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SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE

MAIN CAMPUS

AFFILIATE FACULTY HANDBOOK 2016-2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 3Syllabus Information

History

Vision

The Vision Interpreted

Mission

Page 4

Accreditation

Educational Outcomes

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Page 5

Professional Conduct

Definition of Part-time Per Course Faculty

Faculty Responsibility Statement

Page 6

Further Explanation of Faculty Responsibilities

FERPA Compliance

Professional Ethics

Academic Freedom

Page 7

Consensual Relations

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Disability Services

Mental Health Services

Learning Center

Early Alert System

Page 8

Academic Integrity

Policies for Dealing with Academic Integrity

Page 9

Attendance Policy

Full-time Course Load

Student Classification

Add/Drop Policy

Official Withdrawal from Classes

Grading System

Self Service

Appeal of Grade

Page 10

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Failure to Meet Course Requirements

Incompletes

Withdrawal from College

Academic Probation

Page 11

Academic Suspension

Harold and Mary Ellen Deets Library

History

Southwestern College was chartered on June 19, 1885, by the Methodists of Kansas as “an institution of learning of full collegiate powers.” It opened its doors for forty-three students on September 7, 1886. The first name of the college was “The Southwest Kansas Conference College”; the name “The Southwestern College” was adopted on November 5, 1908. Currently there are 498 full-time undergraduate students enrolled on the Main Campus and 954 learners enrolled in Professional Studies programs.

Vision

Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas is a learning community dedicated to

-Intellectual growth and career preparation,

-Individual development and Christian values,

-Lifetime learning and responsible citizenship, and

-Leadership through service in a world without boundaries

The Vision Interpreted

Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, is a learning community…

  • challenging each person to search for truth through consistent discipline of the mind.
  • stimulating habits of careful reading and listening, clear speaking and writing, critical analysis and creative synthesis, individual thought and collaborative action.
  • promoting rigorous intellectual competency within the context of vital interpersonal relationships.

Dedicated to intellectual growth and career preparation…

  • emphasizing a broadly-based, value-centered liberal arts curriculum as the core of intellectual life, professional development and personal growth.
  • integrating the core curriculum with career planning and preparation for a lifetime of service.
  • building academic excellence and leadership potential.

Dedicated to individual development and Christian values…

  • challenging each person to creative self-expression, aesthetic appreciation, freedom of thought, and responsible action.
  • inviting students to explore ultimate reality; honoring the spiritual nature of human existence; affirming Christian values as central to an ethical, caring and inclusive community life.
  • defining its historic commitment to community, freedom and diversity within a covenant relationship to the Kansas West Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Dedicated to lifetime learning and responsible citizenship…

  • promoting responsible citizenship through active learning, professional growth and volunteer service.
  • building wholeness, health and athletic abilities for lifetime physical fitness.
  • encouraging lifelong intellectual and personal growth.

Dedicated to leadership through service in a world without boundaries…

  • fostering opportunities for service in personal, family and professional life.
  • recognizing the inherent worth of each person, the need for personal and social responsibility, the interdependence of all peoples, and the requirements of the age for justice and responsible living on earth.
  • inviting graduates to accept leadership roles in the emerging global community.

Mission

Southwestern College provides a values-based learning experience that emphasizes intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1885 by Kansas Methodists and now related to the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church, the college offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees on-ground and online, as well as a doctoral degree in education.

Southwestern College:

  • Prepares students for careers and for graduate studies with courses that foster critical thinking and effective communication and are characterized by meaningful professor-student interaction.
  • Employs emerging technologies that promote learning.
  • Strives to live by and teach a sustainable way of life.
  • Provides preparation for a wide range of church-related vocations and involvement.
  • Offers programs that embrace prior learning and facilitate career progression for working adults, members of the armed services, and persons in transition.
  • Affords a residential learning experience abundant with co-curricular activities that build social awareness and interpersonal skills and cultivate an ethos of service and leadership.

Accreditation

Southwestern College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, (312) 263-0456.

Educational Outcomes

Institutional Goals

Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze information to arrive at a reasoned judgment of what to do or believe.

Ethical Reasoning

The conscious practice of accepted standards of fairness and integrity in all endeavors.

Career Preparation

The cultivation of knowledge, attitude, and creative skills, to excel in life’s chosen work.

Communication

The ability to communicate effectively using reading, writing, listening, behavior, media, quantitative data, and technology.

Leadership

The ability to create and communicate a vision that inspires others to act or achieve a desired goal.

General Education Goals

1. Written and oral communication.

Communicating effectively using reading, writing, listening, behavior, media, quantitative data, and technology.

2. Quantitative literacy.

Using mathematical tools to solve problems.

3. Individual and social responsibility.

Understanding how to uphold the well-being of one’s self and society.

4. Emphasis on inquiry, critical and creative thinking.

Formulating questions. Analyzing information and complex issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives to arrive at reasoned decisions. Valuing and producing thought or work that is characterized by its inventiveness, expressiveness, or originality.

5. Respect for cultural diversity.

Understanding the complex identities of others, their histories, and their cultures.

6. Ethical reasoning.

Conscientiously practicing accepted standards of fairness and integrity.

Disciplinary Perspectives

a. Natural Science.

Courses within the general education curriculum that expose students to the process, results, and limitations of scientific inquiry, and the relationship between science and society.

b. Social Science.

Courses within the general education curriculum that provide students with a means to understand ourselves, others, and the forces that shape society.

c. The Humanities.

Courses within the general education curriculum that help students explore models and methods for addressing dilemmas and acknowledging truth, ambiguity, and paradox while focusing on the study of the stories, the ideas, and the words that help us make sense of our lives and our world.

d. The Arts.

Courses within the general education curriculum that foster imagination and skill in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that manifest the vision of the artist for the purpose of self-expression or shared experience.

e. Other Cultures.

Courses within the general education curriculum that provide students with the means and methods to understand the interrelations within and among cultural and global communities.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Southwestern College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ethnic origin, or physical disability, veteran (including Vietnam era) status, or other non-merit reasons, in hiring, admissions, and educational programs or activities, all as required by applicable laws and regulations. The College also practices affirmative action in hiring. Responsibility for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries, including those concerning the Civil Rights Act of 1960, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other related federal, state, and local legislation, executive orders, regulations, and guidelines, has been delegated to the director of human resources.

Professional Conduct

Southwestern College values the complexity and diversity of the world in which we live and seeks to be a community that recognizes the dignity and inherent worth of every person. The college is committed to the principles of fairness and respect for all and believes that a policy embodying these principles creates a community that favors the free and open exchange of ideas and provides its students, faculty, and staff with the best environment for study, work, and fellowship. Accordingly, no member of the college community shall willfully harass, discriminate against, or interfere with any activities, preferences, or legitimate rights of any person in a way that deprives that person of due consideration as an individual. Additionally, all faculty are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and decorum in both “live” and “virtual” environments.

Definition of Part-Time Per Course Faculty

A part-time per course faculty member is usually a part-time temporary employee of the college who:

A: Usually has less than a half-time teaching load and is granted the title of affiliate faculty;

B: Usually has no other faculty duties and responsibilities, except those listed below;

C: Is normally selected by the appropriate division or department chair in consultation with the academic dean;

D: Always receives a term contract from the academic dean for one term or one nine-month academic year;

E: Receives no fringe benefits or tuition remissions; and

F: Does not accrue time towards tenure, promotion or sabbatical.

Part-time per course faculty should be available at least 1 ½ hours per week for each course taught to assist students with their course work.

Faculty Responsibility Statement

The responsibilities of a college faculty member include:

Classroom Teaching

  • To assume a course load and class schedule facilitating the implementation of the academic mission of the college.
  • To prepare and maintain a current syllabus for each course in keeping with the standards and deadlines of the academic dean.
  • To improve the quality and effectiveness of teaching in each course and to view each class session as an opportunity to seek excellence in the teaching/learning relationship with students.
  • To affirm the need for and actively participate in processes leading to the constant evaluation of teaching excellence and quality in the classroom and to implement steps to assess the achievement of the desired results and outcomes stated in each course syllabus, with special attention given to written and verbal communication skills.
  • To value the guidance of the academic dean, faculty peers, and students in implementing an effective teaching process.
  • To seek educational experiences that promote the life of the college community, enhance personal and intellectual growth, and develop skills for effective teaching.

Each student in a course must be provided with a copy (written or electronic) of the course syllabus at the first class meeting. A copy of the course syllabus must also be filed with the office of the academic dean by the scheduled first day of class. This syllabus represents a contract between the instructor and the student and should be treated as such. If revisions of the syllabus become necessary, they must be announced and distributed to all students in the course. The syllabus must contain at least the following:

  • Name(s) of the instructor(s) along with their contact information (email, office location) and office hours.
  • Course name and number, credit hours and course prerequisites.
  • Course goals or objectives and requirements.
  • Class meeting schedule – dates, times, and location(s).
  • Required and optional texts and other course materials.
  • List of major course events and deadlines (e.g., projected due dates of “TBA” for assignments and exams, including the final exam).
  • Methods of evaluation; grading system (weighted items, group work vs individual, etc.) and scale, how grades will be posted (e.g. Blackboard, instructor’s gradebook, course website).
  • Attendance policy.
  • Policies for missed and/or late work.
  • Special policies for the course, if any (e.g. a policy that collaboration is permitted on take home work; a policy that calculators can be used on exams, field work, etc.).
  • Information about or links to college information about academic deadlines, religious holidays, consequences for academic dishonesty, and disability services.

Further Explanation of Faculty Responsibilities

Assessment of Student Achievement

The College is committed to quality education for students. To satisfy this commitment the faculty is asked to participate in the assessment process. The assessment process seeks out patterns of evidence concerning aggregate student achievement and faculty and departmental effectiveness in providing student educational experiences. Assessment data provides information that is used to make plans for improvement of the educational program being delivered to the students.

Each term, the college sets aside one day as “Assessment Day,” during which no classes are scheduled, assessment instruments are administered to students, and departments and programs engage in intentional assessment activities.

Absence Arrangements

For any absence involving omission of a scheduled duty, faculty members are expected to inform their division chair or program director, leaving information as to their whereabouts and the time of return and stating what arrangements have been made for their work while absent. In emergencies where advance notice is not possible, the earliest possible communication to the appropriate division chair is expected.

In the event that an absence from a faculty workshop or a major event (e.g., commencement) becomes necessary, faculty members are asked to consult the academic dean.

FERPA Compliance

Fundamental expectations for FERPA compliance are:

  • Do not post any type of list containing student id’s with accompanying grades or scores.
  • Do not discuss a student’s academic progress with anyone but the student or a college official with a legitimate educational interest.
  • Do not provide performance feedback in Blackboard discussion boards.

All students entering Southwestern College complete an admissions form that contains the following language:

“I understand that in connection with course offerings, it may be necessary and appropriate that my educational records, including grades, be transmitted electronically. I understand the nature of such communications and hereby authorize and consent to such electronic transmission for purposes of the family educational rights and privacy act of 1974.”

If you have questions about FERPA compliance please contact the academic dean.

Professional Ethics

The faculty members affirm the need to:

  • State the truth as they see it.
  • Encourage free pursuit of learning in their students.
  • Protect academic freedom.
  • Respect and defend free inquiry of their associates.
  • Maintain professionalism in relationships to students.
  • Avoid intimate or confrontational relationships with students that could potentially lead to allegations of harassment and discrimination.
  • Maintain cordial relationships with external college constituents, affirming and supporting the core mission of the college.

Academic Freedom

Academic communities traditionally have been the guardians of freedom in all its forms. Controversy and dissent have been basic to the expansion of knowledge and spiritual growth.

The faculty member shall be free to discuss, debate, or dissent on all subjects, but should not introduce into the classroom controversial matter which has no relationship to the subject matter of the course. The intent of this statement is not to discourage what is “controversial.” Controversy is at the heart of free academic inquiry which the entire statement is designed to foster. The statement serves to underscore the need for the faculty member to avoid persistently intruding material that has no relationship to the subject matter of the course.

The faculty member shall be entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of other duties.

Consensual Relations

When two parties have consented at the onset to a romantic or sexual involvement, such consent does not preclude a charge of sexual harassment for subsequent unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.

The educational mission of the college is promoted by professionalism in employee-student relationships. Professionalism is fostered by an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Actions of college employees and students which harm this atmosphere undermine professionalism and hinder fulfillment of the college’s educational mission. Trust and respect are diminished when those in positions of authority abuse or appear to abuse their power. Those who abuse or appear to abuse their power in such contexts violate their duty to the college community.

Amorous relationships between college employees and students are inappropriate. College employees exercise power over students, whether in giving them praise or criticism, evaluating them by making recommendations for their further studies or future employment, providing grades in class, approving the meeting of requirements to complete a degree, or conferring any other benefits on them.

Given the fundamentally asymmetrical nature of an employee-student relationship, voluntary consent by the student in an amorous relationship is suspect. In addition to the possible sexual exploitation of the student involved, other students and employees may be affected by such unprofessional behavior. Therefore, the college may view it as unethical if an employee engages in amorous relations with any student enrolled (except enrolled spouses who are exempted from this policy) at the college.

Romantic or sexual relationships that might be appropriate in other contexts may, within the college community, create the appearance or fact of an abuse of power or of undue advantage. Members of the college community should be aware that intimate relationships that begin with good will can deteriorate, especially in the face of appearances of abuse of power, into bitterness and charges of sexual harassment.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Southwestern College affirms its long-standing support of abstinence from both alcohol and illegal drugs. The possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs by students or employees is strictly prohibited on the property of the college, even if that activity does not involve students or employees. No college funds will be expended for the purchase of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs at any group activity taking place on or off college property (e.g. alumni event, campaign reception, etc.)