Statutes of Columbus State University

ARTICLE II. THE PRESIDENT

Section 1.

The policy of the Board regarding the selection of a president is as follows:

The Chancellor will make recommendations to the Board for the appointment of institution presidents. (BOR Section 102b)

The Chairman of the Board shall designate a Special Regents' Committee to be involved in the selection process for a president consisting of not less than three nor more than five Regents, one of whom shall be the Regent in whose congressional district the vacancy occurred and one of whom shall be the Regent residing in the closest proximity to the institution concerned. The Chairman and the Chancellor shall be ex-officio members of the Committee.

The Special Regents' Committee shall confer with the Chancellor regarding special qualifications for the position which they feel should be considered.

The Chancellor and the Chairman of the Board shall appoint a Presidential Search and Screen Committee composed of faculty, alumni, students and friends of Columbus State University, who shall be charged with the responsibility of searching out, receiving and the initial screening of applications from qualified persons. The Chancellor shall appoint a chairman who shall proceed to organize the Committee to enable it to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with established procedures. The Presidential Search and Screen Committee, through its Chairman, shall consult with and advise the Chancellor from time to time regarding its duties and the progress of its work. The Chancellor shall likewise keep the Regents' Committee so informed.

When the Presidential Search and Screen Committee has completed initial screening of all applicants and has identified at least twenty candidates for further consideration, the Committee Chairman shall so notify the Chancellor. That notification shall include a list of all applicants for the position, as well as a list of the twenty candidates identified for further consideration. The Chancellor shall transmit this information to the members of the Special Regents' Committee.

During the remainder of the screening process, the Special Regents' Committee and the Presidential Search and Screen Committee shall meet jointly. The Special Regents' Committee reserves the right to request further screening of any applicant for the position in addition to the twenty candidates identified by the Presidential Search and Screen Committee for further consideration.

The Special Regents’ Search Committee may, upon its own, interview and recommend candidates that have not been interviewed and screened by the Presidential Search and Screen Committee, request a further search for applicants, or request further consideration by the Presidential Search and Screen Committee of any applicant in addition to the candidates recommended. The Special Regents’ Search Committee shall conduct its interviews – providing opportunity for the Chancellor also to interview each candidate – and provide its evaluation and advice to the Chancellor, who will make the final recommendation to the full Board of Regents, which shall then elect the president of the subject institution. At the discretion of the Chancellor and the Chair of the Special Regents’ Search Committee, site visit(s) also may be undertaken prior to recommendations being made. (BOR Section 202)

The Special Regents' Committee and the Presidential Search and Screen Committee shall identify not less than five candidates to be invited to the campus for interviews, with the interview procedures to be deter-mined by the Presidential Search and Screen Committee. The members of the two committees, however, shall jointly participate in all interviews.

A final joint meeting of the Special Regents' Committee and the Presidential Search and Screen Committee shall be called for the purpose of reviewing the relative merits of the candidates interviewed and to determine if the search and screen process should be terminated.

Upon completion of the search and screen process, the special Regents' Committee shall assume final responsibility for the selection of the candidate to be recommended by the Chancellor to the Board of Regents for appointment as president (Section 203.0203, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents, of the University System of Georgia).

The faculty, general administrative officers, staff and students of Columbus State University shall have an opportunity to formally express their opinions and preferences of candidates for the presidency to The Presidential Search and Screen Committee.

Section 2.

The President of Columbus State University shall be the executive head of the institution and of all its departments, and shall exercise such supervision and direction as will promote the efficient operation of the institution. He shall be responsible to the Chancellor for the operation and management of the institution and for the execution of all directives of the Board and the Chancellor. He shall be the ex-officio chairman of the faculty and shall preside at meetings of the faculty. He shall serve as chairman of the senate and shall preside at its meetings. He shall be the official medium of communication between the faculty and the Chancellor, and between the senate and the Chancellor.

The president shall make decisions regarding appointments, promotions, salaries, transfers, suspensions, and dismissals for members of instructional, research and extension staffs, and all other employees of their institutions. (BOR Section 102a)

The President is responsible for the initial appointment, reappointment, salary, and promotion of faculty members and administrative employees, except as otherwise specified in this manual. The president may grant leaves of absence for up to one year to members of the faculty for study at other institutions or for such reasons as the president may deem proper. Presidents will make an annual report to the Board through the Chancellor concerning the condition of the institution under her/his leadership. (BOR Section 204a)

The President, or his or her designee, is authorized to accept on the behalf of the Board the resignation of any employee of the institution.

The president’s discretionary powers shall be broad enough to enable him/her to discharge these responsibilities. The president, and/or the president’s designee, shall be a member of all faculties and other academic bodies within the institution. He/she shall decide all questions of jurisdiction, not otherwise defined by the Chancellor of the several councils, faculties, and officers. The president shall have the right to call meetings of any council, faculty, or committee at his/her institution at any time. The president shall have the power to veto any act of any council, faculty, or committee of his/her institution but, in doing so, shall transmit to the proper officer a written statement of the reason for such veto. A copy of each veto statement shall be transmitted to the Chancellor. Settlements of Grievances and Complaints Notice of settlements shall be filed with the University System Office of Legal Affairs. The president of each institution, or the president’s designee, shall have the authority to execute, accept, or deliver, on behalf of the Board, the following types of agreements: Research or service agreements; agreements between institutions; reciprocal emergency law enforcement agreements; settlements of grievances and complaints (including those filed by state and federal agencies) that do not include a monetary commitment of more than 100,000; and any agreements necessary for the day-to-day operation of the institution. Language was removed concerning the review of such agreements by the Georgia Department of Law. (BOR Section 204b)

The President shall have the authority to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Board, the following types of research or service agreements:

A. Research or Service Agreements between the institution and other agencies of state government or any political subdivision of the State of Georgia, whereby the institution, for monetary compensation or other good and valuable consideration, agrees to perform certain institution-oriented research or other personal services for another state agency or political subdivision of the State of Georgia, within a time period of one year or less.

B. Agreements between the institution and hospitals or other organized medical facilities, both public and private, located within the State of Georgia, whereby the hospital or medical facility concerned agrees to provide clinical services to nursing and other students enrolled in nursing and allied health programs at the institution. Said agreements shall be effective for one year with the option of annual renewal as specified therein and shall be subject to cancellation by either party.

A signed or confirmed copy of each of said agreements shall be filed in the office of Executive Secretary of the Board within ten days after execution by all parties and shall be reported by him to the Board as information items at the next succeeding meeting of the Board.

Agreements shall be prepared and executed on forms previously approved by the Attorney General, and if not, shall be subject to review and approval by him.

The President shall be authorized by the Board of Regents to take or cause to be taken any and all such other and further action as in his or her judgment may be necessary, proper or convenient in order to carry out the intent of this policy (Section 23.0205, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

As the academic leader of Columbus State University, the President is responsible for promoting an environment that preserves and advances free inquiry, consultation with the faculty, effective communication, academic freedom, and the advancement of learning.

State appropriations shall be used to pay salary, housing allowance, subsistence

allowance, and where applicable, salary supplement, supplemental fringe benefits,

deferred compensation, and any other items as approved by the Board. (BOR Section 208)

Presidents are responsible for the management of institution-specific or

institutionally-identifiable intellectual property. (BOR Sections 208 and 603.01)

Section 3.

In the temporary absence of the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs has University-wide responsibility. In the event of a prolonged disability, resignation, or other extended absence of the President, the Chancellor of the University System shall appoint an Acting President.

ARTICLE III. ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

Section 1.
(09/04)

The academic administrative officers shall be the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, the Deans of Colleges, the Dean of the libraries, the Director of Continuing Education, the Executive Director of Enrollment Services, the Chairs of Departments, and any other academic officials in the areas of instruction and research. All such officers shall not hold tenure in their administrative positions as officers. They may hold tenure on the teaching Faculty. Administrative officers shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Regents and shall hold office at the pleasure of the President. (Section 203.0302, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Section 2.
(09/04)

Vice President for Academic Affairs: The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be a member of the University Faculty and an ex officio member of the Faculty Senate. Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be responsible for the leadership and direction of the academic programs.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Regents. When the occasion arises for the appointment of a new Vice President for Academic Affairs, a search and screen committee will be formed. The faculty of the institution shall be consulted and asked to nominate persons to serve on the search and screen committee. Each College shall elect three faculty nominees for the committee, the Library shall elect two faculty nominees, and Continuing Education shall elect two nominees; comprising a pool of sixteen nominees. The majority of the search and screen committee shall be appointed from this nominated pool and the majority shall be composed of faculty. The President shall appoint the committee. The chair of the search and screen committee shall be a tenured faculty member and shall be appointed by the President. The Faculty and general administrative officers shall have an opportunity to participate in the selection process and to express their opinions and preferences of candidates for the new appointment.

Section 3.

Deans of Colleges: The responsibilities of the Dean of each College shall include coordination of the academic programs and instructional activities of the College; recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure, and dismissal of faculty members after consultation with appropriate faculty committees; and preparation of budget requests following consultation with the Faculty of the College. The Dean shall report directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Dean of each College shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Regents. When the occasion arises for the appointment of a new Dean a search and screen committee shall be formed composed in the majority of representative faculty members from that College. Prior to the formation of a search and screen committee, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall consult with the Faculty of the College regarding appropriate representation on the committee. Faculty of the College shall be asked to nominate persons to serve on the search and screen committee. College faculty shall elect a minimum of ten faculty nominees for the committee. The majority of the search and screen committee shall be appointed from this nominated pool and the majority shall be composed of College faculty. The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall appoint the committee. The chair of the search and screen committee shall be a tenured College Faculty member, and shall be appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Section 4.
(09/04)

Dean of Libraries: The responsibilities of the Dean of Libraries shall include development of the Library's collection and coordination of information services and bibliographic instructional activities; recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure, and dismissal of Library faculty members after consultation with appropriate faculty committees; and preparation of budget requests following consultation with the Library Faculty. The Dean of Libraries shall report directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Dean of Libraries shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Regents. The President shall act upon the recommendation of the Vice President for Academic Affairs who shall make a recommendation after consultation with a search and screen committee composed in the majority of representative Library Faculty members. Prior to the appointment of a search and screen committee, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall consult with the Faculty of the Library regarding appropriate representation on the committee. Faculty of the Library shall be asked to nominate persons to serve on the search and screen committee. Library Faculty shall elect a minimum of six faculty nominees for the committee. In addition, each College shall elect two faculty nominees for the committee. The majority of the search and screen committee shall be appointed from this nominated pool and the majority of the committee shall be composed of Library faculty.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs shall appoint the committee. The chair of the search and screen committee shall be a Library faculty member, and shall be appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Section 5.
(09/04)

Director of Continuing Education: The Director of Continuing and Regional Education Services provides administrative leadership, supervision and coordination, fiscal operation, evaluation designed to ensure effective teaching and program quality, marketing and long range strategies for all continuing education activities. The Director of Continuing Education reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Director of Continuing Education shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Regents. When the occasion arises for the appointment of the Director of Continuing Education, a search and screen committee shall be formed. Faculty shall be asked to make suggestions regarding committee membership.

Section 6.
(09/04)

Dean of Enrollment Services: The Executive Director of Enrollment Services provides administrative leadership, supervision and coordination, fiscal operation, evaluation designed to ensure effective academic support and enrollment services, and long-range strategies for all activities operated by the Division of Enrollment Services - Admissions Office, Recruitment Office, Registrar's Office, Financial Aid Office, Veterans’ Affairs, and Student Accounts Services. The Executive Director of Enrollment Services reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Executive Director of Enrollment Services shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Regents. When the occasion arises for the appointment of the Executive Director of Enrollment Services, a search and screen committee shall be formed.

Faculty shall be asked to make suggestions regarding committee membership.

Section 7.

Department Chairs: Department Chairs provide academic and fiscal leadership for their departments. Department Chairs shall report to their respective Dean.

In consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the appropriate Dean, the President shall appoint Department Chairs. When the occasion arises for the appointment of a new Department Chair, a search and screen committee composed in the majority of full-time teaching faculty from that Department shall be formed to make recommendations to the appropriate Dean. Prior to the appointment of a search and screen committee, the Dean shall consult with the faculty of the Department regarding appropriate representation on the committee. Faculty of the Department shall be asked to nominate persons to serve on the search and screen committee. Departmental faculty shall elect faculty nominees for the committee. The majority of the search and screen committee shall be appointed from this nominated pool and the majority shall be composed of faculty of the Department. The appropriate Dean shall appoint the committee. The chair of the search and screen committee shall be a tenured departmental faculty member, and shall be appointed by the appropriate Dean.

ARTICLE IV. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

Section 1.

The officers of general administration shall include the President and the Vice Presidents. The President, with the approval of the Board of Regents, shall appoint additional administrative officers as the need arises.

General administrative officers shall not hold tenure in their positions as officers; they may, however, hold tenure on the teaching Faculty. (Section 203.0302, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Section 2.

When the occasion arises for the appointment of a general administrative officer, the President shall consider the opinions and preferences of the Faculty and general administrative officers prior to recommending an appointment to the Board of Regents.

ARTICLE V. FACULTY MEMBERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

Section 1.

Faculty Membership

The faculty shall consist of the CORPS OF INSTRUCTION and the ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS (Section 203.03, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Corps of Instruction

Full-time professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructors, lecturers, and teaching personnel with such other titles as may be approved by the Board, shall be the Corps of Instruction. Full-time research and extension personnel and duly certified librarians will be included in the Corps of Instruction on the basis of comparable training. Persons holding adjunct appointments or other honorary titles shall not be considered to be members of the faculty (Section 203.0301, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Administrative Officers

A faculty member who has academic rank and rights of tenure in the Corps of Instruction and who accepts appointment to an administrative office shall retain his academic rank and rights of tenure as an ex officio member of the Corps of Instruction but shall have no rights of tenure in the administrative office to which he has been appointed. The additional salary, if any, for the administrative position shall be stated in the employment contract and shall not be paid to the faculty member when he or she ceases to hold the administrative position. An administrative officer having faculty status shall have all the responsibilities and privileges of faculty membership. Administrative officers shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the Board of Regents and shall hold office at the pleasure of the president (Section 203.0302, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

The faculty will consist of the president, the full-time administrative officers, and the core of instruction having ex officio faculty status.

Section 2.

Equal Employment Opportunity

No person shall, on the ground of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or handicap be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia or this institution (Section 802.01, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Section 3.

Faculty Appointment, Notice of Employment and Resignation

A. Appointment

Minimum employment qualifications for all academic ranks at Columbus State University shall be:

1. Master's degree. Exceptions may be made for

• persons of special learning and ability;
• promising individuals who have recently acquired the bachelor's degree and are proceeding with their graduate training;
• temporary emergency appointments. Initial appointees to full professorships should have a doctor's degree or the equivalent in training, ability or experience.

2. Evidence of ability as a teacher.

3. Evidence of scholarly competence and activity.

4. Successful experience (this must necessarily be waived in the case of beginners who meet all other requirements).

5. Desirable personal qualities judged on the basis of personal interview, complete biographical data, and recommendation (Section 803.01, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

B. Notice of Employment and Resignation

1. Tenured

All tenured faculty members employed under written contract for the fiscal or academic year of three quarters shall give written notice of their intention to resign to the president of the institution or to his authorized representative, postmarked no later than February 1, immediately preceding the expiration of the contract period.

2. Non-Tenured

a. Each year, on or before the dates specified in Regents' Tenure Regulations, the president of the institution or his authorized representative, shall advise, in writing, all non-tenured faculty who have been awarded academic rank (instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor) and who are employed under written contract whether an employment contract for the succeeding academic year will be offered to them. Such written notice shall be delivered by hand or by certified mail, to be delivered to the addressee only, with receipt to show to whom and when delivered and the address where delivered.

b. Notice of intention to renew or not to renew a non-tenured faculty member who has been awarded academic rank (instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor) shall be furnished, in writing, according to the following schedule:

• at least three months before the date of termination of an initial one-year contract;
• at least six months before the date of termination of a second one-year contract;
• at least nine months before the date of termination of a contract after two or more years of service in the institution.

This schedule of notification does not apply to persons holding temporary or part-time positions, or persons with courtesy appointments, such as adjunct appointments.

c. Non-tenured faculty and other non-tenured personnel employed under written contract shall be employed only for the term specified in the contract and subsequent or future employment, if any, shall result solely from a separate offer and acceptance requisite to execution of a new and distinct contract (Section 803.06, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University of Georgia).

C. Employment of Relatives

The basic criteria for the appointment and promotion of faculty at Columbus State University shall be appropriate qualifications and performance as set forth in the policies of the Board of Regents. Relationship by a family or marriage shall constitute neither an advantage or a disadvantage.

No individual shall be employed in a department or unit which will result in the existence of a subordinate-superior relationship between such individual and any relative of such individual through any line of authority. As used herein, "line of authority" shall mean authority extending vertically through one or more organizational levels of supervision or management.

For the purpose of this policy, relatives are defined as husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers, sisters, and any in-laws of any of the foregoing.

The above conditions will not apply to:

• temporary or part-time employment of children under age 25;
• any individual employed as of February 14, 1990, at any institution where a relative of such individual then holds a superior position at least one level of supervision removed from such individual in any line of authority; or
• exceptions approved by the Board of Regents upon recommendation of the Chancellor as being clearly in the best interest of the University and the University System (Section 802.03, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Section 4. Tenure

A. General

The employment of tenured Faculty shall be permanent. The responsibility of Columbus State University shall be to provide continuous employment of a tenured individual on a 100% work load basis for three out of every four consecutive academic quarters until the individual's retirement, resignation, dismissal for cause, or release because of financial exigency or program modification as determined by the Board of Regents (Section 803.09 and 803.09.01, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

B. Eligibility

Only assistant professors, associate professors, and professors who are normally employed full-time (as defined by Regents' policies) and who are appointed in tenure track positions are eligible for tenure. The initial evaluation of a faculty member and recommendation for the award of tenure shall be the responsibility of the faculty member's Department or College. Each Department or College shall devise appropriate procedures for such evaluation. Faculty members with adjunct appointments shall not acquire tenure (Section 803.09, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

C. Criteria for Tenure

Tenure resides at the institutional level. Only assistant professors, associate professors and professors who are normally employed full-time (i.e. 100% work load basis for three out of four consecutive quarters) by Columbus State University are eligible for tenure. Faculty members with adjunct appointments shall not acquire tenure. The award of tenure is limited to the above ranks and shall not be construed to include honorific appointments.

The criteria for tenure, including time in rank requirements, are set forth in policies of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (Section 803.09) and in the Columbus State University Faculty Handbook (Section 106.4).

1. Ordinarily the doctorate or appropriate terminal degree in the field or discipline is required. In some fields the master's degree with professional certification and substantial experience may, for this purpose, be allowed to substitute for the terminal degree.
2. Superior teaching as judged by students, peers and administrators.
3. Outstanding service to the institution as judged by peers and administrators.
4. Significant professional growth and development as judged by peers and administrators.
5. Service to the community as determined by peers and administrators.
6. Research, scholarly, and creative activities which may enhance teaching.

Possession of the foregoing qualifications per se does not entitle an individual to be awarded tenure. In tenure decisions, present and anticipated staffing needs of the Department, College and University shall be fully considered. Since the tenure decision involves factors which extend beyond determination of the competence, performance, and promise of the faculty member under review, the failure to award tenure does not necessarily imply an unfavorable evaluation of the faculty member.

D. Award of Tenure

1. Tenure resides at the institutional level. Institutional responsibility for employment of a tenured individual is to the extent of continued employment on a one hundred percent workload basis for three out of every four consecutive academic quarters until retirement, dismissal for cause, or release because of financial exigency, or program modification as determined by the Board of Regents.

2. Only assistant professors, associate professors, professors who are normally employed full-time (as defined by Regents' Policies) are eligible for tenure.

The term "full-time" is used in these tenure regulations to denote service on a one hundred percent workload basis for at least three out of four consecutive academic quarters.

Faculty members with adjunct appointments shall not acquire tenure. The award of tenure is limited to the above academic ranks and shall not be construed to include honorific appointments.

3. Tenure may be awarded, upon recommendation by the president and approval by the Board of Regents, upon completion of a probationary period of at least five years of full-time service at the rank of assistant professor or higher. The five-year period must be continuous except that a maximum of two years interruption because of a leave of absence or of part-time service may be permitted; provided, however, that no probationary credit for the period of an interruption shall be allowed. A maximum of three years' credit toward the minimum probationary period may be allowed for service in tenure track positions at other institutions or for full-time service at the rank of instructor or lecturer at Columbus State University. Such credit for prior service shall be defined in writing by the president and approved by the Board of Regents at the time of the initial appointment at the rank of assistant professor or higher.

4. The maximum time that may be served at the rank of assistant professor or above without the award of tenure shall be seven years, provided, however, that a terminal contract for an eighth year may be proffered if an institutional recommendation for tenure is not approved by the Board of Regents. The maximum time that may be served in any combination of full-time instructional appointments (lecturer, instructor, or professorial ranks) without the award of tenure shall be ten years, provided, however, that a terminal contract for an eleventh year may be proffered if an institutional recommendation for tenure is not approved by the Board of Regents.

5. The maximum period of time that may be served at the rank of full-time instructor shall be seven years.

6. Tenure or probationary credit toward tenure is lost upon resignation from Columbus State University, or written resignation from a tenured position in order to take a non-tenured position, or written resignation from a position for which probationary credit toward tenure is given in order to take a position for which no probationary credit is given. In the event such an individual is again employed as a candidate for tenure, probationary credit for the prior service may be awarded in the same manner as for service at another institution.

7. Upon approval of the award of tenure to an individual by the Board of Regents, that individual shall be notified in writing by the President with a copy of the notification forwarded to the Chancellor (Section 803.09, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

8. Administrative personnel holding academic rank shall be considered for tenure under the same time frame and criteria as teaching faculty and should include the teaching of at least six courses within the 24-month period prior to consideration.

9. Faculty members at Columbus State University will not be considered for promotion and/or tenure while on annual leave, either with or without pay.

Policy change from BOR Section 803.10

Section 5. Non-Tenure Track Personnel

Institutions of the University System are authorized to establish professional positions designated as non-tenure track positions. Each institution shall prepare annually, along with its budget, a list of positions so designated for submission to and approval by the Chancellor. Subsequent requests for such designations submitted during the budget year must also be approved by the Chancellor. Positions designated as non-tenure track positions or as tenure track positions may be converted to the other type only with approval by the Institutional President.

Non-tenure track positions may be established for full-time professional personnel employed in administrative positions or to staff research, technical, special, career and public service programs or programs which are anticipated to have a limited lifespan or which are funded, fully or partially, through non-System sources. There shall be no maximum time limitation for service in positions in this category.

The following provisions shall apply to all non-tenure track professional personnel:

A. Individuals employed in non-tenure track positions shall not be eligible for consideration for the award of tenure.

B. Probationary credit toward tenure shall not be awarded for service in non-tenure track positions.

C. Notice of intention to renew or not to renew contracts of non-tenure track personnel who have been awarded academic rank (Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor) shall follow the schedule required for tenure track personnel. This schedule of notification shall not apply to other professional personnel.

D. Individuals employed in non-tenure track positions may apply, on an equal basis with other candidates for tenure track positions which may become available.

The transfer of individuals from tenure-track positions to non-tenure track positions shall be effected on a voluntary basis only (Section 803.10 The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Section 6. Dismissal of Faculty Members for Cause and Requirements for Due Process

A. Cause for Dismissal

The President may at any time remove any faculty member with tenure, or a non-tenured faculty member before the end of the term specified in the faculty member's contract for any of the following reasons provided that Columbus State University has complied with the procedural due process requirements detailed in these statutes:

1. Conviction or admission of guilt of a felony or of a crime involving moral turpitude during the period of employment--or prior thereto if the conviction or admission of guilt was willfully concealed;

2. Professional incompetence, neglect of duty, or default of academic integrity in teaching, in research, or in scholarship;

3. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, use or possession of marijuana, a controlled substance, or other illegal or dangerous drugs as defined by Georgia laws; teaching or working under the influence of alcohol which interferes with the faculty member's performance of duty or his responsibilities to the institution or to his profession;

4. Conviction or admission of guilt in a court proceeding of any criminal drug offense;

5. Physical or mental incompetence as determined by law or by a medical board of three or more licensed physicians and reviewed by a committee of the faculty;

6. False swearing with respect to official documents filed with the institution;

7. Disruption of any teaching, research, administrative, disciplinary, public service, or other authorized activity;

8. Cause shall include willful or intentional violation of the Policies of the Board of Regents or the approved Statutes of the institution (Section 803.09K and Section 803.11, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

9. Sexual harassment of employees or students in the University System is prohibited and shall subject the offender to dismissal or other sanctions after compliance with procedural due process requirements. Unwelcome sexual advancements, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when: (a) submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic standing; or (b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting an individual; or (c) such conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment (Section 802.18, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

The Columbus State University Sexual Harassment Plan, located in the Faculty Handbook, details the due process procedures related to sexual harassment.

In the imposition of sanctions, the burden of proof lies with the institution (Section 803.09L, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

B. Procedures for the Dismissal of Faculty Members

1. General

These procedures shall apply only to the dismissal of a faculty member with tenure, or a non-tenured faculty member before the end of the term specified in the faculty member's contract.

Whenever the words "President" or "Administration" are used in these procedures, they shall be construed to include the designated representative of the President.

2. Preliminary Procedures

The dismissal of a tenured faculty member or a non-tenured faculty member during the contract term shall be preceded by:

a. Discussion between the faculty member and appropriate administrative officers looking toward a mutual settlement.

b. Informal inquiry by an appropriate faculty committee which may, upon failing to effect an adjustment, advise the President whether dismissal proceedings should be undertaken. Its advisory opinion shall not be binding upon the President.

c. A letter to the faculty member forewarning termination for cause and informing the faculty member that a statement of charges will be forwarded upon request. The faculty member may also request a formal hearing on the charges before the Hearing Committee. Failure to request charges or a hearing within sixty days shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing.

d. A statement of charges, if requested by the faculty member, framed with reasonable particularity by the President or the President's designated representative. Along with the charges, the faculty member shall be advised of the names of the witnesses to be used against him or her together with the nature of their expected testimony.

3. The Hearing Committee

a. A dismissal as defined above shall be preceded by a statement of charges or causes (grounds for dismissal) if so requested, including a statement that the faculty member concerned shall have the right to be heard by a Faculty Hearing Committee.

b. The Hearing Committee shall consist of not less than three or more than five impartial faculty members appointed by the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate of Columbus State University, from among the members of the entire Faculty (as defined by the Policies of the Board of Regents) of Columbus State University.

c. Members of the Hearing Committee may serve concurrently on other committees of the faculty. The Hearing Committee will meet as a body when it is called into session by the Chairman of the body which selected them either at the Chairman's discretion or upon the request of the President or the faculty member who is subject to dismissal.

d. When the Hearing Committee is called into session, it shall elect a chair from among its membership. A member should remove himself/ herself from the case, either at the request of a party or on his/her own initiative if he/she deems himself/ herself disqualified for bias or interest. Each party shall have a maximum of two challenges without stated cause provided, however, that all challenges, with or without cause, shall be made in writing and filed with the chair of the Hearing Committee at least five days in advance of the date set for the hearing. The chair shall have the authority to decide whether a member of the committee is disqualified for cause. If the chair determines that a member is so disqualified or if a committee member removes himself/ herself from a case, the replacement shall be made in the same manner as the original committee was selected. If the chair is thus removed, the committee shall elect a new chair after committee replacements have been appointed. A minimum of three (3) members is required for any action to be taken.

C. Procedures for the Hearing, Dismissal, and Appeal

In all instances where a hearing is requested, the following hearing procedures shall apply:

1. The faculty member will receive notice of the hearing, specific reasons or charges against the faculty member, and the names of the members of the Hearing Committee in writing at least twenty (20) days in advance of the date set for the hearing. At this point, the faculty member may waive the hearing but still request that the Hearing Committee evaluate all available evidence and make recommendation upon the evidence in the record.

2. The Hearing Committee, in consultation with the President and the faculty member, may exercise its judgment as to whether the hearing should be public or private.

3. During the proceedings the faculty member and the Administration shall be permitted to have an academic advisor and/or chosen counsel. The Hearing Committee will be permitted to have advisory counsel.

4. At the request of either party or the Chair of the Hearing Committee, a representative of a responsible education association shall be permitted to attend as an observer.

5. A tape recording or transcript of the proceedings shall be kept and made available to the faculty member and the Administration in the event an appeal is filed.

6. An oath or affirmation shall be administered to all witnesses by any person authorized by law to administer oaths in the State of Georgia.

7. The Hearing Committee may grant adjournments to enable either party to investigate evidence to which a valid claim of surprise is made.

8. The faculty member and the Administration shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to obtain necessary witnesses and documentary or other evidence.

9. The faculty member and the Administration will have the right to confront and cross-examine all witnesses. Where the witness cannot or will not appear but the committee determines that the interests of justice require the admission of a statement, the committee will identify the witness, disclose the statement and, if possible, provide for interrogatories.

10. The Hearing Committee will not be bound by strict rules of legal evidence and may admit any evidence which is of probative value in determining the issues involved. Every possible effort will be made to obtain the most reliable evidence available. All questions relating to admissibility of evidence or other legal matters shall be decided by the chair or presiding officer.

11. The findings of fact and the decision of the Hearing Committee will be based solely on the hearing record.

12. Except for such simple announcements as may be required covering the time of the hearing and similar matters, public statements and publicity about the case by all participants in the hearing should be avoided until the proceedings have been completed, including consideration by the Board of Regents in the event an appeal is filed. The President and the faculty member will be notified in writing of the decision and recommendation, if any, of the Hearing Committee.

13. If the committee concludes that adequate cause for dismissal has not been established by the evidence in the record, it will so report to the President. If the President does not approve the report, the President shall state the reasons in writing to the committee for response before rendering a final decision. If the committee concludes that an academic penalty less than dismissal would be more appropriate than dismissal, it may so recommend with supporting reasons. The President may or may not follow the recommendations of the committee.

14. After complying with the foregoing procedures, the President shall send an official letter to the faculty member giving notification of retention or removal for cause. Such letter shall be delivered to addressee only, with receipt to show to whom and when delivered and address where delivered. The letter shall clearly state any charges which the President has found sustained and shall notify such person that an appeal may be made to the Board of Regents for review. The appeal shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Secretary of the Board within twenty (20) days following the decision of the President. It shall state the decision questioned and the redress desired. The Board or a committee of the Board shall investigate the matter thoroughly and render its decision thereon within sixty (60) days from the date of the receipt of the appeal or from the date of any hearing which may be held thereon.

15. Upon dismissal by the President, the faculty member shall be suspended from employment without pay from the date of the final decision of the President. Should the faculty member be reinstated by action of the Board of Regents, compensation shall be from the date of suspension.

Section 7. Promotion of Faculty Members

A. Criteria of Board of Regents

1.      The criteria which shall be used for promotion shall include:

• Superior teaching.
• Outstanding service to the institution.
• Academic achievement.
• Professional growth and development. Noteworthy achievement in all four of the above need not be demanded, but should be expected in at least two. A written recommendation should be submitted by the head of the department concerned setting forth the reasons for promotion.
• The faculty member's length of service with an institution shall be taken into consideration in determining whether or not the faculty member should be promoted.

B. In addition to "A" above, promotion to a full professorship should require the doctor's degree or its equivalent in training, ability, or experience. Neither the possession of a doctorate, nor longevity of service is a guarantee PER SE of promotion (Section 803.08, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

C. Criteria and Guidelines of Columbus State University

In addition to the Board of Regents' Policy cited above Columbus State University has established the following criteria and guidelines for promotion:

1. Superior teaching as determined by peer and student evaluation and administrative review.
2. Outstanding service to the institution may include service to the community which relates to one's professional field.
3. Academic achievement includes research, scholarly and/or artistic attainment, which may enhance teaching, as determined by peers and superiors
4. Professional growth and development includes contributions to the teaching profession, a scholarly discipline and the overall common educational process, as determined by peers and administrative reviews. One need not excel in all of the above, but superior teaching and either outstanding service to the institution or academic achievement or professional growth and development are required. Promotion to an associate of full professorship should require the earned doctorate or its equivalent in training, ability, or experience.
5. In order to be eligible for consideration for promotion a faculty member must be in: the third year of service in rank for promotion from instructor to assistant professor; the fourth year of service in rank for promotion from assistant professor to associate professor; the fifth year of service in rank for promotion from associate professor to professor.

Procedures for promotion are outlined in the Columbus State University Faculty Handbook.

B. Review

A faculty member with the rank of assistant professor who has not been promoted to professor in seven years, or one with the rank of associate professor who has not been promoted to professor in ten years, may exercise the right to have a review by the Faculty Senate.

Section 8. Evaluation of Faculty

Each faculty member will be evaluated at least annually. The institution will utilize a written system of faculty evaluations by students, with the improvement of teaching effectiveness as the main focus of these student evaluations (Section 803.07, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Procedures for evaluation are outlined in the Columbus State University Faculty Handbook.

Section 9. Outside Activities

An employee of the University System of Georgia should avoid actual or apparent conflict of interests between his or her University obligations and his or her outside activities (Section 802.16, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

A. Occupational

1. An employee of the University System shall not engage in any occupation, pursuit, or endeavor which will interfere with the regular and punctual discharge of official duties.

2. All full-time faculty, administrators, and other professional staff members employed by a unit of the University System are expected to give full professional effort to their assignments of teaching, research, and service.

3. Professional employees are encouraged to participate in professional activity that does not interfere with the regular and punctual discharge of official duties provided the activity meets one of the following criteria: (1) is a means of personal professional development; (2) serves the community, state or nation; or (3) is consistent with the objectives of the institution.

4.For all activities, except single-occasion activities, the employee shall report in writing through official channels the proposed arrangements and secure the approval of the president or his designee prior to engaging in the activities. Such activities include consulting, teaching, speaking, and participating in business or service enterprises (Section 802.16, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

B. Consulting

Recognizing that teaching, research, and public service are the primary responsibilities of faculty members in the University System of Georgia, it shall be considered reasonable and desirable for faculty members to engage in consulting activities, which are defined for purposes of this policy as any additional activity beyond duties assigned by the institution, professional in nature and based in the appropriate discipline for which the individual receives additional compensation during the contract year (Section 802.1602, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Columbus State University's policies regarding reimbursement, prior approval, and conflicts of interest are in the Faculty Handbook.

C. Political

As responsible and interested citizens in a democratic society employees of the University System are encouraged to fulfill their civic obligations and otherwise engage in the normal political processes of society. Nevertheless it is inappropriate for System personnel to manage or enter political campaigns while on duty to perform services for the System or to hold elective political office at the state or federal level while employed by the System. Therefore, the following policies governing political activities are hereby adopted:

1. Employees may not manage or take an active part in a political campaign which interferes with the performance of duties or services for which he or she receives compensation from the System.

2. Employees may not hold elective political office at the state or federal level.

3. Employees seeking elective political office at the state or federal level must first request a leave of absence without pay beginning prior to qualification as a candidate in a primary or general election and ending after the general or final election. If elected to state or federal office such person must resign prior to assuming office.

4. Employees may seek and hold elective office at other than the state or federal level, or appointive office, when such candidacy for or holding of the office does not conflict or interfere with the employee's duties and responsibilities to the institution or the System (Section 802.1603, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Section 10. Faculty Meetings

The Faculty shall meet at least twice a year. The faculty shall appoint a secretary who shall keep a record of the proceedings. A copy of the minutes of each faculty meeting shall be sent within three days after the meeting to the Chancellor (Section 203.0304, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

Section 11. Gratuities

An employee of the University System shall not accept gratuities, courtesies, or gifts in any form whatsoever from any person or persons, corporations, or associations that, directly or indirectly, may seek to use the connection thus formed for securing favorable comment or consideration on any commercial commodity, process or undertaking (Section 802.14, The Policy Manual, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia).

ARTICLE VI. THE FACULTY SENATE

Section 1.

The Faculty Senate shall be the delegate assembly of the Faculty through which the Faculty normally exercises its advisory and legislative responsibilities. The President shall serve as Chair of the Faculty Senate and shall preside at its meetings.

Section 2.

The Faculty Senate shall serve as a means of communication among the Faculty and between the Faculty and the Board of Regents through the President. The functions and responsibilities of the Senate are outlined in the Bylaws.

Section 3.

The membership of the Senate shall consist of elected members and ex officio members.

A. Ex Officio Members

The ex-officio members of the Senate shall be the President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Business and Finance, and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

B. Elected Members

All full-time members of the Faculty are eligible for membership.

The Library and each College shall be allotted one Faculty Senator. In addition, each College shall be represented according to an elected delegate faculty member ratio of one for every 15 or major fraction thereof. Subject to this apportionment, the Faculty of each College may designate departmental or other sub-college constituencies for Senate representation (Article VII, Section B, Columbus State University Faculty Organization: Bylaws).

ARTICLE VII. FACULTY COMMITTEES

Section 1. Appointment of Committees

The Faculty Senate Committee on Committees shall recommend to the Senate the formulation or dissolution of Faculty Standing Committees and the membership and chair of said committees. After the committee's recommendation has been approved or amended by the Senate, the President as Chair of the Senate will forward recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who appoints Faculty Standing Committees. These committee appointments begin fall semester and are for one year. A list of these committees and their composition can be found in the Committee Index.

University-wide ad hoc committees may be appointed by the President of the institution or by the appropriate Vice President. These committees shall normally include at least one member from each of the Colleges. Members of the Library Faculty and Continuing Education shall be included on such committees when appropriate.

Section 2.http://faculty.colstate.edu/committees.htmEligibility

All faculty, staff and student members of each standing committee are voting members, except for those designated as ex officio.

Section 3. Committee Chairs

Prospective chairs of standing committees shall be consulted prior to appointment. The chair's duties are to initiate and formulate recommendations, to report them to the appropriate administrator and to the Senate, and during Spring Quarter to file an annual report of the committee's activities with the Senate Committee on Committees.

Section 4. Role of Faculty Standing Committees

All standing committees are advisory in nature to the administration. They may be assigned policy-making duties by the Vice Presidents subject to the approval of the President. Recommendations and reports are made to the appropriate administrator(s); to the Faculty Senate Committee on Committees; and, as relevance requires, to the Faculty. Any faculty member may attend the meetings of standing committees in a non-voting capacity.

ARTICLE VIII. INTERPRETATION AND RIGHT OF APPEALS

Section 1.

The President shall decide all questions of interpretation of these statutes.

Section 2.

The decisions of the President may be appealed to the Board of Regents, in accordance with the provisions of Article IX of the Bylaws of the Board.

ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS

Section 1.

Through the President, the University Faculty shall have the power to recommend to the Board of Regents any amendments to any part of the Statutes.

Section 2.

The President of the institution or the Faculty shall recommend amendments to the Statutes of the University in the following manner:

1. The Faculty Senate shall serve to initiate and/or review proposals to amend the University statutes.
2. The Senate may propose amendments, or report its recommendations concerning proposals for amendments, at any regular meeting of the Faculty or at any special meeting called for the purpose of amending. The Senate shall submit all such proposals and recommendations in writing to the Faculty at least seven working days prior to the faculty meeting.
3. Proposed amendments must be adopted by a two-thirds majority of faculty members present, provided a majority of those eligible to vote shall be present at the time of the vote.