Chapter One: The University

1.1 Introduction: The Dillard University Faculty Handbook

The Dillard University Faculty Handbook is an official publication of the Office of Academic Affairs and defines the basic conditions and expectations for the professional life of the University faculty as well as policies, procedures, and information concerning faculty academic privileges and obligations. This Handbook describes faculty positions; defines the duties and responsibilities of faculty; identifies the criteria and standards for faculty hiring, advancement and dismissal; outlines institutional support for faculty advancement and evaluation; delineates institutional support for faculty development, reappointment, promotion, and tenure in the process of faculty review itself; and provides competitive faculty salaries, benefits, and working conditions in accordance with the University’s mission and finances.

Dillard University seeks to affirm, preserve, and improve the quality of instruction and mentoring offered to Dillard University students. The University also seeks to sustain and enhance the level of professional expertise and accomplishment embodied in the faculty and the distinctive character of Dillard’s academic community. In the Dillard University Faculty Handbook, the University reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a strong, full-time faculty as the core of the institution, a faculty dedicated to providing the best possible educational opportunities to its students.

The purpose of this Handbook is to provide all members of the Faculty, particularly those who are new to the University, with knowledge of the policies, regulations, practices and expectations which prevail at Dillard University. The various provisions of this Handbook are subject to revision from time to time by the Trustees, Administration and Faculty on their own initiative or in response to changes in State and Federal legislation. This Handbook is not intended to and should not be construed to create a contractual obligation on the part of the University. The provisions of this Handbook derive their authority from various sources; they are primarily statements by the administration of customary practice, administrative organization, or explicit policy established at the University, often after consultation with the Faculty. Provisions of the Handbook, whether derived from Trustee vote, Faculty vote, or Administrative or Trustee action are subject to modification or revocation by the appropriate authority following proper procedure.

1.1.1 Authority

The Dillard University Faculty Handbook reflects the Faculty Constitution and derives its authority from the Board of Trustees. This Faculty Handbook supersedes all previous editions and any previous statements of University policy regarding members of the faculty.

1.1.2 Effective Date

This edition of the Dillard University Faculty Handbook takes effect on the date it is approved by the Board of Trustees. It will remain in effect continuously until it is modified, in whole or in part, or replaced according to the procedures specified below or by action of the Board of Trustees.

1.1.3 Official Text and Copies

The official text of The Dillard University Faculty Handbook is maintained in the Office of Academic Affairs. Copies are also on file in the Office of the President, the Offices of the Deans of ea ch Academic College, and the offices of the School/Department chairs and in the University library. The Provost/SVPAA ensures that approved changes to the Dillard University Faculty Handbook are incorporated into the official text and are distributed to the faculty.

Each member of the faculty receives an electronic PDF copy or a hardcopy of The Dillard University Faculty Handbook.

1.1.4 Interpretation

If a question of interpretation of The Dillard University Faculty Handbook is identified by a member of the General Assembly or by the Administration, the President of the Faculty Senate and the Provost/SVPAA shall confer concerning the issue. If they are unable to come to a resolution, either may refer the question to the President of the University who may form an ad hoc “interpretation committee.” The final authority for interpretation rests with the President and is binding until such time as the Board of Trustees adopts the interpretation, or gives its own final interpretation.

1.1.5 Revisions

Substantive changes to The Dillard University Faculty Handbook must be approved by the Board of Trustees. As a general practice, in keeping with principles of shared governance, the Board will review the General Assembly’s and Administration’s substantive recommendations for changes before any such changes are approved.

Changes to the Faculty Handbook may be initiated by either the Faculty Senate or the Office of the Provost/SVPAA. A proposal from a member of the General Assembly to amend the Faculty Handbook will be referred to the Faculty Senate. Amendments to the Faculty Handbook, which have been approved by two-thirds majority vote of the voting members of the General Assembly, will be referred to the Office of the Provost/SVPAA.

Upon appropriate consultation between the Office of the Provost/SVPAA and the Faculty Senate, any proposed amendment causing a substantive change to the Faculty Handbook will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for review and approval.

A formal review of the Dillard University Faculty Handbook will occur every three years.

1.2 University History and Mission

1.2.1 History

Dillard University’s history dates back to 1869 when the American Missionary Association of the Congregational Church founded Straight University. That same year, the Freedman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church established Union Normal School. Straight University and Union Normal School were subsequently renamed Straight College and New Orleans University. Initially, both institutions offered instruction on the elementary level, and then expanded to the secondary, collegiate, and professional levels. In 1930, these two institutions merged to form Dillard University, named in honor of James Hardy Dillard, who was noted for his distinguished service in the education of African-Americans in the South. The Board of Trustees elected to follow the practices of the two parent institutions in making no distinction as to race, religion, or gender in the admission of students or in the selection of faculty. In 1935, the University moved to a new site with a new physical plant and began instruction.

1.2.2 Mission

True to its heritage, Dillard University’s mission is to produce graduates who excel, become world leaders and are broadly educated, culturally aware, and concerned with improving the human condition. Through a highly personalized and learning-centered approach, Dillard’s students are able to meet the competitive demands of a diverse, global and technologically advanced society.

1.2.3 Vision

Dillard University is unified with the community through scholarship, teaching, civic engagement and service rooted in spiritual values. Graduates of Dillard will be global citizens excelling in a competitive world and committed to the improvement of the human condition.

1.2.4 Core Values/ Goals

• Facilitate student empowerment to compete in a diverse, global and technologically advanced society;
• Encourage in students an attitude reflecting ethical and spiritual values;
• Prepare students to demonstrate interest in and commitment to improving the human condition;
• Increase students’ knowledge of the liberal arts;
• Promote an awareness and understanding of the African and African- American heritage;
• Increase students’ awareness of diversity and encourage their commitment to these values;
• Prepare students to engage in undergraduate research throughout the matriculation culminating in a capstone project;
• Develop participation in activities that improve self awareness and commitment to community;
• Prepare students for admission to graduate and professional schools and/or for employment in their chosen professions;
• Organize programs for community awareness, university/civic engagement and university/community partnerships;
• Develop early outreach programs and partnerships in K-14 education; and
• Continue to recruit, promote, and retain highly qualified faculty and staff to implement Dillard’s mission.

1.3 Organization

(See the Office of Academic Affairs for the University Organizational Chart)

1.3.1 Board of Trustees

Final authority over Dillard University is vested in the Board of Trustees, the chief governing and policy-making body of the University. The Board of Trustees retains the full legal and organizational authority to govern the functioning of the University through the administrative structure set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. In pursuance of its responsibility, the Board of Trustees may delegate authority and responsibility to the University administration and faculty, as it deems appropriate.

1.3.2 Administration:

(See the Office of Academic Affairs for the University Administration Organizational Chart and the Academic Affairs Organizational Chart)

1.3.2.1 Academic Administration

Members of the academic administration are the President of the University, the Provost/SVPAA, the Associate Provost, the Assistant Provost and others so designated as shown by their reporting lines. These administrators are qualified with experience, competence, and capacity to lead the institution.

• The President of Dillard University is the chief executive officer of the University, whose primary responsibility is to the institution and provides general supervision, direction and control of the University’s business. The President reports directly to the Board of Trustees.
• The Provost/SVPAA serves as the chief academic officer of the University and has administrative responsibility for the faculty and all academic programs. The Provost is the second in command, following the President, at the University.
• The Associate Provost supports the efforts of the Provost/SVPAA and assists in the construction and oversight of academic planning and enhancement of the faculty.
• The Assistant Provost is responsible for the coordination of the academic programs and the maintenance of the University’s academic standards, policies and procedures.

These administrators shall be evaluated for their effectiveness on a periodic basis.

1.3.2.2 Institutional Research Board (IRB) and Research Subjects and Safety

The IRB falls under the supervision of the Provost/SVPAA.

1. The IRB shall have at least five members, with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution. The IRB shall be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members, and the diversity of the members, including consideration of race, gender, and cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to such issues as community attitudes, to promote respect for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects. In addition to possessing the professional competence necessary to review specific research activities, the IRB shall be able to ascertain the acceptability of proposed research in terms of institutional commitments and regulations, applicable law, and standards of professional conduct and practice. The IRB shall therefore include persons knowledgeable in these areas. If an IRB regularly reviews research that involves a vulnerable category of subjects, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, or handicapped or mentally disabled persons, consideration shall be given to the inclusion of one or more individuals who are knowledgeable about and experienced in working with these subjects.
2. Every nondiscriminatory effort will be made to ensure that no IRB consists entirely of men or entirely of women, including the institution’s consideration of qualified persons of both sexes, so long as no selection is made to the IRB on the basis of gender. No IRB may consist entirely of members of one profession.
3. Each IRB shall include at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas and at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas.
4. Each IRB shall include at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with the institution and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the institution.
5. No IRB may have a member participate in the IRB’s initial or continuing review of any project in which the member has a conflicting interest, except to provide information requested by the IRB.
6. An IRB may, in its discretion, invite individuals with competence in special areas to assist in the review of issues which require expertise beyond or in addition to that available on the IRB. These individuals may not vote with the IRB.”

(Code of Federal Regulations, TITLE 45: PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, PART 46: PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS, Revised January 15, 2009, Effective July 14, 2009)

Compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines is enforced for each of the following:

• Human Subjects: The rights of human experimental subjects must be respected. Care must be taken to protect data of a personal or confidential nature. Potential benefits must clearly outweigh any risks brought about by research projects. To assure proper oversight, the Institutional Review Board must be apprised of all research projects that utilize humans, in any shape or form, as experimental or testing subjects.
• Animal Care and Use: Research involving animals must demonstrate humane care and treatment. Appropriate housing and veterinary services must be provided. The University Committee for Organized Research and Sponsored Programs ensures compliance with the policies standards and guidelines set forth by the Office for Protection from Research Risks of the National Institute of Health.
• Laboratory Waste and Safety: As a responsible member of the New Orleans community, the University must ensure that hazardous substances used in research or simulated experiences are disposed of safely. In cooperation with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, the University Standing Committee for Organized Research and Sponsored Programs promote laboratory safety and implements policies that comply with state and federal regulations related to waste disposal.

1.3.3 Faculty

The Faculty of the University consists of all persons holding academic appointments. Faculty are accorded the rights and responsibilities described in this handbook.

1.3.4 Faculty Responsibilities

The faculty has the central responsibility for the academic affairs of the University under the leadership of the Provost/SVPAA.

1.3.4.1 Duties

The faculty has primary responsibility for the content, quality, and assessment of the curriculum or the core (General Education requirements) and the educational programs (majors/disciplines) based upon:

1. Current and relevant theories and practices in the field/discipline;
2. Intellectual rigor appropriate to the level of the degree program;
3. Connectivity among the components of the curriculum; (Illustration, mapping of the courses/instructional modules- relative to learning outcomes);

In addition, the Faculty establishes learning outcomes of the curriculum and assesses the extent to which these outcomes are met.

Faculty duties are primarily, but not limited to, the following:

1. Teaching effectiveness and research
2. Advising and retention of students
3. Requirements for granting of academic degrees
4. Faculty standards, conduct, and discipline
5. Recommendations for appointment, retention, tenure, and promotion
6. Faculty service to academia and the general community
7. Freedom of expression and academic freedom
8. Faculty governance

1.3.4.2 Provisions

The administration may override the actions of the faculty, following an opportunity to meet and consult, if the faculty takes any action that the administration believes is beyond the central responsibility for academic affairs. The administration may choose to provide the General Assembly of the faculty a statement of its findings and determinations within a reasonable timeframe.

1.4 Faculty Governance

Full-time employees with faculty appointment are referred to as the General Assembly. The General Assembly is governed by representatives who become known as the Faculty Senate, which is composed of full-time faculty who are elected. For purposes of membership in the General Assembly, “full-time faculty” refers to a full-time employee with a faculty appointment and with 50% of the workload dedicated to teaching and instructional activities.

1.4.1 The General Assembly

1.4.1.1 Purpose

The General Assembly serves as the voting body of the faculty. This body deliberates on matters of curriculum, faculty affairs, faculty and administration relations, and any other matters that relate to the accomplishment of the mission of the University. Based on its deliberations, it submits recommendations to the Faculty Senate for submission to the administration.

1.4.1.2 Membership

All full-time employees with a faculty appointment are voting members of the General Assembly. Part-time and adjunct faculty members are invited to attend the meetings of the General Assembly, although they have no vote.

1.4.1.3 Duties/Responsibilities

The General Assembly of the faculty shall hold a minimum of four scheduled meetings per year. The General Assembly through its Faculty Senate maintains University Standing Committees composed of members elected by the General Assembly, members elected by the Academic Colleges and appointed representatives by the administration. These committees shall record minutes of meetings. Once approved, such minutes are submitted to the Secretary of the Faculty Senate and to the Office of Academic Affairs. The primary responsibility for the curriculum, including the core curriculum, belongs to the faculty.

The General Assembly shall also address issues related to but not limited to the following:

• Student recruitment, admission, and retention;
• Faculty recruitment, tenure, and promotion;
• Faculty enhancement in teaching, research, and service;
• Faculty grievances;
• Faculty relations with the Board of Trustees;
• Organized research and grant writing;
• Library resources;
• Academic computing; and
• Lyceum programs.

1.4.2 The Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate is the governance body representing the entire faculty (herein called the General Assembly of the University and is constituted as provided in the Faculty Constitution of Dillard University. Faculty Senate members are faculty who are elected to office. Faculty members (The General Assembly) of the University are essential participants in the development and implementation of academic policy. The Faculty Senate is the representative body of the faculty. As such, it shall exercise the authority of the faculty with respect to policy on academic matters and the professional affairs of faculty. (See the Faculty Constitution of Dillard University.)

1.4.2.1 Purpose

The purpose of the Faculty Senate is to exercise the authority of the faculty General Assembly with respect to the development, enhancement, and implementation of University policies, conditions of service, academic matters, and other matters related to the faculty. Through the Provost/SVPAA, the Senate recommends to the President policies and procedures relating to matters which impact the faculty as well as the University as a whole.

1.4.2.2 Membership

The Senate is comprised of faculty members with at least one year of service at the University and of the Provost/SVPAA. Teaching and Instructional duties of senators must represent 50% of their workload. Three members are elected at large at the last General Assembly meeting of the academic year. Each Academic College elects two faculty members. Before the end of the academic year, the former President of the Senate is an ex-officio member for one more year after leaving office.

The term of office for Faculty Senators elected by the General Assembly is two years. Senators, who are elected by their Academic Colleges, serve a term of one year. No elected faculty member may serve as a Senator for more than four consecutive years; however, he or she will again be eligible for a Senate seat after a one year absence from the Senate.

Elected Senate Officers will include the President, the Vice- President, the Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, the Senate President will appoint the Parliamentarian, among the senators. The Senate President presides over the meetings of the General Assembly and the Senate. The Secretary shall record all proceedings of each meeting and once approved, file a copy with the office of the Provost/SVPAA and the Faculty Senate.

The Senate shall hold a minimum of four scheduled meetings per semester. Representatives may be removed from membership for non- attendance, which is defined as absence from three consecutive meetings. An attendance of more than 50% of the members shall constitute a quorum.

1.4.2.2.1 The Senate: Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates and conducts the business of the faculty and determines the agenda and scheduling for General Assembly meetings;
• Communicates concerns of the faculty to the administration;
• Ensures that the deliberations of the Senate and General Assembly are in accordance with the provision of academic freedom and parliamentary procedure as provided by Robert’s Rules of Order;
• Elects, where indicated, members from the Faculty Senate to serve on the University Standing Committees;
• Supervises the General Assembly election committee members;
• Requests periodic reports from all University Standing committees;
• Ensures that University Standing Committees operate from established policies and procedures;
• Appoints ad hoc committees when deemed necessary; and
• Engages in planning of policies and recommends policies related to the general welfare of the faculty and the University.

1.5 University Standing Committees (Under the Senate Jurisdiction):

Membership on University Standing Committees consists of members of the General Assembly who are elected, appointed, or hold ex officio status. Staff members, administrators, and students may also serve on designated committees. Elections and appointments to the University Standing Committees shall take place annually and must be completed during the first faculty meeting of the academic year. Committee members serve until the election or appointment of new representatives. The President of the Faculty Senate is an ex-officio member of all University Standing Committees and, as such can attend any committee meeting. His or her presence does not constitute a quorum; however, he/she has the same voting rights as any committee member.

Duties and Responsibilities of the University Standing Committees:

1. Elect a Chair and a Secretary from the Faculty membership of each committee.
2. Submit recommendations in the form of written motions, accompanied by rationale, to the Faculty Senate for presentation to the General Assembly, and;
3. University Standing Committees’ Chairs may declare the seat of a committee member Vacant when that committee member fails to attend at least three called and consecutive meetings.

General responsibilities of the University Standing Committees and their Chairpersons include, but are not limited to:

1. University Standing Committee Chairs will forward one set of approved minutes to the Faculty Senate Secretary and one set of minutes to the office of Academic Affairs.
2. University Standing Committee Chairs will schedule committee meetings so that, to the extent possible, all committee members have the opportunity to attend.
3. University Standing Committee Chairs will publicize and hold open hearings on issues where appropriate or when so directed by the Faculty Senate.
4. All University Standing Committee Chairs are required to file an annual written report with the Senate President before the end of the academic year.
5. University Standing Committee Chairs submit resolutions with rationale for consideration by the Faculty Senate and for potential recommendation to the General Assembly.

1.5.1 Standing Committees are as follows:

1.5.1.1 Academic Responsibilities, Grievance, and Ethics Committee

This committee has two separate functions: 1) to recommend to the Senate appropriate actions, policies, or procedures which promote a culture of academic excellence, integrity, and fairness in the University community, as related to teaching, research, and service; and 2) to judge the merit of a faculty grievance and to make recommendations to the President concerning any properly-filed faculty grievance. Grievances are filed with the committee using the Faculty Grievance Eligibility Form. (See the Office of Academic Affairs for the Academic Responsibilities Grievance form.)

This committee shall consist of three members from and elected by the General Assembly, one member from the General Assembly appointed by the Senate President, and one member from the General Assembly appointed by the Provost/SVPAA.

1.5.1.2 Promotion and Tenure Committee

This committee evaluates the credentials of faculty members under consideration for tenure and/or promotion and advises the Provost/SVPAA in writing of faculty members who it recommends.

Applications for promotion and tenure are expected to originate in the School/Department, reviewed by the school/Department promotion and tenure committee, the chair of the school/Department and then reviewed by the college Dean who will submit it to the University Promotion and Tenure Committee.

This committee shall consist of five members, three tenured members from and elected by the General Assembly, one tenured member from the General Assembly appointed by the Senate President, and one tenured faculty member from the General Assembly appointed by the Provost/SVPAA. Final authority for tenure and promotion decisions rests with the Board of Trustees.

1.5.1.3 Curriculum Committee

This committee recommends policies and procedures related to all aspects of the curriculum, including the core curriculum. The committee reviews curriculum changes proposed by the Academic Colleges on the basis of University objectives and goals to ensure curricular consistency.

Each Academic College should form its own curriculum committee; the number of the college curriculum committee should include at least one faculty from each school/Department in the college appointed by the chair of the School/Department. The college committee receives recommendations approved by faculty within the educational program. It then forwards its recommendations to the University Curriculum Committee for review and recommendation. The Faculty Senate then receives the proposals. The full faculty, sitting as General Assembly, must vote only on major curricular changes, such as the general core, addition and deletion of majors, options/concentrations, and programs.

The University curriculum committee shall consist of one faculty member from and elected by each Academic College, three members from and elected by the General Assembly, one ex officio representative from the Office of Academic Affairs, and two ex officio students from the Student Government Association, and the University Registrar, as ex officio. As stated in Robert’s Rules of Order, ex officio members may vote and are counted in the constitution of a quorum.

1.5.1.4 Intercollegiate Athletics Committee

This committee: 1) recommends policies pertaining to intercollegiate athletics, 2) regulates the number of athletic events scheduled during the academic year, and 3) recommends the athletics budget. Policies must conform to University regulations regarding athletics as well as those prescribed by the regional and national conferences in which the University athletics program holds membership.

This committee shall consist of at least nine members, two members from and elected by the General Assembly, Athletic Director, the coach of any approved sport, Dean of Success for Campus Life, V.P. for Business and Finance, and two ex-officio students appointed by the Student Government Association.

1.5.1.5 Recruitment, Admission and Retention Committee

In conjunction with the appropriate Academic Departments and Colleges, the College of Student Success, and the Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, this committee shall recommend policies and procedures for setting and maintaining academic standards for the admission and retention of students for the awarding of earned degrees and certificates, and the Honors Program.

The membership shall consist of one faculty member from and elected by each Academic College, two students appointed by the Student Government Association, the Vice-President for Student Success, the Dean of Student Success for Enrollment Management, Dean of Student Success for Financial Aid and Scholarship, and the Dean of Honors.

1.5.1.6 Lyceum Committee

This committee works to provide a series of cultural events of academic interests during the academic year, including concerts, recitals, art exhibits, and special lectures.

Members include one elected faculty representative from each Academic College, one member appointed by the Senate President, and one student appointed by the Student Government Association. This committee has an operating budget.