Purpose:

To document the required credentials and experience for the recruitment and retention of a strong and experienced faculty.

Revision Responsibility: President

Responsible Executive Office: President

Created: September 14, 2009, Revised: January 17, 2011 to reflect revised organizational chart, October 22, 2012 to eliminate DPOS and include NLNAC, January 17, 2013 name change from NLNAC to ACEN, clinical faculty minimum of a MSN. 

Policy:

I. All faculty will meet the academic and professional preparation criteria required by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

II. Platt College defines faculty qualifications using faculty credentials.  The following credential guidelines are used:

a. Faculty teaching general education courses at the undergraduate level: doctorate or master’s degree in the teaching discipline or master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline).

b. Nursing Faculty teaching in the Bachelor of Science (BSN) Program: should hold at a minimum a Master's of Science in Nursing degree and must have a minimum of four years of related practical work experience in the subject area(s) taught.

c. Clinical nursing faculty (baccalaureate level): must have a minimum of a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree and must have a minimum of four years of related practical work experience in the subject area(s) taught.

*Clinical nursing faculty is defined as individuals who are paid by Platt College, not through a pay through system as a clinical preceptor chosen by a hospital, clinic, or medical center.

Additional expectations of full and part-time faculty members:

• Faculty members must be certified or licensed where required by law.
• Faculty members must be able to teach in a manner that permits announced educational objectives to be achieved.  All faculty must be able to demonstrate a command of theory and practice, contemporary knowledge, and continuing study in their field. 
• Faculty members must be versed in instructional methods and teaching skills.  The faculty member should have received training in instructional methods and teaching skills or who are experienced members.  All faculty must have training before he/she assumes primary instructional responsibility in any classroom, curriculum, or laboratory.  The faculty must engage in ongoing development of teaching skills as part of its plan for faculty improvement. 
• Faculty should be able to design curricula, to develop and implement effective pedagogy, and to appreciate the breadth of knowledge vital in quality undergraduate education.
• Knowledge of conducting research, advising students, participating in co-curricular activities, and contributing to shared governance.
• A faculty member’s ongoing professional development in the field in expected.
• Qualified faculty are able to engage professionally with colleagues in determining the stated learning objectives for graduates of a specific program
• Faculty are able to determine the usefulness of curricula to students who live and work in a diverse society.
• Faculty should demonstrate evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness that demonstrates it is in accordance with the College’s statement of mission.

III. Applicants may be required to demonstrate competency in teaching as a part of the selection process.

Procedures:

I. The Dean of Nursing (for nursing, clinical, and sciences/cognate faculty) or the Faculty Chair (for general education) will screen the applicants to ensure candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Only applications for candidates meeting minimum criteria will be considered.

II. After reviewing all qualified applicant files, the Dean of Nursing or the Faculty Chair will select three to five applicants, if applicable, to interview.

III. The Dean of Nursing or the Faculty Chair will obtain telephone or written references from at least three references, including the applicant’s most recent supervisor(s) when possible.

IV. The Dean of Nursing or the Faculty Chair will forward the committee recommendations, list of strengths and weaknesses, and results of reference checks to the President.