This paper revisits the issue of faculty ethics, beginning with a statement of the principles previously adopted by the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, and reaffirming that previous commitment.
This paper grew out of a workshop on faculty hiring, sponsored by the Educational Policies Committee at the 1999 Fall Plenary Session of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. The current paper is not intended as a substitute for the 1989 papers. In what follows, those works are cited extensively in order to highlight and discuss features of the models that should be incorporated into current practice, but often are not.
Revised version of the 1989 document "Equivalence to the Minimum Qualifications". In its revised form, the paper addresses the historical context within which equivalency was established, the precise meaning of the term "equivalency," and how districts address the issue of equivalence vis-a-vis the published minimum qualifications for hire. The paper also reviews what constitutes appropriate criteria for determining equivalent qualifications and suggestions for defining a process for determining equivalent qualifications.
This position paper of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges lays out the Academic Senate's position in support of academic freedom and tenure. It includes a brief history of academic freedom in the United States, starting with the American Association of University Professors' fundamental policy statement from 1940. It demonstrates the connection between academic freedom and tenure and due process protections from the point of view of teaching institutions such as community colleges.
A list of disciplines, related disciplines and disciplines not requiring a master's degree, developed under the mandate of AB Bill 1725 to replace the credentials system.
The paper provides a basis for discussion by local senates, working with their collective bargaining units as appropriate, in order to describe and promote greater faculty responsibility, including participation in governance and other activities which ultimately enhance education for our students. The paper attempts to address in a systematic manner, responsibilities of community college faculty, especially as a result of recent legislation (AB 1725) and Board of Governors adopted Title 5 regulations.
The Academic Senate For California Community Colleges adopted the "American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Ethics Statement" in 1987 and in April 1988 released a paper entitled, "Why The Academic Senate Has Adopted The AAUP Ethics Statement." The AAUP statement and explanation for its adoption have been quite helpful to local senates in discussions of ethics. However, community college faculty face situations which are distinctly different from those faced by university professors.
The chief executive officer evaluation process proposed in this document is designed to transcend legal compliance and to foster meaningful professional growth. Moreover, this document is presented as a model of chief executive officer evaluation and should not be viewed as a prescription for local districts to follow. Local academic senates are encouraged to meet and work with governing boards, and/or their designees, to modify the model to meet local conditions and needs.
A model developed by the Educational Policies Committee
This paper, developed by the Educational Policies Committee of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges identifies and discusses the following qualities of effective faculty: (1) Discipline preparation and the ability to teach or provide professional support services and to maintain discipline currency, including an understanding of contributions of ethnic minorities, women and global cultures to the discipline; (2) Communication and other interpersonal skills; (3) Sensitivity to, and knowledge of, a diverse student body and its needs; an appreciation of different student learn