Handbook of Operating Procedures > Series 300 Faculty and Academic Policies > 3.1.4 Part-Time Faculty

3.1.4 Part-Time Faculty

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to state The University of Texas at Tyler's guidelines for the recruitment, appointment, responsibilities, benefits and supervision of part-time teaching faculty.

B. Persons Affected

Part-time faculty responsible for delivery of for-credit instruction.

C. Definitions

Part-time faculty typically teach six or fewer hours of coursework each semester or less than 12 semester hour per academic year, and they do not qualify for the benefits available to full-time regular employees. 

Part-time faculty have the same right to academic freedom as full-time faculty. This includes the right to utilize reasonable styles of teaching and classroom management. Part-time faculty should also be provided, whenever possible, secretarial support and office space. To the extent that funds are available, part-time faculty may be allowed to participate in faculty development activities other than faculty development leaves as appropriate. Part-time faculty have many of the same responsibilities as full-time faculty including: (a) keeping accurate and current records, (b) submitting required reports in a timely manner, (c) being available for student conferences, (d) adhering to course content as prescribed by syllabus, (e) obtaining prior approval for deviations from class or final examination schedule, and (f) securing approval for absences and making provisions for appropriate substitute coverage. 

D. Policy

The University of Texas at Tyler will hire highly qualified part-time faculty, consistent with guidelines established by SACSCOC and professional associations. UT Tyler will give primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline. UT Tyler will also consider 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.

E. Responsibilities

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Deans of the Colleges are responsible for the administration of this policy. 

F. Procedures

1. Recruitment. Part-time faculty positions should be posted at least on the UT Tyler website to ensure that all qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for employment.
2. Part-time faculty appointed for the first time and who do not possess the graduate preparation expected by SACSCOC will be asked to submit a portfolio documenting their qualifications for review and approval by the chairperson of the department and the dean of the college before they are appointed.
3. Appointments should be made prior to the first day of classes of the semester in which the part-time faculty member will be employed, Official copies of current application forms, curriculum vitae, and original transcripts shall be maintained in their personnel files in Human Resources.
4. Orientation. Part-time faculty appointed for the first time and those whose lapse in employment exceeds one year should have a formal orientation session with the appropriate department chair. The orientation should include specification of duties, responsibilities, rights, and a description of support services.
5. Salary. Part-time faculty salaries are generally set by the appropriate college or school and take into account such factors as education, experience, market, university experience, course assignment, number of courses taught and distance to be traveled.
6. Benefits. Part-time faculty may receive some local staff advantages such as the opportunity to purchase employee parking permits, admission to special events at reduced or no charge, and the use of the library. However, part-time faculty who are not "regular employees" (defined as an employee who works 20 hours or more per week for a period of at least 4 ½ months) do not qualify for benefits provided to full-time, regular employees, i.e. vacation/sick leave, health/life/disability insurance, retirement programs, and bookstore discounts.
7.  Supervision. Part-time faculty are closely supervised during the first semester of appointment by the academic department chair or designee. Supervision beyond the first semester of appointment is provided as appropriate.
8. Evaluation. Each part-time faculty member shall be evaluated each semester of appointment. The evaluation shall serve as one consideration in making determinations regarding reappointment. The department chair or immediate supervisor shall conduct the evaluation. The part-time faculty member shall provide the chair or supervisor appropriate materials to be used in the evaluation. The chair shall use standard student evaluation results and shall solicit input from students, colleagues, and administrators as appropriate.  
9. Reappointment. Part-time faculty typically are appointed for one semester only. Appointment for any period constitutes no guarantee, promise or expectation of any appointment or reappointment in the future. If it is to the benefit of UT Tyler, part-time faculty may be offered reappointment. Recommendations for reappointment will be considered based upon instructional requirements within the department, favorable evaluation, and availability of funds. Because the need for reappointment of part-time faculty is often not known until the completion of the registration period, early offers of reappointment may not be possible. Department chairs, however, should make an effort to offer potential part-time faculty reappointment as soon as possible.

G. Review

The Divisional Head for this policy is the Provost. This policy shall be reviewed every five years or sooner if necessary by the Office of Human Resources and the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Faculty Senate.