Section 1: Purpose of the Faculty Handbook

1.1 Sources of Policy

1.2 Revisions and Updates to the Faculty Handbook

Section 1: Purpose of the Faculty Handbook

The Faculty Handbook at Lenoir-Rhyne University is a valuable resource for faculty, providing a general overview of institutional policies and expectations related to their roles and responsibilities. It offers guidance on areas such as workload, governance, academic freedom, tenure, promotion, evaluation, and more. However, it is crucial to remember that this Handbook functions within a broader framework of university policies, governing documents, regulations and faculty contracts. Faculty are expected to be familiar with and adhere to all relevant policies and regulations, including those specific to their academic colleges. By offering a broad overview of faculty rights and responsibilities, this Handbook helps faculty navigate the broader institutional context.

1.1 Sources of Policy

In addition to the handbook these sources of policy exist to guide the work of faculty.

• Federal and State Law: All applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations supersede any University policy, including those in this Handbook.  These include, without limitation, the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, commonly known as “FERPA,” which protects the confidentiality of student educational records and with which faculty must comply.
• Policies of Accreditation Bodies:
  • SACSCOC Policies: As an accredited institution, the University must adhere to the standards and requirements set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
  • Programmatic Accrediting Bodies: The programs with specialized accreditation (e.g., nursing, business), are required to adhere to the standards and requirements set forth by the program specific accreditation bodies. If SACSCOC policies conflict with program accreditation, SACSCOC policies supersede program specific accreditation policies.
• Bylaws of the University: The University Bylaws outline the institution’s fundamental governance structure and principles.
• Board of Trustees Resolutions: Decisions and resolutions made by the University Board of Trustees.
• Lenoir-Rhyne University Policy: University-wide policies that apply to all employees, including faculty members.
• The Faculty Handbook: This Handbook provides a general overview of the policies and procedures relevant to faculty at the University. It serves as the foundational document for understanding faculty roles, responsibilities, and rights.
• Official Dated Policies and Procedures of the Office of Academic Affairs: These policies and procedures provide detailed guidance and regulations on specific Academic Affairs matters. They may offer more detailed instructions for implementing the broader policies outlined in this Handbook or address specific academic issues not explicitly covered in this Handbook.
• Faculty Constitution/Bylaws: These documents establish the governance structure and processes for faculty participation in University decision-making.
• College/School/Program Policies: Individual colleges, schools, and programs may have their own specific policies, but these must always align with the higher authorities listed above.

The policies in this Handbook are part of the contractual relationship between the faculty and the University. By accepting a contract, faculty members agree to follow all policies and procedures. The provost holds the authority for final interpretation of the policies within this Handbook. For any questions regarding interpretation, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

1.2 Revisions and Updates to the Faculty Handbook

The University is committed to shared governance in the revision of this Handbook. Major revisions will typically be made in collaboration with the Faculty Status Committee of the Faculty Senate to ensure faculty voices are considered in relation to their working conditions and academic policies. However, in certain circumstances, such as urgent legal advice requiring immediate action, resolutions from the Board of Trustees, or emergency situations which necessitate immediate policy changes, the provost may modify this Handbook without following the typical shared governance process.

Minor edits for grammar, spelling, clarity, and formatting can be made at the provost’s discretion without following the typical shared governance process. All changes to this Handbook, major or minor, shall be approved by the provost and the Board of Trustees. In all cases, the provost will notify the chair of the Faculty Senate and the chair of the Faculty Status Committee within seven (7) calendar days of any Handbook changes being approved by the Board of Trustees. This ensures transparency and timely communication with faculty leadership.

This Handbook is published electronically on the University website by The Office of Academic Affairs, under the authority of the provost upon approval of the Board of Trustees. The most recently revised version of this Handbook takes priority over any earlier versions. Previous versions of this Handbook will be archived. The University welcomes feedback from faculty members on the impact of policies or procedures articulated in this Handbook. Any questions or concerns should be referred to the provost and/or to the chair of the Faculty Status Committee.