SECTION 4.8: FACULTY

CONTENTS: SECTION 4.8

INTRODUCTION
FINDINGS OF THE FACULTY COMMITTEE
4.8.1 SELECTION OF FACULTY
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.1
4.8.2 ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
   INTRODUCTION
   4.8.2.1 ASSOCIATE
   4.8.2.2 BACCALAUREATE
   RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.2.2
   4.8.2.3 GRADUATE
   RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.2.3
   4.8.2.4 DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.2.4
4.8.3 PART-TIME FACULTY
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.3
4.8.4 GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.4
4.8.5 FACULTY COMPENSATION
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.5
4.8.6 ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND PROFESSIONAL SECURITY
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.6
   ACADEMIC FREEDOM
   PROFESSIONAL SECURITY
4.8.7 PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.7
4.8.8 THE ROLE OF THE FACULTY AND ITS COMMITTEES
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.8
4.8.9 FACULTY LOADS
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.9
4.8.10 CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.10
COMPLIANCE TABLES: SECTIONS 4.8.1-4.8.10
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTIONS 4.8.1-4.8.10
APPENDICES

Excellence in instruction is considered foremost in enhancing the educational process. The university has assembled a community of teaching scholars whose goal is to give meaning to the separate elements of our civilization so that students of all disciplines can analyze, study and organize the diverse elements of knowledge, thereby giving conscious direction to the human mind. (1998-2000Undergraduate Catalogue 92-93)

Faculty from all disciplines are committed to provide optimum learning opportunities for students and at the same time actively engage in research and service activities. The following report, supported by appropriate documentation, clearly demonstrates that the University’s pride in the quality and accomplishments of its faculty is justified, and further, that students attending Sam Houston State University have the opportunity to participate in an excellent educational experience.

1. An institution must show that it has an orderly process for recruiting and appointing its faculty. This process will normally involve developing a pool of qualified candidates and interviewing those who appear to be best qualified. Institutions are encouraged to recruit and select faculty whose highest degree is earned from a broad representation of institutions (Criteria 43).

2. Recruitment and appointment procedures must be described in the faculty handbook or other published documents (Criteria 43).

The Faculty Committee determined that the University complies with these imperatives.

Sam Houston State University maintains an orderly process of recruiting and appointing its faculty, which is detailed in Academic Policy Statement 800114, "Academic Instructional Staffing." The detailed Instructional Staffing policy begins with a statement confirming the University’s commitment to Affirmative Action. By policy, staffing procedures themselves begin when position allowance needs are identified in the annual budget request cycle. Once a departmental request to fill a position has been approved—whether soliciting approval for a reallocation of a position resulting from a resignation or retirement, on the one hand, or a new position, on the other—the University initiates recruiting steps. Usually the department chair has sufficient time to conduct the search, and she or he consults the departmental faculty about the instructional needs to be served by the position. (Tables 4.8.1.a and 4.8.1.b.)

Table 4.8.1.a

Search Time: Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to question: "When you receive authorization to hire new faculty, are you given sufficient time to conduct a proper search?"

College	Yes, Always	Yes, Usually	Yes, Sometimes	No	No Search
Arts & Sciences	1	9	2	1	0
Business Administration	2	2	0	0	0
Education & Applied Science	4	2	1	1	1
Criminal Justice	1	1	0	0	0
Library	0	1	0	0	0
Total	8	15	3	2	1

Table 4.8.1.b

Departmental Faculty Involvement in Search:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to question: "When a new full-time faculty position is allocated to your program, do you consult the department faculty about the instructional needs to be served by the position?"

College	Yes, Usually (Always)	Yes, Sometimes	No
Arts & Sciences	14	0	0
Business Administration	4	0	0
Education & Applied Science	9	0	0
Criminal Justice	2	0	0
Library	1	0	0
Total	30	0	0

The Faculty Survey Questionnaire provides a clear picture regarding faculty confidence in this process: Seventy-four percent of the respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their departments have adequate processes for recruiting faculty. (Table 4.8.1.c.)

Table 4.8.1.c

Recruiting Processes: Faculty Survey

Survey Statement	Number and Percentage of Respondents1	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Disagree nor Agree	Agree	Strongly Agree	Not Applicable or "I do not know"
My department has an adequate process for recruiting faculty.	142/192 = 74%	12	16	22	76	66	10
Within the recruiting process my department develops a pool of qualified applicants	147/193 = 76%	8	15	23	57	90	9
Within the recruiting process my department includes a broad representation of institutions	144/193 = 75%	10	13	26	59	85	9
Within the recruiting process my department invites the best qualified applicants for interviews.	146/195 = 75%	11	12	26	59	87	7
Within the recruiting process my department evaluates oral and written English profi-ciency.	115/178 = 65%	12	20	31	51	64	24

1 Grand Total of Respondents: 202

In addition, a majority of the faculty agreed or strongly agreed that

a. a pool of qualified applicants is developed (76%)

b. the candidate pool includes a broad representation of institutions (75%)

c. the best qualified applicants are invited for interviews (75%)

d. the candidates are evaluated on oral and written English proficiency (65%)

To initiate the official recruitment process, the Department Chair/Coordinator or Library Director completes a Personnel Job Requisition Form, SHSU P-001F. This document indicates the job specification, required academic credentials and experience, and courses to be taught; it invariably includes a short description of the courses as well. In addition, the Department Chair/Library Director prepares a job vacancy announcement, in conjunction with the search committee, which is frequently used for nontenure-track positions and always used for tenure-track positions (Tables 4.8.1.d and 4.8.1.e).

Table 4.8.1.d

Nontenure-Track Full-Time Faculty/Instructor Search:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to question: "How often does your department use a search committee when filling a [nontenure-track] full-time faculty position?"

College	Never	Seldom	Occasionally	Frequently	Always	No Search
Arts & Sciences	0	2	1	1	9	1
Business Administration	1	1	0	0	1	1
Education & Applied Science	0	0	1	1	5	2
Criminal Justice	1	0	0	0	0	1
Library	0	0	0	0	1	0
Total	2	3	2	2	16	5

Table 4.8.1.e

Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty Search:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to question: "How often does your department use a search committee when filling a [tenure-track] full-time faculty position?"

College	Never	Seldom	Occasionally	Frequently	Always	No Search
Arts & Sciences	0	0	0	0	14	0
Business Administration	0	0	0	0	4	0
Education & Applied Science	0	0	0	0	8	1
Criminal Justice	0	0	0	0	2	0
Library	0	0	0	0	1	0
Total	0	0	0	0	29	1

After approval by the Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the documents are forwarded to the Human Resources Department for AA/EEO compliance approval by the University Affirmative Action Officer and for posting of the position.

Except in cases of a bona fide emergency, as indicated in Section 8.07 of Academic Policy Statement 800114, a faculty position vacancy will be advertised locally, statewide, and nationally for a period of forty-five days. Generally, positions are advertised for at least one long semester. As a minimum posting requirement, the vacancy notice is placed in the Chronicle of Higher Education or other comparable national journal. The Human Resources Department also lists the notice on its Internet home page and jobs bulletin board, and with the Texas Workforce Commission, which is linked with the Texas Governor’s Job Bank for Texas State Government Jobs. In addition to the aforementioned recruitment sources, the department routinely uses the following sources to publicize program vacancies: state and regional newsletters, minority universities listings, contacts at professional meetings, graduate school listings and contacts, individual letters, Internet job source listings, journals (professional, science, and technical), mailings to associations, national association newsletters, and phone calls. (Table 4.8.1.f.)

Table 4.8.1.f

Vacancy Publicization:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to question: "Which of these are routinely used to publicize vacancies in your program?"

	Arts & Sciences	Business	Education & Applied Science	Criminal Justice	Library	Total
Admin Chronicle	7	4	7	2	1	21
State & Regional Newsletters	4	1	1	1	0	7
Minority Universities	4	0	3	0	0	7
Contact at Professional Meetings	13	4	7	2	0	26
Graduate School	2	1	2	0	1	6
Individual Letter	8	2	2	1	0	13
Internet	10	4	4	1	0	19
Other1	10	4	0	1	0	15
No Search	0	0	1	0	0	1

1 Other: 2 - Technical journals-both electronic & hard copy; 1 - Mailing to National Association; 1 - Mailing to State Universities; 1 - Advertisement in Science Journals;

6 - Professional Journals; 2 - Telephone calls; 2 - National Association Newsletters

Individuals applying for a position are expected to complete an application, furnish official transcripts of all academic work, and provide three letters of reference. Criteria for selection from among the applicants include competitive quality of academic transcripts; recommendations from prior employers; the caliber of previous academic and nonacademic work experience; established record of or potential for research publications or creative activity; and the alignment of the expertise possessed by the applicant with that required of the position. All of these documents and information are used to rank the applicants for the job (Table 4.8.1.g).

Table 4.8.1.g

Search Items:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to survey request for "Items routinely included in the selection process of faculty"

College	Transcript	Written Reference	Scholarly Accomplishment	Other1	No Search
Arts & Sciences	13	14	11	7	0
Business Administration	4	4	4	0	0
Education & Applied Science	8	8	8	1	1
Criminal Justice	1	2	2	1	0
Library	1	0	1	0	0
Total	27	28	26	9	1

1 Other: Music Performance Activity; Portfolio of Art Work; Statements of Teaching/ Research Philosophies; Phone Conversations; Theatre Production/ Performance Portfolio; Grants/Publications; Conference Lectures and Campus Visits; Experience in Graduate Programs; Vitae

During the screening and selecting of candidates the department faculty are consulted on tenure track positions and frequently consulted on non-tenure track positions as shown in the Department Chair/Library Interview Survey (Table 4.8.1.h).

Table 4.8.1.h

Faculty Involvement in Search:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to survey request: "Indicate the best match of how often you consult or include the faculty when you are engaged in screening and selecting candidates for a full-time faculty position."

A. Nontenure-Track Position

College	Never	Seldom	Occasionally	Frequently	Always	No Search
Arts & Sciences	0	0	1	4	9	0
Business Administration	0	1	0	2	1	0
Education & Applied Science	0	0	0	1	7	1
Criminal Justice	0	0	0	0	0	2
Library	0	0	0	0	1	0
Total	0	1	1	7	18	3

B. Tenure-Track Position

College	Never	Seldom	Occasionally	Frequently	Always	No Search
Arts & Sciences	0	0	0	0	14	0
Business Administration	0	0	0	0	4	0
Education & Applied Science	0	0	0	0	8	1
Criminal Justice	0	0	0	0	2	0
Library	0	0	0	0	1	0
Total	0	0	0	0	29	0

Generally, after a sufficient number of applicants has been secured, the job will be placed in a "hold" status to review applications and interview candidates, prepare a priority list, and make a recommendation of the preferred candidate to the dean. In personal interviews regarding the faculty employment process, three of the four deans indicated that inviting candidates to campus for personal interviews is limited by available travel funds.

After receiving the dean’s recommendation, the Vice President for Academic Affairs confirms AA/EEO compliance in the hiring procedure. Upon favorable recommendation of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and subsequent concurrence of the President, the President sends a written job offer to the recommended candidate. When the President receives a signed response from the prospective faculty member, the position is considered to be filled. The Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, must approve all appointments.

3. It is expected that an institution will employ faculty members whose highest earned degree presented as the credential qualifying the faculty member to teach at the institution is from a regionally accredited institution (Criteria 43).

4. If an institution employs a faculty member whose highest earned degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution within the United States or an institution outside the United States, the institution must show evidence that the faculty member has appropriate academic preparation (Criteria 43-44).

The Faculty Committee found that the University complies with these criteria.

No positions at Sam Houston State University have been filled with a candidate from a non-accredited institution (Table 4.8.1.i), and few positions are filled with candidates from foreign universities.

Table 4.8.1.i

Accreditation of Search Candidates:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to question: "Have you filled any full-time faculty positions with a candidate from a non-regionally accredited university, i.e., an institution not subject to a regional accrediting agency?"

College	No	Yes: If so, explain how you verify that faculty has appropriate academic preparation
Arts & Sciences	13	1: Math and Computing Science: Foreign universities of high quality that can be validated by the International Handbook of Universities and The World of Learning1
Business Administration	4	0
Education & Applied Science	9	0
Criminal Justice	2	0
Library	1	0
Total	30	1

1 The International Handbook of Universities and The World of Learning validate the degrees from institutions outside the United States.

Records in the Division of Academic Affairs indicate that new, full-time faculty hired since January 1993 represent a diverse group of teachers and scholars whose highest earned degrees come from a broad representation of institutions. (See Table 4.8.1.j.)

Table 4.8.1.j

Profile of New, Full-Time Faculty Hired Since January 1993

A. Source of Terminal Degrees

Source of Degree	Number	Approximate Percentage of Total
Sam Houston State University	3	3%
Other Texas Universities	43	38%
AR, LA, OK Universities	5	4%
Nonregional Universities	62	55%
Total	113	100%

B. Demographic Profile of New, Full-Time Faculty Hired Since January 1993

Ethnic Background	Male	Female
White	57	42
Black	2	1
Hispanic	5	1
Asian	3	2
Total	67	46

5. Institutions must ensure that each faculty member employed is proficient in oral and written communication in the language in which assigned courses will be taught (Criteria 44).

The Committee determined that the University complies with this "must" statement.

Sixty-five percent of faculty members surveyed in the general faculty survey agreed or strongly agreed that job applicants demonstrate appropriate proficiency in oral and written English. Although this response was not as high as expected, Table 4.8.1.k, below, indicates that departments are satisfying the proficiency requirement.

Table 4.8.1.k

English Proficiency of Job Candidates:

Department Chair/Library Interview Survey

Response to question: "Which of the following are routinely used to determine the candidate’s ability to communicate to students?"

College	Inter-view by Chair	Inter-view by Faculty	Oral Presenta-tion	Written Presentation	Teaching Class	Other1	No Search
Arts & Sciences	14	14	11	1	9	4	0
Business Administration	4	4	4	0	0	0	0
Education & Applied Science	8	8	8	3	5	1	1
Criminal Justice	2	2	2	0	0	0	0
Library	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
Total	29	29	25	4	14	5	1

1 Other: Conducting Ensemble; Audition in area of performing arts; Public lectures; Meeting with students; Examples of research and publications

As the table reveals, the department chair determines candidates’ ability to communicate through employment interviews, oral and written presentations, class presentations, examinations of research and publications, and evaluations of written letters of application and vitae. Furthermore Academic Policy Statement 871214, "English Language Proficiency for Instructional Personnel," as required by the Texas Legislature, details specific procedures and requirements to ensure that successful candidates possess effective communication skills in the English language.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.1

Having determined that the University complies with all of the imperatives in this section of the Criteria, the Faculty Committee makes no recommendations. However, the Committee proposes the following suggestions:

The University should study the option for earlier approval of position allowances to begin advertising of vacancies.

The University should evaluate the feasibility of establishing a pool of travel funds to use for bringing a larger number of prospective candidates to campus, and also of creating a teleconferencing facility to improve the candidate phone interview process.

The University should determine whether establishing a Texas Business Travel Account (BTA) will result in state travel discounts and preserve limited travel funds when the institution invites out-of-state faculty candidates for on-campus interviews.

4.8.2 ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

INTRODUCTION

Section 4.8.2 of the SACS Criteria for Accreditation is a broad area covering academic and professional preparation for four separate categories of faculty: Associate (4.8.2.1), Baccalaureate Faculty (4.8.2.2), Graduate Faculty (4.8.2.3), and Distance Learning Programs/Activities Faculty (4.8.2.4). The comprehensive criterion for this section is that both full-time and part-time faculty comply with the "must" statements for academic and professional preparation outlined in these sections.

1. Both full-time and part-time faculty must meet the following criteria for academic and professional preparation (Criteria 44).

The Faculty Committee determined that the University complies with this comprehensive criterion; evidence for compliance follows in individual sections of this report.

The faculty members of Sam Houston State University are competent and diverse in their academic and professional preparation. Of the tenured or tenure-track full-time faculty employed in 1997-1998, 88.4% held the terminal degree, and 76.2% were tenured. The credentials of all faculty members providing undergraduate and graduate instruction are monitored by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Office of the President maintains records of official transcripts in all faculty personnel files. Official documentation of appropriate professional and work experiences, technical and performance competencies, records of publication, and certifications are maintained in these files.

In presenting its findings in this section, the Faculty Committee addresses "must" statements from each of the categories (and, as appropriate, "should" statements) and reports on the University’s compliance or noncompliance with these imperatives in the order in which the statements appear in the Criteria. Following each series of "must" statements and findings, the Committee makes recommendations and/or offers suggestions, according to the University’s compliance status.

4.8.2.1 ASSOCIATE

This section does not apply to Sam Houston State University.

4.8.2.2 BACCALAUREATE

1. Each full-time and part-time faculty member teaching credit courses leading toward the baccalaureate degree, other than physical education activities courses, must have completed at least 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline and hold at least a master’s degree, or hold the minimum of a master’s degree with a major in the teaching discipline (Criteria 46).

2. In exceptional cases, outstanding professional experience and demonstrated contributions to the teaching discipline may be presented in lieu of formal academic preparation. Such cases must be justified by the institution on an individual basis (Criteria 46).

The Faculty Committee found that Sam Houston State University complies with these "must" statements.

The appropriate departmental chair ensures that each full-time and part-time faculty member teaching credit courses leading toward the baccalaureate degree has completed at least eighteen graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline and holds at least a master’s degree or holds the minimum of a master’s degree with a major in the teaching discipline. Exceptions to this requirement in 1997-1998 included eight faculty members holding bachelor’s degrees who taught kinesiology activity courses and six faculty members holding bachelor’s degrees who taught dance activity courses. Substantially more than 25% of the discipline course hours in the undergraduate major programs are taught by faculty members holding the terminal degree.

The office of the appropriate dean as well as the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs also monitors the credentials of all faculty members who provide undergraduate instruction.

Exceptional cases in which faculty do not have a master’s degree with eighteen graduate semester hours but who do have outstanding professional experience and have demonstrated contributions to the teaching discipline are justified when the faculty members are first employed. The records of such exceptions are maintained among the faculty files in the office of the President.

During 1997-1998 there were exceptional cases among faculty teaching Spanish. The employment of these faculty members was justified on the basis of their being native speakers of Spanish, their having outstanding professional experience (such as having taught Spanish in the public schools for more than twenty-five years or having lived many years in Mexico), and/or their having completed two summers of intensive study in Mexico.

From time to time the Elementary Education Program has employed individuals who have responsibilities associated with student teaching; some of these faculty do not have the required graduate hours in elementary education, but do have appropriate compensatory experiences in public schools. One such faculty, for example, taught elementary social studies courses and also supervised elementary education student teachers of social studies. This faculty member, who holds a degree in history, has six years of teaching experience in elementary schools; in addition, he has been employed by the Region VI Education Service Center, where his assignment was to work with teachers and administrators at elementary and secondary school campuses in this region.

3. The Commission encourages interdisciplinary courses and recognizes that appropriate credentials for teaching may vary. The institution must document and justify the academic and professional preparation of faculty members teaching in such courses or programs (Criteria 46).

4. It is the responsibility of the institution to keep on file for all full-time and part-time faculty members documentation of academic preparation, such as official transcripts and, if appropriate for demonstrating competence, official documentation of professional and work experience, technical and performance competency, records of publications, certifications and other qualifications (Criteria 46-47).

The Committee determined that the University complies with these criteria.

The University offers an interdisciplinary degree program in environmental science. The environmental science courses are taught by faculty members who have the appropriate credentials for the courses they teach. These faculty members include faculty from the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry as well as an adjunct faculty member. The academic preparation of the faculty members teaching environmental science courses during 1997-1998 are summarized in Table 4.8.2.2.a:

Table 4.8.2.2.a

Faculty Members Teaching Environmental Science Courses

Departmental Affiliation	Terminal Degree	Major
Biological Sciences	PhD	Biology and Environmental Engineering
Biological Sciences	PhD	Bacteriology
Biological Sciences	PhD	Zoology
Chemistry	PhD	Analytical/Environmental Chemistry
Adjunct Faculty (Industrial Hygienist)	MS	Environmental Science

Documentation of the academic and professional preparation of faculty teaching in this program can be found in the files of the faculty members in the Office of the President. In addition, the chair of the Department of Biological Sciences makes the teaching assignments each semester and monitors the academic preparation of the faculty members teaching in this program.

The University also offers several interdisciplinary courses within its Honors Program. These courses draw upon the expertise of faculty from the Departments of Physics, Geography and Geology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, History, and Political Science. With the department chairs of these disciplines, the Director of the Honors Program shares responsibility for assuring the appropriateness of faculty credentials to teach in the program.

The interdisciplinary major in humanities is being phased out by the year 2000 because of students’ lack of interest and participation.

5. At least 25 percent of the discipline course hours in each undergraduate major must be taught by faculty members holding the terminal degree, usually the earned doctorate, in that discipline. In some disciplines, the master’s degree in the discipline may be considered the terminal degree, such as the M.F.A., the M.S.W., and the M.L.S.; in others, a master’s degree in the discipline, coupled with a doctoral degree in a related discipline, is considered appropriate (Criteria 47).

6. It is the responsibility of the institution to justify the master’s degree, or master’s in the teaching discipline coupled with a related doctorate, as the terminal degree for faculty members teaching in these disciplines (Criteria 47).

7. The above requirement also applies to each major offered through distance learning, including those offered at branches or other sites (Criteria 47).

The Faculty Committee determined that the University complies with all of these imperatives.

During the fall of 1997 and spring of 1998, the long semesters used as samples, more than the required 25% of the course hours in each major undergraduate discipline were taught by faculty members holding the terminal degree, usually the earned doctorate in the discipline, the master’s degree in the discipline considered to be the terminal degree in the discipline, or the master’s degree in the discipline and a doctoral degree in a related discipline. The percentages of undergraduate major hours taught in the fall of 1997 by faculty with appropriate terminal degrees are indicated in Table 4.8.2.2.b. Results similar to these were also obtained for the Spring 1998 semester.

Table 4.8.2.2.b

Percentage of Undergraduate Hours Taught by Faculty with

Appropriate Terminal Degrees: Fall 1997

Undergraduate Discipline	College	Percentage of Undergraduate Major Credit Hours Taught by Faculty with Earned Doctorate in Discipline, MFA, MSW, MLS, or Master’s Degree in Discipline Coupled with Related Doctorate
	Arts and Sciences
Art		66.4
Biological Sciences		87.5
Chemistry		76.9
Computing Science		46.3
Dance		53.7
English		56.4
Environmental Science		69.3
French		100.0
Geography		71.3
Geology		100.0
German		100.0
History		82.8
Journalism		32.5
Mathematics		69.4
Music		42.1
Photography		63.1
Physics		76.5
Political Science		100.0
Radio/Television		64.3
Sociology		71.4
Spanish		49.2
Speech Communication		74.7
Theatre		97.8
Statistics (Support Area)		100.0
	Business Administration
Accounting		57.5
Finance		49.1
General Business Administration		62.4
	Business Administration
Economics		78.1
Management		71.2
Marketing		49.9
Business Analysis (Support Area)		35.5
Management Information Systems (Support Area)		100.0
	Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice		87.6
	Education and Applied Science
Academic Studies		59.3
Agriculture		71.3
Health		91.6
Home Economics		99.1
Technology		74.4
Kinesiology		64.5
Philosophy		100.0
Psychology		66.1
Bilingual/English-as-a-Second Language (Support Area)		98.8

8. Faculty members who teach in remedial programs must hold a baccalaureate degree 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 (Criteria 47).

The Committee found that the University complies with this "must" statement.

Sam Houston offers four developmental courses: ENG 031D, MTH 031D, MTH 032D, and RDG 031D. All instructors of developmental courses hold at least the bachelor's degree and have either teaching experience in a discipline related to their assignment or graduate training in remedial education. Table 4.8.2.2.c summarizes these course offerings for the academic year 1997-1998:

Table 4.8.2.2.c

Profile of Developmental Courses

A. Developmental Courses Taught During Fall 1997 Semester

Developmental Course	Number of Faculty Members	Number of Sections
ENG 031D	8	12
MTH 031D	7	15
MTH 032D	4	6
RDG 031D	4	8
Total	23	41

B. Developmental Courses Taught During Spring 1998 Semester

Developmental Course	Number of Faculty Members	Number of Sections
ENG 031D	4	6
MTH 031D	5	9
MTH 032D	4	4
RDG 031D	1	4
Total	14	23

Developmental English is sometimes taught by graduate assistants who hold bachelor’s degrees in English or, rarely, in a related field. However, during 1997-1998, two of the instructors of ENG 031D held MA degrees in English. In addition, during the fall of 1997, the Director of Freshman English, an Associate Professor of English with impressive experience teaching in her discipline, taught one section of ENG 031D. The director monitors classroom performance of instructors of ENG 031D.

Among the instructors of MTH 031D and MTH 032D during 1997-1998 were the Coordinator of Developmental Mathematics, who holds the MS in mathematics and has extensive teaching experience in that discipline; two faculty members who hold PhD degrees in mathematics; six faculty members who hold MA degrees in mathematics; one faculty member who holds a BS in mathematics and an MEd in Educational Psychology; and two graduate assistants who hold the BS in mathematics. Six of the faculty members teaching the developmental mathematics courses have had extensive experience teaching mathematics at Sam Houston State University.

Developmental Reading is taught by three faculty members who hold MEd degrees in reading and one faculty member who holds the Doctor of Education degree.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.2.2

Having determined that faculty members of Sam Houston State University who teach in baccalaureate programs meet all the criteria specified for their academic and professional preparation, the Faculty Committee has no recommendations.

4.8.2.3 GRADUATE

Sam Houston State University is authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer seven graduate degrees in seventy-five degree programs and three doctoral degrees in three degree programs. The graduate faculty comprises members of the University academic faculty and administration who have been appointed as either graduate faculty or associate graduate faculty according to established procedures. These faculty are expected to engage in recognized scholarly activities, research, and/or professional activity.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for overseeing the academic programs. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief administrative officer of the graduate faculty. The Graduate Council serves as an advisory body to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Graduate Council consists of the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, who serves as chair, two faculty members from each college, the Director of the Newton Gresham Library, and the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, who is an ex officio member.

The dean of each college serves as the official representative of the graduate faculty of the college. The dean also serves as the official channel of communication between the graduate students and the University administration.

1. Institutions offering either master’s or specialist degrees must demonstrate a high level of faculty competence in teaching and scholarship (Criteria 47).

The Committee determined that Sam Houston State University complies with this criterion.

Minimum requirements for appointment to the graduate faculty ensure that the graduate faculty demonstrate the requisite commitment, interest, and skills essential for the integrity and effectiveness of graduate education. Graduate faculty who are current in their areas of specialization are involved in the types of scholarly activities (for example, research and writing) required of graduate students in order that they can serve as role models and that they have first-hand experience to guide and direct the scholarly activities of students. Evidence of research and scholarly activities includes presentation of papers at professional conferences, as well as the publication of books, textbooks, book chapters, monographs, research reports, journal articles, book reviews, and review essays. Creative activities and accomplishments include local, state, and national art exhibitions; juried competitions; concerts; recitals; dance spectrums; and theatrical performances.

The academic or professional community recognizes a faculty member for his or her scholarly expertise in the field. This recognition is indicated by appointment to important planning committees; election or appointment to administrative positions of national professional associations; receipt of awards or honors from professional, academic, scientific, or governmental agencies; and appointment to the editorial and review boards of academic journals, book publishers, and governmental agencies.

2. Institutions offering doctoral degrees must demonstrate the research capability of faculty members teaching in these programs (Criteria 47).

The Faculty Committee determined that Sam Houston State University complies with this criterion.

The University demonstrates the research contributions of faculty members of each college, including faculty who teach in the doctoral programs, in its publication of the Annual Report on Faculty Research and Creative Accomplishments. This document lists publications; book/media reviews; conference papers; creative accomplishments; school district activities; and awards, grants, contracts, and research of various faculty members. The Annual Report on Faculty Research and Creative Accomplishments is available to each department chair in hard copy and to each faculty member on the mainframe.

The College of Criminal Justice recognizes scholarly and professional activities, publications, and scholarly recognition as being interrelated. Graduate faculty are expected to show activity in all three areas during their careers. Graduate faculty status is reviewed every two years; faculty accomplishments are evaluated on the same schedule. Graduate faculty are expected to engage regularly in activities, including research, that are essential for a complete graduate education.

3. Eligibility requirements for faculty members teaching graduate courses must be clearly defined and publicized (Criteria 47).

The Committee established that Sam Houston State University complies with this "must" statement.

The graduate faculty consists of those members of the University academic faculty and administration who have been appointed to graduate faculty membership in accord with eligibility requirements and procedures established in Academic Policy Statement 801014. This policy statement in its entirety is accessible on the mainframe, as is the complete Academic Policy Manual. Hard copies of the Academic Policy Manual are also located in the offices of the academic deans, department chairs, and the Newton Gresham Library. This academic policy statement is also accessible in Appendix V of The Faculty Handbook issued to each faculty member, as are other academic policy statements from the faculty section of the Academic Policy Manual.

The following statements in Academic Policy Statement 801014 refer to the eligibility requirements for graduate faculty:

Nomination and approval of nominees to the graduate faculty will be based upon evidence of competencies which shall be judged to be essential to successful performance at the graduate level. Each academic department chair will provide to the appropriate college dean a list of the recommended minimum requirements for appointment of a faculty member of that academic unit to the graduate faculty. Each college dean will, in turn, develop a statement outlining the minimum requirements for the appointment of a faculty member of that college to the graduate faculty. The University Graduate Council will review all of the recommended minimum appointment criteria submitted by each college in order to ensure a modicum of standardization of appointment requirements across the University. The University Graduate Council will forward the results of its review, together with any recommendations for change deemed appropriate, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Upon approval of the proposed appointment criteria for each college by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, current and future graduate faculty appointments will be evaluated according to the criteria established for the appropriate college in order to determine appointment eligibility.

Criteria for membership on the graduate/associate graduate faculty were established for each of the colleges according to the procedure outlined above. Copies of these criteria are available from the offices of the appropriate department chairs, the college deans, the Coordinator of Graduate Studies, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

4. All institutions must have adequate resources to attract and retain a qualified faculty, especially in the disciplines in which doctoral programs are offered (Criteria 47).

The Faculty Committee determined that the University complies with this criterion.

The interim dean of the criminal justice doctoral program indicated that even though salaries at Sam Houston State University are a little less overall than they are nationally, the salaries are adequate to attract and retain a qualified faculty. This administrator also indicated that support systems are adequate. These resources include computer equipment, computer laboratories, secretarial support, and faculty offices. There are no research assistantships for graduate students, but there are teaching assistantships reserved for the more advanced doctoral students.

The Dean of the College of Education and Applied Science, who oversees the Educational Leadership doctoral program, indicated that steps have been taken through market adjustments and merit pay (both of which are required for doctoral faculty) to adjust any salary inequities.

5. Faculty members responsible for the direction of doctoral research must be experienced in directing independent study (Criteria 47).

The Faculty Committee found that the University complies with this criterion.

All graduate faculty members responsible for the direction of doctoral research are experienced in directing independent study. Prior to and periodically during employment, each graduate faculty member has submitted a vitae that summarizes professional and work experiences, technical and performance competencies, publications, certifications, and service activities. Appropriate documentation of doctoral faculty credentials is maintained in the office of the appropriate dean and the Office of the President.

6. Each faculty member teaching courses at the master’s and specialist degree level must hold the terminal degree, usually the earned doctorate, in the teaching discipline or a related discipline. In some instances, the master’s degree in the discipline may be considered the terminal degree, such as the M.F.A., the M.S.W., and the M.L.S.; in others, a master’s degree in the discipline coupled with a doctoral degree in a related discipline is considered appropriate (Criteria 48).

7. It is the responsibility of the institution to justify the master’s degree, or master’s in the teaching discipline coupled with a related doctorate, as the terminal degree for faculty members teaching in those disciplines (Criteria 48).

The Committee determined that Sam Houston State University complies with these imperatives.

In most instances faculty members teaching courses at the master’s and specialist degree level hold the terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline. However, during the fall of 1997 and the spring of 1998, there were exceptions to this practice. These exceptions included two faculty members in the Computing Science Program who taught three graduate courses. Both faculty members held the MS degree in Computing Science, and one of these faculty members had completed sixty-seven doctoral graduate hours in computing science. In another example, a faculty member with an MA degree in history and sixty-two doctoral hours of history taught two sections of a master’s level history course by independent study. One faculty member with an MEd degree taught one section of a special education course, while another faculty member with an MEd degree taught one section of an industrial technology course. In each case the faculty had demonstrated exceptional scholarly and/or professional experience.

The Department of Music has many specialized courses that require instructors to teach a limited number of students. Eight of these instructors holding either the MM or MA degree in music taught fifteen sections of courses in their specialization. These instructors are distinguished professionals who perform in area orchestras and other musical groups.

The MFA in Art is considered to be the terminal degree for faculty teaching in either the MFA or MA degree programs in that discipline. During the 1997-1998 academic year, four faculty in the Department of Art possessed either the MA or MS degree in Art coupled with the MFA degree, two faculty held the MFA degree, one faculty had the MA degree in Art, and one faculty held the MA in Art coupled with the PhD in College Teaching. Each of the MFA, MA, and MS degrees was in the faculty member’s teaching area.

In the Department of General Business and Finance, one faculty member who taught graduate business administration courses holds the MS in Business Administration and the EdD degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

One faculty in the Department of Health and Kinesiology who holds the MS degree in Nutrition and Food coupled with the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction taught graduate Health Education courses. This faculty member had earned eighteen graduate hours in Health Education for the PhD Another faculty in this department who had the PhD in Physiology taught graduate courses in Kinesiology.

During 1997-1998 graduate courses were taught by faculty in the Department of Library Science who had terminal degrees in related fields. These faculty included two individuals who both hold MEd and EdD degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, one who holds the MLS degree and the PhD in Educational Administration, one who holds the MS in Library Science and the PhD in Educational Administration, and one who holds the MEd degree in Elementary Education and the MLS in Library Science.

In the Mathematics Program, one faculty who holds the MS degree in Mathematics and the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction taught graduate courses.

The MFA degree is considered to be a terminal degree for faculty who teach in the Dance Program. During 1997-1998 two faculty who hold the MFA in Dance taught graduate dance courses.

One faculty member of the Psychology Program who holds both the MEd and the PhD in Education taught a graduate Psychology course during the 1997 Fall semester.

During 1997-1998 one faculty member of the Department of Technology who holds the MEd degree in Industrial Arts Education and the EdD in College Teaching taught graduate Industrial Education courses. This faculty member has thirty-nine graduate hours in Industrial Arts in his EdD degree courses.

Should an academic department seek permission to have a non-member of the graduate faculty teach a graduate course within a given semester, a formal request, accompanied by documented justification, must be submitted by the department for review and action to the dean and to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (see form entitled "Request for Permission to Allow a Nonmember of the Graduate/Associate Graduate Faculty to Teach a Graduate Course").

8. All faculty members teaching courses at the doctoral degree level must hold the earned doctorate in the teaching discipline or a related discipline (Criteria 48).

The Faculty Committee found that the University complies with this imperative.

Sam Houston State University is authorized to offer the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice, the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Clinical Psychology. Because the doctoral program in Forensic Clinical Psychology begins in the Fall 1998 semester, this report does not cover the credentials of the faculty members involved in this program.

The seventeen graduate faculty members and the four associate graduate faculty members of the College of Criminal Justice all teach courses at the doctoral level. Each of these faculty members holds the earned doctorate in the teaching discipline or an appropriate related discipline. Justification for faculty teaching in this graduate program who have degrees in related disciplines and related professional experience is found in the faculty files in the Office of the President. Table 4.8.2.3.a shows the discipline of the terminal degrees held by these faculty members.

Table 4.8.2.3.a

Qualifications of Doctoral Faculty: Criminal Justice

Number of Faculty	Terminal Degree	Discipline
1	PhD	Administration and Higher Education
1	PhD	Criminal Justice
3	PhD	Criminology
1	PhD	Criminal Justice and Criminology
1	PhD	Guidance
1	PhD	History
1	DSL	Law
1	PhD	Political Science
4	PhD	Psychology
1	PhD	Public Administration
6	PhD	Sociology

The faculty member holding the PhD in history teaches the History of Violence, Penology, Crime and Punishment, and the Development of Law Enforcement Entities. The faculty member holding the PhD in Political Science has considerable experience as an instructor for a Police Training School for Officers, a police officer, a criminal investigator, a criminal justice planner, and a public administrator.

The six graduate faculty of the College of Education who teach doctoral courses in the Educational Leadership Program all hold the earned doctorate in the teaching discipline or a related discipline. Table 4.8.2.3.b shows the discipline of the terminal degrees held by these faculty members:

Table 4.8.2.3.b

Qualifications of Doctoral Faculty: Educational Leadership Program

Number of Faculty	Terminal Degree	Discipline
3	PhD	Education Administration
1	EdD	Education Administration
1	EdD	Education: Elementary Education
1	PhD	Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction

In addition to the six doctoral faculty of the Educational Leadership Program, there are twelve affiliate doctoral faculty from the areas of Library Science, Secondary Education, Counseling, Computing Science, Management, Criminal Justice, Bilingual Education, Mathematics, Curriculum and Instruction, and Political Science; three school administration faculty; and four field support faculty who provide educational expertise to the doctoral students. Each of these affiliate and school administration faculty holds the appropriate terminal degree and experience for participation in this program.

9. The Commission recognizes that in unusual cases institutions may appropriately include as graduate faculty members those who have demonstrated exceptional scholarly or creative activity, or professional experience, but who may not possess the required academic credentials. There also may be an occasion when a new graduate discipline is in its formative stage in higher education and there are no faculty members available with academic credentials in the discipline. In either case, when an institution presents evidence of competence or academic credentials other than the doctorate in the discipline for its graduate faculty, it must justify the employment of such faculty (Criteria 48).

The Faculty Committee determined that the University complies with this criterion.

One faculty member in the Department of Library Science does not have any graduate hours in library science; however, this individual holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, with a specialization in adolescent and children’s literature. She also holds a BA degree in English Teacher Education and an MEd degree in Curriculum and Instruction. The teaching assignments of this faculty member have included LS 560: Literature for Children; LS 561: Current Trends in Materials for Children and Young Adults; and LS 580: Master’s Seminar. The LS 580 curriculum includes such topics as "Nonfiction Literature for Children and Young Adults" and "Selecting and Evaluating Multicultural Materials for Youth." The teaching experience and academic preparation of the individual in question support her competence in teaching these courses.

10. The Commission encourages interdisciplinary courses and recognizes that appropriate credentials for teaching may vary. The institution must document and justify the academic and professional preparation of faculty members teaching in such courses or programs (Criteria 48).

Sam Houston State University currently does not offer any graduate interdisciplinary courses.

11. It is the responsibility of the institution to keep on file, for all full-time and part-time faculty members teaching graduate courses, documentation of academic preparation, such as official transcripts and, if appropriate for demonstrating competence, official documentation of professional and work experience, technical and performance competency, records of publications, and certifications and other qualifications (Criteria 48-49).

The Faculty Committee determined that the University complies with this criterion.

Documentation of competency of all full-time and part-time faculty to teach graduate courses is on file in the appropriate academic offices.

12. An effective graduate program depends on the scholarly interaction of faculty. The appropriate number of faculty members to adequately support a program varies according to discipline and the scope of the program. However, for each graduate degree program, an institution must employ at least four qualified full-time faculty members whose responsibilities include teaching in the program (Criteria 49).

The Committee found that the University does not comply fully with this criterion.

Graduate degree programs and doctoral degree programs are summarized in Table 4.8.2.3.c.

Table 4.8.2.3.c

Graduate Degree Programs

A. Master’s Degree Programs

Graduate Degrees	No. of Degree Titles	No. of Degree Programs
MA	22	31
MBA	1	1
MEd	16	20
MFA	1	6
MLS	1	1
MM	1	6
MS	8	10
Total	50	75

B. Doctoral Degree Programs

Graduate Degrees	Number of Degree Titles	Number of Degree Programs
EdD	1	1
PhD	2	2
Total	3	3

At least four qualified full-time faculty members teach in each graduate degree program, with one exception: The Dance program, which in previous years has been in compliance with this criterion, last year lost one of its four full-time faculty. To date, the program has not appointed a full-time faculty to fill this vacancy, thus leaving the graduate faculty with only three full-time teachers. The Faculty Committee makes a recommendation to correct this situation in the recommendations and suggestions which follow this section.

Graduate faculty and associate graduate faculty members and their disciplines are summarized in Table 4.8.2.3.d. Most disciplines of faculty members are obvious. There are exceptions, however, as in the case of the degrees in Home Economics offered by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. The disciplines of the faculty are Fashion Merchandising and Design, Home Economics, Interior Design, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Vocational Home Economics.

Table 4.8.2.3.d

Graduate Degrees and Faculty

College	Disciplines	Number of Graduate Faculty	Number of Associate Graduate Faculty
Arts & Sciences	Art	7	1
	Biological Sciences	14	0
	Chemistry	8	0
	Dance	3	0
	English	22	5
	Geography	2	1
	Geology	3	2
	History	8	4
	Computing Science	6	2
	Mathematics	18	2
	Music	9	4
	Physics	7	0
	Political Science	8	2
	Sociology	4	2
	Theatre	3	0
Business Administration	Accounting	5	4
	Business Administration	4	2
	Business Analysis	1	1
	Economics	6	0
	Finance	2	3
	Management Information Systems	1	1
	Marketing	5	0
Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice	17	4
Education & Applied Science	Agriculture	4	6
	Education	20	17
	Fashion Merchandising and Design	0	1
	Home Economics	1	0
	Health	3	1
	Technology	5	1
	Interior Design	0	1
	Kinesiology	5	1
	Library Science	5	0
	Psychology	11	0

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.2.3

The Faculty Committee determined that Sam Houston State University complies fully with all but one of the imperatives in this section of the Criteria; to correct the instance of noncompliance, the Committee makes the following recommendation:

The Dance Program must hire at least one full-time faculty member to teach in its graduate program.

To improve the quality of graduate education at the University, the Committee also makes the following suggestions:

Even though at least 25% of the discipline course hours in the Journalism Program are taught by faculty members holding the terminal degree in that discipline or other appropriate credentials, when vacancies occur in the future the department should make every effort to recruit and employ faculty members with terminal degrees in journalism.

The Office of Graduate Studies should investigate the possibility of offering research assistantships for graduate students in the doctoral programs.

4.8.2.4 DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

1. Institutions offering courses for credit through distance learning activities and programs must meet all criteria related to faculty.

2. Whether through direct contact or other appropriate means, institutions offering distance learning programs must provide students with structured access to and interaction with full-time faculty members.

The Faculty Committee determined that the University complies with these imperatives.

Sam Houston State University’s distance learning activities and programs are addressed in Section 4.5 (Distance Learning Programs) and Section 4.6 (Continuing Education, Outreach, and Service Programs) of the SACS Self-Study Report.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS: SECTION 4.8.2.4

Having determined that the University complies with the imperatives in this section of the Criteria, the Faculty Committee makes no recommendations.

4.8.3 PART-TIME FACULTY

Sam Houston State University has developed into a relatively large, diverse institution organized into four colleges, with authorization to offer six baccalaureate degrees, seven master’s degrees, and three doctoral degrees in three program areas. A well-qualified faculty has been critical to achieving and maintaining educational effectiveness related to the respective needs of this multifaceted organization and its academic programs. The number of full-time faculty members must be adequate to provide effective teaching, advising, and scholarly or creative activity, and be appropriate to participate in curriculum development, policy making, institutional planning and governance.

Full-time faculty have composed the teaching core at Sam Houston State University; however, part-time faculty provide an important dimension in delivering the University’s educational program. Part-time faculty include those working under contract whose special expertise is vital to the success of various programs.

Ten-year comparative data reflecting full-time to part-time faculty ratios are provided in Table 4.8.3.a below. These data indicate more than a two to one (2:1) overall ratio for the ten-year period 1988-89 to 1997-98. The data further show that the current 1997-98 faculty ratio of full-time to part-time faculty approximates the ten-year averages.

Full-Time/Part-Time Faculty Comparisons: 1988-1998¹