis in an FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the clinical track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointment at this rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.22, Clinical Faculty Appointments.

      6. Clinical Professor – instructional faculty hired on a continuing basis in an FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the clinical track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointment at this rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.22, Clinical Faculty Appointments.

      7. Research Assistant Professor – appointed for a term not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the research track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointment at this rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.21, Research Faculty Appointments.

      8. Research Associate Professor – appointed for a term not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the research track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointment at this rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.21, Research Faculty Appointments.

      9. Research Professor – appointed for a term not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the research track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointment at this rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.21, Research Faculty Appointments.

      10. Lecturer of Practice – instructional faculty hired either on a per course or FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed three years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the faculty of practice track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointments at the rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.23, Faculty of Practice Appointments.

      11. Assistant Professor of Practice – instructional faculty hired either on a continuing basis in an FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the faculty of practice track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointments at the rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.23, Faculty of Practice Appointments.

      12. Associate Professor of Practice – instructional faculty hired on a continuing basis in an FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the faculty of practice track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointments at the rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.23, Faculty of Practice Appointments.

      13. Professor of Practice – instructional faculty hired on a continuing basis in an FTE appointment for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the faculty of practice track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointments at the rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.23, Faculty of Practice Appointments.

      14. Assistant Professor of Instruction – instructional faculty hired on a full-time basis (75% full-time equivalent (FTE) or higher) for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the faculty of instruction track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointments at the rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments.

      15. Associate Professor of Instruction – instructional faculty hired on a full-time basis (75% full-time equivalent (FTE) or higher) for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the faculty of instruction track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointments at the rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments.

      16. Professor of Instruction – instructional faculty hired on a full-time basis (75% full-time equivalent (FTE) or higher) for a specific term, not to exceed five years or, if for a lesser period of time, the time period specified. A faculty member may be reappointed in the faculty of instruction track for one or more additional terms, contingent upon continuity of funding, the individual’s evaluations, and departmental need. For specific requirements for appointments at the rank, see AA/PPS No. 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments.

      17. Visiting Lecturer – appointment at this rank is reserved for a faculty member from another university serving as a visiting scholar for a predetermined time period for collaboration; for a retired tenured faculty member from another university; or an individual with prominent industry ties. Visiting lecturers may also be appointed to teach on a paid or unpaid basis. Recommendations for appointments at this rank are submitted via the personnel committee, the chair or director, and the dean to the provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs (EVPAA).

      18. Visiting Assistant Professor – appointment at this rank is typically reserved for a faculty member from another university serving as a visiting scholar for a predetermined time period for collaboration; for a retired tenured faculty member from another university; or an individual with prominent industry ties. Visiting assistant professors may also be appointed to teach on a paid or unpaid basis. Recommendations for appointments at this rank are submitted via the personnel committee, the chair or director, and the dean to the provost and EVPAA.

      19. Visiting Associate Professor – appointment at this rank is typically reserved for a faculty member from another university serving as a visiting scholar for a predetermined time period for collaboration; for a retired tenured faculty member from another university; or an individual with prominent industry ties. Visiting associate professors may also be appointed to teach on a paid or unpaid basis. Recommendations for appointments at this rank are submitted via the personnel committee, the chair or director, and the dean to the provost and EVPAA.

      20. Visiting Professor – appointment at this rank is typically reserved for a faculty member from another university serving as a visiting scholar for a predetermined time period for collaboration; for a retired tenured faculty member from another university; or an individual with prominent industry ties. Visiting professors may also be appointed to teach on a paid or unpaid basis. Recommendations for appointments at this rank are submitted via the personnel committee, the chair or director, and the dean to the provost and EVPAA.

      21. Assistant professor emeritus/emerita

      22. Associate professor emeritus/emerita

      23. Professor emeritus/emerita

      24. Distinguished professor emeritus

      25. Regents’ professor emeritus/emerita

      26. University distinguished professor emeritus/emerita

      27. Clinical associate professor emeritus/emerita

      28. Clinical professor emeritus/emerita

      29. Associate professor of practice emeritus/emerita

      30. Professor of practice emeritus/emerita

      31. Associate professor of instruction emeritus/emerita

      32. Professor of instruction emeritus/emerita

      33. Research associate professor emeritus/emerita

      34. Research professor emeritus/emerita

      35. Extension Educator – The primary function of this academic professional is to provide education to clientele through the university’s distance and extended learning and education abroad programs. Extension educators have as their primary responsibility the instruction, assessment, development, and implementation of continuing education and extension and self-paced correspondence programs. Extension educators do not generate student credit hours (SCH) but are assigned duties within a department, center, or institute that require faculty credentials.

      36. Language Educator – The primary function of this academic professional is to provide non-credit education to clientele through the Texas State Intensive English Program. Language educators have as their primary responsibility the instruction, assessment, development, and implementation of continuing non-formal education programs. Language educators do not generate SCH but are assigned duties within a department, center, or institute that requires faculty credentials.

      37. Writer-In-Residence – The primary function of the academic professional is to devote time to writing; share knowledge about the creative writing process; offer one-to-one consultations and advice to Texas State graduate and undergraduate students interested in creative writing and careers as creative writers; and organize and participate in events such as readings or workshops that are designed to increase the knowledge and skills of Texas State students. Writers-in-residence may also participate in community events that promote writing.

      38. Affiliate Instructor – The primary function of this academic healthcare professional is to provide supervision of student clinical learning experiences, including but not limited to instruction of procedures, health assessments, and administration of medications. Affiliate instructors may only perform supervision when a qualified, experienced faculty member is physically present. Supervision of clinical learning experiences must follow appropriate professional regulatory board rules and regulations.

   3. Per-course faculty are paid a flat rate for teaching a class. This appointment is limited to a maximum of two 3-4 hour classes per semester. The only exception is the addition of one University Seminar (US 1100) class section to those two classes per semester.

   4. A per-course faculty FTE is either 20 percent or 40 percent. Titles for per course faculty include:

      1. Lecturer

      2. Clinical lecturer

      3. Lecturer of practice

      4. Visiting assistant professor

      5. Visiting associate professor

      6. Visiting professor

      7. Assistant professor emeritus/emerita

      8. Associate professor emeritus/emerita

      9. Professor emeritus/emerita

      10. Regents’ professor emeritus/emerita

      11. Clinical associate professor emeritus/emerita

      12. Clinical professor emeritus/emerita

      13. Associate professor of practice emeritus/emerita

      14. Professor of practice emeritus/emerita

      15. Associate professor of instruction emeritus/emerita

      16. Professor of instruction emeritus/emerita

      17. Research associate professor emeritus/emerita

      18. Research professor emeritus/emerita

      19. Distinguished professor emeritus/emerita

      20. University distinguished professor emeritus/emerita

      21. Extension educator

      22. Language educator

      23. Writer-in-residence

      24. Affiliate instructor

   5. Program faculty are not instructors of record, do not generate SCH, but are assigned duties within a department, center, or institute that require faculty credentials. An appointment as program faculty must be approved by Faculty and Academic Resources. A description of duties must accompany the request for appointment, including evidence of meeting the following criteria. The program faculty appointment falls within the Department of Labor’s Learned Professional employee exemption when all of the following tests are met:

      1. the employee must be compensated on a salary or fee (stipend) basis at a rate not less than $2,964 monthly, for any FTE (effective January 1, 2020);

      2. the employee’s primary duty must be the performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, defined as work which is predominantly intellectual in character, and which includes work requiring the consistent exercise of discretion and judgement;

      3. the advanced knowledge must be in a field of learning; and

      4. the advanced knowledge must be customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.

   6. Visiting Scholar – Appointment is reserved for individuals visiting from an outside institution or organization and sponsored by a faculty host. The appointment of a visiting scholar must be well defined as to the purpose, the length of the appointment, and the benefit to Texas State. A visiting scholar must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, be financially supported by an outside source, and have proof of medical insurance. If the visiting scholar is a foreign national, the proper visa is required. The faculty host must request prior written approval for the appointment of a visiting scholar from the school director or department chair, dean, and the assistant provost, and as relevant, seek guidance from International Affairs on immigration matters. Timely communication with International Affairs is critical to effective and efficient onboarding.

      Requests to appoint foreign nationals are made no fewer than 30 days prior to arrival on campus using the Visiting Scholar Request and Export Control Request form and provisions of UPPS No. 02.02.10, Export Control Laws and Regulations, Export Control Laws and Regulations. Federal Export Control regulations will be followed when hiring foreign nationals as visiting scholars. This title cannot be used for faculty who otherwise qualify for a visiting faculty appointment.

5. REVIEWERS OF THIS PPS

   1. Reviewer of this PPS includes the following:

      Position	Date
      Vice Provost for Faculty Success	March 1 E5Y

6. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

   This PPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities and represents Texas State Academic Affairs policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.

   Vice Provost for Faculty Success; senior reviewer of this PPS

   Senior Vice Provost

   Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs