Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to identify and define faculty status at Lynn University.
Policy
The faculty of Lynn University consists of all instructional personnel and academic administrative personnel with faculty rank as delineated below. Each faculty member must meet the minimum criteria for initial appointment as specified for each rank or otherwise adhere to the SACSCOC exception standards and guidelines with regard to unique and/or professional experience. In addition, each faculty member must meet applicable program criteria for assignment of rank. See the Faculty Rank Policy for additional information.
I. Full-Time Faculty
A full-time faculty member is an employee of the University who is a member of an academic unit, has an academic rank, and whose primary responsibility is teaching and/or research. To be classified as such, the individual must be qualified for and appointed to faculty rank, possess the appropriate credentials to teach classes in their discipline, and be issued a contract. Faculty who assume administrative responsibilities may retain their full-time faculty status and rank with a reduced teaching/research expectation. Fulltime faculty are entitled to all benefits and are responsible for all of the obligations in the University's policies. They are full voting members of the faculty.
II. Part-Time Faculty
A part-time faculty member is an employee of the University, who is appointed for a specified term as a lecturer or instructor and teaches less than a full-time load as determined by the appropriate College Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Part-time faculty may not teach more than two courses at one time (maximum of 8 credit hours). To be eligible for a part-time appointment, candidates must either possess the appropriate academic credentials or the unique and/or professional experience (see Exceptions Based on Unique and Professional Experience Policy) to teach assigned courses in their academic discipline.
Part-time faculty are not eligible for sabbatical leave or promotion in rank. Reappointment of a part-time faculty member is at the discretion of the University and successive reappointments do not confer continuing employment status and imply no employment rights beyond the duration of the term of employment as set forth in the faculty member’s contract, letter of appointment, or similar document.
III. Special Appointment Faculty
For appointments other than to regular faculty ranks, provision is made for Artist/Writer/Scholar- in-Residence, Practitioner/Professional/Clinical, Emeritus and Visiting status. An individual appointed to Special Appointment status’ role in governance is determined by the terms of their appointment contract. The reappointment of Artist/Writer/Scholar-in-Residence, Practitioner/Professional/Clinical, and Visiting faculty members is at the discretion of the University and successive reappointments do not confer continuing employment status and imply no employment rights beyond the duration of the term of employment as set forth in the faculty member’s contract, letter of appointment, or similar document.
A. Artist/Writer/Scholar-in-Residence
The University may appoint artists, writers, scholars and other distinguished individuals to the special faculty status of Artist/Writer/Scholar-in-Residence. An Artist/Writer/Scholar-in- Residence is one who has demonstrated exceptional qualifications through professional experience, primarily in performance, but also in teaching performance in his/her specialized performance medium. Such appointments are awarded for a specific period of time and may be full-time or part-time depending upon the needs of the University. Upon approval from the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints Artists/Writers/Scholars-in- Residence after consultation with the appropriate College Dean. Their rights and duties are dependent upon whether they are appointed on a full-time or part-time basis.
B. Practitioner/Professional/Clinical Faculty
The University may appoint distinguished practitioners, professionals, and clinicians to the special faculty status of Practitioner/Professional/Clinical. Such appointments are awarded for a specific period of time and may be full-time or part-time depending upon the needs of the University. Upon approval from the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs appoints Practitioners/Professionals/Clinical faculty after consultation with the appropriate College Dean. Their rights and duties are dependent upon whether they are appointed on a full-time or part-time basis.
C. Emeriti Faculty
The honorary rank of Professor Emeritus or Professor Emerita may be bestowed on the initiative of the President and the Board of Trustees. The rank of Professor Emeritus/Emerita is usually reserved for individuals who have retired after a minimum of ten years of exemplary teaching, scholarship, and service at Lynn University. They receive the benefits provided to all faculty members who have retired in good standing from the University. They do not teach at the University except as may be provided by a part-time appointment contract.
D. Visiting Appointments
The University may, at its discretion, utilize the services of a visiting faculty member for one or more terms. Visiting appointments are reserved for faculty members of other institutions, professor emeriti, persons distinguished in their fields or for temporary appointment coverage during the conduct of a full search cycle to permanently fill an approved faculty vacancy. Such faculty members must meet all of the standards for appointment as full-time faculty at Lynn University.
Their responsibilities may include teaching, advising, service, and/or counseling. Visiting faculty members are appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs upon approval from the President and after consultation with the appropriate College Dean. Visiting faculty will carry the rank they hold from their most recent employer or will be assigned a rank based on the criteria listed in the Faculty Rank Policy. They are not eligible for sabbatical leave or promotion in academic rank at Lynn University. Successive visiting appointments may be held for no more than the equivalent of three academic years.
Definitions
Not Applicable.
Procedures/Guidelines
Not Applicable.
To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Academic Affairs