Adjunct Faculty Guide
2017-18
Benedictine University
Lisle Campus
(Subject to change without prior notice)
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Table of Contents
Welcome 4
University Mission, Vision and Commitment Statements 5
Mission Statement 5
Vision Statement 5
Commitment Statement 5
Motto 6
Content Knowledge and Experience 7
Faculty Roles and Responsibilities 8
Contracts 11
Classroom Management Software 12
Desire 2 Learn 12
MyBenU (PeopleSoft) 12
BenUConnect 12
Syllabus 13
Syllabus Guidelines 13
Enrollment 17
Enrollment in Open Classes 17
Enrollment in Closed Classes 17
Late Enrollments After Add/Drop Week 17
Grading and Evaluating Students 18
Incompletes 19
IP Grades 19
Grades 19
Grade Due Dates 20
Administrative Drop Policy 21
Withdrawal 22
Withdrawal Policy 22
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 23
Steps Students May Take to Request ADA Accommodation 23
ADA - The Role of the Faculty Member: 24
Academic Honesty Policy 25
Responsibility and Authority of the Faculty 25
Reporting and Communicating 26
Student Appeal for Academic Dishonesty Appeals 27
Other Procedures 28
Returning Students’ Work 28
Updating Tests 28
Class Rosters 28
Course Evaluations 28
Faculty Observations 28
Smoking 29
Guest Presenters 29
Keys 29
Mail 29
Email 29
FERPA 30
School Closings 31
Academic Repeat Policy 32
Grade Appeal Process 33
Faculty Development Funds 34
Emergencies 35
Medical Emergencies 35
Reporting an Accident or Incident 35
Emergency Response and Recovery Plan 35
Emergency Notification System 35
Fire/Building Evacuation Procedures 36
Tornado 36
Campus Watch 38
Campus Response Evaluation Team 38
Material safety data sheet (MSDS) 39
Resources 40
Academic and Career Enrichment Center 40
Advising Center 40
Barnes & Noble Bookstore 40
Benedictine Library 41
Campus Police 41
Facilities Management and Planning 42
Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence 42
Dining Services (Sodexo) 43
Human Resources 43
Information Technology 44
Office Services 45
Payroll 45
Registrar’s Office 45
Student Health Services 46
University Ministry 46
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Welcome
Welcome to the Benedictine University. Our mission is to address the educational needs of students by developing and providing engaging, relevant and accelerated programs, designed to enhance leadership skills and promote lifelong learning. We are committed to providing high-quality, easily accessible educational opportunities for all learners.
The Adjunct Faculty Guide for Faculty provides general information and answers to basic questions to support the work of faculty at Benedictine University.
As a faculty member, you play a most important role in the education of Benedictine students. Your expertise complements the strengths of the university. Your wide variety of talent provides an excellent education for our Benedictine students.
We trust that this document will be a useful resource for you.
University Mission, Vision and Commitment Statements
Mission Statement
Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the Church, and the principles of wisdom in theRule of St. Benedict.
Vision Statement
Benedictine University aspires to be a thought leader in Catholic higher education. We seek to provide a transformative and integrative educational experience grounded in Benedictine values, helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.
Commitment Statement
Benedictine University’s mission and vision reflect its Catholic and Benedictine identity, providing continuity with the past and a direction for the future.
In 1887 the monks of St. Procopius Abbey founded Benedictine University. They have been active sponsors of the institution throughout its history, first as St. Procopius College, later as Illinois Benedictine College, and today as Benedictine University. The monks base their lives on the Rule of St. Benedict, written in the sixth century. They share the Benedictine charism with all who embrace the University’s Catholic and Benedictine mission.
· love of Christ and neighbor;
· prayer: a life marked by liturgy, lectio and mindfulness;
· stability: commitment to the daily life of this place, its heritage and tradition;
· conversatio: the way of formation and transformation;
· obedience: a commitment to listening and consequent action;
· discipline: a way toward learning and freedom;
· humility: knowledge of self in relation to God, others and creation;
· stewardship: responsible use of creation, culture and the arts;
· hospitality: openness to the other; and
· community: call to serve the common good.
Inspired by these hallmarks, and convinced of the harmony of faith and reason, Benedictine University cultivates virtues of intellect and character, encouraging people to study, listen, and engage the ideas of a variety of persons, cultures, and disciplines, while imparting ”the love of learning and the desire for God” to guide a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
As a Catholic University, we are guided by the academic ideals presented in the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities Ex corde Ecclesiae, including:
· a Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community as such;
· a continuing reflection in light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge, to which we seek to contribute by our own research;
· fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church; and
· an institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning to life.
· The University’s curriculum, policies and activities draw on the wisdom of the Church regarding ways to build a just society and live lives of holiness in the modern world. To that end, the University engages key themes of modern Catholic Social Teaching identified by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
· life and dignity of the human person;
· call to family, community, and participation;
· rights and responsibilities;
· option for the poor and vulnerable;
· the dignity of work and the rights of workers;
· solidarity; and
· care for God's creation.
As a member of the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities, Benedictine University is committed to academic and professional excellence. We strive to promote the common good and to assist individuals to lead lives of balance, generosity, and integrity. We reflect upon Gospel values as interpreted by the Rule of St. Benedict and therefore take seriously:
· the primacy of God and the things of God;
· reverent listening for the varied ways in which God is revealed;
· the formation of community built on respect for individual persons who are each regarded as Christ himself;
· the development of a profound awareness of the meaning of one's existence; and
· the exercise of good stewardship.
Motto
Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus – That in all things God may be glorified.
Content Knowledge and Experience
Adjunct faculty selected to teach must meet multiple criteria before they can be issued a teaching contract, including:
- A relevant masters degree or higher in their teaching discipline.
- Based on the requirements of the department, adjuncts may be required to demonstrate that in addition to the degree he/she should have 3 years or more work experience, which is documented by a letter from his/her supervisor or Human Resources department, or other documentation of experience as requested by the department chair.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae on file in Human Resources.
- An official transcript for their highest degree on file in Human Resources department.
- All required tax forms and other government forms must be completed and on file.
- Agreement to support the institutional mission of Benedictine University.
- If requested, letters of recommendation from people familiar with professional and/or teaching abilities.
Faculty Roles and Responsibilities
· When applicable, work with Department to ensure that the appropriate textbooks are ordered.
· Make your course syllabus available on or before the first class session.
· Post your course syllabi on the course D2L site
· Post updated syllabi on D2L as they are changed when the course is in session
· Clearly indicate (on your syllabi) your policy on returning grades to students (days/weeks, etc.). Posting grades in the D2L gradebook is required for all undergraduate courses.
· Adhere to the syllabus template and course schedule to ensure the academic integrity of the course and consistency of practice.
· Commit to attending all class sessions according to the University schedule and fulfill entire class time specified, per your contract.
· Commit to beginning and ending each class on time.
· If required in the syllabus, take attendance at each class.
· Class Cancellation Policy
If you anticipate before the beginning of the term or class meeting that you cannot meet with you class (for any reason other than sudden illness or emergency), you are responsible for (1) informing your Department Chair of your anticipated absence and providing him/her with details on the arrangement you have made to have your class covered, and for (2) making arrangements for a qualified substitute, subject to approval of your Department Chair, to cover your class. If you cannot make a scheduled class because of sudden illness or emergency, inform your Department Chair and contact the departmental Office Assistant immediately so he/she can post the class cancellation at the classroom and an attempt can be made to contact the students.
· Check the Benedictine University website for announcements regarding class cancellation due to inclement weather and respond accordingly.
· Provide opportunities for making up work missed due to a class cancellation (weather related).
· Be available for office hours, as scheduled and make reasonable accommodations to meet or talk with students outside of class, to answer questions and to respond promptly to email.
· Alert your Department Chair about at-risk academic student performance (using Early Warning Notice and inform the Department Chair/Administrator about excessive absences, as described in syllabus).
· Report names of students to the Department Chair, who attend class but are not on the class roster.
· Submit grades, utilizing PeopleSoft, to the Registrar’s office by 10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday after finals week for undergraduate semester classes or 10 calendar days after the last class meeting for other classes.
· Make grade book available to your Department Chair. Grade books must be provided to your Department Chair upon request.
· Do not charge fees or collect funds.
· Ensure the classroom is left in an orderly condition.
· Comply with Benedictine University’s Academic Honesty Policy.
· Obtain approval from the Department Chair/Program Director for any guest speakers.
· Review Ben U E-mail account minimally once a week.
· Attend meetings, as scheduled.
· Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct at all times.
· If a final examination of any type is given in a course, it should be given at the time that the examination is officially scheduled. Decisions not to give a final examination, as specified in the course syllabus, must be approved by the Department Chair.
· Attend and participate in professional development opportunities, as scheduled.
· Participate in training sessions in: MyBenU (Peoplesoft), for attendance tracking and grade posting; technology-enhanced instruction that includes familiarity with such technology as Online/WebCT and Smartboards; other areas, as scheduled.
· Provide current resume, official transcripts, current telephone number, email address, teaching philosophy, and subsequently, resume updates to the Assistant of the Dean as requested.
· Disclose conflicts of interest to your Department Chair.
Contracts
Adjuncts are hired to teach specific courses within a given program on a term contract basis. Contracts are mailed from the Business and Finance Office to the home address. If you do not receive a contract, contact your College’s Assistant to the Dean.
The rate per compensation hour is determined by Provost’s Office and is available if requested.
The university unilaterally reserves the right to cancel or change the instructor for any class prior to the start of the course.
Paychecks are issued on the 15th of each month. Exact pay dates are noted on your contract. The number of payments is determined by Payroll in the Administrative and Finance Office and is based on the start and end dates of the course.
Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is available for adjunct faculty members. Employees can now enter and modify their direct deposit information by using MyBenU (PeopleSoft). Instructions for direct deposit are at https://ben.edu/psoft.
If you choose not to have direct deposit, the Office Assistant in your department will pick up paychecks from Business and Finance on the 15th of each month and will distribute them directly.
Paycheck Information Navigation
As a substitute for direct deposit paper pay advices, all employees can access paycheck information through MyBenU. This feature will allow you to view your paycheck information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online from anywhere.
Classroom Management Software
Your username and password for Desire2Learn, MyBenU (PeopleSoft) and BenUConnect are the same username and password that are used for email.
Desire 2 Learn
Desire 2 Learn (D2L) is the course management system used at the university to provide online enhancements to traditional lecture/discussion classes as well as support both blended and online courses. Faculty may use D2L to deliver course materials, maintain an online grade book, conduct threaded discussions, present and grade online quizzes, distribute and collect homework assignments, direct students to course related web sites, and create a myriad of other widgets to enhance the online learning experience. Benedictine has integrated the plagiarism detection tool Turn It In with D2L.
Before accessing and using D2L, it is strongly recommended that you attend an introduction session. Your user name and password are the same as your university ID and Password. D2L is accessed at https://ben.desire2learn.com/.
D2L workshops for faculty will be offered regularly throughout the academic year.
MyBenU (PeopleSoft)
Faculty use the online application “MyBenU” to view class rosters, submit final grades, enter class attendance, view student records, obtain grade change form, issue Early Warning Notices, view paycheck, update Federal W-4 tax forms, change employee information and enroll in Direct Deposit.. MyBenU is available on-campus at http://www.ben.edu/MyBenU or http://www.ben.edu/psoft and off-campus by connecting through BenUConnect.