Faculty Credentialing Handbook

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Instruction Houston Community College

September 2011

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Faculty Credentialing Handbook Houston Community College 

 Table of Contents 

 

I. Process for Credentialing Full‐time Faculty Candidates ………………………..……………p. 3 

 

II. Process for Credentialing Adjunct Faculty Candidates …………………………..…………..p. 7 

 

III. Acceptable Documentation for Credentials 

A. Official/Unofficial Educational Transcripts …………………………………………………..p. 10 

B. Verification of Experience (VOE) Forms ……………………………………………………….p. 12 

 

IV. HCC Forms 

A. Faculty Certification of Standards Form ……………………………………………………….p. 15 

B. HCC Justification Request (JR) Form for Faculty Competence ………………………p. 16 

C. SACS Faculty Roster Form for Substantive Changes ……………………………………..p. 18 

 

V. Additional Information 

A. Establishing Exceptions ………………………………………………………………………………..p. 21 

B. Regular Audit ……………………………………………………………………………………………….p. 22 

C. Audit Cover Letter to Chairs …………………………………………………………………………p. 24 

D. HCC Criteria for Teaching Faculty …………………………………………………………………p. 26 

E. HCC Course Numbering System ……………………………………………………………………p. 31 

F. New Credentialing Process …………………………………………………………………………..p. 33 

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Faculty Credentialing Process 

Credentialing Through Application Access Points 

 

I. Full‐Time Faculty Hiring Process through Human Resources 

A. All full‐time faculty candidates apply online to a full time faculty job posting at HCCJobs (i.e. PeopleAdmin).  In order to be considered, the online application must be a complete packet which includes all documentation required for the desired type of faculty position.  The HR job posting carefully delineates the type of documentation required at the time of application.  No incomplete packets will be accepted.  All documentation must be scanned and attached to the online application.  This includes unofficial copies of relevant college transcripts (or foreign evaluation for US equivalency), Verification of Work Experience form (for workforce and developmental applicants), related certifications, licensure, etc. 

B. After the posting closes, all online applicant packets are sent to a faculty screening committee, according to the HR Screening Committee Guidelines. 

C. The screening committee conducts a paper review to determine how the candidates meet posting requirements and to determine whether the candidates meet SACS and HCC credentialing requirements.  Based on the final paper review scores, the committee should divide the candidates into three groups for the following actions: 

1. Candidates for Interview: For these candidates, the Screening Committee Chair must fill out the  

a. Appropriate Certification of Standards form (academic, workforce, developmental) delineating precisely the way the candidate meets SACS criteria for the type of faculty and the specific teaching assignment.  If the qualifying degree is in the discipline of the teaching assignment, then the Certification of Standards form is sufficient. 

b. If it is not readily apparent that the candidate’s degree qualifies the candidate to teach the courses specified or if additional documentation such as work and/or teaching experience is needed beyond the qualifying degree, the Chair must also fill out the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence form.  On the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence (JR Form), the Chair must specify if the candidate is eligible to teach all courses in a program or only specified courses.  Then, the Chair must “clearly describe the relationship between the faculty member’s qualifications, course(s) content, and/or expected outcomes of 

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the course(s) assigned to the faculty member.”  The chair signs the forms verifying the committee’s assessments of the candidates’ qualifications. 

How is this done?  What constitutes sufficient documentation?  The candidate may have outstanding professional experience, demonstrated contributions to the field, or training in a closely related discipline covering the competencies needed to teach the course(s) assigned. The following type of documentation could be used to demonstrate competency: 

(1.) Graduate and undergraduate coursework (subject, course number, course title) that clearly relate to the student learning outcome(s) of the course(s) being assigned (such as 18 graduate hours in the discipline for academic faculty) 

(2.) 36 months non‐instructional work experience directly related to the teaching assignment (i.e. VOE form for workforce faculty) 

(3.) Teaching and/or tutoring experience in the discipline (i.e. VOE form for developmental faculty) 

(4.) Recognition in journals, online sources, or textbooks in the discipline 

(5.) Certification of participation in training (6.) Certifications or licensure in the field (7.) Professional presentations (8.) Professional registry (9.) Apprenticeship (10.) Honors and awards directly related to the discipline (11.) Appearance on programs reflecting work in the discipline (12.) Letters of support from past employers, colleagues, etc. on 

business stationery that speak directly to the content and outcomes of the course(s) being assigned 

(13.) Evidence of continuous excellence in teaching (14.) Professional exhibitions or shows at reputable galleries and 

theatres (15.) Other discipline‐related documentation that demonstrates third 

party recognition of the candidate’s expertise in the field. 

2. Candidates deemed qualified, but not selected for Interview: these candidates should be referred to the appropriate adjunct faculty position posting. 

3. Candidates deemed not‐qualified for full‐time or adjunct teaching: these candidates should be notified and informed of the reasons for non‐qualification. 

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D. The screening committee chair delivers the documentation of faculty credentialing for those candidates who it deemed qualified and chosen for interview to the District Credentialing Department for final approval with HCC credentialing standards.  The Credentialing Department evaluates “the qualified” against the SACS criteria for each type of teaching assignment (academic, workforce, and developmental) and against the discipline/program‐specific parameters for the particular teaching discipline/program and/or courses that the faculty may be teaching.  These faculty are marked “Certified” in PeopleAdmin. 

E. Those qualified but not chosen for interview are sent electronic notification by the Credentialing Office referring them to the related adjunct pool for possible future hiring.  They are also entered into the Credentialing Office database.  The database and HR adjunct faculty pool will be used by Department/Division Chairs for regular review for needed adjunct faculty (see next section). 

F. For those deemed not qualified to teach, the Credentialing Office sends them electronic notification of the findings of the screening committee. 

G. Those that the Credentialing Department approves as certified are interviewed and rated by the original faculty screening committee.  The screening committee refers the top 3 scoring candidates to the hiring authority, which is usually the college Dean and/or the college President.  The college Dean and/or the college President make the final choice for hiring. 

H. The program/department chair reviews the screening committee’s credentialing assessment of the new hire and signs the credentialing forms.  The chair then assembles the full hiring packet and signs the necessary credentialing forms with accompanying documentation. 

I. The college Dean verifies the screening committee’s and program/department chair’s assessment of the faculty member’s qualifications and/or work experience according to SACS criteria.  If satisfied, the Dean signs the Certification of Standards and the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence Forms. 

J. The Credentialing Department receives the hiring packet and verifies that sufficient documentation is included to demonstrate that the faculty’s qualifications are clearly related to the teaching assignment.  If satisfied, the Credentialing Officer signs the hiring documents and determines the appropriate compensation grade. 

K. The Vice Chancellor for Instruction verifies the certification status for academic, 

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workforce, and developmental faculty.  If satisfied, the VC signs the Certification of Standards and Justification Request for Faculty Competence forms as the final institutional authority testifying that the new hire is qualified according to SACS and institutional criteria for the type of faculty and the particular teaching assignment.  The hiring packet then proceeds through the remainder of the hiring process to Human Resources. 

L. Human Resources then places all employee hiring documents in the employee’s personnel file in the secure HR Records Office. 

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II. Part‐Time Faculty Hiring Process through the Departments in the Field 

A. Applicants for adjunct faculty postings must attach all required documentation to their online application in PeopleAdmin in order to be considered.  Applicants must have complete application packets which include all documentation required for the type of faculty position desired.  The HR adjunct job posting carefully delineates the type of documentation required at the time of application.  No incomplete packets will be accepted.  All documentation must be scanned and attached to the online application.  This includes unofficial copies of relevant college transcripts (or foreign evaluation for US equivalency), Verification of Work Experience form (for workforce and developmental applicants), related certifications, licensure, etc. 

B. Department/Division Chairs will regularly review the pool of potential adjuncts and do the initial credentialing to determine if applicants’ qualifications clearly relate to the teaching discipline/program.  Chairs should review the pool by the end of October for possible spring hiring.  Chairs should review the pool by the end of March for possible summer/fall hiring. 

C. When a chair finds a qualified applicant from the pool or when a chair “discovers” someone on a walk‐in basis who is qualified, the chair prepares the hiring packet which includes all credentialing documentation including application, unofficial transcripts, resume, licensure/certifications (if relevant), and evidence of work and/or teaching experience (if relevant to credentialing). 

D. Credentialing Forms: 

1.   The program/department chair fills out the appropriate Certification of Standards form (academic, workforce, developmental) delineating precisely the way the new hire meets SACS criteria for the type of faculty and the specific teaching assignment.  If the qualifying degree is in the discipline of the teaching assignment (in the case of academic faculty), then the Certification of Standards form is sufficient.   

2.  If it is not readily apparent that the candidate’s degree matches the courses for which the Chair wishes him/her to teach, the Chair must fill out and sign the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence form. 

E. Documentation: On the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence (JR Form), the chair must specify if the candidate is eligible to teach all courses in a program or only specified courses.  Then, the Chair must “clearly describe the 

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relationship between the faculty member’s qualifications, course(s) content, and/or expected outcomes of the course(s) assigned to the faculty member.”   

  How is this done?  What constitutes sufficient documentation?  The candidate may have outstanding professional experience, demonstrated contributions to the field, or training in a closely related discipline covering the competencies needed to teach the course(s) assigned. The following type of documentation could be used to demonstrate competency: 

1. Graduate and undergraduate coursework (subject, course number, course title) that clearly relate to the student learning outcome(s) of the course(s) being assigned (such as 18 graduate hours in the discipline for academic faculty) 

2. 36 months non‐instructional work experience directly related to the teaching assignment (i.e. VOE form for workforce faculty) 

3. Teaching and/or tutoring experience in the discipline (i.e. VOE form for developmental faculty) 

4. Recognition in journals, online sources, or textbooks in the discipline 5. Certification of participation in training 6. Certifications or licensure in the field 7. Professional presentations 8. Professional registry 9. Apprenticeship 10. Honors and awards directly related to the discipline 11. Appearance on programs reflecting work in the discipline 12. Letters of support from past employers, colleagues, etc. on business 

stationery that speak directly to the content and outcomes of the course(s) being assigned 

13. Evidence of continuous excellence in teaching 14. Professional exhibitions or shows at reputable galleries and theatres 15. Other discipline‐related documentation that demonstrates third party 

recognition of the candidate’s expertise in the field. 

F. The college Dean verifies the Chair’s assessment of the faculty member’s qualifications and/or work experience according to SACS criteria.  If satisfied, the Dean signs the Certification of Standards and the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence Forms.   

G.   Hiring Packet: The Dean’s office then scans all documents related to credentialing and forwards to the Credentialing office via email (vc.workload@hccs.edu).  Submitted documentation should include copies of the new hire’s Part‐Time Requisition (PTR), application, resume, unofficial transcripts, certification forms, licensure/certifications (if relevant), and any 

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other needed material to clearly show the relationship between the new faculty member’s qualifications and the courses which will be assigned to the new faculty member. 

H.   The Credentialing Department evaluates the submitted documentation to determine if the case is clearly made demonstrating that the faculty’s qualifications clearly related to the teaching assignment.  If satisfied, the Credentialing Officer signs the hiring documents and verifies the adjunct pay rate. 

I.   The Vice Chancellor for Instruction verifies the certification status for academic, workforce, and developmental faculty.  If satisfied, the VC signs the Certification of Standards Form as the final institutional authority testifying that the new hire is qualified according to SACS and institutional criteria for the type of faculty and the particular teaching assignment.  The Certification and Compensation forms are returned via email to the college Dean’s office for inclusion in the hiring packet. 

J.   All credentialing forms must be approved and signed by the VCIN Office prior to the candidate appearing in the classroom.  Chairs and Deans should work closely with the Faculty Credentialing Office and HR to ensure there is a pool of qualified adjuncts available at all times for course assignments.  If not, Chairs/Deans should inform the VCIN Office and HR of the need for advertisement and recruitment. 

K.   The hiring packet then proceeds through the hiring process to Human Resources.  Human Resources then places all employee hiring documents in the employee’s personnel file in the secure HR Records Office. 

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Acceptable Documentation for Credentials 

 

Each PT and FT posting in the HCCJobs application system (i.e. PeopleAdmin) carefully delineates the type of documentation required at the time of application.  No incomplete packets will be accepted. 

 

I. Official/Unofficial Educational Transcripts 

A. Accredited Educational Institutions 

1. HCC will only employ faculty members who have educational credentials from acceptable accredited institutions in order to establish the quality and competency of its faculty.  There are six regionally accrediting agencies and seven national accrediting agencies that HCC recognize.  The list of accredited colleges and schools and the nature of the accreditation is found in the Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions (online) published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO).  

2. The degrees and coursework taken at any educational institution which has one of the following six regional accreditations will automatically be recognized: 

a. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MS) b. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NC) c. New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NE) d. Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools (NW) e. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SA) f. Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WA). 

3. The degrees and coursework taken at any educational institution which has one of the following national accreditations will automatically be recognized: 

a. Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) b. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) c. Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of 

Technology (ACCSCT) d. Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) e. Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada 

(ATS) f. Council on Occupational Education (COE) g. Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) 

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B. Unaccredited Educational Institutions or Transcripts from Foreign Institutions 

1. If a faculty member's credentials are from an unaccredited institution or from a foreign country which does not have American accreditation, then a faculty member must have his transcript evaluated by an acceptable professional evaluating agency for United States' equivalence.  The evaluating agency will certify the quality and the level of an individual's degree and coursework based on research conducted on the unaccredited institution.  The HR website and the HCC Transfer Office (http://sites.hccs.edu/transfers/?page_id=58) maintain a list of acceptable evaluating companies that applicants may use.  Pre‐existing evaluations from other agencies may be approved on a case‐by‐case basis. 

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C. The Credentialing Department insures that any educational transcripts used for certifying purposes according to SACS criteria are from accredited institutions or have qualified evaluations from acceptable evaluating agencies. 

D. The HR Records Office will serve as a final check for the accreditation status of all received college or university transcripts. 

II. Verification of Work Experience Form 

A. Where official verification of work experience is required as part of the SACS criteria for certifying faculty, the Verification of Work Experience form is utilized. 

1. Workforce Faculty:  36 months of non‐instructional industry experience related to the teaching assignment 

a. The employee/applicant fills out the form, including the company’s name and dates of employment, delineating the specific non‐instructional skills, and competencies demonstrated in the workplace, which are relevant to the teaching assignment. 

b. The employee/applicant obtains a corroborating signature of someone who either observed or knew first hand of the specific skills and competencies that the employee demonstrated in the specified workplace. 

c. Finally, the employee/applicant signs the form declaring the truthfulness of his/her non‐instructional work experience related to the HCC teaching program, declaring the identity and the validity of the corroborating signature, and declaring that any false information (misinformation or omission of relevant information) is the basis for disqualification or dismissal according to HCC policies and procedures. 

d. In the event that faculty have found it impossible to obtain official verification of work experience related to the teaching assignment, the employee/applicant may receive permission from the VC for Instruction or Credentialing Department to utilize the self‐declared Career and Technology (i.e. Workforce) Faculty Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) form.  The form must be notarized.  The use of this form should be a rare occurrence. 

2. Developmental Faculty:  must have teaching or tutoring experience in the discipline. 

a. The employee/applicant fills out the form, including the company’s 

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name and dates of employment or teaching/tutoring experience, which are relevant to the teaching assignment. 

b. The employee/applicant obtains a corroborating signature of someone who either observed or knew first hand of the specific skills and competencies that the employee demonstrated in the specified teaching/tutoring workplace. 

c. Finally, the employee/applicant signs the form declaring the truthfulness of his/her instructional work experience related to the HCC teaching program, declaring the identity and the validity of the corroborating signature, and declaring that any false information (misinformation or omission of relevant information) is the basis for disqualification or dismissal according to HCC policies and procedures.  

 

 

 

 

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Please include this form with employee application paperwork 

Verification of Experience (VOE) Form  For Workforce or Developmental Education Faculty 

To the Candidate:  1) Please fill out this form documenting the basis of your work experience related to the teaching program in which you are applying.  2) Have your employer review your documentation and verify your experience.  3) Include this completed form with your employment paperwork. 

Applicant’s Name: ________________________________  SSN: ______________________ 

Proposed Teaching Program Area at HCC: __________________________________________________  

 A. For Workforce Faculty Candidates (please attach pages to provide the following information): 

1. Company name    2. Dates of work at the company 3. Relevant positions held 4. Relevant technical knowledge and skills 5. Relevant professional licenses and certifications 6. Relevant training gained while employed there   7. Any additional information indicating how work experience qualifies you to teach the assigned 

course(s)  B. For Developmental Education Faculty Candidates (please attach pages to provide the following 

information):  1.    Educational institution name 2.  Dates of work at the institution 3.   Relevant positions held 4.  Relevant knowledge and skills 5.  Relevant professional licenses and certifications 6.   Relevant training gained while employed there 7.   Any additional information indicating how work experience qualifies you to teach the assigned 

course(s)  

 

Statement of Employer/Administrator: I, _______________________________, acknowledge that the employee has provided correct information stating his/her work experience related to the HCC instructional program.  I testify that all information provided is true to the best of my knowledge or I have made appropriate modifications. 

 ____________________________________________________________________________   Employer Signature        Title                  Date 

Statement of Employee: By my signature, I am stating that I, and I alone, have provided this information declaring my non‐instructional work experience related to the HCC program referenced above.  I have taken this form to my employer or administrator for verification, modification, and signature. All information given by me in this verification form is true.  I understand that false information (misrepresentation or omission of information) is basis for disqualification or dismissal when discovered, according to HCC policies and procedures. 

 ______________________________________________________________________________ 

HCC Applicant Signature                 Date 

14

Houston Community College System Faculty Certification of Standards Form 

Applicant   Last Name  First Name    MI        Social Security Number   College  Hiring Department      Instructional Discipline/Courses Requested  

Criteria for College‐level Academic Accreditation  “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.” (SACS Comprehensive Standard for Faculty Competence, 3.7.1)  Check which of the following conditions apply: 

 (  )  Academic Faculty teaching associate degree courses designed for transfer to a baccalaureate degree: doctorate or 

master's degree in the teaching discipline.  This form is sufficient documentation to justify teaching assignment.  (  )  If it is not readily apparent that the candidate’s degree qualifies the candidate to teach the academic courses specified 

or if additional documentation such as graduate coursework (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline), industry and/or teaching experience is needed beyond the qualifying degree, the Chair must also fill out the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence form. 

 (  )  Workforce Faculty teaching associate degree courses not designed for transfer to a baccalaureate degree: associate 

degree or higher with 36 months non‐instructional industry experience directly related to the teaching assignment.  This form, the VOE form, and the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence form are required to be filled out. 

 (  )  Developmental Faculty teaching courses designed for skill development: bachelor degree in the discipline with either 

teaching/tutoring experience in the discipline or graduate courses work in remedial/developmental education related to the teaching assignment.  This form, the VOE form, and the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence form are required to be filled out. 

  _________________________________  __________________________________   Highest Qualifying Degree / Major (Discipline)  Institution  _________________________________________  Screening Committee Chair (for FT hiring)  Date  _________________________________________  __________________________________________  Department Chair  Date      Academic Dean        Date   The above applicant is accepted for employment as an instructor, meeting all applicable requirements for the discipline and/or course(s) listed on this form.  _________________________________________  __________________________________________ Credentialing Analyst  Date      VC Instruction        Date (   ) Posted to District Files Distribution: Human Resources, Recommending College          HCCS Form 201  9/2011 

15

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16

  Justification Request for Faculty Competence – Guidelines and Instructions Houston Community College 

 Qualifications for faculty in Houston Community College (HCC) are aligned with the rules and regulations of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Principles of Accreditation of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  SACS provides the following Guidelines for faculty teaching in colleges offering the associate degree:  

1. Academic Faculty teaching associate degree courses designed for transfer to a baccalaureate degree: doctorate or master's degree in the teaching discipline or master's degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline).   

2. Workforce Faculty teaching courses not designed for transfer to the baccalaureate degree: bachelor's degree in the teaching discipline, or associate degree and demonstrated competencies in the teaching discipline.  

 In addition to the above two categories of faculty specified by SACS, HCC adds the following:   

3. Developmental Faculty: bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the teaching assignment and either teaching/occupational experience related to the teaching assignment or graduate training in developmental education.  

 Beyond the above guidelines, SACS also provides the following Comprehensive Standard (3.7) for Faculty Competence:  

 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.   

It is the practice of HCC to hire full‐time and adjunct faculty members who meet the above guidelines. At the same time, the College recognizes that, especially in the case of adjunct faculty, there are instances where the competence of faculty members can be justified through the documentation of qualifications such as those noted in the above Comprehensive Standard.   When the degree(s) of the faculty member in and of themselves demonstrate sufficient evidence of competence in accord with the above guidelines, no further justification is required than the normal review and documentation completed by the division office and the Faculty Credentialing Office. However, an HCC Justification Request is required to be completed and approved when:   

•   More than the degree credential is required as part of the guideline, e.g., ''demonstrated competencies in the teaching discipline/field.''  

 •   The demonstration of competence involves qualifications as specified in the above SACS Comprehensive Standard 3.7 

for Faculty Competence.   

In preparing the justification narrative, care should be taken not only to identify these additional qualifications but also to ''clearly describe the relationship between these qualifications and course content and/or expected outcomes of the courses assigned to the faculty member'' (SACS Faculty Roster: Instructions for Reporting the Qualifications of Full‐Time and Part‐Time Faculty). 

17

FACULTY ROSTER Instructions for Reporting the Qualifications of

Full-Time and Part-Time Faculty

1

General Instructions for Completing the Faculty Roster Form 1. These instructions apply to the use of the Faculty Roster Form* for all institutions responding to Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1 (Faculty Competence) or as requested in relation to substantive change. 2. Information requested on the form should be provided for all full-time and part-time faculty teaching credit or developmental/remedial courses. Teaching assistants should be included only if they are the instructor of record. 3. Faculty should be grouped by department, academic program, or discipline (do not group by broad areas such as social sciences or humanities, or by broad degree categories like Associate in Arts or Bachelor of Science). Faculty with teaching assignments in more than one academic area should be listed in the primary department, academic program, or discipline in which they teach, along with all of the courses taught, to avoid repeated entries for the same person. 4. For the submission of the Compliance Certification, a Track A institution (offering only undergraduate degrees) should submit rosters for fall term of the current academic year and spring term of the previous academic year. A Track B institution (offering graduate degrees) should submit rosters for fall and spring term of the previous academic year. Providing Information That Establishes Qualifications 1. Institutions completing the Faculty Roster Form should review Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1 and the Commission guidelines on “Faculty Credentials,” which can be found on the Commission website under the Policies and Publications link. The guidelines represent commonly-accepted

good practice for the academic qualifications of faculty; however, the Commission recognizes that qualifications other than academic credentials (or combined with credentials) may be appropriate for teaching particular courses. 2. The Commission usually accepts common collegiate practice in recognizing an academic discipline, concentration, and/or field of study. Examples include history, mathematics, chemistry, English, sociology, finance, accounting, marketing, and management. For faculty teaching in these areas, it is expected that the institution will provide information that justifies and documents each faculty member’s qualifications relevant to the specific courses they are assigned to teach. For faculty teaching interdisciplinary courses, it is expected that the institution will provide information that justifies and documents the faculty member’s qualifications relevant to the disciplines that are components of the course. 3. When completing the Faculty Roster Form, it may become obvious that only one of the faculty member’s degrees need be cited in order to justify his/her qualifications to teach a specific course. In that case, cite only that one degree. In other cases, it will be necessary to list two or more degrees and to list the specific course titles and number of semester hours in those degrees relevant to the courses assigned. It may also be necessary to indicate additional qualifications such as diplomas or certificates earned (with discipline indicated); related work or professional experience; licensure and certifications; continuous documented excellence in teaching; honors and awards; scholarly publications and presented papers; and other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. Indicate the dates for these additional qualifications and clearly describe the relationship between these qualifications

18

FACULTY ROSTER Instructions for Reporting the Qualifications of

Full-Time and Part-Time Faculty

2

and the course content and/or expected outcomes of the courses assigned to the faculty member. 4. Institutions are expected to maintain appropriate justification and documentation in the files of all faculty that establish qualifications, including those listed in columns three and four of the Faculty Roster Form. These should be readily available for the consideration of On-Site Evaluators. Instructions for the Columns Of the Faculty Roster Form Column One. Provide the name of the instructor and indicate full or part-time status: (F) or (P). A full-time faculty member is usually defined as one whose major employment is with the institution, whose primary assignment is in teaching or research, and whose employment is based upon a contract for full-time employees. If a significantly different definition is used for full-time faculty, please provide that definition. Column Two. List from the catalog the course prefix, course number, and course title of all credit courses taught by term during the requested time period. For each course indicate whether it is developmental (D), undergraduate transferable (UT) undergraduate non-transferable (UN) or graduate (G). Information should be provided—separate from the roster—summarizing the content of the courses listed on the roster. Appropriate information might be provided through a catalog or other description of the content of these courses. Column Three. List the earned academic degrees, diplomas, and certificates that help qualify the instructor to teach the listed courses. Indicate the discipline (concentration or major) of each degree, the institution that awarded the degree. Listing

additional qualifications such as other specific course titles and number of semester hours awarded at the undergraduate or graduate level relevant to the courses assigned could also be helpful in building a case for qualified faculty. Column Four. If necessary to establish adequate qualifications of faculty for courses assigned, list additional qualifications such as related work or professional experience, licensure and certifications; continuous documented excellence in teaching; honors and awards; scholarly publications and presented papers; and other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. Indicate the dates for these additional qualifications and clearly describe the relationship between these qualifications and the course content and/or expected outcomes of the courses assigned to the faculty member. As necessary, provide this information on additional pages. January 2007 Updated : January 2011 * The Faculty Roster form can be found at www.sacscoc.org under Institutional Resources.

19

Faculty Roster Form Qualifications of Full-Time and Part-Time Faculty

Name of Institution: ABC College Name of Primary Department, Academic Program, or Discipline: XXXX Academic Term(s) Included: Fall 20XX, Spring 20XX Date Form Completed: mm/dd/yyyy

1 2 3 4 NAME (F, P) COURSES TAUGHT

Including Term, Course Number & Title, Credit Hours (D, UN, UT, G)

ACADEMIC DEGREES& COURSEWORK

Relevant to Courses Taught, Including Institution & Major

List specific graduate coursework, if needed

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS & COMMENTS

Related to Courses Taught,

Joe Alvarez (F)

Fall 2009 BUS 1001 Fundamentals of Accounting, 3 (UN) BUS 2001 Principles of Accounting I, 3 (UT) Spring 2010 BUS 1001 Fundamentals of Accounting, 3 (UN) BUS 2002 Principles of Accounting II, 3 (UT)

MBA (General), Good University included the following coursework: BUS 516 Cost Accounting (3) BUS 572 Federal Income Tax (3) BUS 573 Accounting Information Systems (3) Total: 9 Graduate Semester Hrs BBA (Accounting), Greenhill University

Current CPA license, NC 1999-2009 Accountant, Big Four Accounting Inc., Durham, NC 3 years Auditing experience 7 years Income Tax experience

Yolanda Bing (F)

Fall 2009 HIS 101, Western Civilization I, 3 (UT) HIS 110, American Society and Culture, 3 (UT) GEO 222, Latin America, 3 (UT) Spring 2010 HIS 102, Western Civilization II, 3 (UT) KIN 103, Karate, 1 (UT)

MA (History), Good University Included the following coursework: GEO 512, Hist of Cartography GEO 516, Latin American GeographyGEO 640, Geo Info Sys GEO 651, Migration GEO 670, Europe GEO 680, 20th Century US Total: 18 Graduate Semester Hrs

Holds black belt and was first alternate to US Olympic team in Karate

Steig Cederholm (P) Spring 2010 Music Composition (UT)

BM (Music Composition), University of Louisville

Published composer, including four produced symphonies and one opera, which debuted last winter at the Houston Metropolitan Opera Formerly the composer in residence for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

F, P: Full-time or Part-time; D, UN, UT, G: Developmental, Undergraduate Nontransferable, Undergraduate Transferable, Graduate

20

Establishing Exceptions to SACS Criteria 

 

I. Why exceptions to SACS criteria may be necessary: 

A. HCC recognizes that in various circumstances, it may be difficult to find the exact educational and/or experiential credentials to meet the SACS criteria for the specific type of faculty and teaching assignment.  This may occur for various reasons including emerging disciplines, outstanding professional experience, and demonstrated contributions to the teaching discipline/program.  HCC has developed a process using the Faculty Certification of Standards and Justification Request for Faculty Compliance forms, whereby the teaching discipline can assemble a faculty member's portfolio demonstrating his/her outstanding professional experience and demonstrated contributions to the teaching discipline.  Where there is a shortage of educationally qualified faculty, an exception may be made. 

B. In addition, HCC has the right to bypass educationally qualified faculty to particularly tap into the outstanding professional experience and/or demonstrated contributions to the discipline/program an individual faculty member may have.  In such a case, an exceptionally knowledgeable professional may be chosen to teach instead of a faculty member who is well‐educated but limited in experience. 

C. The HCC process insures that such decisions are institutional in nature, insuring that the faculty’s qualifications clearly relate to the teaching assignment. 

21

Regular Audit of HCC Faculty 

 

I. An audit of all HCC faculty who are in the classroom is conducted on a regular basis insuring that the qualifications for the type of faculty and teaching assignment e appropriate, that all official documentation has been completed and are in the faculty files, and that no distinctions in standards are made between full‐ or part‐time, distance education or live‐body classroom faculty.  The Credentialing Office, HR Records Department, and Institutional Research regularly run analyses and reports to monitor our processes and outcomes. 

II. Resolution of Unqualified Faculty 

A. Full‐Time 

1. Full‐Time faculty who are found to be educationally and/or experientially unqualified according to SACS criteria are referred to the VC for Instruction, the local president, the appropriate dean, and the department/program chair for resolution. 

2. Resolution options may include, but are not limited to: 

a. Establish an exception (i.e. qualified by portfolio) to show exceptional skill and knowledge according to the SACS Exception Guidelines 

b. Reassigning the faculty member to classes he/she is qualified to teach. 

c. Reassigning the faculty member to non‐teaching responsibilities. 

d. Reassigning the faculty member to teaching continuing education courses. 

e. Slating the employee for non‐renewal. 

3. In such cases, an investigation should be conducted and a report should be written by the department/program chair as to how the full‐time faculty member came to be assigned to classes he/she was not qualified to teach.  The report should be distributed to the appropriate dean, local president, the Credentialing Department, and the VC for Instruction. 

 

 

22

B. Part‐Time 

1. Part‐Time faculty who are found to be educationally and/or experientially unqualified according to SACS criteria are referred to the department/program chair, in consultation with the appropriate dean, for resolution. 

2. Resolution options may include, but are not limited to: 

a. Obtain the needed documentation to qualify the faculty by portfolio using the HCC Justification Request for Faculty Competence form to show exceptional skill and knowledge according to the SACS Exception Guidelines. 

b. Reassigning the faculty member to classes he/she is qualified to teach. 

3. An investigation should be conducted and a report should be written by the department/program chair as to how the faculty member came to be assigned to classes he/she was not qualified to teach.  The report may be required to be distributed to the appropriate dean, local president, the Credentialing Department, and the VC for Instruction. 

C. The Credentialing Department will keep a record of the resolution of unqualified faculty. 

23

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24

Be sure to get all required signatures prior to returning the JR Form.  If the required documentation cannot 

be acquired, contact the Credentialing Department for further direction (MC 1132, mark.tengler@hccs.edu, 

713‐718‐8535). 

Thank you. 

 

Enclosures: 

Faculty Roster Form or Response to SACS Faculty Roster Inquiry 

Justification Request for Faculty Competence (JR form) 

SACS Audit:  Process for Filling out Faculty Credentialing Forms 

 

 

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SACS Criteria for Teaching Faculty 

 

I. Faculty are hired first according to their qualifications which begins with the SACS educational and experiential criteria set as the minimum standard. 

A. Types of semester hour teaching faculty 

1. Academic 2. Workforce Career and Technology 3. Developmental 

B. Criteria for each type (see SACS Faculty Credential Criteria worksheet) 

1. Academic 

a. All faculty (full‐ and part‐time) teaching credit courses that are designed for transfer must have completed at least 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline and hold a master's degree, or hold the minimum of a master's degree with a major in the teaching discipline. 

i. This would include the academic disciplines within the Humanities: English, Humanities, Philosophy, and World Languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese).  This would include the academic disciplines within the Fine Arts: Arts, Dance, Drama, and Music.  This would include the academic disciplines within the Social Sciences: Economics, Geography, Government, and History.  This would include the academic disciplines within the Behavioral Sciences: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Sociology.  This would include the academic disciplines within the Natural Sciences: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, and Physics.  This would include the academic disciplines within the Mathematics: Mathematics. 

b. All faculty (full‐ and part‐time) teaching credit courses in the following areas: professional, occupational, and technical areas designed for transfer or from which substantial numbers of students transfer, must have completed at least 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline and hold a master's degree, or hold the minimum of a master's degree with a major in the teaching discipline. 

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i. This would include the academic disciplines within the Professional areas:  Computer Science, Teacher Education, Engineering, and Speech. 

ii. This would include the academic disciplines within the Occupational areas:  Accounting, Communication, Business Computer Information Systems, and Business. 

2. Career and Technology (Workforce) 

a. All faculty (full‐ and part‐time) teaching credit courses in a workforce certificate or applied science degree must possess appropriate academic preparation or academic preparation coupled with work experience.  Faculty must be at the associate degree level or higher as the minimum degree.  The appropriate amount of minimum work experience to accompany a faculty member's educational attainment is 36 months of demonstrated skills and competencies related to the teaching field in non‐instructional industry experiences. 

i. This would include faculty teaching in the Business Programs: Accounting, Hotel/Restaurant Management, Business Management, International Business, Business Technology, Logistics, Marketing, Banking, Real Estate, Fashion Merchandising, Travel and Tourism. 

ii. This would include faculty teaching in the Commercial Arts Programs: Audio Recording/Video Production, Interior Design, Broadcast Technology, Music Arranging Composition and Production, Commercial Art, Music Business, Fashion Design, and Music in Performance. 

iii. This would include faculty teaching in the Engineering‐Related Technologies Programs: Biotechnology, Chemical Lab Technology, Chemical Engineering Technology, Drafting, Electronics, and Process Technology. 

iv. This would include faculty teaching in the Health Science Programs: Clinical Laboratory Technician, Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Services, Health Information Technology, Histologic Technician, Human Service Technology, Medical Assistant, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant, 

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Radiography, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technology, Vocational Nursing. 

v. This would include faculty teaching in the Human Development Programs: Child Development, Cosmetology, Culinary Services, Fitness Technology. 

vi. This would include faculty teaching in the Information Technology Programs: Computer Science Technology, Computer Information Science Technology, Digital Gaming, Geographic Information Science, Technical Communication. 

vii. This would include faculty teaching in the Manufacturing and Construction Trades Programs: Building Maintenance Trades, Industrial Electricity, Carpentry, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, Machining Technology, Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Welding. 

viii. This would include faculty in the Public Service Careers programs: Law Enforcement, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, Fire Protection Technology, Interpreting and Transliterating Technology, Legal Assistant Technology. 

ix. This would include faculty teaching in the Science Technologies Programs: Biotechnology, Horticulture, Chemical Laboratory Technology. Process Technology, Environmental Technology, Veterinary Paramedic. 

x. This would include faculty teaching in the Transportation Programs: Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Diesel Engine Mechanic and Repairer. 

3. Developmental 

a. Faculty members who teach in remedial (developmental) programs must hold a baccalaureate degree (or higher) in a discipline related to their teaching assignment AND have either teaching experience in a discipline related to their assignment or graduate training in remedial education. 

i. This would include faculty who teach Intensive ESL English, Academic ESL English, Developmental English, Guided Studies (Reading), and Developmental Math courses. 

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II. Definition of Discipline Parameters 

A. For the most part, course prefixes parallel and define courses that qualify for a particular discipline.  For example: 

1. BIO or BIOL courses are part of the Biology discipline. 

2. ENG or ENGL courses are part of the English discipline. 

B. Discipline Committee Definition: Where course titles and course descriptions from other disciplines/prefixes than the traditional discipline prefix indicate the possibility of related and relevant content to the teaching area, discipline committees may assist the Credentialing Department in determining which courses from other disciplines will count toward the SACS criteria.  For example: 

1. The Mathematics discipline committee 

a. helped to define which graduate courses by title from the Decision and Information Sciences department at the University of Houston are considered mathematics. 

b. also defined which engineering math courses are considered mathematics. 

c. also specified that many math education courses for teachers are not considered mathematics. 

2. The Teacher Education discipline committee 

a. defined which graduate courses are acceptable for EDUC teachers. 

b. defined which graduate courses are acceptable for TECA teachers. 

3. The Government discipline committee defined which courses in Public Administration departments are considered Political Science or Government. 

4. The Intensive English discipline committee defined which educational degrees and/or teaching experience qualifies for ESOL courses. 

C. Clarification from Universities 

1. Sometimes a course title and/or a course prefix is obscure as to the content of a course.  Clarification is often sought from universities: 

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a. Houston Baptist University clarified the structure of the Master of Liberal Arts degree and which courses qualify as graduate history courses. 

b. Texas Chiropractic College clarified how the same biology courses could be considered graduate level, and in another instance could be considered undergraduate. 

c. Universities and/or students regularly supply course descriptions as well as syllabi when needed to clarify the content of a course. 

2. Sometimes a graduate program proceeds from bachelor to doctoral level bypassing the achievement of a masters degree. 

a. A university graduate registrar or a college dean will write a letter explaining the educational path of a student and defining at what point the student has achieved the equivalent of a masters degree in route to his/her doctorate. 

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Course Numbering System 

 

I. Course Rubric 

A. Academic 

1. Academic course prefixes utilize the Texas Lower Level Academic Course Guide Manual (LLACGM) rubrics 

2. The Texas Common Numbering System is also utilized for academic courses in the LLACGM manual 

B. Workforce 

1. Workforce course prefixes utilize the Texas Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) rubrics and numbering system 

C. Developmental 

1. No common manual is utilized for Texas institutions 

2. Houston Community College System 

a. MATH is utilized for college‐level and developmental Mathematics 

b. ENGL is utilized for college‐level, developmental, and academic ESL English 

c. GUST and READ are utilized for developmental Reading 

d. ESOL is utilized for Intensive English 

II. Course Numbering 

A. First Digit 

i. 1 or 2 means college‐level courses at the freshman or sophomore level 

ii. 0 indicates developmental level 

B. Second Digit indicates the credit level of the course 

i. 1 ‐ 4 indicates the number of semester hours of credit for the course 

ii. 0 indicates either Adult Basic Education (NCR or Non‐credit) or Contract & Continuing Education (CEU credit) 

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COO

Dean

Chair

HR/HRIS

Credentialing Department

Credentials with all

documentation

New faculty information, etc.

HCC New Part-Time Credentialing / Hiring Process

Integration Processes 1. PeopleAdmin to HRIS 2. Credentialing in HRIS 3. HRIS Database link to Student System (for faculty)

Scan/email

Response

Student System

Credentialing Department Activities in Student System

1. Create Instructor 2. Assign Acad Org 3. Set up workload

Enables chair to assign faculty to class(es)

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PT Credentialing/Hiring: A Process Comparison

Former Hiring Process

• Chairs credential faculty prior to hiring • Deans approve • COO approve • HR Records & Compensation process hiring

packet and enters into HRIS • HRIS uploads new faculty information to student

system • Chair creates faculty in student system

(Instructor/Advisor table) and assigns Academic Org

• Chair assigns faculty to classes based on Academic Org entered by chair

• Credentialing department reviews and determines final certification status

New Hiring Process

• Chair credentials faculty prior to hiring • Dean reviews and approves • Dean’s office scans documents needed for

credentialing and emails to vc.workload@hccs.edu

• Credentialing department reviews and determines final certification status prior to hiring; emails approval back to Dean’s office

• COO approves • HR Records & Compensation process hiring

packet and enters into HRIS • HRIS uploads new faculty information into

student system • Credentialing department creates faculty in

student system (Instructor/Advisor table), assigns Academic Org & sets workload

• Chair assigns faculty to classes based on Academic Org entered by credentialing department

33