Faculty Handbook

PREFACE

This Faculty Handbook has been created to provide all faculty and staff (in-person and virtual) - new and experienced, full-time, and adjunct - with a ready-reference manual of faculty policies and procedures. Faculty are encouraged to use the Fletcher Faculty Handbook in conjunction with the Employee Handbook. Employee Handbook access is available in Employee Resources. 

This Faculty Handbook is meant to inform the faculty of their rights and responsibilities. The information in this publication is subject to change and is superseded by policies adopted by Fletcher, the Louisiana Community Technical College System (LCTCS), Louisiana Board of Regents (BoR), National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), or any applicable state or federal law. Any omission does not release employees of their responsibilities, nor shall any error in the manual give the employees any rights that were inadvertently implied. 

Please submit suggestions for corrections, modifications, or additions to this handbook at any time to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academics and Effectiveness. Updates will be revised and published as needed. 

Academic Complaints and Appeal Procedures

Students with academic concerns not involving student misconduct (e.g., course content, instruction, grading fairness) should follow this chain of communication to resolve the matter. All attempts should be made to resolve matters at the most appropriate level in the chain of command. 

The chain of command is as follows:

1. Instructor
2. Department Head
3. Dean of the Program

If unresolved after the Dean’s decision, the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Workforce Initiatives will decide to either uphold the decision of the Academic Dean, reverse the decision of the Academic Dean, or recommend a Formal Hearing.

If a formal hearing is recommended, the student will follow the Procedures for the Formal Conduct Hearing as outlined in Policy #2.006 Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures. The decision of the Vice Chancellor of Academics and Workforce Initiatives is final and ends the appeal process.

If the student is not comfortable addressing any issues with the instructor, then they should report to the next level in the chain of command. Dean and Department Head information can be found at https://www.fletcher.edu/programs/index.

If assistance is needed, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@fletcher.edu.

Academic Dishonesty

Forms of Academic Dishonesty 

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, any attempt at a violation such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, academic misconduct, falsification, fabrication. Definitions and examples are presented below. 

Cheating 

Cheating is the fraudulent act of deception by a student who misrepresents the mastery of information on an academic exercise that he or she does not have. 

Unpremeditated cheating is an act of academic cheating taken without advanced contemplation, prior determination, or planning. 

Examples: 

• Copying from another student’s test paper. 
• Allowing another student to copy from a test paper. 
• Using the course textbook or other material, such as a notebook, during a test. 

Premeditated cheating is an act of cheating which grows out of advanced planning, contemplation or deliberation. 

Examples: 

• Collaborating during a test with another person by giving or receiving information without authority. 
• Using specially prepared materials during a test without authority to do so, e.g., notes, formula lists. 

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional unacknowledged inclusion of someone else’s words, ideas, or data as one’s own in work submitted for credit. When a student submits work for credit that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of this information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific footnotes, appropriate citations, and, in the case of verbatim statements, quotation marks. Failure to identify any source - published or unpublished, copyrighted or non-copyrighted - constitutes plagiarism. 

Examples: 

• Undocumented use of any author’s main idea. 
• Undocumented paraphrase of an author’s actual words. 
• Undocumented, verbatim use of an author’s actual words. 

Collusion 

Collusion is defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing academic assignments offered for credit to commit a violation of any section of the scholastic dishonesty rules. 

Example: 

• Using another person’s computer jump-drive despite instructions to the contrary or without authority to do so. 

Academic Misconduct 

Academic misconduct is the actual or attempted tampering with or misuse of academic records or materials such as transcripts and examinations. 

Examples: 

• Stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining all or part of an un-administered test. 
• Selling or giving away all or part of an un-administered test or any information about the test. 
• Bribing a person to obtain an un-administered test or any information about the test. 
• Breaking into and/or entering a building or office for the purpose of changing a grade in a grade book, on a test, or on other work for which a grade is given. 
• Changing, altering, or being an accessory to the changing and/or altering of a grade book, a test, a “drop slip,” or other official academic record of the College that relates to grades. 
• Breaking into and/or entering a building or office for the purpose of obtaining an un- administered test. 

Falsification/Fabrication 

Falsification/Fabrication is the intentional use of invented information or the falsification of research or its findings with the intent to deceive. 

Examples: 

• Citation of information not taken from the source indicated. 
• Listing sources in a bibliography not used in the academic exercise. 
• Inventing data or source information for research or other academic exercise. 
• Submitting as one’s own, in fulfillment of academic requirements, any academic exercise (e.g., written work, printing, sculpture) prepared totally or in part by another. 
• Taking a test for another student or permitting another student to take a test for oneself. 
• Submitting work previously used for credit in another course without express permission of the instructor. 

Accessory to Acts of Academic Dishonesty 

To facilitate, support, or conspire with another student to commit or attempt to commit any form of academic dishonesty is a violation of the academic standards of the College as specified in the Standards of Behavior. 

Academic Freedom

Fletcher is an institution of higher education that serves the common good and depends upon the search for truth and open expression. The points listed below constitute the College’s position on academic freedom as it relates to the classroom (Fletcher Policy #1.007). 

Faculty members are appointed to share with their students and their communities the truth as they see it in their respective disciplines. The mastery of a subject makes a faculty member a qualified authority in that discipline and competent to choose how to present information and conclusions to students as they see it. Being subject to legal constraints and within contractual guidelines, the following are among the freedoms that should reside primarily with the faculty: 

• planning and revising curricula as needed, 
• selecting course readings as needed, and 
• selecting classroom audio/visual and other teaching materials as needed. 

Prior restraint or sanctions should not be imposed on faculty members in exercising their rights as citizens or their duties as instructors. Faculty members should not fear reprisals for exercising their civic rights and academic freedoms. Faculty members have a right to expect the LCTCS Board of Supervisors and administrators to uphold vigorously the principles of academic freedom and to protect them from harassment, censorship, or interference from outside groups and individuals. Academic freedom should not be used to infringe on student rights or abilities. Within contractual guidelines, individual faculty members are generally responsible for choosing instructional methodologies, assigning classroom grades, and maintaining classroom discipline.

Academic Integrity

At Fletcher Technical Community College, intellectual integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to the processes of learning and of evaluating academic performance. Maintaining such integrity is the responsibility of all members of the College. 

The faculty has the responsibility to encourage and maintain an atmosphere of academic honesty by being certain that students are aware of its value. Furthermore, faculty should make clear to students the regulations defining academic honesty and the penalties for violating those regulations. 

Students, too, must share the responsibility for creating and maintaining an atmosphere of honesty and integrity. Students should be aware that personally completing assigned work is essential to learning. Permitting others to prepare one’s work, using published or unpublished sources as a substitute for studying required materials, or giving unauthorized assistance in the preparation of work to be submitted for class is directly contrary to the honest process of learning. 

Students who are aware that others in a course are cheating or otherwise acting dishonestly have the responsibility either to warn the suspected student or to bring the matter to the attention of a member of the faculty or an appropriate College official. Students and faculty must share the knowledge that dishonest practices will make it difficult for honest students to be evaluated and graded fairly and will damage the integrity of the entire College. Students should recognize that their own interests and their integrity as individuals suffer if they condone dishonesty in others. 

The faculty must be aware that permitting dishonesty is not open to personal choice. An instructor who is unwilling to act upon offenses is an accessory with the student offender in damaging the integrity of the College. 

Academic Integrity Module Requirement for Online Courses 

All online and hybrid courses must include the Academic Integrity Module, which is designed to educate students on institutional practices for online test-taking, proper procedures for proctored assessments, and the responsibilities of students during online evaluations. This module includes a mandatory quiz, which students must complete, ideally before accessing course materials beyond the introductory section. Faculty are responsible for ensuring the module is integrated into their course structure and for monitoring student completion. The module will be provided by the e-Learning department for easy integration. Faculty who need assistance should contact the e-Learning Coordinator. 

Academic Responsibility 

Fletcher’s policy on academic responsibility is guided by (LCTCS Policy #1.044). The academic freedom of faculty members is accompanied by equally stringent obligations and responsibilities to the profession, students, institutions, and communities. Faculty members must defend the rights of academic freedom while willingly accepting the responsibilities that follow: 

Faculty members: 

• Should be judicious in the introduction of material in the classroom without forfeiting the instructional benefits of controversy. 
• Are entitled to all rights and privileges of academic freedom in the classroom while discussing the subjects they teach. No faculty member, however, should ever attempt to force a personal viewpoint onto students. 
• Must recognize their responsibility to maintain competency in their disciplines and stay up to date with the latest educational trends through continued professional development and to demonstrate that competency through consistent preparation and performance. 
• Must recognize that the public will judge the College and the profession by their public and/or social media conduct. Therefore, faculty members should always make clear that the views they express are their own and should avoid creating the impression that they speak or act on behalf of the College (Fletcher Policy #1.008). 

Archiving

Archiving provides orderly retention of division records. It also serves to collect, preserve, and make documentation for approved personnel readily available. Archived items include documents that reflect division activities, personnel documents, confidential faculty and student information, reports and data, and other materials for the systematic administration of the division. Each Division Dean will assume responsibility for archiving important faculty, student and administrative information, and for maintaining the Division’s records and archives in a secure location. 

Materials to be maintained and/or archived by each Division:

AI Statement 

Statement of Commitment to Ethical and Responsible Use of AI at Fletcher Technical Community College 

At Fletcher Technical Community College, we recognize Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool that, when used ethically and responsibly, can enhance learning, critical thinking, and innovation. We embrace AI as a collaborator that extends human creativity and intelligence, but we also affirm that academic integrity remains the foundation of all scholarly work.  

Our commitment to ethical AI use aligns with our institutional values and academic integrity policies, ensuring that students and faculty uphold honesty, transparency, and personal accountability in all academic pursuits. However, the decision to allow AI use in coursework is left to the discretion of individual instructors. Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to their instructors’ specific guidelines regarding AI tools.  

Guiding Principles for Ethical AI Integration  

1. Empowering Individuality Through AI  
   AI should support and enhance students’ unique voices, perspectives, and ideas-not replace them. Faculty and students are encouraged to thoughtfully integrate AI into their work while maintaining personal academic responsibility and originality.  AI’s role in student work is not universal across all courses. Each instructor will set their own policies regarding AI usage, including when and how AI tools may be used in assignments. Students must follow these guidelines and should seek clarification when necessary.  

2. Maintaining Academic Integrity in AI Usage  
   Academic misconduct-including plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation, and unsanctioned collaboration-extends to the misuse of AI. Any use of AI that compromises the integrity of original student work, such as submitting AI-generated content as one’s own or using AI to bypass learning, violates the College’s standards of academic honesty.  

3. Modeling Transparent Collaboration  
   Students and faculty must acknowledge and disclose the use of AI in their academic work where appropriate. Any AI-generated content must be properly attributed in accordance with course policies. Faculty members are responsible for guiding students in the ethical application of AI tools.  

4. Fostering Ethical AI Literacy  
   Fletcher is committed to preparing students not only to use AI but to question, shape, and ethically apply these evolving technologies. By promoting responsible AI literacy, we ensure that students develop critical thinking skills that uphold both academic integrity and professional ethics.  

5. Shared Responsibility in Academic Honesty  
   Both faculty and students play an active role in maintaining a culture of integrity. Students must complete their own work and refrain from misusing AI as a substitute for learning. Faculty members are responsible for setting clear expectations on AI usage in their courses and enforcing academic honesty policies.  

6. Consequences of AI Misuse  
   As outlined in the Student Handbook, students who engage in any form of academic dishonesty, including unauthorized AI use as unsanctioned collaboration, will face both academic consequences as determined by their instructor and disciplinary action as outlined in the Code of Conduct. Faculty members, as outlined in the Faculty Handbook, are obligated to address academic dishonesty and uphold institutional policies that protect the integrity of the College.  

At Fletcher Technical Community College, we do not see AI as a challenge to be feared but as a tool to be harnessed ethically and responsibly. By upholding academic integrity while embracing innovation, we prepare students to engage with AI in ways that enhance learning, professional development, and ethical decision-making.  

Assignment of Course Instructor

Fletcher reserves the right to change instructors listed in the course schedule due to course cancellation, split classes, or other conditions that might necessitate the reassignment of instructors. Students should be cautioned that the listing of an instructor’s name in the course schedule is no guarantee that the specific instructor will teach the course. 

Canvas LMS

Student success is dependent upon two-way communication between the faculty member and student. All courses must maintain a Canvas LMS shell for, at minimum, the purpose of grading and attendance tracking. The effective use of Canvas LMS for course delivery will be considered in a faculty member’s annual evaluation. 

In accordance with the Common Canvas Home Page Policy #1.003, a common Canvas Home page framework will be utilized to support the variability of both learning styles and subject matter. This home page framework establishes a navigation norm or Fletcher style by which all courses on Canvas will be navigated by students. This will (1) establish clear pathways for each course in a unified format (2) facilitate meaningful student-instructor interactions, and (3) aid the accessibility of communication with varied learner types. The goal of this policy is not overreaching as to dictate how a course should be taught or operated and should, in no way, infringe upon academic freedom. 

Technical Requirements 

Operating Systems: 

• Windows 
• Mac OSX 10.6 and newer 
• Linux - Chrome OS 
• Chromebook - Chrome OS 

Computer Speed and Processor:

• Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible 
• 1GB of RAM 
• 2GHz processor 

Canvas Support Resources: 

• Live chat with Canvas Support - Chat with Canvas Support (Faculty) 
• Access Canvas training videos and courses - Training Services Portal 
• Find answers to common questions - Search the Canvas Guides 
• 1-833-808-5690 - Canvas Support Hotline (Faculty) 

Canvas Administrator:

• Employee Canvas Help Desk 
• Go to https://ftccstudenthelp.on.spiceworks.com/portal 
• Phone (985) 448-7947 

Categories of Faculty

The College employs faculty in different categories as determined by the College’s Human Resources Department. There are four types of employment categories for faculty: 

• Full-time Faculty: Faculty members appointed to a 9-month or 12-month teaching position. Librarians are considered faculty and are appointed to a 12-month position. Full-time faculty may also teach overload or summer courses as adjuncts. 
• Temporary Instructor: Adjunct faculty appointed on a one-semester-only basis to teach up to eighteen credit hours with added responsibilities and benefits. Temporary Instructors may not be reappointed to future temporary instructorships but may return to adjunct status and/or apply for an open position. 
• Part-time or Adjunct Faculty: Faculty appointed on a course-by-course contractual basis. 
• Non-Credit Faculty: Faculty members with specialized skills such as welding or computer information systems who teach short courses. Non-credit courses are not applicable to any diploma or degree. Pay for these services is determined on a course-by-course basis. 

Class Attendance 

Faculty Absence from Class 

Every scheduled class will meet and be taught whenever possible. Classes will be canceled only as a last resort and upon approval of the immediate supervisor, Dean, or VCAAWI. Whenever an instructor is to be absent from class, late for a class, or to leave the college before meeting all classes assigned, the instructor must notify the immediate supervisor, Dean, or VCAAWI as soon as possible. Faculty will be charged leave appropriate to the absence(s). This can be referenced in: (LCTCS Policy #6.003). 

Methods of Class Coverage for Teaching Faculty 

Depending on circumstances such as the amount of previous notice, the familiarity of the subject matter to the substitute, and the nature of the subject matter under assignment, there are various levels of “coverage” in order of preference: 

• The class meets and is taught, or the examination given, so that the syllabus is carried forward despite the absence. 
• The class is cancelled on-site and is still held on-line via an on-line assignment posting in the LMS. 

Substitute Instructors 

Whenever a full-time or part-time instructor expects to be absent from class or late for a class, it is the instructor’s responsibility to notify the appropriate Department Head, Dean, or the VCAAWI. If the assigned instructor cannot maintain progress in the class online through the LMS, a substitute instructor may be assigned. While an instructor may recommend a substitute to the appropriate Department Head, Dean, or the VCAAWI, it is the responsibility of the latter to make every effort to provide a substitute for a part-time instructor either from among the full-time faculty, or, as circumstances require, a paid substitute instructor. 

As a rule, it should not be expected that instructors should maintain a colleague’s classes for more than a day or two; in fact, a week should be the limit before a paid substitute is employed. The appropriate Department Head, Dean, or the VCAAWI is responsible for ensuring that such class coverage is provided. 

Hiring and Payment of Substitute Instructors 

The Department Head/Dean may recommend a paid substitute instructor when such a substitute for long term or repetitive absence is required. The VCAAWI shall approve the hiring and payment of a substitute instructor.

Class Cancellation /Overrides

Up until the day before classes start, classes may be closed due to low enrollment. The VCAAWI, Deans, and Registrar, and Department Heads are responsible for managing class cancellations. Classes with fewer than twelve students are considered low enrolled. Department Heads and Deans may request that a low-enrollment classes remain open for exceptional reasons such as respective Board requirements or safety concerns/regulations. The Dean/Department Head will post notifications of class cancellations and room changes. 

Each class is assigned an enrollment cap. Factors considered when deciding the maximum class size include curricular requirements, room size, space, available instructional resources, (computer-related resources, etc.), ADA accommodations, and fire/safety concerns. When a class has reached its maximum capacity and other sections are not available, the Department Head, Dean, or VCAAWI may open additional sections. Overrides may be granted for extenuating circumstances only. Faculty, advisors, or staff members should exercise caution in encouraging students to seek overrides.

Class Make-Up Policy

In order to assure student success in the learning process, it is important to have adequate class time designated for instruction. The Louisiana Board of Regents designates that 750 minutes of instruction be provided during the semester to each student for each one-credit hour of lecture and 1500 minutes for each credit hour of lab. Fletcher faculty will make all efforts to comply with this regulation and be accountable to the state and students for the provision of effective instructional time. 

When a scheduled class is not held due to faculty absence, weather, or other unpredicted circumstances, it is expected that the time missed be made up before the end of the semester. This may be done by posting on the LMS an on-line assignment or by scheduling a makeup plan that is to be submitted to the supervisor. After 2 consecutive cancellations of class, the instructor is required to submit, in writing within 5 days of returning, to the VCAAWI, a plan detailing how the instructional time will be made up. 

Class Rosters

All instructors shall keep an official attendance record for each class. Class attendance records should be accurate and precise. These records are subject to inspection by appropriate officials. On the first day of class, faculty should call the roll to ensure that students are in the correct class. Students who are not on the roster or cannot provide a valid schedule should not be allowed to sit in class and should be sent immediately to Enrollment Services.

Class Scheduling 

Each semester, a master schedule will be developed that includes a basic schedule of classes for the upcoming semester. Department Heads, through the Deans, are responsible for oversight of the schedule. This includes: 

• Establishing a schedule of class offerings 
• Adding course sections as needed to maintain an availability of day, evening, and on-line offerings 
• Arranging for appropriate staffing of scheduled courses 
• Recommend cancelling classes 
• Approving course overrides 
• Managing student issues related to the schedule 
• Deans/Department Heads are responsible for completing class authorizations for adjunct/overload by the end of the first week of 16-week semesters, 8-week sessions, and summer session unless more time is required to see if the class will make 
• Assuring that instructors, by census date, identify students who are no shows and record in Banner by the required date. 

Classroom and Campus Safety Information

Refer to Fletcher’s Safety Manual located in Employee Resources under Emergency and Safety Plan. To access the Emergency and Safety Plan, please follow the steps below. 

• Go to the Fletcher home page 
• Click on the faculty and staff tab 
• Click on the Employee Resources link 
• Log into your Fletcher email account 
• Click on the Safety folder
• Click on Emergency & Safety Plan, and it will direct you to the Emergency & Safety Plan folder on the OneDrive. 

Committees and Task Forces 

Committee appointments may be college wide, subcommittees of Faculty Senate, advisory to designated programs, and standing or ad hoc groups. Adjunct faculty, staff, and full-time faculty may request to be considered for assignment to a specific college-wide committee through application to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academics and Effectiveness. Task forces or ad hoc committees may be established for short-term projects or policy development. These groups are designed to facilitate the accomplishment of a specific charge and the committee is deactivated when the committee charge has been accomplished. Full-time faculty are expected, as per their contract, to actively serve on at least one committee. Some positions may require additional committees. Additional committee work may be necessary for some faculty. For more information, please see Fletcher Policies #1.004, #1.010, and #2.005. 

ConexED

ConexED is a cloud-based platform for virtual student services and learning. It’s where students go to connect and engage with Enrollment Services, advising, tutoring, faculty, academic support staff, and each other. All faculty are expected to maintain their ConexED contact card and post it on their Canvas Home page. As part of the Quality Enhancement Plan, faculty should use ConexED to input and monitor the case management and milestone tools. Training will be provided to all faculty through the Center for Teaching Excellence or through the QEP Co-Producers. 

Technical Requirements 

Desktop PC and Mac meeting requirements: 

• Use Chrome or Firefox (Chrome Preferred) 
• Have a web camera ready and activated 
• Have a headset with microphone ready - a cell phone headset will work great 

Android and Window device meeting requirements: 

• Use Chrome 
• Have a web camera ready and activated 
• Have a headset with microphone ready - a cell phone headset will work great 

ConexED Support:

• Please contact the Canvas Administrator to schedule training. 
• Go to https://ftccstudenthelp.on.spiceworks.com/portal 
• Phone (985) 448-7947 
• User guides and other support resources can be accessed here: https://support.conexed.com/conexed-support-center 

If anyone is experiencing technical issues with ConexED, please put in a ticket with ConexED’s support at https://support.conexed.com/conexed-support-center. 

Course Syllabi

Faculty members are responsible for developing and posting a course syllabus for each of their assigned courses in conjunction with departmental faculty. Each member of the faculty is expected to use the syllabus shell provided in Canvas to ensure consistency with campus and academic policies and procedures. Faculty may have academic freedom to develop their syllabi beyond the standard policies, procedures, and general course information. Syllabi must be submitted to and approved by the Department Head or Dean, when applicable, prior to the start of each semester/session.

Credit Hours Awarded

A credit hour is a measurement of course work completed satisfactorily. Within any given part of term (e.g.,fall, spring, summer, session, etc.), one-credit hour is awarded for and equivalent to the following minimum minutes of contact time or class attendance for each respective type of instruction: 

Lecture courses = 750 minutes (1 credit hour)

Defined as direct faculty instruction with approximately 30 hours of out-of-class student work for every 750 minutes of class meetings. 

Laboratory courses = 1500 minutes (1 credit hour) 

Defined as indirect faculty instruction in a defined physical setting for the purpose of guiding and observing student application of methods and principles of a discipline. 

Other courses = 2250 (1 credit hour) 

Defined as clinical, studio work, internship, or other work-based activities. 

Courses taught in non-traditional formats, such as on-line environments, readings/special topic courses, and independent study courses, must be of reasonable length and include both content and contact sufficient to maintain high academic quality and standards commensurate with credit hours awarded for a “traditional” lecture class. The basis for such equivalency shall be a valid, credible assessment that reliably determines whether a student has met the required student learning outcomes. 

Curriculum

Faculty members are responsible for the content, quality, and effectiveness of the curriculum. The VCAAWI is responsible for curriculum review and oversight. All new courses, modifications to existing courses, and deletion of courses must be initiated by the faculty and approved by the Curriculum Committee and the VCAAWI. New programs and changes to existing programs are reviewed, discussed, and approved by the appropriate advisory committee, the program faculty, the Curriculum Committee, and, as necessary, by the Louisiana Technical and Community College System (LCTCS) and the Louisiana Board of Regents. 

The faculty and administration work closely together to develop a curriculum that meets Fletcher students’ needs. Determination of degree requirements involves a review of state laws and rules, accreditation requirements, needs of the graduates, transfer possibilities, College requirements, and business and industry needs. Academic administration is responsible for ensuring proper procedures are followed for all curriculum matters and supervising the instructional process at the College. 

Curriculum meetings are scheduled at the beginning of the calendar year when LCTCS announces meetings. The Curriculum Committee will meet two (2) weeks prior to LCTCS agenda due dates, and the items for consideration - to include both courses and programs - should be submitted no later than three (3) days prior to the curriculum meeting scheduled. 

Other than new programs, all items must be approved by the October meeting to have summer or fall start dates and by the April meeting for a spring start. Items requiring sooner start dates may be approved by the VCAAWI based on documentation outlining such. 

Development of New Programs

Development of new programs is the joint responsibility of faculty, academic administrators, the Curriculum Committee, the Chancellor, the LCTCS Board of Supervisors, and the Louisiana Board of Regents. Programs consist of a specific sequence of college-level credit courses to be completed by students. New academic programs are developed based upon long-range strategic planning and/or emerging community needs. Requests for new programs are directed to the Curriculum Committee and the VCAAWI for further discussion. 

Assessment of the need for new programs will include completion of an environmental scan, projection of available and required resources, identification of partners, if appropriate, and an analysis of anticipated program outcomes. 

Once new programs have been approved by the College, they will be submitted for approval to the LCTCS and the Louisiana Board of Regents as appropriate.

End-of-Semester Checkout

At the end of each semester, all faculty members (full-time and adjunct) must ensure they have met their obligations to Fletcher. For specific requirements, faculty members should consult with their Department Head, Division Dean, or VCAAWI. The College reserves the right to hold final paycheck(s) until compliance with checkout procedures has been completed. 

Faculty Advising of Students

Full-time faculty members are expected to meet the requirements identified in the job description and will be evaluated on their performance, and this includes assisting students with advising and participating in the following activities: 

• Be available to meet with assigned advisees each semester. 
• Assist other faculty members’ advisees if needed. 
• Assist the Office of Enrollment Services during peak registration periods. 

Faculty and Course Evaluation by Students (Full-Time & Adjunct) 

The student course evaluation instrument is administered at the end of semesters and sessions by the Office of Institutional Research. Faculty, Department Heads, and Deans will receive copies of each course evaluation report after the semester ends.

Faculty and Course Evaluation by Supervisor (Full-Time & Adjunct) 

Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and the LCTCS Board of Supervisors require annual performance evaluations for each faculty of the LCTCS and its member colleges. The performance management process represents a continuous process of planning, communication, evaluation, development, and recognition and reward between the faculty and the supervisor. 

The annual performance evaluation provides an opportunity to formally review each full-time faculty. The performance evaluation represents an agreement between the faculty and supervisor of the critical functions which must be performed and how well the faculty is meeting expectations. 

Supervisors must strive to provide a fair and accurate representation of the faculty’s performance. Faculty will be formally observed and evaluated at least once annually by their, Department Head or Divisional Dean. 

The Faculty Evaluation consists of the following: 

• Course Observation 
• Full Time Teaching Faculty Evaluation 
• Faculty Professional Growth Form (optional)
• Performance Improvement Plan  

Forms and job aids can be found in employee resources on the Fletcher website. Adjunct Faculty will be evaluated through the Course Observation Form. 

Faculty Credentials

It is the responsibility of the search committees and Division Deans to recommend to the VCAAWI the prospective finalists for faculty positions. The credentials of the finalists shall be maintained by the Chair of the Search Committee. Faculty credentials of all hired faculty shall be maintained by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Workforce Initiatives. 

Documentation of Official Transcripts 

It is the responsibility of each faculty member to submit official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended. The official transcript(s) should be sent to HR during the application process. Official transcripts are forwarded to the VCAAWI. This procedure documents compliance with the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requirements This requirement applies to all faculty whether full-time or part-time. A copy of the transcript may be used for initial credential review, but official transcripts must be on file upon hire for employment (Fletcher Policy #1.006). 

Faculty Onboarding and Orientation

All faculty are provided with LMS training resources for use of Canvas prior to teaching. Faculty who teach on-line courses will be required to successfully complete Quality Matters if not already Quality Matters certified. All faculty have access to a Canvas course with resources that cover the following: 

• Canvas 
• ConexED 
• Accessibility Standards and Tools 
• VidGrid 
• LockDown Browser 
• Quality Matters 
• Tidy Up 
• NorthStar Digital Literacy 
• Course Design and Instructional Design 

Faculty Qualifications

Fletcher seeks and appoints the best-qualified faculty, and all full-time and part-time faculty members must have appropriate credentials and competencies that demonstrate they are qualified to teach. Oral and written competencies will be demonstrated during the recruitment and selection process. The search process is intended to recruit and select faculty whose highest degree is earned from a broad representation of accredited institutions. 

Fletcher only hires faculty who meet or exceed the minimum credentialing qualifications as stated in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Principles of Accreditation. 

Faculty Rank

The purpose of promotion-in-rank is to provide eligible faculty with academic rank as an acknowledgment for exceptional teaching and service to the College and community. The policy and procedures are established to enable faculty to recommend for promotion their peers who have met the established criteria. 

Fletcher Technical Community College (Fletcher), in accordance with Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) Policy #1.010 - Rank, Promotion, Duties, and Responsibilities of Faculty and Staff, has established the rank and promotion policy for full-time faculty. The Chancellor approves all the recommended candidates. All requirements of the LCTCS Board of Supervisors are adhered to in all recommendations for promotion. Promotions approved during one academic year will become effective at the beginning of the fall semester of the following academic year. 

Faculty Role in Governance

LCTCS Policy #1.044 states that members of the “academic staff who comprise the faculty of the System are charged to determine the educational policy of the System through deliberative action in their respective units and divisions.” All faculty are expected to participate in educational policies development by joining and actively participating in standing committees, task forces, program advisory committees, and the Faculty Senate. 

Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate is recognized as the official representative of the college faculty, and the Faculty Senate President shall be recognized as the official spokesperson for the Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate President, as the official representative of the faculty, shall be a member of the Chancellor’s Governance Council. The President will be granted a 3-hour course release for both the fall and spring semesters. This will allow the President to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office.

Faculty Tutoring of Students

Full-time faculty will schedule a minimum of one office hour per week (included in their normal office hours’ requirement) to tutor students either in their subject specific laboratory setting (shop, nursing lab, music lab, etc.), in the tutoring center (all subjects not location specific), or virtually. Faculty will work with the Tutoring Coordinator to schedule office hours according to student needs and faculty schedule. Faculty will schedule their tutoring hour in the ConexED platform to ensure adequate subject coverage. The schedule of hours and location of services will be available on-line through ConexED and in the tutoring center. 

Final Exams

Final examinations should be given during the scheduled final exam period. Whether or not a final exam is given, the class is required to meet according to the final exam schedule. Online Classes should follow the Final Exam Schedule during finals week. The Division Dean and/or VCAAWI must approve any exceptions. 

Final grades must be submitted in LoLA by the deadline provided by the Registrar’s Office.

Grade Appeals

Final grades are posted approximately five days after the conclusion of each semester. Students must review their grades promptly for accuracy.

If a student would like to appeal a final grade received in any course, they should complete the Final Grade Appeal Form

• If a student believes a grade is incorrect, they must contact the course instructor no later than the end of the first week of the following semester.
• If the instructor is unavailable, the student should contact the Department Head of the academic program.
• If an incorrect grade is confirmed, the instructor or department head will complete a Change of Grade Form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office.
• If the grade is correct but the student wishes to appeal, they must complete a Grade Appeal Request Form and submit it to the Academic Dean by the end of the third week of the following semester.
• If the appeal is denied, the student may follow the Academic Complaint and Appeal Procedure.

Grading Policy

Grading scales are determined by department, and all grades that are earned for credit courses are as follows: 

A: Earns credit hours - carries a value of 4 grade points for each credit hour.

B: Earns credit hours - carries a value of 3 grade points for each credit hour.

C: Earns credit hours - carries a value of 2 grade points for each credit hour. 

D: Earns credit hours - carries a value of 1 grade point for each credit hour. (Note: Grades of “D” are not always accepted for program requirements or transfer.) 

F: Earns no credit - carries a value of 0 grade points for each credit hour. 

P: Pass: Given only for courses graded Pass/Fail. Indicates course was successfully completed. 

S: Satisfactory: Given only for courses graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Indicates course was successfully completed. 

U: Unsatisfactory: Given only for courses graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Indicates course was not successfully completed. 

I: Incomplete: Indicates some work is incomplete. 

W: Withdrawal: Indicates the student has officially withdrawn from a course. 

When a student repeats a course for credit, the last grade earned is the official grade. Both grades, however, will appear on the transcript. 

All grades for each course appear on a student’s transcript and all hours attempted and total quality points earned are used in calculating the official cumulative external grade point average (GPA). This is the official GPA posted on the transcript and used to determine academic honors, class standing, and academic probation and suspension. In all cases of repeated courses, the hours earned can only be credited once. 

The adjusted internal average that is used for determining graduation eligibility and some program admissions is computed by subtracting the quality hours and quality points earned in all previous attempts in a repeated course from the overall number of hours and quality points. For more information, please review Fletcher Policy #1.503, #1.506, #1.509, and #1.511

Incomplete Grades

A student may receive a grade of “I” in a course if the student’s current average is a C or higher at the point of determination that is based on completed coursework when documented extenuating circumstances cause the student to be unable to complete the required work. In lieu of this requirement during a global pandemic or disaster (or other event deemed applicable by the College), the C requirement may be waived. The student is responsible for making up all unfinished work within the next semester/session by the designated date. The “I” will be changed to an “F” if all work is not completed satisfactorily by the required date. The student will not be allowed to reenroll for the course until the “I” is changed to a letter grade. 

The student is responsible for initiating the incomplete grade contract form. This form routes to the instructor, department head, Canvas Administrator, and Registrar. The student will not have access to submit assignments or make changes in the course until the Canvas administrator makes the course adjustments. In the interest of protecting students’ rights, it is strongly recommended that faculty, both full-time and part-time, communicate and document, via email or written and signed contract, all relevant information concerning the “Incomplete” and detailed arrangements for completion to the student, the immediate academic supervisor at the time the “Incomplete” is assigned. Fletcher Policy #1.504. 

Industry Visits, Field Trips, and Off-Campus Training Activities

Periodic visits to businesses/industries that employ program graduates are encouraged. Industry visits should be used to enrich course content and to provide criteria for evaluating and updating the instructional program. Industry visits, field trips, and off-campus training activities shall be well planned and directly related to the educational process under consideration and shall follow approved guidelines. 

Guidelines for off-campus training activities: 

• The Division Dean shall determine the appropriateness for off-campus training. 
• Approval shall be obtained from the VCAA. 
• For one-time events, a training plan shall be prepared and signed by all parties involved. It shall indicate each party’s responsibilities. 
• For reoccurring activities, a contract or MOU should be signed by the College and the host facility that indicates each party’s responsibilities. 
• The instructor shall have the responsibility for the supervision of the students while at the activity site. 

Guidelines for Business/Industry visits: 

• The instructor shall determine the need for the trip. 
• The instructor shall notify the immediate supervisor and Division Dean for approval. 
• Necessary arrangements shall be made by the instructor. 
• The selection of the location and time of a visit should be made so that the visit will be accessible to as many students as possible. 

Intellectual Property 

Fletcher Technical Community College recognizes that intellectual properties and discoveries may arise from the activities of faculty, staff, and students in the course of the duties or through the use, by any person, of institutional resources such as facilities, equipment, or funds. The Louisiana Technical Community College System has an Intellectual Property Policy (Academic Policy 1.042) that provides students and faculty of Fletcher the necessary protections and incentives to encourage both the discovery and development of new knowledge and its transfer for the public benefit. This policy is available on LCTCS website (Fletcher Policy# 1.002). 

Live Work

General Policy/Procedures 

Live work is a paid or contracted service performed by students under real-world working conditions as an integral part of a course of study to enhance their knowledge and skills. 

All live work performed must be approved by the Chancellor in writing before any live work may begin. The scope and extent of live work must be well defined in writing before final approval is granted by the Chancellor. Individuals and/or organizations requesting live work will assume all associated risks and sign a “Hold Harmless Acknowledgement” form. 

Fletcher is a training institute and is not a repair or fabrication facility. Therefore, any live work performed at Fletcher will be limited to those types of projects that are specifically beneficial to the program of study, is consistent with the class training being provided at that particular time, and required for further development of student proficiency. The following programs are authorized to perform live work: 

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 
• Automotive Technology 
• Drafting and Design Technology 
• Electrician 
• Machine Tool Technology 
• Marine Diesel Technology 
• Welding 

The following individuals and/or organizations (i.e., customers) listed in priority order may request live work: 

• Fletcher Technical Community College
• Students 
• Faculty and staff 
• Program advisory committee members 
• Local, state, and federal agencies 
• Charitable organizations, and 
• General public or other individuals and/or organizations when justified in writing why the live work is necessary for the training program and approved by the Chancellor. 

Approval of Live Work 

Before any live work may begin, a complete work order must be prepared by the instructor, signed by the customer, and approved by the Executive Dean of Technical Education, or the Dean of Stem, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Workforce Initiatives, and the Chancellor. The work order should establish a timeframe for payment, if applicable, and pick up of a completed live work project. Any live work project not paid for and picked up within the designated timeframe will become property of Fletcher and normal property procedures will apply. The instructor is responsible for notifying the Property and Compliance Coordinator within thirty (30) days of live work equipment that becomes Fletcher property. The customer assumes all responsibility for the results of the work performed by students and the signed “Hold Harmless Acknowledgment” form must be attached to the completed work order. 

Customers shall bear all actual costs of materials, parts, and supplies involved, in addition to a service charge. The total charges (cost plus service charge) for live work will be no less than cost plus ten (10%) percent. In no case shall the total charge be less than $5.00. There is no charge for labor since students perform all work as a learning experience. Instructors must follow Fletcher’s purchasing policy when procuring materials, parts, and supplies for live work. The instructor must provide a copy of the approved work order when ordering materials, 

parts, and supplies. Fletcher’s Business Office is responsible for invoicing customers. 

Restrictions on Live Work 

To avoid competition with private industry, live work is restricted as follows: 

• Live work will only be performed when it is a related learning outcome of the specific course being offered for skills leading to employment. 
• Live work must always involve student participation and should not be performed solely by the instructor. 
• Under no circumstances may a student and/or instructor receive money, rewards, benefits, or, in any way, personally profit from live work. 
• Live work will not be performed when there is any connection with or relation to the making of a financial profit by an individual or organization. 
• All live work must be conducted during Fletcher’s normal operating hours unless an exception is granted in writing by the Chancellor. 
• All live work projects must be completed in the term in which the project originated unless an exception is granted in writing by the Chancellor. 

Procedures for Scheduling Live Work 

The following procedures should be followed for all live work projects: 

1. When a customer (including a student) requests a live work project, the instructor must ensure that the project is within the scope of Fletcher’s live work policy. 
2. The instructor will begin a written work order and determine if the customer will supply the needed materials, parts, and supplies or if Fletcher is expected to supply them. 
3. The instructor must inform the customer that the work will be performed by students and that he/she assumes all risk for the work being performed. The customer must sign a “Hold Harmless Acknowledgement” form and it must be attached the work order. 
4. The written work order, signed by the customer, must be forwarded for approval to the Dean of Technical Education, then to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and then to the Chancellor before any live work is to begin. 
5. Once the live work project is approved, the live work project can begin. The instructor should further detail on the work order any materials, parts, and supplies used along with costs and all services performed. 
6. Once the live work project is completed, the instructor will notify the customer that the work is completed. If applicable, the instructor will forward a copy of the completed work order to the Business Office so an invoice can be prepared and sent to the customer. 
7. The customer will sign the work order to indicate that he/she is satisfied that the work has been completed. 
8. If applicable, payment must be received in full by the Business Office before the live work project can be released to the customer. 
9. All original work orders and “Hold Harmless Acknowledgment” forms are to be filed and maintained with the Dean of E&AT (Fletcher Policy #8.001). 

Overloads and Summer Teaching 

Overload refers to teaching more than 15 credit hours a semester or more than 30 clock hours a week. Overloads constitute extra work for extra pay. Faculty members are expected to perform all regular duties and responsibilities with no degradation of services resulting from the overload. (i.e., if the faculty member has a full-time teaching load that includes 4 courses plus a one course release for program coordinator, this equals a 40-hour work week. If an instructor takes on an additional course as an adjunct contract, with a 3-credit course, this adds on 4 hours to the work week making the work week total 44 hours). 

Courses taught simultaneously do not count towards overload pay. 

Full-time faculty may accept overloads each semester for additional compensation. A one-course overload is accepted. An exception form, with approval by the Division Dean, must be completed for schedule credit hours beyond 18 credit hours per semester. Approval may be sought for scheduled credit hours beyond 21 credit hours by the VCAAWI. Faculty teaching three (3) classes during a session may accept a one (1) class overload and faculty teaching two (2) classes during a session may accept a two (2) class overload. Faculty will not be allowed to teach two (2) overloads during the first session of each semester. Exceptions to this policy may be approved by the VCAAWI. The form can be found in Employee Resources under Fletcher Forms. 

Overloads will be paid at the adjunct rate of pay. The rate of pay may vary with low enrollment courses (below 12 students). 

Nine-month full-time faculty who choose to teach in semesters other than fall and spring will be paid at the adjunct rate of pay (per course or hourly as applicable) unless full-time summer contracts are authorized by the Chancellor at a rate of 2/9 of the nine-month salary for an eight- week summer session. 

Technical programs’ full-time 9-month faculty overloads and summer teaching loads will be paid at the technical program adjunct hourly rate of pay. 

Part-Time Employment Agreements 

Faculty who are employed during a given term (part-time or full-time) and complete extra projects are paid through a part-time-employment agreement upon approval by the VCAAWI and/or Chancellor. 

Faculty who are not currently employed are issued part-time-employment agreements for project work. 

Consultants and outside vendors are paid through professional services contracts. 

Prep Week/Final Exam Week

All full-time faculty are to report to work on the first day of prep week unless other arrangements are made with the faculty member’s supervisor. The faculty must attend all required meetings and fulfill their responsibilities as stated in their contract. They must have a minimum of 10 Office/Student hours during prep week. 

During the week of final exams, all faculty must be present during the scheduled final exam time as per the final exam schedule, have a minimum of 10 Office/Student hours unless otherwise approved by their Dean, and have all necessary paperwork and grades submitted by the deadline. 

Procedure for Reporting Academic Dishonesty

The following procedures shall be used by instructors who feel a student has been guilty of academic dishonesty. 

The instructor, upon receiving information or determining that a student may be guilty of a form of academic dishonesty, should initially confront the student with the alleged violation. If the student is unable to explain discrepancies satisfactorily, the instructor will have two options available. The instructor can choose to fail the student for the assignment/test in question or forward the allegations to their supervisor. Instructors should report the incident by completing the Academic Misconduct Reporting Form. In the instance where the case is forwarded, the instructor shall collect or acquire evidence of the violation and bring the matter to the attention of the Department Head/Dean of the academic department. The Department Head/Dean shall review the charges. He or she may uphold the decision of the instructor, determine the allegations are unfounded, or summon the student for a conference.  

The instructor, no matter which option is selected, is required to document, in writing, a detailed account of the violation, including the name of the course, type of assignment or test, date of the alleged violation, names of witnesses, and copies of all information that supports the allegation. If disciplinary action is pending when a final grade must be submitted, the instructor must assign the student an “I” grade to show incomplete work. That notation will remain until the alleged violation is adjudicated, at which time the instructor must assign an appropriate final grade. 

Professional Development 

All full time, part-time and adjunct faculty are highly encouraged to participate in Faculty Professional Development opportunities include but are not limited to the following listed items. Note: Items requiring registration fees, travel and/or other expenses are subject to budget approval and should be requested during the annual college budgeting process. Maintenance of personal licensure may or may not be approved for compensation. 

Conferences, Workshops and Webinars 

• Each instructor (full time and adjunct in all modalities) is encouraged to attend all pertinent conferences and workshops sponsored by the LCTCS. 
• Attendance and active participation in workshops conducted by private industry are encouraged. 
• Travel reimbursement is available for expenses incurred and approved prior to travel. 

Professional Organizations 

• Membership in one or more professional organizations is encouraged. 
• Active participation is encouraged in academic and technical societies relating to an individual instructor’s specific field of work. 

In-Service Training 

• Statewide training programs (workshops) are offered in specialized areas of training periodically. 
• Faculty meetings are generally held as needed within each division/department. All faculty are encouraged to submit items for discussion prior to the meeting and attend; however, any item of concern may be introduced during the meeting. 
• Semi-annual Fletcher convocation (offered in person).

Program Coordination

SACSCOC standard 6.2c states, “Because student learning is central to the institution’s mission and educational degrees, the faculty has responsibility for directing the learning enterprise, including overseeing and coordinating educational programs to assure that each contains essential curricular components, has appropriate content and pedagogy, and maintains discipline currency.” In compliance with SACSCOC standard 6.2c, Program Coordination at Fletcher may be managed by one or more of the following individuals: 

• Divisional Dean 
• Department Head
• Program Coordinator 
• Qualified faculty member 

The role of the program coordinator is to provide program oversight to ensure that the following remain in compliance with student learning outcomes, Fletcher’s general policies and procedures, and Fletcher’s Course Catalog and academic policies and procedures: 

• Program and course specific College Catalog entries and revisions 
• Program policies and procedures 
• Program student learning outcomes 
• Syllabi reflect Fletcher’s catalog, policies and procedures as well as student learning outcomes 
• LMS meets minimum standards of excellence 
• Course content reflects program advisory committee standards as advised through annual program advisory committee input (as applicable). 
• Curriculum revision and development 
• Programmatic accreditation compliance (as applicable). 

Programs

Fletcher is authorized to offer the following associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates: 

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) 
• Associate of Arts (AA) 
• Associate of Arts Louisiana Transfer (AALT) 
• Associate in General Studies (AGS) 
• Associate of Science (AS) 
• Associate of Science in Environmental Science (AS) 
• Associate of Science Louisiana Transfer (ASLT) 
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) 
• Technical Diploma (TD) 
• Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) 
• Certificate of General Studies (CGS) 
• Career and Technical Certificate (CTC) 

Fletcher is authorized to offer the following certificate, diploma, and degree programs fully on-line: 

• Customer Service, CTS* 
• Medical Coding/Insurance Billing Specialist, CTS 
• Precision Agriculture Technology, TD 
• Accounting Technology, AAS 
• Administrative Office Management, AAS
• Business Administration, AAS 
• General Business Concentration 
• Entrepreneurship Concentration 
• Paralegal Concentration 
• Care & Development of Young Children, AAS 
• Criminal Justice, General Studies, AGS 
• Louisiana Transfer, AALT and AAST  

Fletcher is an institution member of NC-SARA. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) permits Fletcher to offer classes in other states. They set regulations and requirements that the school follows regarding quality assurance and consumer protections for students who earn credit through distance e-learning. SARA is overseen by a national council and administered by the four regional higher education compacts, MHEC, NEBHE, SREB and WICHE. Fletcher is in the SREB region. Students with complaints that have not been resolved should be directed to follow the process outlined in Fletcher Policy # 2.004. 

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, or SARA: 

• Broadens offerings and lower costs for students 
• Saves institutions from seeking approvals for their classes and degree programs on a case-by- case basis 
• Allows states to focus on the oversight of their own institutions 

Program Advisory Committees

Program advisory committees, if mandated by accreditation bodies, must be established. These committees shall provide direct contact among instructors, the College, and the business community. Each program must have a designated individual who is responsible for ensuring that the committee meets at least once a year (unless programmatic accrediting body requires more), meeting minutes are kept, and the program is evaluated annually. Since institutional and programmatic accreditations are contingent upon having functional advisory committees, program coordinators and instructors will not receive a satisfactory evaluation or merit increase if the required advisory meetings are not met, minutes of the meetings are not kept, or an annual program evaluation is not conducted. In addition to mandatory scheduled meetings, individual informal meetings between the instructors and the committee members are held as often as needed to improve or promote the program.

Release Time 

Release time provides a course-load substitution for work completed on special projects. 

Release times must be approved by the Divisional Dean and VCAAWI.

Respondus Monitor

Fletcher’s courses require the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. Respondus Monitor is a companion application for LockDown Browser. Instructors can access the Respondus Monitor settings through the LockDown Browser Dashboard (available within Canvas). 

Support Resources 

Register for a free training webinar on LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. 

Getting Started Videos 

• Protecting the Integrity of On-line Exams 
• Preparing an Exam for Use with LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor 

Instructor Quick Start Guide 

• Canvas (Classic Quizzes) 
• Canvas (New Quizzes) 

1. Require a Practice Exam - Ensure the student’s first exam using Respondus Monitor runs smoothly. Have students take an ungraded practice quiz that requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam before taking a graded exam. Leave the practice quiz available for the duration of the course with unlimited attempts, so students can check their setup from a different computer. 
2. Many types of on-line testing occur in higher education, each requiring a different approach for exam integrity. LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor provide the flexibility needed for the entire institution. Simply select the settings appropriate for the examination environment. 

Technology Requirements for Respondus Monitor 

System Requirements 

• Windows: 10 and 8. 
• Mac: OS X 10.12 or higher 
• iOS: 10.0+ (iPad only) 
• Web camera (internal or external) & microphone 
• A broadband internet connection 

Memory 

• Windows: 75 MB permanent space on the hard drive 
• Mac: 120 MB permanent space on the hard drive 

Have students download and install LockDown Browser using the hyperlink below. This hyperlink is unique to Fletcher - LockDown Browser 

Technical Support for Respondus Monitor - Ticket-based support is available if the student encounters an issue that cannot be resolved with the Knowledge Base or the in-application help systems. Respondus staff members generally respond to tickets within 24 hours, excluding weekends and U.S. holidays. 

Salary for Overloads

Overload pay for instructors teaching more than a full time 40-hour work week, 15 credit hours or 30 clock hours a week, and department heads and program coordinators teaching more than 12 credit hours, plus 10 office hours per week: Overloads are considered overtime and are taught in addition to the faculty member’s contracted full-time load. All overload contracts must be approved by the VCAAWI to ensure faculty and student-support adequacy are maintained. 

All courses used to calculate full-time status and overload pay shall have a minimum enrollment of 12 students. The Division Dean has discretion to determine whether the course should continue with fewer than 12 students. 

Internships and credit by evaluation shall not be used in calculating overload pay. 

Overload faculty pay for credit-hour courses is based upon the credit hours of the assigned course. 

There is no differential for rank, evening/weekend teaching, or distance-learning delivery. 

There is no differential for multiple preparations. Scheduling of more than three course preparations is discouraged. Should there be a need for more than three course preparations, faculty members should be consulted and should agree to the load prior to assignment. The following semester, scheduling preference should be provided to those who were assigned more than three course preparations. 

Clock-hour courses shall be paid an hourly rate. The current rate for credit-hour courses is $800 per credit hour with at least 12 students. Courses with lower enrollment that continue will be paid on a per-student basis unless the number of students enrolled is dictated by Board or safety requirements. Clock-hour pay varies by courses taught. 

Schedule Modifications and Room Changes

Faculty requests for schedule modification and room changes must be submitted to the Dean and Department Head. Deans and Department Heads will coordinate these requests together. 

Stipends and Course Releases 

The following faculty roles may be compensated through either a stipend or a course release: 

1. Department Head: $5,000 annual department head contract plus one 3 credit course release* per semester. All duties as assigned must be completed by the department head, including semester set up and close out (the time required for department head duties begin two weeks prior the start date of the 9-month faculty contract and extend two weeks beyond the end date of the 9-month faculty contract). This amount is calculated for a 10-month commitment as department head. Summer department duties may be needed and may be paid at an hourly rate during this time. 
2. Program/Clinical Coordinator: One 3 credit course release* per fall and spring semester. Summer program/clinical coordinator duties may be needed and may be paid at an hourly rate during this time. 
3. Special Projects: Special projects may be granted a stipend or a course release during the fall and spring semester depending on the extent and scope of the project with the approval of the Dean and VCAA. Summer special projects may be needed and may be paid at an hourly rate during this time. 

*Note: If a course release is granted, it is assumed that the duties of the role are executed in the duration of the course release hours (i.e., a 4-hour weekly course commitment would be used to execute the duties of program coordinator). 

Student Attendance

When a student enrolls in a Fletcher course, it is assumed that said student has the maturity, the seriousness of purpose, and the self-discipline to meet the responsibilities associated with taking the course[s]. The primary mission of Fletcher is to prepare individuals for immediate employment, career advancement, and future learning. Success in employment and education is dependent upon preparation and regular attendance. Recommendations to employers for job placement will depend on technical and academic preparation as well as regular attendance. 

Employers in the Fletcher service area continually request that Fletcher stress the importance of regular attendance and punctuality. Regular attendance and punctuality are major components of successful employment; therefore, the following attendance policy will be strictly enforced: 

Students are expected to attend all classes. If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all work missed. Under no circumstance will an absence, for any reason, excuse the student from completing all work assigned in a given course. After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to check with the instructor about the completion of missed assignments. 

Students must comply with the attendance requirements of their department, division, and/or program. Individual faculty members determine specific policies regarding attendance, make-up of missed exams, submission of excused absences, and the use of attendance in grading. These policies also appear in the course syllabus for each class. 

It is the student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor regarding all absences. Excused absences will be granted at the discretion of the individual instructor. Examples of absences that may be considered excused include, but are not limited to, student illness, religious holidays, College- sponsored activities, jury duty, or military obligations. Circumstances beyond a student’s control should be discussed with the instructor as early as possible. A student with frequent absences should also meet with the instructor to discuss class progress. 

If a student has an excused absence on a scheduled test day, it is the student’s responsibility to meet with the instructor to schedule a make-up test. Make-up tests will be arranged according to the instructor’s schedule. Failure to make up an exam as required in the course syllabus will result in a grade of 0 (F). Graded assignments for which no makeup is allowed may be given by an instructor. For more information, please review (Fletcher Policy #1.502). 

Student Behavior in the Classroom

Instructors should follow these general guidelines on appropriate student classroom behavior: 

• Include a statement in the syllabus about the class expectations for students’ behavior in the respective classroom and discuss that statement on the first day of class. 
• Warn any student not complying with the published class expectations. Inform disruptive students that their behavior is not acceptable (be specific in identifying the unacceptable behavior), specify what behaviors are required, and inform the students of the consequences of not complying with those requirements. 
• Give students an opportunity to comply with class requirements. 
• If the students continue with the inappropriate behavior, ask them to leave the classroom. The instructor should seek assistance from the Division Dean, Director of Student Affairs, or VCAAWI. 

Student Catalog & Student Handbooks 

The primary academic publication of the College is published annually. The faculty should become familiar with academic information provided in the catalog. The Fletcher Technical Community College Student Handbook is also published annually and is the primary publication for the College’s student policies. Faculty should also become familiar with student policy information contained in the Handbook. To report errors in the college catalog, please email academicaffairs@fletcher.edu.

Tenure - Employee Status

For tenure purposes, there effectively exist three (3) categories of LCTCS employees. 

1. Employees who achieved tenure status at an institution under the policies of that institution’s management board. 
2. Employees who were on the “tenure track,” at an institution under the policies of that institution’s management board on July 1, 1999, i.e., hired by the institution prior to July 1, 1999 in a position of employment; wherein, tenure could be achieved if the employee complied with all requirements of that management board’s tenure policy. 
3. Employees who were hired at an institution after the effective date of the transfer of such institution to the LCTCS Board’s management and control who are subject to any tenure policies adopted by the Board after July 1, 1999. 

Thus, with respect to categories (1) and (2), previously established policies for the award of tenure and for administration of due process to tenured employees remain viable. It is only with respect to employees hired after July 1, 1999 that no tenure policy currently exists. 

Eligibility for Employees Hired Before July 1, 1999 

1. As used in these policies, the term “teacher/instructor” means any full-time school employee who holds certification as prescribed in the Louisiana Bulletin 746 and whose legal employment requires such teacher’s certificate. 
2. Each teacher/instructor shall serve a probationary period of three years to be counted from the date of his/her appointment at a school in the College system. During the probationary period, the Board may dismiss or discharge any probationary teacher/instructor upon written recommendation of the delegated appointing authority that is accompanied by valid reasons. The probationary employee must be notified by certified mail of the written charges made against him/her and given an opportunity to respond to the stated charges. 
3. Any teacher/instructor found unsatisfactory at the expiration of the said probationary term shall be notified in writing by the delegated authority that he/she has been discharged or dismissed following Board approval. In the absence of such notification, such probationary teacher/instructor shall automatically become a regular and permanent teacher/instructor in the employ of the applicable school. 
4. A teacher/instructor with tenure may be transferred from one school in the Louisiana Technical College System to another in the system without losing tenure. 
5. Employees earn time toward tenure only through continuous employment in non- temporarily funded positions. 

Ineligibility for Employees Hired Before July 1, 1999 

1. Tenure cannot be transferred from a parish/city school system to a school under the jurisdiction of the Board. 
2. Substitute teachers/instructors and those on a temporary certificate cannot acquire tenure. However, a teacher/instructor who is teaching on a temporary certificate in a regular position may apply two consecutive years of teaching on a temporary certificate toward the three-year probationary term, teach the third “consecutive” year as a regularly certificated teacher, and acquire tenure if re-employed as provided by the Board. 
3. For teachers who have taught more than three consecutive years on a temporary certificate, prior consecutive years of teaching count toward the probationary period and such employees are eligible for tenure on the date of full certification, subject to Board approval and a current satisfactory rating for tenure. 
4. Administrators in the college system do not earn tenure, as of July 25, 1985. 
5. Separation from employment, except as described in number four of the above section, ends tenure. 

Textbook Adoption

Review and adoption of textbooks is an important part of assuring that information provided to students is current and of high quality. It is vital that faculty remain apprised of new publications and publisher changes in content and edition. The adopted textbook is available for use for all sections of a course. Adopted texts may be required or recommended. 

Also, faculty members are responsible for the review and selection of textbooks and supplemental support materials used in classroom instruction. If there is a crossover of course content in more than one discipline, all affected disciplines should participate in the selection of textbooks. Individual faculty may not select different texts from those adopted by the discipline without approval from the Department Head, Dean, and VCAAWI. In all circumstances, where multiple sections of a course areoffered, textbooks should remain consistent among the courses. Textbook adoptions should remain in effect for a minimum of two years unless a new edition is made available. 

Textbooks adopted should: 

• Support achievement of course learning outcomes 
• Be adaptable to a variety of learning styles 
• ADA Compliant 
• Be consistent with reading levels appropriate for student use 
• Promote high order thinking 
• Provide objectivity and be free of bias and prejudicial content 
• Represent good value for the student 

The Dean or Department Head coordinates the adoption of all textbooks and course materials. All textbooks and course materials should meet the mandatory ADA requirements. Problems concerning texts and materials should be directed to the Dean or Department Head and not to the bookstore. The Dean or Department Head will approve adoption of new textbooks/materials and any subsequent changes and/or additions to the original orders. It is highly encouraged that instructors implement the use of low cost/affordable educational resources (OER/AER), and/or no cost resources when possible. Every semester, instructors should report the use of all low cost OER/AER, and/or no cost resources to our library staff (Fletcher Policy #1.001). 

Use of Copyrighted Materials

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of the specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. Fletcher reserves the right to reject a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law. 

Fair Use 

The Fair Use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or by any means specified in the copyright law, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. 

Public Domain 

A work in the public domain is one that can be freely used by anyone for any purpose without the permission of the former copyright owner. A work may be considered in the public domain if the copyright has expired, it is a U.S. Government document, it is a forfeited or abandoned copyright, or it is a work that is not eligible to be copyrighted.

Withdrawal from Classes

A student may drop or withdraw classes through LoLA. However, if the student is trying to drop or withdraw from his or her last class, the student will need to request to drop or withdraw by completing an Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form. If a student drops a class during the designated drop/add period, the course is removed from the student’s transcript. If a student withdraws from a class after the designated drop/add period but on or before the designated final withdrawal date, the recorded course grade will be a W. A student may not withdraw from a class after the designated final withdrawal date unless an administrative withdrawal is granted by the department head or dean of the course in which the student is enrolled. 

Workload

Full-Time Faculty 

All full-time faculty members are expected to work at the equivalent of 40 hours per week.   Of these 40 hours, 15 credit hours (or 30 contact hours) are devoted to classroom instruction, 10 hours are student office hours distributed at times convenient for students and 15 hours are devoted to other campus duties.  

The breakdown is below:  

• Teaching a minimum of 15 credit hours in each regular fall and spring semester or teaching 30 clock hours per week (Technical, Allied Health, Nursing, self-paced, as applicable, determined by the Dean)   

• Maintaining 10 office hours per week must be at times convenient for students and at least 30 minutes in length. All office hours should be accomplished in the same modality or method of contact as the classes being taught (i.e. in person classes require in person office hours, online classes require online office hours, and hybrid classes can be either in person or online depending on student need). The modality of the 10 office hours shall be split as evenly as possible among the modalities of courses taught. A minimum of one office hour will be made available for tutoring students in the in person or remote tutoring or at another subject specific laboratory for the Fall and Spring semesters. Faculty must communicate and approve their office hour schedule with their direct supervisor and publish it each semester to students.   

• The remaining 15 work hours are devoted to fulfilling other College obligations such as, but not limited to, committee assignments, class/lab preparation, faculty meetings, professional development, advising/mentoring and registration, curriculum development and revision, and college and community service. These 15 work hours may be completed either on campus or remotely, at the discretion of the immediate supervisor in the chain of command. Full-time faculty members are expected to meet performance expectations identified in their job responsibilities and must remain flexible to meet the needs of Fletcher students, administrative and campus needs. 

Please refer to Fletcher Policy #1.004 

Adjunct Faculty 

Multiple contracts that occur within a fall, spring, or summer term should not exceed 12 hours of employment. Any teaching assignment that exceeds the maximum credit hours allowed during any semester or term will require approval from the VCAAWI and the Chancellor. Adjunct faculty are encouraged - and sometimes required - to participate in faculty development opportunities in any modality offered. Adjunct faculty are also welcome to participate in campus committees, upon request of the department head, division dean, or VCAAWI. 

The maximum teaching load for adjunct faculty is as follows: 

Regular semester (fall and spring) - 12 credit hours 

Summer term - 12 credit hours (Fletcher Policy #1.005).