SECTION 3: Comprehensive Standards

---

3.7	Faculty
3.7.1	The institution employs competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution. When determining acceptable qualifications of its faculty, an institution gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline. The institution also considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity, including, as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, related work experiences in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. For all cases, the institution is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of its faculty. (See Commission guidelines “Faculty Credentials.”) (Faculty competence) Current Compliance Response Source: Substantive Change Prospectus South Austin Campus
3.7.2	The institution regularly evaluates the effectiveness of each faculty member in accord with published criteria, regardless of contractual or tenured status. (Faculty evaluation) Current Compliance Response Source: Substantive Change Prospectus South Austin Campus
3.7.3	The institution provides ongoing professional development of faculty as teachers, scholars, and practitioners. (Faculty development) Current Compliance Response Source: Substantive Change Prospectus South Austin Campus
3.7.4	The institution ensures adequate procedures for safeguarding and protecting academic freedom. (Academic freedom) Current Compliance Response Source: Substantive Change Prospectus South Austin Campus
3.7.5	The institution publishes policies on the responsibility and authority of faculty in academic and governance matters. (Faculty role in governance) Current Compliance Response Source: Substantive Change Prospectus South Austin Campus

Please direct questions concerning Accreditation to Roslyn Wallace in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability at (512) 223-7585.