573-9654
Extensions: 2008 or 2051
E-mail addresses: Roger.Noe@kctcs.edu
Cathie.Day@kctcs.edu
JoyceW.Howard@kctcs.edu
Revised: 02/01
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This website is intended to provide part-time faculty with a general understanding of our personnel policies. Employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the contents listed herein, for it will answer many common questions concerning employment with SECC.
However, this website cannot anticipate every situation or answer every question about employment. It is not an employment contract and is not intended to create contractual obligations of any kind. Neither the employee, nor SECC, is bound to continue the employment relationship if either chooses, at its will, to end the relationship at any time. .
In order to retain necessary flexibility in the administration of policies and procedures, SECC reserves the right to change, revise, or eliminate any of the policies and/or benefits described in this website, except for its policy of employment-at-will. The only recognized deviations from the stated policies are those authorized and signed by the President of SECC.
Although individual situations may warrant special consideration, hiring will follow the Kentucky Community and Technical College System policy:
For teaching in the areas of Humanities/Fine Arts, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Natural Science/Mathematics, Education and Business Administration, all full-time and part-time faculty must have completed the master's degree, with at least 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline, or must hold the minimum of a master's degree with a major in the teaching discipline. In exceptional cases, outstanding professional experience and demonstrated contributions to the teaching discipline may be presented in lieu of formal academic preparation in the above areas. Such exceptions must be well justified and thoroughly documented by the college on an individual basis.
In occupational and technical fields, the minimum qualifications will apply. Each full-time and part-time faculty member teaching courses in occupational and technical areas, other than physical activities courses, that are components of associate degree programs designed for college transfer, or where substantial numbers of students do transfer to senior institutions, must have completed 18 graduate hours in the teaching discipline and hold at least a master's'degree, or hold the minimum of the master's'degree with a major in the teaching discipline.
Each full-time and part-time faculty member teaching credit courses in occupational and technical areas that are components of associate degree programs not usually resulting in college transfer, or in the continuation of students in senior institutions, must possess appropriate academic preparation coupled with work experience. The typical combination is a bachelor's degree with appropriate work experience. In disciplines where available, the master's degree is preferred.
The minimum academic degree for faculty teaching in occupational and technical areas is the associate degree. In exceptional cases, outstanding professional experience and demonstrated contributions to the teaching discipline may be presented in lieu of formal academic preparation for faculty members teaching both transfer and non-transfer courses in these areas. Again, such exceptions must be well justified and thoroughly documented by the institution on an individual basis.
Several months prior to the start of the semester, the Dean of Academic Affairs and the division chairs examine the projected class schedule to determine areas of need for part-time faculty. If an applicant is not called in the semester following the application, this does not mean that he/she will not be called in the future. Needs vary from semester to semester and not all approved part-time instructors will teach every semester.
Once an applicant's credentials are approved and the need for a class is established, the instructor will be notified at the earliest possible date so that he/she can have sufficient time to prepare course materials. At the time of the assignment, the instructor will be informed of class beginning and ending time, as well as class location and meeting days and time. In addition, the instructor will be provided with an official syllabus for the course, and instructional materials and or textbooks.
Normally, the College requires that at least twelve students be officially enrolled for a class to be taught. If enrollment is insufficient, the instructor will be notified as soon as possible. When the class has been officially registered with the required number of students, the Office of Off-Campus Program will issue an Internal Authorization for payment form and Terms of Employment form to the instructor.
Instructors who have accepted an assignment and later find it impossible to teach a course should notify the Dean of Academic Affairs at the earliest possible date so that arrangements can be made to employ another instructor.
College personnel will put instructors on the payroll following the final registration after it is ascertained that there is sufficient enrollment in the assigned course(s). The instructor must have on file: KCTCS application for employment, three letters of recommendation, official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Also before paychecks can be issued, the instructor must complete the necessary tax forms in the college personnel office, and view the "Right to Know" video in the college library. Instructors will be paid bi-monthly each semester.
Employees may have pay directly deposited into their bank accounts if they so desire. Employees will receive an itemized statement of wages when SECC makes direct deposits. To make arrangements for direct deposit, please contact the personnel office on the Cumberland campus.
SECC will grant holiday time off for all employees on the holidays listed below:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Day after New Year's Day (January 2)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
President's Day (February)
Good Friday ( ½ day ONLY)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Presidential Election Day (November)
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Day after Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Christmas Day (December 25)
SECC will grant paid holiday time off to all eligible employees immediately upon assignment to an eligible employment classification.
The current rates of pay for part-time faculty are:
$430.00 per credit hour for faculty who have prior teaching experience for Southeast and a master's degree with twenty-four (24) additional graduate semester hours. The master's degree must have a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours in the teaching field: overall the instructor must have twenty-four (24) or more graduate hours in the teaching field.
NOTE: In cases where enrollment in a class falls below the acceptable level, the instructor and the college may negotiate a different rate of pay.
Orientation for part-time faculty will be provided during the first semester of employment. It is the responsibility of the part-time faculty member to participate as part of his/her contractual obligation. Information will be provided via the internet or through hard-copy handouts if internet accessibility is unavailable.
Because SECC is a small college, and because the college bookstore must operate on a slim margin, we require all sections of the same course to use the same textbooks. Textbook selection is made by the on-campus faculty member in charge of the program or course. Other faculty teaching the class do not have the option of using an alternate text or deciding not to use a text. In some very well justified cases, we can approve exceptions to this rule. However, all variations from the "same course/same text" policy must be cleared in advance with the Dean of Academic Affairs.
Despite the "same course/same text" policy, part-time faculty are encouraged to express their views on the effectiveness of the textbooks currently in use. Such input is always taken seriously and can often influence decisions on continuing a particular text or adopting a new one.
The college requires that instructors provide each student with a well-organized syllabus discussing such important matters as course objectives and testing, grading, and attendance policies. A syllabus format currently in use at Southeast will be provided for you. Also provided is a syllabus checklist each instructor must use to make sure the necessary information is presented in the course syllabus. Sample syllabi for your course(s) are available from the Academic Dean's office. If you have any questions concerning the syllabus, you should contact the Dean of Academic Affairs or the appropriate division chair.
It is college policy that updated syllabi for every class taught in a given semester be on file in the Academic Dean's office. Within two weeks following the beginning of a semester, please send copies of your syllabi to the Academic Dean's secretary.
For any typing project for which you can plan, including the syllabus, you are invited to use the college's on-campus secretarial services. If you are sending the material through the mail, you need to allow ten days before the particular class. Also, you may contact or communicate through e-mail with your division secretary. You will need to call to get the specific e-mail address. If you can deliver the material on campus, three days lead time is required. At times other than registration, mid-term, and finals, the turn-around time on typing is often quicker. The division secretaries are competent, helpful people and will do everything they can to complete your projects when you need them. Please call the division secretary if you have any questions: 589-2145
The college's ability to offer any class is contingent on student demand. In cases where enrollments are low, it may be necessary to cancel classes. If we do have to cancel, we will notify you as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us, you should assume that your class is a "go" and make plans to meet your students during the first scheduled class meeting.
The Registrar will send each instructor a class roster as soon as possible following final registration. If there are any discrepancies in the rosters, instructors should notify the Registrar's Office promptly.
A few weeks into the semester, you will be issued official rosters. Again, should you discover an omission or inaccuracy, alert the Registrar's Office as soon as possible.
Those of you who are experienced teachers know the importance of the first class meeting. Take the time to put your students to ease; establish the fact that you are approachable and willing to help, that you encourage questions and take student opinions seriously. Let the class sense your enthusiasm for the subject and some of the joy you feel as you continue to study, learn, and teach in the field.
It is especially important on that first day that you talk through the syllabus, discussing in a relaxed and friendly way such matters as your testing, grading, and attendance policies. The syllabus is a covenant between you and the student. In it, you detail your plan for giving each student an outstanding learning experience; you also make clear the student's obligations to you and the course. You should go over each of your major policies thoroughly, communicating the general idea that "this is a challenging course, but you can do it, and I am here to help you succeed." PLEASE MAKE IT CLEAR THAT EACH AND EVERY CLASS WILL BEGIN ON TIME AND LAST FOR THE FULL TIME, AS SCHEDULED.
Another very important thing to emphasize in the first class meeting is your commitment, and the College's commitment to high academic standards. You should explain that while you want everyone to do well and you will strive to nurture them to success, your course is designed to challenge students to the fullest of their abilities. In short, success will require hard work. Also explain that "A's" and "B's" are difficult to earn, and that easy courses and easy grading policies are really a disservice to students. It is our job to prepare our students for further college courses and the demands of the working world.
Probably the most common question on the first day of class is, "What's the textbook, where do I get it, and how much does it cost?"
Students in Cumberland, Middlesboro, and Whitesburg have access to a full-service bookstore. For information on bookstore hours, the students should call the appropriate number:
CUMBERLAND - 589-2145
573-9654 Ext 2035
MIDDLESBORO - 242-2145 Ext 2046
WHITESBURG - 633-0279 Ext 2008
E-mail address: Linda.Polli@kctcs.edu (Bookstore Manager) If students have access to the internet, textbooks may also be purchased on-line through various book companies or servers.
The Rules of the Senate of the Community College System Section V.2.4.1, delegate to individual faculty the prerogative of determining whether class attendance will be required to will be a consideration in the awarding of grades or credit in a course. Our experience at Southeast has been that the most effective attendance policy is one that is clear cut, but flexible; one that is spelled out in the syllabus but which leaves room for extenuating circumstances.
Regardless of a faculty member's policy concerning class attendance, each faculty member must maintain, for administrative purposes, a record of class attendance. The record should be kept up to date on an on-going basis and must be turned in to the Student Affairs Office at the end of the semester. This is necessary, in part, to enable the college to supply information to certain external agencies such as the Veterans Administration. Just as important, an accurate class attendance record provides a means of monitoring student progress. In fact, Section V.2.45 of the Rules of the Community College Senate obligates faculty to follow student attendance closely and work with counselors to ascertain reasons for absences and plan for making up work that has been missed. Research has shown that faculty intervention after no more than two absences is an effective means of preventing attrition or failure. After four or more absences, it is extremely difficult to reverse a pattern of poor attendance and declining performance.
It is expected that all faculty members will meet their classes for the entire scheduled time. This is a requirement not only of SECC but also of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools which has guidelines for the awarding of credit for course work.
To maintain a safe and productive work environment, SECC expects part-time faculty to be reliable and to be punctual in reporting for scheduled classes. Absenteeism and tardiness place a burden on students, other employees, and on SECC. In the rare instances when employees cannot avoid being late for class or are unable to meet class as scheduled, they should notify their supervisor as soon as possible in advance of the anticipated tardiness or absence.
Poor attendance and excessive tardiness are disruptive. Either may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
For a complete description of student rights, including rules on handling of plagiarism and student grade appeals, you should request from the Student Affairs Office a copy of The Community College code of Student Conduct. The following is a short list of student academic rights every faculty member should keep in mind when conducting classes for SECC:
A student has the right to be informed at the first or second class meeting about the nature of the course and to expect the course to correspond generally with its official description.
A student has the right to be informed at the first or second class meeting about the standards to be used in evaluating performance, and to expect that the grading system described in the university catalog be followed. Whenever factors such as absences or late papers will be weighed heavily in determining grades, a student shall be so informed at the first or second class meeting.
The community college grading system uses a series of letters to which grade-point values are assigned. The system is based neither on an absolute numerical system nor on a distribution curve, but on the following:
Grade A - represents exceptionally high achievement. It is valued at four grade points for each credit hour.
Grade B - represents high achievement. It is valued at three grade points for each credit hour.
Grade C - represents satisfactory achievement. It is valued at two grade points for each credit hour.
Grade D - represents the minimum achievement for credit. It is valued at one grade point for each credit hour. The grade of D will not normally transfer to another institution. A student may, however, repeat a course in which he/she receives the grade of D. If the course is repeated and a higher grade is received the higher grade will transfer.
Grade E - represents unsatisfactory achievement and indicates failure in the course. It is valued at zero credit hours and zero grade points. A student receiving this grade can obtain credit in the course only by repeating the entire work of the course.
Grade AU (Audit) has no value in computing grade point average. A student admitted to the college as an auditor must enroll in all courses as an auditor until he or she is fully admitted. A student who has been fully admitted, however, may enroll in a course(s) as an auditor.
Any change from audit to credit by a student fully admitted to a college must be accomplished by the last day to enter a class and any change from credit to audit must be made by mid-term of the semester or session in which the student is enrolled. An audited class may be taken for credit at a later date. Anyone who desires to audit a class must be admitted to the college and officially registered in the class.
Grade "I" means that part of the work of the course remains undone. It shall be given only when there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from completion of the work. The instructor shall not give an "I" grade when the reason for incompleteness is unsatisfactory to the instructor.
A student shall have the option of having the "I" grade as a permanent part of his/her record. If the student elects to complete the course, in order to change the "I" grade to a letter grade, he or she must do so before graduation, but in no event after the lapse of two years from the date the "I" grade was awarded except that the instructor with the approval of the division chair may specify a shorter period of time for completion of the course. If the student does elect to complete the course, the instructor or, in his/her absence, the division chair or his/her designee shall forward to the director the appropriate letter grade to replace the "I". If the student elects to retain the "I" grade in a course required for graduation, or is unable to complete such a course, he/she must retake it and satisfactorily complete it with a letter grade in order to graduate.
Each college shall maintain a file record of incomplete grades recorded in courses in that college. This record, completed by the instructor at the time the "I" grade is reported, shall include: (1) the name and social security number of the student; (2) the course number and hours of credit; (3) semester and year of enrollment; (4) signature of the instructor; (5) a brief statement of the reason(s) for recording the incomplete grade; and (6) an adequate guide for removal of the incomplete grade with suggested final grade.
Students with at least 30 credit hours and not on academic probation may select a maximum of two elective courses, with certain restrictions, to be taken on a pass-fail basis. These can count toward graduation but are not used in calculating grade-point standing. Courses taken on a pass-fail basis shall be limited to those considered as elective in the student's program, and such other courses or types of courses as might be specifically approved by the Community College Council. Prerequisites for such courses may be ignored at the student's own hazard. Any community college student who receives a grade of "P" in a course shall be eligible to continue in to the next sequential course(s). The student is expected to participate fully in the course and take all examinations as though he or she were enrolled on a regular basis. Students may not change from a pass-fail basis nor from a regular basis to a pass-fail basis after the last day for entering an organized class. Courses offered only on a pass-fail basis shall not be included in the maximum number of elective courses which a student may take under these provisions. Students who intend to transfer to the University of Kentucky are cautioned that any use of the pass-fail option at the community college will count as part of the four options available to them at the University. The grade "P" may also be assigned by the Community College Appeals Board.
Veterans Administration regulations specify that no payment of educational benefits will be made to a veteran or other persons eligible to receive V.A. benefits for courses for which the grade assigned is not used when computing graduation requirements.
Grade "W" means that the student withdrew from class without completing course requirements. A "W" grade will not be assigned for a class unless the student has officially withdrawn from that class in the manner prescribed by the college. No grade will be recorded for a student who officially withdraws or is dropped from a class during the first 10 days of a semester. Student who withdraw after this date up to and including the date of mid-term shall be given a grade of "W". After the mid-term date, the "W" grade will not be assigned unless at the discretion of the instructor. Each instructor shall state on the first or second class meeting the factors to be used in determining the assignment of a "W" grade during the discretionary period. It may not be assigned to a student found guilty of an academic offense without the permission of the instructor in whose class the offense occurred. The grade"W" may also be assigned by the Community College Appeals Board. Also, the President may, if the student concurs, assign a "W" to a student who has been reported to the President for unsatisfactory scholarship or excessive absences and who, after being reported, has made no improvement.
Veterans' Administration regulations stipulate that no payment of educational benefits will be made to a veteran or other person eligible to receive V.A. benefits for courses from which the veteran or other eligible person has withdrawn.
Faculty will turn grades in to the Registrar's Office within forty-eight hours
of the final exam. If an instructor issues a grade of "I", he/she is to use the appropriate form for reporting "I" grades.
It is imperative that each instructor meet his/her class on time and that classes be held for the assigned instructional period. It is recognized, however, that there will be occasions when an instructor will not be able to meet class.
In all cases of faculty absence, it is the instructor's responsibility to (1) complete the required Faculty Absence Report Form; (2) arrange to notify the class of the cancellation, and (3) propose and implement a make-up plan. In cases of anticipated absences, the instructor should notify the class by letter or by telephone. If the instructor does not already have addresses and phone numbers, the Registrar's Office can supply them. In the case of an emergency absence, the instructor should notify either the Academic Dean or the appropriate site coordinator so that the college can make arrangement to notify or meet the class. If the instructor finds it necessary to miss more than one class, arrangements will be made to find a qualified substitute. It is important, especially with one-meeting-per-week-night classes, to arrange make-up classes or set up appropriate compensatory out-of-class work to substitute for the lost time.
It is important that students have opportunities to meet with instructors to discuss matters relating to their performance in class. Many part-time instructors are unable to maintain regular office hours which allow students to meet with them during the week. It is imperative, however, that they make themselves available for this purpose.
Part-time faculty must be available before or after class or at other specified times for student consultation. Part-time faculty will state clearly their policy on accessibility on their syllabus. If student conferences cannot be held in the assigned classroom, space will be provided in other locations.
Expected availability time is fifteen minutes prior to the beginning of class OR fifteen minutes following class.
For further information, you may contact the Dean of Academic Affairs at:
Revised: 02/01
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