Focused Report

Comprehensive Standard 3.7.1

The institution employs competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution. When determining acceptable qualifications of its faculty, an institution gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline. The institution also considers 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. For all cases, the institution is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of its faculty. (Faculty competence)

Off-Site Committee Finding

A review of the faculty roster and credentials indicates several faculty do not have appropriate credentials to teach courses assigned. Additional documentation provided was insufficient to make a clear determination. The Compliance Certificate indicates faculty was reviewed through an assessment process indicating: 1) Clearly meets Credential Guidelines, 2) Justified with Other Relevant Qualifications, 3) Justified after Corrective Action Was Taken to Reassign, and 4) Corrective Action Was Taken to Terminate Employment. The Onsite team should review compliance (see Faculty Worksheet)

The On-Site Committee needs to verify faculty credentials for missing departments and other insufficient documentation.

Albany State University's Response

Albany state University will make available to on-site committee all files and other documentary details needed to verify faculty credentials for missing departments and other insufficient documentation as requested by Off-Site Committee.