ROWAN UNIVERSITY
FACULTY/PROFESSIONAL
STAFF HANDBOOK
2007-2008
ii
ROWAN UNIVERSITY
Accredited by:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools1
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
National Association of Schools of Music
American Chemical Society
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
National Association of Schools of Theatre
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Public Relations Society of America
Approved by:
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification - New Jersey
Department of Education
Member of:
American Association of Higher Education
American Council on Education
American Association of Colleges
American Association for Adult Continuing Education
American Association of State Colleges and Universities
American Society for Engineering Education
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Association of American Colleges and Universities
Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
Council of Graduate Schools
National Association of Schools
New Jersey College and University Coalition
New Jersey Council of Education
New Jersey Association of Colleges and Universities
New Jersey Governing Boards Association
Rowan University is committed to providing every employee with a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. All forms of unlawful employment discrimination based upon race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or disability are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful gender discrimination and, likewise, will not be tolerated.
NOTE: While correct at press time, Rowan University reserves the right to make changes in its announced policies, including expanding or modifying curricular programs and graduation requirements and adding or deleting courses without notice. Errors or omissions in this handbook are subject to the appropriate University policy or legislation which takes precedence over the language of University publications.
1Commission on Higher Education
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 662-5606
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PREFACE
The primary purpose of the Faculty and Professional Staff Handbook, is to provide employees with a guide to the University's many policies and procedures. Materials included in this handbook have come from many sources including University catalogs, Board of Trustees resolutions, the Student Handbook, University governance policy statements, as well as a variety of other sources. This handbook, however, is meant to be used in conjunction with these documents, and not as a replacement for them.
The information presented is accurate as of the date which appears below. Changes in policy will occur and new policies will be developed over time. These revisions and additions will be reflected in future editions of the handbook which will be disseminated periodically.
This handbook is for informational purposes only. It does not make policy nor does it state policy in detail. If there appears to be a conflict between this document and statute, State policy, contractual provisions or local Board policy, the statute, State policy, contractual statements or formally adopted policy shall prevail.
Donald J. Farish
President
September 1, 2007
HAVE A PROBLEM?
WHOM TO CALL, WHAT TO DO?
Emergency
Fire 256-4911
Police 256-4911
Sudden Illness/Injury 256-4911
Student Health Center 256-4333
Maintenance 256-4650
Safety Problems
Public Safety 256-4922
After-hours Access to Building
Public Safety 256-4922
Grievance
Discrimination/Hostile Work Environment 256-4134
(If covered by a bargaining unit, consult the Contract and/or Agreement as time limits may be involved). Contact AFT 256-4511
Can't Make Class
If you are ill or have an emergency at home, contact your department secretary as soon as possible.
Snow Day or Bad Weather
Call the University 246-INFO or 256-4922
University identification number 829 (day classes) 2829 (evening classes)
Camden Campus 625
Lost and Found
Public Safety 256-4922
Student Center Information Desk 256-4606
Two Classes in the Same Room
Registrar 256-4354
Follow-up Purchase Order
Purchasing 256-4171
To Check A Book Order
Rowan University Bookstore 256-4665
Parking Problem
Parking Services 256-4575
Public Safety (after business hours) 256-4922
Want to Reserve Space
Events involving off-campus personnel (Office of Camps & Conferences) 256-4756
Student Center 256-4601
John Dewey Conference Center (Robinson Building) 256-4750
Classroom space (all buildings) 256-4354
Campus Escort
Public Safety 256-4922
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISTORY, MISSION, ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
1. History, Mission, Organization and Governance
1.1 History of Rowan University
1.2 Mission of the University
1.3 Organization and Governance of the University
1.3.1 Rowan University Board of Trustees
1.3.1.1 Open Public Meetings Act
1.3.1.2 Conduct and Structure of Board Meetings
1.3.2 Organization of Rowan University
1.3.3 Rowan University Senate
1.3.4 Student Government Association
1.4 Collective Bargaining Agents
1.4.1 Federation of Rowan University Educators, AFT Local 2373
1.4.2 Communication Workers of America, Local 1031
1.4.3 International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers AFL-CIO, Local 195
2. List of Locally Negotiated Agreements (FORCE)
3. Selected Academic Policies and Practices
3.1 Academic Dismissal/Academic Warning Policy
3.2 Academic Honesty Policy
3.3 Academic Honors and Deans' List
3.4 Admission, Continuation, and Dismissal from the Major
3.5 Admittance to Closed Class Sections
3.6 Articulation with Area Community Colleges
3.7 Attendance: Faculty and Student Responsibilities
3.8 Awarding of Posthumous Degrees
3.9 Basic Skills Course Requirements
3.10 Change of Grade Policy
3.11 Class Size
3.12 Code of Professional Commitment (Faculty/Professional Staff)
3.13 Conflicts in Examination Periods During Finals Week
3.14 Copyright Laws
3.15 Course Audit Policy
3.16 Course Credit Variances
3.17 Course Syllabi
3.18 Course Withdrawal and Drop/Add Policy
3.19 Credit Transfer
3.20 Curricular Definitions
3.21 "D" Grades
3.22 Declaring or Changing a Major
3.23 Grade Reporting Policy
3.24 Grading System
3.25 Graduate Faculty Designation
3.26 Graduation Requirements
3.27 Honorary Degrees
3.28 Human Subjects Protection
3.29 Interim Grading Policy
3.30 Laptop Computers in the Classroom
3.31 Late Registration Policy
3.32 Letter of Complaint
3.33 Marching with Honors
3.34 Matriculated/Non-Matriculated Status
3.35 Non-Salary Financial Support Grants
3.36 Procedures of the Senate Ethics Committee
3.37 Repeating a Course
3.38 Room Assignment
3.39 Second Baccalaureate Degree
3.40 Selected Topics Courses
3.41 Special Assemblies, Convocation and Commencement
3.42 Student Complaint Procedure
3.43 Student Viewing of Final Exams and Papers
3.44 Substitute Faculty Members/Guest Speakers in Class
3.45 Textbooks and Supplies
3.46 Transcripts (Official)
3.47 Web Policy
(Note: Specific academic policies and practices for graduate students are included in the Graduate Student Handbook which is available in the office of The Graduate School, Memorial Hall).
4. Selected Administrative and Financial Policies and Practices
4.1 Acceptance of Legal Documents
4.2 Accommodation Policy
4.3 Administrative Leave
4.4 AIDS Policy
4.5 Bomb Threats
4.6 Code of Ethics
4.7 Credit Union
4.8 Deferred Compensation Plan (Tax Shelter) and Supplemental Retirement
Annuities (SRA)
4.9 Drug Free Workplace Act
4.10 Emergency School Closing and Cancellation of Other University Events
4.11 Employee Parking Regulations, Decals and Gate Cards
4.12 Facilities Reservations
4.13 Handicapped Accessibility Provisions
4.14 Identification Cards
4.15 Jury Duty
4.16 Leave of Absence Without Pay
4.17 Legal Counsel and Representation
4.18 Liability Protection
4.19 Life and Disability Insurance
4.20 Loss of Benefits
4.21 Military Leave
4.22 Naming of Buildings
4.23 Notification of Changes in Address or Other Matters Involving Tax Withholding
4.24 Paychecks
4.25 Pension Plans
4.26 Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment or Hostile Environments in the Workplace
4.27 Purchasing, Maintenance and Construction
4.28 Recovery and Distribution of Indirect Costs from External Grants and Contracts
4.29 Salary Advance Policy
4.30 Savings Bonds
4.31 Sick Leave
4.32 Smoking Policy
4.33 Student Fees
4.34 Travel Advances
4.35 Travel Reimbursement
4.36 Tuition Reimbursement and Waiver
4.37 Typing Responsibilities of University Clerical Staff
4.38 Unemployment Insurance/Temporary Disability Insurance
4.39 University Vehicles
4.40 Vacations and Holidays
4.41 Who May Enter into Contracts on Behalf of the University
4.42 Workmen's Compensation
5. Selected External Relations Policies and Practices
5.1 Fund Raising and University Advancement
5.2 Media Relations Policy
5.3 Political Contributions and Activities of University Employees
5.4 University Publication Style and Usage, the Logo, Seal and Athletic Symbol
6. Selected Student Related Policies and Practices
6.1 Active Military Duty (Rights of Students)
6.2 Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
6.3 University Student Judicial System
6.4 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
6.5 Mandatory Housing Policy
6.6 Stop Out and Leave of Absence Policy
6.7 Student Grievance Procedures
6.8 Student Information Guide
6.9 Student Leave of Absence Policy/Withdrawal from University
7. ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
7.1 Admissions Office
7.2 Affirmative Action Office
7.3 Alumni Relations Office
7.4 Athletics
7.5 Beginning Teacher Induction Center
7.6 Bookstore
7.7 Bursar's Office
7.8 Camden Campus
7.9 Campus Information Center
7.10 Career and Academic Planning
7.11 Center for Academic Success
7.12 Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
7.13 Center for the Advancement of Learning
7.14 Center for the Study of Student Life
7.15 Central Store
7.16 Counseling and Psychological Services Center
7.17 Dean of Students' Office
7.18 Development Information Systems
7.19 Development Office
7.20 Disability Resources
7.21 Duplicating Center
7.22 Education Institute
7.23 Educational Opportunity Fund/Minority Achievement Program (EOF/MAP)
7.24 Enterprise Information Services (EIS)
7.25 Facilities Management Department
7.26 Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
7.27 Field Experiences (Office of)
7.28 Financial Aid Office
7.29 Food Services
7.30 Foundation Office
7.31 Governmental Relations Office
7.32 Government Grants and Sponsored Projects
7.33 Graduate School
7.34 Human Resources
7.35 Information Resources
7.36 Institutional Research and Planning
7.37 Instructional Technology
7.38 International Student Services
7.39 Liberal Arts and Sciences Research and Community Service Institute
7.40 Library
7.41 Mail Room
7.42 Major Gifts Office and Planned Giving Office
7.43 Mark M. Chamberlain Student Center
7.44 Media and Public Relations
7.45 Network and Systems Services
7.46 Payroll Office
7.47 Provost's Office
7.48 Public Safety Department
7.49 Purchasing Office
7.50 Reading Clinical Services Center
7.51 Registrar’s Office
7.52 Service Learning & Volunteerism
7.53 Sports Information Office
7.54 Student Affairs, Division of
7.55 Student Health Center
7.56 Student Publications
7.57 Student Recreation Center
7.58 Tutorial Services
7.59 University Advancement Office
7.60 University Housing, Office of
7.61 University Marketing Office
7.62 University Publications
7.63 University Relations Office of the President
7.64 University Web Services
7.65 WGLS The Campus Radio Station
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HISTORY, MISSION,
ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
131
1. HISTORY, MISSION, ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
1.1 History of the University
From Normal to Extraordinary: The History of Rowan University
Rowan University has evolved from its humble beginning in 1923 as a normal school, with a mission to train teachers for South Jersey classrooms, to a comprehensive university with a strong regional reputation.
In the early 1900s, many New Jersey teachers lacked proper training because of a shortage of schools in the state that provided training. To counter the trend, the state decided to build a two-year training school for teachers, known then as a normal school, in southern New Jersey.
The town of Glassboro was an early favorite because of its excellent rail system, harmonious blend of industry and agriculture, natural beauty and location in the heart of South Jersey. Several towns in South Jersey competed to be the site of the new normal school because of the economic benefit and prestige such an institution would bring. In 1917, to sway the decision in their favor, 107 residents of Glassboro raised more than $7,000 to purchase 25 acres, which they offered to the state for free if they selected Glassboro as the site.
The land tract included the Whitney mansion and carriage house. Before the purchase, the entire property belonged to the Whitney family, prominent owners of the Whitney Glass Works during the 1800s. The residents’ show of support, along with the site’s natural beauty, convinced the selection committee that Glassboro was the perfect location.
In September 1923, Glassboro Normal School opened with 236 young women arriving by train to convene in the school’s first building, now called Bunce Hall. Dr. Jerohn Savitz, the school’s first president, expanded the curriculum as the training of teachers became more sophisticated. Despite the rigors of the Depression, the program was expanded to four years in 1934, and in 1937 the school changed its name to New Jersey State Teachers College at Glassboro.
The college gained a national reputation as a leader in the field of reading education and physical therapy when it opened a clinic for children with reading disabilities in 1935 and added physical therapy for the handicapped in 1944. The college was one of the first in the country to recognize these needs and was in the forefront of the special education movement.
Rowan’s second president, Dr. Edgar Bunce, created a junior college program in 1946 to serve World War II veterans taking advantage of the GI Bill.
In the 1950s, Dr. Thomas Robinson, the University’s third president, expanded the curriculum, increased enrollment and added several buildings to the campus. In 1958, the school’s name was changed to Glassboro State College to better reflect its mission.
The college received worldwide attention when it hosted a historic summit conference between President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Premier Aleksei Kosygin—in Hollybush, the former Whitney Mansion. The University was chosen because of its strategic location midway between Washington, D.C. and New York. The meetings between the two leaders on June 23-25, 1967, led to a thaw in the Cold War and eased world tensions.
The college’s fourth president, Dr. Mark Chamberlain, guided the college through its next phase of growth as enrollment doubled and the college became a multi-purpose institution. As new majors and a Business Administration Division were added, the four divisions grew into schools, a board of trustees was formed and a branch campus was added in Camden. With a 1978 Division III National Championship in baseball—the first of 11 national championships—the athletic program established itself as one of the premiere athletic programs in the country.
The fifth president, Dr. Herman James, assumed the leadership of the college in 1984. Under his direction Rowan expanded by establishing the first doctorate program among the state’s public institutions and adding the colleges of engineering and communication. Dr. James also was responsible for the construction of Campbell Library, the Student Recreation Center and Rowan Hall.
In July 1992, industrialist Henry Rowan and his wife, Betty, donated $100 million to the institution, then the largest gift ever given to a public college or university in the history of higher education. Later that year, the school changed its name to Rowan College of New Jersey. The college achieved university status in 1997 and changed its name to Rowan University.
To lead Rowan University into the 21st century, the Board of Trustees named Dr. Donald J. Farish as the sixth president in July 1998. Under his leadership, the University is working on an aggressive improvement plan that will give the university a national reputation for excellence and innovation and will make it the public university of choice in the region. The plan calls for a greater campus-wide focus on academic and student support initiatives as well as more than $500 million in campus construction and renovation projects.
Recent campus improvements include the construction of the University townhouses, Science Hall, Education Hall and the Samuel H. Jones Innovation Center, the first building of the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University. The University also has seen a marked increase in private and alumni giving, as well as its student and institutional profile.
These efforts have caught the attention of national organizations that evaluate colleges and universities. US News & World Report ranks Rowan University in the "Top Tier” of Northern Regional Universities. Kaplan included the University in “The Unofficial, Biased Insider’s Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges.” Also, Kiplinger's named Rowan University one of the "100 Best Buys in Public Colleges and Universities" and the Princeton Review included Rowan in the latest edition of “The Best Northeastern Colleges.”