REVISION/CONSOLIDATION PROCESS FOR ACC BOARD POLICIES --- 4/24/96
All current ACC Board policy provisions have been partitioned below into four categories:
A. Transferred to Presidential authority, effective 4/23/96, in conjunction with the adoption of the new Board policy (shown below) on General Executive Directives and Limitations. [83 policies]
B. Identified as immediate candidates for consolidation/generalization or separation of administrative from Board-level concerns (target action dates: spring/summer 1996). [34 policies]
C. Identified as needing some consolidation, generalization, or separation but requiring more preliminary work by the Board to resolve issues of principle or scope (target action dates: spread over the next year or so, based on Board priorities as decided this summer). [22 policies]
D. Identified as already reasonably consistent with the new Board policy principles. [15 policies]
This policy-consolidation effort is focused on creating a concise, coherent arrangement of the strategic elements of existing Board policy, rather than on changing policy provisions (other than by elimination of implementation details). While the consolidation will make the review (and potential amendment) of policy easier, most additions to or changes of the content of current policies will result from separate specific policy initiatives.
Return to the Overview/History of Policy Consolidation
Return to the Policy Development Home Page
Proposed highest-level "logical containment" policy for college operations:
GENERAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVES AND LIMITATIONS
1. The President shall cause to be taken those actions which are needed to carry out the mission of the college within the limits of Board policy and directives, and shall accordingly:
[a] cause an effective instructional program to be offered implementing the college mission.
[b] develop and maintain public plans which are adequate to guide and coordinate the development of the college.
[c] maintain a reporting and analysis system which will supply appropriate information about the scope, effectiveness, and efficiency of college operations.
[d] maintain, with appropriate consultation, administrative rules and procedures sufficient for the proper operation of the college.
2. The President shall not permit work-related practices by college employees which are imprudent, wasteful, or unethical. Accordingly, he or she shall not permit any practices by ACC employees which:
[a] are contrary to applicable laws, regulations, or Board directives.
[b] result in the mistreatment of people.
[c] waste the resources of the students, employees, college, community, or taxpayers.
[d] provide inaccurate or misleading information about college operations.
A. POLICY PROVISIONS TRANSFERRED TO PRESIDENTIAL AUTHORITY 4/23/96
[POLICY PROVISIONS SHOWN IN ITALICS ARE SIMPLY REPETITIONS OF LEGAL REQUIREMENTS]
I-12 (audit reports)
Independent audit by CPA to be provided to Board and sent to state within 120 days of end of fiscal year.
I-33 (lay advisory committees)
Authorizes use of unpaid advisory committee; Board to be advised when such committees are formed
I-40 (external agreements)
President authorized to enter into agreements to offer services to organizations (businesses, etc.)
I-41 (grants)
President is authorized to handle grants; receipt of grants shall be submitted to Board for approval
I-44 (institutional records)
ACC shall identify, maintain, and safeguard needed records, based on an approved retention schedule
I-46 (serviceman's opportunity college)
President is authorized to seek status of "Servicemen's Opportunity College" for ACC, concept is endorsed
I-50 (public information office)
Public information office duties: media relations, legislative contact, producing college publications, special events
I-51 (requests for information)
This policy repeats the applicable provisions of federal and state open-records laws
I-58 (college seal)
Defines and explains college seal
I-59 (college colors)
Defines official ACC colors (blue and white)
I-87 (institutional memberships)
Requires specific approved budget requests for college units to pay for ACC membership in associations or societies
Encourages individual professional-association memberships, but specifies that they must be paid for by employee
I-90 (requesting gifts to ACC)
Requests by employees that external organizations donate to ACC must be approved in advance by President's designee
II-5 (fund custodian)
President is official custodian of all College and grant funds
II-8 (budget transfers)
President or designee shall have reasonable and necessary flexibility to implement certain budget transfers
II-9 (financial reports)
ACC financial reports shall comply with state rules; monthly statements required; annual report shall be August report
II-15 (replacement of stolen equipment)
President may requisition replacement of stolen equipment up to $1,000 per item in value
III-51 (personal long-distance calls)
Prohibits charging ACC for personal long-distance telephone calls
IV-1 (office of physical plant services)
Defines role as ensuring efficient operation of all physical resources of ACC to better serve its needs
IV-8 (smoking)
Smoking forbidden in ACC buildings
IV-6 (display of flags)
Requires that US and Texas flags be displayed daily, weather permitting, at each ACC campus
IV-20 (public use of facilities)
Authorizes making ACC facilities available to qualified groups when not needed for support of college's programs
IV-50 (authority of security personnel)
Distinction of authority of peace officers employed by ACC from that of unlicensed security personnel
Prohibition of possession of weapons on college premises, except by on-duty law enforcement officers
Security personnel have authority to request identification, remove disruptive or law-breaking persons
Security personnel have authority to issue citations and arrange towing for improperly-parked vehicles
IV-60 (custodial and maintenance program)
ACC facilities shall ensure a healthful, pleasant environment, with sanitary and safe conditions
IV-92 (energy)
ACC shall provide safe, efficient, and economical utility services that facilitate programs
IV-93 (safety)
Director of Physical Plant Services is key safety leader; ACC shall try to provide safe and healthful working conditions
V-3 (degree/certificate designations)
ACC shall award AA degrees (leading to BA), AS degrees (leading to BS), AAS degrees (voc-tech), and Certificates
V-5 (grade point average)
Student records shall report GPA in two forms: with and without developmental courses
V-7 (student attendance)
ACC students are expected to attend classes; instructors shall inform students of course objectives at first class meeting
Students not meeting course objectives can be withdrawn at discretion of instructor; 10-day appeal period
V-8 (attendance: block-time programs)
Regular and punctual student attendance required; usual limit on unexcused absences is 10%
Students not meeting attendance requirement will be withdrawn unless special plan approved; 10-day appeal period
V-9 (academic good standing/progress)
Good standing is 2.0 GPA on all ACC coursework; student must have ACC GPA of 2.0 or better to graduate
Minimum acceptable academic progress if not on scholastic suspension or probation [see policy V-10]
V-10 (academic probation)
Scholastic probation occurs when student's cumulative ACC GPA is less than 1.75 after 7-29 credit hours, 1.85 after 30-39 hours, 1.95 after 40-49 hours, or 2.0 after 50 hours or more
Lack-of-progress probation occurs when a student whose cumulative enrollment is 20 or more credit hours has more than 50% non-performance grades (withdrawals and incompletes)
Students on probation must have course load and selection approved by counseling center
Scholastic suspension occurs when a student already on scholastic probation has a cumulative ACC GPA of less than: 1.50 after 0-15 credit hours, 1.75 (16-29 hours), 1.85 (30-39 hours), 1.95 (40-49), or 2.0 (50 hours or more)
Lack-of-progress suspension occurs at the end of the Spring semester when a student already on lack-of-progress probation has cumulative enrollment is 30 or more credit hours has more than 50% non-performance grades
After a period of scholastic suspension, as student may be readmitted on scholastic probation
V-11 (scholastic achievement awards)
President's Honor Roll: 4.0 GPA; Scholastic Excellence Roll: 3.75 GPA; Scholastic Leadership Roll: 3.5 GPA
V-12 (standards of progress: block-time programs)
Policy just refers to Procedure 5012
V-13 (student withdrawal)
Students who are not withdrawn by deadline and do not complete course will receive "F" grades
V-14 (conversion of block-time credits)
ACC will, on student request, convert block-time hours into semester-hour credits where feasible
V-33 (field/international studies courses)
All such courses must be college level, meet regulations, be planned with and supervised by academic units, include tests
V-34 (ACC jazz ensemble)
Membership limited to current students and faculty; no individual pay; ACC may charge for performances
No performances at commercial events; prior approval required for performances
V-37 (lab school priority)
Priority for child-care lab-school enrollments to ACC students, faculty, and staff
Enrollment is to reflect cultural and socioeconomic diversity of Austin; sliding scale tuition based on income
V-39 (high-school-student coenrollment)
Authorizes coagreements with school districts for coenrollment of high-school students
V-73 (TRS-retired workload limit)
TRS retirees may be employed to teach no more than half the instructional load of a full-time faculty member
VI-20 (library role)
Mission/goal statement of LRS; no specific rules
VI-22 (library circulation rules)
Detailed rules on check-out limits, borrowers, fines, and damages; holds can be placed on delinquent student borrowers
VI-23 (library materials selection)
Priority given to curriculum-related material; required texts/manual generally not acquired; censorship avoided
VI-28 (censorship)
ACC subscribes to the "Library Bill of Rights" adopted by the American Library Association in January 1980
VI-31 (copyrights)
ACC personnel shall adhere to federal copyright laws
VII-20 (admission criteria)
For semester-credit or voc-tech programs, student must meet requirements of the assessment policy and either [i] be a graduate of an accredited high school, [ii] pass the GED test, [iii] be 18 years old with "individual approval" by admitting officer, or [iv] a coenrolled high school student
For continuing-education programs, student must be either 18 years of age or a high school or GED graduate
For adult basic education programs, student must be legal residents and beyond compulsory school attendance age
For competency-based high school diploma program, student must be at least age 17, meet school-district criteria
VII-22 (tuition/fee refunds)
For full withdrawals (from all ACC classes):
fall/spring: 100% before classes start, 80% by day 5, 70% by day 10, 50% by day 15, 25% by day 20, then 0%
summer: 100% before classes start, 80% by day 3, 50% by day 6, then 0%
For reduced loads: 100% by day 12 (day 4 in the summer), 0% afterwards
VII-23 (refunds: block-time)
Full refund for prepaid months after month of withdrawal, 75% or 100% refund if withdrawal in first 3 class days
VII-24 (refunds: CE/BTC)
75% refund (100% under certain conditions) if withdrawal is before the first meeting of a class which meets once or twice, before the second meeting of a class which meets 3-4 times, or before the third of 5 or more meetings
VII-25 (assessment)
ACC will assess new students enrolling for college-credit courses who have not completed 9 college credit-hours, unless exemption criteria are met; assessment shall be completed by the end of the first semester
Students who have not been assessed or do not pass assessment tests will not be allowed to enroll in restricted courses
Students will be advised in selection of courses which will provide optimal opportunities for academic success
VII-26 (collection of transcript fees)
ACC maintains an official record of student credits, will provide copies to eligible recipients on payment of fee
VII-28 (student class load)
Normal full-time load is 12 semester hours (8 summer); a student may register in a maximum of 18 hours (14 summer)
VII-30 (student records)
ACC shall maintain complete and accurate student records, which shall conform to federal privacy law
VII-40 (counseling)
ACC shall provide a counseling/advising program to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals through adjustment to ACC, appropriate placement, general social adjustment, comprehensive testing, and placement and follow-up services
VII-46 (student discipline)
Director of Student Services has primary student-discipline authority, but is to work cooperatively with faculty
Prohibits acts which interfere with ACC educational process and goals, especially on ACC property
Prohibited acts: illegal acts, firearms possession, disruption, dangerous acts, vandalism, illegal use of keys, unauthorized use of alcohol, gambling, illegal drugs, theft, violation of ACC rules (district, campus, or classroom), refusal to identify self, false identification, scholastic dishonesty
VII-50 (student activities)
Objective is development of students' intellectual, civic, cultural, personal, & social skills, and the ideals of democracy
Entire student activities program, including all financial transactions, is under college supervision
VII-51 (student-organization use of facilities)
College facilities shall be made available to registered student organizations when such use does not conflict with primary educational uses; expenses of use may be charged
VII-56 (religious holy days [students])
Students may be absent, without penalty, for religious holidays, provided instructors are notified in writing in advance
Required assignments must be made up within two days after absence
VII-60 (health services)
ACC does not provide direct health services to students and employees
VII-80 (financial aid)
ACC shall participate in financial aid programs, and shall not discriminate in providing financial aid
VII-81 (progress requirements for financial-aid recipients)
Student financial aid recipients must maintain satisfactory progress to be eligible for financial aid
VII-82 (pay rates for work-study students)
Work-study rate set annually at no less than federal minimum wage and no more than the lowest classified hourly rate
VII-90 (veterans educational program)
ACC shall maintain a comprehensive veterans program in compliance with federal/state guidelines and mandates
VIII-4 (classification of new staffing-table positions)
The classification appeals committee shall review all new non-faculty positions and recommend appropriate placement
Existing salary money may not be moved in whole or in part to fund new positions which have not been so reviewed
VIII-6 (solicitation of employees)
Prohibits solicitation of employees on college property to join or give to any organization or association, or by agents or salespersons; exceptions can be made by President
VIII-8 (drug-free workplace)
ACC is to maintain drug-free workplace; violations cause for dismissal; information program to be provided
Employees convicted of violations of drug laws must report conviction to ACC within 5 days
VIII-9 (drug-free schools)
ACC will adopt a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees
Program shall include annual distribution of anti-abuse rules, sanctions, and description of treatment programs
Annual review of effectiveness and consistency of enforcement
VIII-11 (staff appointments)
President and designees authorized to employ, set terms, terminate, and suspend personnel for approved positions
President shall report monthly all personnel actions concerning staffing table positions
VIII-13 (placement of interns)
Interns may be accepted with approval of President or designee (and of Board when paid)
VIII-21 (employee orientation)
New employees must report to Personnel Services for orientation on ACC history, rules, new-hire forms, and benefits
VIII-22 (change in personal status)
Any personal status changes affecting record keeping or employee benefits must be reported to Personnel Services
VIII-25 (notice of retirement)
Retiring employees are encouraged to do so at the end of a fiscal year, and should give 30 days notice
FT faculty appointments after age 70 are on a year-to-year basis
VIII-35 (communicable disease)
Gives guidelines about communicable diseases, especially AIDS; information to be in student/employee handbooks
VIII-37 (jury duty)
Provides for leave for jury duty; employees get to keep jury-duty pay
VIII-40 (unauthorized absence)
For unauthorized absence, an employee's pay will be docked correspondingly, and other benefits are suspended
VIII-46 (worker's compensation law)
ACC employees shall be covered under Texas worker's compensation laws
VIII-47 (voluntary salary deductions)
College shall make payroll deductions for Board-approved programs where requested by employee
VIII-56 (job transfers)
Job transfers may be voluntary (if not on probation and with 6 month's service in current position) or involuntary
VIII-61 (placement-formula worksheet)
Worksheet for policy VIII-60
VIII-67 (library job types)
Director is administrative; reference and acquisition/cataloging librarians are faculty; others are prof-tech or classified
VIII-86 (faculty English proficiency)
ACC shall ensure that credit courses (except foreign-language) are taught in English and that all faculty are proficient in spoken and written English
VIII-90 (reclassification principles)
Reclassification Board with four voting members appointed annually by President; compares actual jobs to descriptions
Charged to: ensure balance between classified positions, assure no gaps between similar positions, provide employees a fair hearing, assure and protect all supervisors' rights to manage, and to review current job descriptions
VIII-92 (overtime)
ACC shall comply with the applicable regulations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act
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B. POLICIES IDENTIFIED FOR PROMPT CONSOLIDATION/GENERALIZATION/SEPARATION
I-2 (policy review)
All ACC policies shall be presented to the Board for reaffirmation, revision, or deletion at least once every five years
EMPLOYEE LEAVE POLICIES:
VIII-29 (sick-leave pool)
Sick-leave pool based on contributions from employees (90-day limit per case), administered by Director of Personnel
VIII-30 (sick leave)
Staffing-table employees earn 1 day/month; 150-day maximum; half of excess over 120 days paid on separation
VIII-31 (personal leave)
Staffing-table employees eligible for up to 5 days of personal leave each year, which is taken from sick leave
Cannot be used for vacation; approval in advance required by supervisor and college officer, with proper forms
VIII-32 (temporary disability leave)
Authorizes granting LWOP for up to 90 days for temporary disability; employee responsible for insurance premiums
VIII-33 (use of leave)
List of types of leave, requirement that all leave be reported
VIII-34 (parental leave)
Staffing-table employees may be granted paid leave of up to 10 days for birth/adoption of a child
VIII-36 (bereavement leave)
Employees are allowed up to a total of 3 days of bereavement leave each fiscal year
VIII-38 (professional leave)
Authorizes leave for official short-term absences from college; expenses may or may not be paid
VIII-39 (military leave)
Authorizes LWOP for active military duty during war, and paid leave for two weeks of reserve duty per year
VIII-43 (leave for grant employees)
Grant employees get same leave as other employees, if provided for in grant; leave must be taken during grant period
VIII-41 (holidays)
College holidays will be listed in the Board-approved calendar; only staffing-table positions are paid for holidays
VIII-42 (annual leave)
12-month employees get 15 days/year annual leave for first 5 years at ACC, 20 days/year after that
No more than 1 year's worth can be accumulated at any time; annual leave is fully paid on separation
All annual leave must be approved in advance
FT faculty with less than 12-month contracts do not get annual leave
12-month community resources & services faculty get 15 days/year, some at specified times
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:
I-10 (conflicts of interest)
Trustees and other college officers may not participate in decisions involving business entities in which they have substantial interests; ACC will not do business with such business entities.
III-25 (gifts from vendors)
ACC employees shall not accept gifts from vendors; ACC will not do business with ACC employees or their firms
IV-84 (private use of college property)
Unless specifically authorized by the Board, no one shall:
make personal use of ACC property, do outside work during duty hours, or use ACC facilities for personal gain
VI-30 (intellectual property)
ACC employees who produce intellectual property from or through their job shall inform their supervisors
Chief Financial Officer shall recommend appropriate action to the President; final review/action rests with Board
Either college or employee may waive all or part of their property rights
Types of ownership arrangements:
Individually Supported: work (produced wholly on employee's own time) belongs solely 100% to employee
College Supported (Type I): minimal use of college resources (more than just office/library), 75%-25% split
College Supported (Type II): substantial use of college resources (more than just office/library), 50%-50%
College Commissioned: work done as part of assigned or regular work, or when compensated; 100% for ACC
Work completed prior to 3/7/88 excluded; college may use and distribute copies of Type I and II property without royalties
VIII-2 (standards of conduct)
ACC employees shall adhere to laws, regulatory-agency rules, and ACC policies and procedures
Prohibits acceptance of bribes, acceptance of unauthorized job-related payments, and breaches of confidentiality
Prohibits use of ACC property for personal business, or interference of personal business with job responsibilities
Employees must completely withdraw from textbook decisions where they might personally gain
Employees may not sell or trade complimentary educational items
VIII-5 (nepotism)
Related employees may not work within same organizational unit, where one has supervisory jurisdiction over the other
EMPLOYEE PLACEMENT/HIRING:
VIII-58 (job postings)
FT-faculty positions shall be posted for 30 working days; other staffing-table positions for minimum of 5 or10 days
VIII-60 (staff placement)
36 graduate hours considered equivalent to master's degree
Non-ACC part-time employment or non-ACC employment less than 6 months long does not count
Higher value of split-duty jobs will be used
Normally placement advances by one step per year to maximum on scale (if already employed previous April 1)
Salaries for grant employees shall not be higher than equivalents who are not on grants
With Board approval, President may add to regular salaries
VIII-71 (faculty placement) [policy does not fully reflect current practice]
Maximum placement credit given is 10 years
Credit is given only for related full-time salaried work of at least 3 months continuous duration, except counselors also given credit for half-time ACC experience
Vocational-technical credit equivalence is 96 clock hours for 1.2 credit hours, with maximum of 6 credit hours
Maximum FT-faculty placement step is step 25
Ph. D. stipend is $175/month [policy book is out of date -- Level 8 is now used for Ph. D. compensation]
VIII-74 (faculty placement)
Qualifications listed for each level (I-VI) for TEA, CB, and allied health programs
[policy book not yet updated to show the elimination of the requirement for ACC experience to advance to levels V and VI]
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
I-13 (MBE/WBE)
Defines MBE/WBE as 51% ownership, following Cap Metro and City of Austin procedures
Goal of 12% MBE and 3% WBE in construction contracts of more than $100,000
VII-1 (equal educational opportunity)
Forbids discrimination, mandates recruitment focus on underrepresented categories of potential students
VIII-1 (equal employment opportunity)
ACC will not discriminate, will follow laws
Qualification guidelines based on approved job description shall be applied fairly and consistently
ACC shall actively seek to increase the number of minority personnel; Board will receive annual employment profile
VIII-7 (sexual harassment)
Sexual conduct forbidden when: submission is condition of job or grade, produces bad work or learning environment
Grievance procedure will be published in student and employee handbooks; free-speech rights preserved
VIII-10 (racial harassment)
Race-based conduct forbidden when: submission is condition of job or grade, produces bad work or learning environment
Grievance procedure will be published in student and employee handbooks; free-speech rights preserved
TUITION/FEES:
II-6 (cash handling, fee assessment)
Controller has sole responsibility over collection, deposit, and disbursement of college and grant funds
Students shall not be assessed fees except those approved by the Board of Trustees
VII-21 (tuition/fees)
Board sets tuition and fees; residency definition shall follow Texas Education code.
VIII-49 (tuition exemption)
Most employees with 3 years of service, including PT faculty. eligible for tuition exemption on up to 3 courses per year
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
VIII-45 (classified employees educational stipend)
Stipends may be provided to classified employees to get GED, associate, or other degrees or certificates
VIII-48 (sabbatical leave)
May be granted to administrators, FT faculty, or professional-technical staff; not more than 2% of each category
Eligible after 6 years service; must agree to return for at least as long as leave period; benefits continue
Administrator and prof-tech sabbaticals are restricted to 30 days at 91% pay or 60 days at 83% pay
Faculty paid at 75% for semester/quarter sabbatical, 67% for 9-month sabbatical
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C. POLICIES IDENTIFIED AS NEEDING REFORMATTING, BUT REQUIRING MORE PREPARATORY WORK
I-1 (Board duties & responsibilities)
Functions as the district's legislative & policy-making body
Formulation and adoption of written policy is the basic method of Board leadership
Delegates to President the function of specifying required actions and designing details
Supervises College through committees and evaluations
Adopts and reviews statements of educational philosophy
Determines the quality of professional leadership needed
Reviews and acts on site/facilities development matters
Provides for financial support, reviews/approves budget and expenditures
Approves course and programs of study which support community needs
Serves as final adjudicating agency for students, employees, & citizens on matters of Board policy
Bears legal responsibility for all aspects of College operation
I-22 (duties and responsibilities of president)
Within framework of Board policy, College President exercises broad authority in carrying out responsibilities
Acts as CEO, implements Board policy, recommends policy, provides for administrative organization
Recommends instructional programs to Board, effects changes to improve quality and scope of educational programs
Represents College to community, influences governmental education policies, oversees required external reports
Provides information to Board, prepares Board agendas, maintains Board records
Leads in planning implementing development of the district, acts as needed to ensure orderly operation of College
I-23 (employee-association recognition)
Board of Trustees must approve bylaws for associations to be officially recognized
Recognized employee groups may not use college funds for political activity
Officers of groups shall meet with President or designee at least twice a year
Administration will confer with elected faculty groups on all matter of substance affecting faculty or students, and in the writing of policies and procedures
Groups may comment to Board, with some requirements to notify administration
ACC may provide funds for employee-group operations
I-24 (signature authorization on routine items impacting real property)
President may approve minor easements, etc., with report to Board. Does not authorize sale or purchase of real estate.
I-25 (policy development)
Board is responsible for formulating policy
President is charged with developing, revising, recommending, and implementing policy
President must seek policy advice from administrative/instructional units, from employee-group officers, and students
Administration presentations on policies shall summarize points of consensus and lack of consensus from consultation
I-60 (internal audit)
Independent appraisal activity; supervised by President's office; reports to Board Finance Committee quarterly
I-81 (budget)
President's office is responsible for preparing and implementing annual operating budget and any amendments
Board approval of the budget and budget amendments is required
II-41 (consultants)
Written agreement is required for consultants, professional services, or honoraria; ACC employees cannot be contractors
Consultants and professional services require written advance approval from President, honoraria by a college officer
Advance approval by the Board is necessary for consulting engagements estimated to exceed $5,000 in any fiscal year
Annual report to be made to Board on use of consultants
IV-22 (facilities planning)
President shall ensure proper educational planning of physical facilities, incorporating advice of faculty and others
V-4 (graduate guarantee)
Tuition exemption for up to 9 credit-hours of courses if employer or next school says that ACC didn't meet claims
V-6 (grading system)
4-point grading scale; only last grade counts in repeated courses; all grades are final unless college error is involved
V-70 (faculty titles)
The titles for members of the faculty shall be determined by President; titles for part-time faculty shall be distinct from but similar to titles for full-time faculty
V-74 (full-time faculty workload) [a 17-page policy -- some minor details are omitted here]
LEH defined; one lecture hour/week is 1 LEH, one lab hour is 0.75 LEH
Total responsibilities of FT faculty members shall require a minimum of 35 hours/week
Division chairs and head librarians shall be responsible for a minimum of 40 hours/week
Normal FT courseload is 30 LEH over nine-month contract; overloads paid at part-time rates
Special details for supervision of field placements, distance learning; 40% limit on fraction of load in distance learning
Faculty members shall be consulted as to teaching schedules and work assignments
Campus VP's have responsibility for teaching assignments; Assoc. VP of Academic Affairs approves policy exceptions
Work assignments of counselors and librarians are responsibility of campus Student Services or LRS directors
Department heads are appointed by Chief Academic Officer, upon recommendation of the division chair, campus VP, and Assoc. VP of Academic Affairs for each academic year; teaching load is 24 contact-hours over 9 months
Division chairs have teaching load of 9 LEH over 12 months, also $900/year stipend; head librarians get $1500 stipend
FT faculty in good standing can teach one additional section per long-term semester, with VP's approval, at part-time rates
FT instructors must have 5 scheduled office hours per week, plus 5 more available by appointment
V-75 (faculty evaluation)
All ACC faculty members will be evaluated at least once per year, according to procedures set by administration
Division chairs and department heads will be evaluated each fall by full-time and part-time faculty
VII-46 (student discipline)
Students are assured due-process rights, with investigation and appeal
VIII-3 (staffing table)
Staffing table is official document listing titles, employees, and salaries for fiscal year
Approved by Board; may not be amended without Board approval
Staffing table does not constitute a contract; contracts with employees occur only when approved by Board
VIII-26 (firing [contract])
Annual-contract employees may be terminated for good cause as determined by the President
"Good cause" includes: professional incompetence, substantial neglect of professional responsibilities, moral turpitude adversely affecting performance, unprofessional conduct adversely affecting performance to a substantial degree, or necessary reduction in work force
VIII-27 (firing [non-contract])
Non-contract employees may be terminated at will, with or without notice
Termination with notice is preceded by a conference with supervisor stating the reasons, with a chance to respond
Termination without notice may be done when recommended by the supervisor and approved by the responsible officer
VIII-44 (grievances)
The College shall maintain fair and expeditious procedures to resolve grievances
VIII-70 (FT faculty contracts)
9-month contracts for all faculty, plus 3-month summer contracts for division chairs and head librarians
Special summer contacts may be used for counselors, librarians, and some instructional programs
Most other FT instructors may teach six-weeks summer contract at 1/6 of 9-month rates
VIII-75 (FT-faculty appointments)
Probationary period for new faculty, during which "E" (effective) evaluation ratings result in a one-year appointment and "I" (ineffective) ratings give the college the option of either nonrenewal or a one-year appointment; two successive "E" ratings in years 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, or 5-6 result in multi-year appointment; otherwise nonrenewed
Faculty with 3-year appointments get new 3-year appointment with "E" rating, 2-year appointment with "I" rating
Faculty with 2-year appointments get new 3-year appointment with "E" rating, 1-year appointment with "I" rating
Multi-year faculty with 1-year appointments get new 2-year appointment with "E" rating, nonrenewal with "I" rating
Evaluation criteria include:
effectiveness in: maintaining competence in assignment, adhering to statement on professional ethics, working relationships with students/colleagues/supervisors, submitting reports on time, preparing for assignments, providing course information to students, curriculum development, meeting classes on time, following syllabus, holding office hours, conducting student conferences, participating in advising, self-evaluation and professional development
extent and currency of professional qualifications
adherence to all policies, procedures, and regulations
evaluation, after prior review by the affected faculty member (including chance to rebut evaluative material)
VIII-80 (PT-faculty workload)
PT instructors appointed on a course-by-course basis for no more than one semester at a time
Total assignment not to exceed 19 hours per week of teaching and other duties
In fall or spring semester, PT faculty may teach maximum of 9 credit-hours or 11 LEH
In summer sessions, maximum is 9 credit-hours or 9 LEH, with not more than 2 sections in 51/2-week session
In block-time programs, PT faculty may teach maximum of 15 hours per week
Exceptions must be recommended by campus VP and approved by Chief Academic Officer
pay scales [set by Board, but not currently maintained in policy-book form]
FT faculty scale has longevity steps 0-25; steps are 2.3% of level I, step 0 pay
FT faculty scale has education (or technical experience) levels I-VIII; level increments are ??% of previous step
PT faculty scale has longevity steps 0-10; steps currently 2.5% of previous step
Non-faculty scales have longevity steps 1-15; step increments are 2.5% of previous step
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D. POLICIES IDENTIFIED AS NOT NEEDING MODIFICATION DURING THIS POLICY-CONSOLIDATION PROCESS
I-3 (Board bylaws)
General authority for Board procedure vested in Board chair, subject to specific Board policies and directives
Regular meetings each month, special meeting on request of three trustees
Agenda prepared by college President following Board priorities, topics placed by any trustee
5 affirmative votes required for passage of any resolution or order; Robert's Rules of Order used
Board officers: chair, vice-chair, secretary. No officer may immediately repeat in the same office
I-4 (Board code of ethics)
Identify and disclose any potential conflicts of interest, then act for general good
Keep well-informed, attend meetings, be polite and openminded, respect collective nature of Board authority
Don't abuse privileges by seeking special favors or revealing confidential information
I-6 (legal counsel)
College counsel is designated by and responsible to the Board, and serves at its pleasure
I-11 (audit)
Board shall engage external auditor; annual financial report due at regular December board meeting
I-20 (mission)
Challenge people to explore new ideas and seek new opportunities
Wide range of high-quality educational services which meet the needs of willing partners in learning
Ideals to be supported: quality, flexibility, accessibility, diversity
I-70 (master planning)
President shall develop, for Board approval, a comprehensive master plan, with specific attention to development
President shall ensure that the master plan is updated annually and a progress report is made to the Board
II-7 (cash balance)
ACC shall seek to maintain equity in cash accounts in an amount equal to at least 10% of the annual operating budget.
III-20 (purchasing)
Objectives of the purchasing policy are: support instructional needs, good value for college, competitive opportunities
Purchases over $100,000 always require Board approval
Purchases from $25,000 to $100,000 require Board approval unless previously approved in publicly-reviewed budget/plan
V-1 (instructional philosophy)
ACC will conduct training for all college employees in humane attitudes and meeting student needs
ACC will set high expectations for student behavior, make civic literacy and social responsibility part of education
ACC will provide programs to enhance employee's understanding of and responsiveness to demographic changes
ACC will provide flexible instruction (where/when/how needed), and continue to evolve as a "regional" college
V-72 (academic freedom and responsibility)
After a general statement in favor of the principle of free expression, this policy focuses on the "equally demanding" responsibilities of ACC faculty (accuracy, restraint, respect for opinions of others, relevance of material)
VIII-85 (compensation of part-time faculty for non-teaching duties)
Part-time faculty shall be compensated for non-teaching duties
[not yet assigned a policy number] -- (college travel and expense reimbursement)
Reimbursement of employees for job-related expenses and local travel shall be made in an equitable manner
Any excess of reimbursements, advances, or allowances over documented expenses/mileage to be deducted from pay
[not yet assigned a policy number] -- (principles for assessment, placement, and developmental courses)
Auxiliary academic support for all kinds of students to be made available; placement advice to take this into account
Match placement & remediation to previous educational experience of students; provide opportunities for reassessment
Assessment, placement, and developmental courses to concentrate on skills/material needed for TASP or identified as essential by faculty teaching entry-level college-credit courses student wishes to take
Maximize student choice/flexibility respecting TASP, and use least restrictive reasonable interpretation of TASP rules
Mandatory remediation to be supplied in a form which matches the pace at which the student can successfully participate
Students may not be involuntarily removed from college-credit courses due to remedial-course performance if they are still willing to work in a remedial program at the level required by THECB
[not yet assigned a policy number] -- (Board policy principles)
Board acts mainly through written policies; President to inform employees of policies and ensure compliance
Board may use resolutions for short-term directives, but they lapse after one year unless put in policy
No "unwritten" Board policies; Trustee statements have no authority unless approved in Board vote
Employees are to act in best interests of students and community at their discretion, as long as actions are consistent with and supportive of the directives of Board and President
Board policies only to be used to express Board decisions; Board approval not needed for Presidential administrative rules
President can interpret Board policies to resolve ambiguities, with notification to Board
[not yet assigned a policy number] -- (Faculty/Administrative appointments)
President may designate some administrative positions as having concurrent faculty status
People in such positions may be paid additional Board-approved administrative stipends over faculty pay
Such administrators may be returned to faculty work at any time; job and income security are only in faculty positions
[not yet assigned a policy number] -- (Tuition rates)
Tuition for in-district students set by the Board; other rates set by President according to rules in this policy
Texas residents outside the district pay a surcharge about equal to the local tax effort per in-district student, except that a discount schedule approved by the Board is applied for economically disadvantaged out-of-district students
Out-of-state students pay an additional surcharge at least equal to average state aid per in-state student
[not yet assigned a policy number] -- (General Executive Directives and Limitations)
President shall cause actions needed to carry out college mission within the limits of Board policy, and shall thus:
cause an effective instructional program to be offered implementing the mission
develop and maintain public plans to coordinate development of the college
maintain reporting/analysis system to supply appropriate information about college scope, effectiveness, and efficiency
maintain, with appropriate consultation, sufficient administrative rules and procedures
President shall not permit work-related employee practices which are imprudent, wasteful, or unethical, such as any which:
are contrary to applicable laws, regulations, or Board directives; result in the mistreatment of people
waste the resources of the students, employees, college, community, or taxpayers
provide inaccurate or misleading information about college operation
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