FACULTY HANDBOOK 2019-2020 - Western Carolina University

FACULTY HANDBOOK

2019-2020

FACULTY HANDBOOK OF

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

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Preface

The Faculty Handbook is published to provide a ready access to information about the operation of the University and to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about operating procedures and policies. The Handbook is divided into four sections: Volume I describes the university organization and governance; Volume II summarizes faculty responsibilities and opportunities for faculty development; Volume III describes the principles, policies, and procedures for curriculum development and revision; and Volume IV contains University Policies. Taken together, these sections supplement undergraduate and graduate issues of the annual Western Carolina University Catalog and The University of North Carolina Policy Manual which includes The UNC Code.

The Western Carolina University Catalog contains, in greater detail, the academic regulations and an expanded history of the University. The University of North Carolina Policy Manual contains the policies and operating procedures established by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and defines the statutory authority of the Board of Governors.

Volumes I and II are organized in the traditional manner. All entries are numbered to facilitate easy referencing of specific details. Volume III is intended to be a guide to curriculum definitions and processes. Volume IV consists of University Policies that have policy implications for faculty.

IN NO EVENT DO THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS FACULTY HANDBOOK CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND THE FACULTY MEMBER. FURTHER, IN NO EVENT ARE THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS FACULTY HANDBOOK, UNIVERSITY POLICIES, AND/OR UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA POLICIES AND CODE INCORPORATED INTO ANY FACULTY CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.

Office of the Provost Western Carolina University

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REGULATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ASSURE THE ACCURACY OF THIS HANDBOOK TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE AT PRESS TIME. THE FACULTY HANDBOOK MAY BE REVIEWED AND REVISED AT ANY TIME TO REFLECT CHANGES IN INSTITUTIONAL POLICY, STATE AND FEDERAL LAW OR OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES. THE OFFICIAL VERSION OF THE FACULTY HANDBOOK WHICH REFLECTS THE CURRENT TERMS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, IS AVAILABLE ON THE UNIVERSITY WEBSITE AT

.

Other useful links for current information:

University Policies: office/university-policies/

Travel Manual:

Academic Procedures and Regulations: ms/Regulation.aspx

The UNC Policy Manual and Code:

Mission Statement

Our Mission (who we are):

Western Carolina University creates learning opportunities that incorporate teaching, research, service, and engagement through on campus, off campus, on-line and international experiences. The university focuses its undergraduate, master's and three doctoral programs, educational outreach, research, creative, and cultural activities to sustain and improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in Western Carolina and beyond.

Our Core Values and Guiding Principles (what guides and inspires us):

Excellence, Scholarship, Teaching and Learning Collaboration with and Respect for our Communities Free and Open Interchange of Ideas Responsible Stewardship and Organizational Effectiveness Organizational and Environmental Sustainability Cultural Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Our Vision Statement (who we want to be):

To be a national model for student learning and engagement that embraces its responsibilities as a regionally engaged university.

The Mission Statement can also be found online at: vision.aspx

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Brief Description

A comprehensive university offering programs at the baccalaureate, master's, intermediate, and doctoral (education) levels. Its instructional programs are organized in six undergraduate colleges (arts and sciences, business, education and allied professions, fine and performing arts, health and human sciences, and Kimmel School of construction management and technology) and a graduate school. The university offers resident-credit undergraduate and graduate-level courses and programs on the main campus in Cullowhee and in Cherokee and Asheville. In Asheville, some of the undergraduate programs are offered in cooperation with the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Western Carolina University is committed to equality of opportunity.

History

Founded in 1889 and chartered in 1891; became Cullowhee State Normal and Industrial School in 1905. Designated Western Carolina Teachers College in 1929, Renamed Western Carolina College in 1953 and designated a regional university in 1967. Became a part of the University of North Carolina system in 1972. Became a College Sponsor of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in 2000.

Location

Located in a beautiful valley near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, Cullowhee (population: 6,700) is 52 miles southwest of Asheville and 6 miles south of Sylva. Situated at the southern end of Cullowhee Valley along the Tuckasegee River, the campus is unusually attractive and easily accessible.

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Table of Contents

Preface ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 REGULATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE ........................................................................................................ 2 Mission Statement .................................................................................................................................... 2 Brief Description ....................................................................................................................................... 3 History....................................................................................................................................................... 3 Location..................................................................................................................................................... 3 VOLUME I Governance Structure ................................................................................................................ 12 1.00 GOVERNANCE AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY ..................................................................................... 13 2.00 ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION...................................................................................................... 13 2.01 The Office of the Chancellor ........................................................................................................... 13 2.02 Chief of Staff/External Affairs ......................................................................................................... 14 2.03 Academic Affairs ............................................................................................................................. 14 2.04 Administration and Finance ............................................................................................................ 15 2.05 Department of Athletics ................................................................................................................. 15 2.06 Office of Internal Audit ................................................................................................................... 16 2.07 Legal Counsel Office........................................................................................................................ 17 2.08 Student Affairs ................................................................................................................................ 19 2.09 Information Technology.................................................................................................................. 19 3.00 FACULTY GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATION ................................................................................... 21 3.01 The Role of the Faculty in Policy Development and Implementation ............................................ 21 3.02 The Faculty Constitution of Western Carolina University............................................................... 22

ARTICLE I The General Faculty .................................................................................................... 22 ARTICLE II The Faculty Senate ...................................................................................................... 28 ARTICLE III The Graduate School................................................................................................... 33 ARTICLE IV The Colleges ................................................................................................................ 37 ARTICLE V The Departments ........................................................................................................ 40 ARTICLE VI The University Library ................................................................................................. 41 3.03 Bylaws of the General Faculty of Western Carolina University ...................................................... 42 ARTICLE I Procedural questions shall be resolved in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order....................................................................................................................... 43 ARTICLE II The Committee on Nominations, Elections, and Committees.................................... 43 ARTICLE III Delegates to the Faculty Assembly of the University of North Carolina .................... 43

WCU Faculty Handbook 2019-2020

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