3.4 Contents

• 3.4.0 Qualifications for Academic Ranks and Special Ranks
• 3.4.1 Qualifications for Administrative and Professional Faculty
• 3.4.2 Qualifications for Adjunct Faculty
• 3.4.3 Degree Equivalency
• 3.4.4 College Training and Experience

3.4.0 Qualifications for Academic Ranks and Special Ranks

These qualifications are listed as "Normal Minimum Criteria for Each Faculty Rank," as stated on the VCCS-29, as approved by the State Board.

3.4.1 Qualifications for Administrative and Professional Faculty page top

1. VCCS-29 - Columns 1 & 2: The normal minimum criteria for faculty as listed in Columns l and 2 of the current VCCS-29 are normally used to determine the rank for administrative faculty members.
    
2. VCCS-29 – Columns 3 & 4: Columns 3 and 4 of the current VCCS-29 may be used if there is appropriate justification. Experience related to the administrative position under consideration must be used to justify using these columns.
    
3. VCCS-29 – Columns 5 & 6: Columns 5 and 6 of the current VCCS-29 are normally not used with respect to administrative appointments.
    
4. Minimum Academic Credential – VP of Instruction & Student Services: The minimum academic credential for the position of Vice President of Instruction & Student Services is an earned doctorate. All vacancy announcements for this position must clearly state that an earned doctorate is the minimum degree required.
   

1. Earned Doctorate: The earned doctor's degree normally includes the Ph.D., D.Sc., and Ed.D.
    
2. Additional Degrees/Graduate Hours: For faculty whose effective employment date with the VCCS is July 1, 1995, or anytime thereafter, or for current employees who earn a master’s or bachelor’s degree on July 1, 1995, or anytime thereafter, only those graduate hours taken after the master’s or bachelor’s degree requirements are completed may be used to determine salary increments for initial salary calculations or to meet promotional requirements. For all other faculty, the equivalency factor of 30 hours for the master’s degree will be continued.
    
3. Professional Degree Equivalency: Degrees such as M.D., D.D.S., D.V.S., and J.D. are normally equivalent either to the master’s or specialist degrees and must be evaluated on the basis of the number of years or credits of applicable graduate study. For appointment and promotion purposes, the First Professional Degrees may be regarded as equivalent to the earned doctor’s degree if these degrees include seven years or 84-90 post-baccalaureate semester credit hours in actual classroom instruction.
    
4. Initial Appointment Degree Requirement: In considering college degrees for initial appointment or promotion, the highest degree accepted for consideration must have been awarded by a regionally accredited educational institution. If the highest degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution outside the United States, evidence must be presented showing that the faculty member has appropriate academic preparation. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service.
   

1. College degrees.
    
2. Number of undergraduate and graduate credits in major teaching field.
   
   
   1. Courses in field will normally have their substantive content in the principal discipline field for which the faculty member is hired. When neither department prefix nor course title reflects this substantive content, the faculty member must supply documentation to his or her supervisor who will determine the appropriateness of the course content. Recommendations of acceptable courses will be reviewed by the Vice President of Instruction & Student Services and forwarded to the President for final approval.
   2. Courses in related teaching field will normally pertain directly to concepts or application of the principal discipline field for which the faculty member is hired. The faculty member must supply documentation of such direct pertinence to his or her supervisor, who will determine the appropriateness of the course content. Recommendations of acceptable courses will be reviewed by the Vice President of Instruction & Student Services and forwarded to the President for final approval.
      
      
3. Professional and occupational certificates or licenses.
    
4. Apprenticeships.
    
5. Training in trade schools and special schools.
    
6. Internships.
    
7. Advanced studies.
    
8. Previous occupational experiences in business, government, industry, and the professions and previous educational experiences both inside and outside the VCCS.
    
9. Faculty teaching in the occupational/ technical fields are required to possess some appropriate occupational experience in fields related to the subjects they are teaching. They are encouraged to keep up to date with occupational developments through visitations, summer employment in industry, and other occupational experience.