Faculty Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
Faculty Handbook

Tenure and Promotion Policies, Regulations, and Procedures of Fayetteville State University



Authority: Issued by the Chancellor. Changes or exceptions to the policy may only be made by the Chancellor with approval by the Fayetteville State University Board of Trustees and the President of the University of North Carolina.

Related policies are linked below:

Section I: Freedom and Responsibility in the University Community

Freedom and Responsibility in the University Community. Fayetteville State University is dedicated to the transmission and advancement of knowledge and understanding. Academic freedom is essential to the achievement of these purposes. This institution, therefore, supports and encourages freedom of inquiry for faculty members and students to the end that they may responsibly pursue these goals through teaching, learning, research, discussion, and publication, free from internal or external restraints that would unreasonably restrict their academic endeavors.

Fayetteville State University shall protect faculty and students in their responsible exercise of the freedom to teach, to learn, and otherwise to seek and speak the truth. Faculty and students of this institution shall share in the responsibility for maintaining an environment in which academic freedom flourishes and in which the rights of each member of the academic community are respected.

Section II: Academic Freedom and Responsibility of Faculty

Academic Freedom and Responsibility of Faculty. It is the policy of Fayetteville State University to support and encourage full freedom, within the law, of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication for all members of the academic staffs of this institution. Members of the faculty are expected to recognize that accuracy, forthrightness, and dignity befit their association with this institution and their position as men and women of learning. They should not represent themselves, without authorization, as spokesmen for Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville State University will not penalize or discipline members of the faculty because of the exercise of academic freedom in the lawful pursuit of their respective areas of scholarly and professional interest and responsibility.

Section III: Appointment, Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure

A.Categories of Appointments

B.Tenure in Relation to Faculty Rank

C.Permanent Tenure

D.Probationary (Tenure-Track) Faculty

E.Tenure Upon Appointment

F.Specialty (Fixed-Term) Faculty Appointments

G.General Provisions

Section IV: Due Process before Discharge or the Imposition of Serious Sanctions

A.Reasons for discharge

B.Procedures for the imposition of discharge or serious sanctions

C.Appeals of decision imposing discharge or serious sanctions

Section V: Non-reappointment and Requirements of Notice for Faculty Members with Probationary (Tenure-track) Appointments

A.Notice of Non-reappointment

B.Impermissible Grounds for Non-reappointment

C.Interview with Administrator or Committee Coordinator

D.Subsequent Interview

E.No Request for Interview Made by the Faculty Member

F.Scope of Review by Hearing and Reconsideration Committee

G.Request for Review by Hearing and Reconsideration Committee

H.Procedures Following the Conclusion of the Hearing

Section VI: Termination of Faculty Employment

A.Reasons Justifying Termination and Consultation Required

B.Termination Procedure

C.Procedures Following the Conclusion of the Hearing

D.Assistance for Faculty Members and Rights to New Positions

Section VII: Retirement of Faculty

Faculty may retire in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 135 of the North Carolina General Statutes (“Retirement System of Teachers and State Employees”). Tenure ceases on the effective date of retirement or resignation.

Faculty may retire in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 135 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Tenure ceases on the effective date of retirement or resignation.

Section VIII: Faculty Grievances

Faculty Grievances. Procedures Following the Conclusion of the Hearing:

  • Grievance Committee’s Decision
  • The Chancellor’s Decision
  • Notice of Appeal Rights
  • Grievance Decisions Which May be Appealed
  • Appeal to the Board of Trustees

Section IX: Effective Date

  1. Section III.D. of these policies and regulations are applicable only to faculty appointed to probationary terms on or after July 1, 2007. All other sections of these policies and regulations supersede all other institutional documents governing the matters covered herein.
  2. The Chancellor shall review these policies and regulations periodically, but at least every five (5) years, and shall report to the president whether or not amendments or revisions are appropriate. The chancellor shall involve the faculty in this review.