Adjunct Faculty Information

2011-2012

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates. TABLE OF CONTENTS

2011-2012 Academic Calendar...... 2 Key Personnel...... 3 Adjunct Faculty Employment 1. Academic Credentials...... 4 2. Employment of Adjunct Faculty...... 4 3. Maximum Adjunct Teaching Load...... 4 4. Adjunct Faculty Agreement...... 4 5. Adjunct Faculty Compensation...... 5 6. Absence and Effect on Compensation...... 5 7. Timeliness of Record Submittal and Effect on Compensation...... 5 8. Completion of Personnel Records...... 5 9. Evaluation of Instruction...... 5 10. Faculty Evaluation Question (Online Course Evaluation)...... 6 Faculty Instructor Responsibilities 1. Course Availability...... 7 2. Course Syllabus Preparation and Approval...... 7 3. Effective Learning Environment...... 7 4. Effective Teaching, Learning and Assessment...... 8 5. Student Consultation and Assistance...... 8 6. Acceptable Use Practices...... 8 7. Accurate Student Records and Timely Submittals...... 9 8. Teaching High School Students...... 10 9. Faculty Development Opportunities...... 10 Faculty Academic Policies and Procedures 1. Class Attendance...... 11 2. Course Drop/Withdrawal...... 11 3. Grading System...... 12 4. Credit by Exam...... 12 5. Course Audit...... 12 6. Grade Appeals...... 12 7. Privacy of Student Records...... 13 8. Inclement Weather Policy...... 13 9. Activity Day Schedule...... 13 Services and Resources for Faculty Basic Services and Resources 1. Security and Emergency Procedures...... 14 2. Email Accounts...... 14 3. Mailboxes...... 14 4. Duplicating/Copying...... 14 5. Evening Support (Dean on Duty Information) ...... 14 Extended Services and Resources 6. Instructional Support including BB/Moodle (Curriculum Innovation and Assessment Dept.)...... 14 7. Educational Technology Services...... 15 8. Library...... 15 Services and Resources for Students 1. Library...... 16 2. Writing Center...... 16 3. Academic Learning Center...... 16 4. Tutoring Labs...... 16 5. Computer Labs...... 16

College Calendar 2011-2012 Fall Semester – 2011

Registration Begins...... April 18 New Student Welcome...... August 16, 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Classes Begin...... August 17 4 Week Minimester 1...... August 17 – September 14 8 Week Minimester 1...... August 17- October 17 Labor Day College Holiday...... September 5 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 1...... September 7 4 Week Minimester 2...... September 15 – October 17 Last Day to withdraw from 8 week session 1...... September 7 Student Fall Break...... October 5 - 8 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 2...... October 10 4 Week Minimester 3...... October 18 – November 14 8 Week Minimester 2...... October 18 – December 17 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 3...... November 7 Last Day to withdraw from a 16 week session...... November 14 4 Week Minimester 4...... November 15-December 17 Thanksgiving Student Holiday...... November 23 – 26 Thanksgiving College Holiday...... November 24 – 25 Last Day to withdraw from 8 week session 2...... December 1 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 4...... December 8 Optional Makeup Day/No Classes Scheduled...... December 13 Last Day of Class/Examinations...... December 17 Total Class Days…...... 80 ...... Winter College Holidays...... December 23 - January 2 Spring Semester – 2012 Registration begins...... October 31 New Student Welcome...... January 6, 9:00 a.m. Classes Begin...... January 9 4 Week Minimester 1...... January 9 – February 6 8 Week Minimester 1...... January 9 – March 5 Martin Luther King Jr. Day College Holiday...... January 16 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 1...... January 30 4 Week Minimester 2...... February 7 – March 5 Last Day to withdraw from 8 week session 1...... February 20 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 2...... February 27 4 Week Minimester 3...... March 6 - 30 8 Week Minimester 2...... March 6 – May 7 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 3...... March 26 Student Spring Break...... April 2 - 7 Spring College Holiday...... April 6 Last Day to withdraw from a 16 week session...... April 9 4 Week Minimester 4...... April 10- May 7 Last Day to withdraw from 8 week session 2...... April 23 Last Day to withdraw from 4 week session 4...... April 30 Last Day of Class/Examinations...... May 7 Spring Graduation...... May 12 Total Class Days…...... 80 Summer Session – 2012

Registration begins...... April 15 New Student Welcome...... May 18, 9:00 a.m. Classes Begin...... May 21 5 Week Minimester 1...... May 21 – June 25 Memorial Day College Holiday...... May 28 5 Week Minimester 2...... June 26 – August 1 Student Holiday...... July 3 Independence Day College Holiday...... July 4 Last Day of Class/Examinations...... August 1 Total Class Days...... 50

All dates in this calendar are subject to change Key Personnel and Telephone Numbers

Office Location Extension

COLLEGE SERVICES ADA Coordinator / Director of Human Resources Sunnicrest Building 113 Bookstore Bailey Building 274, 208, 200 Emergencies 125 or 9-911or 279-3166 Financial Aid Office Bailey Building 7532, 7588, 7589, 159, 161 News and Publications Simpson Building 117 Parking Permits Bailey Building 152 Payments / Student Accounts Bailey Building 152, 155, 156 Payroll Office Bailey Building 154 Security Chestnut Building 0 or 125 or 279-3166 Switchboard Operator Simpson Building 0

HOLLY LIBRARY Academic Learning Center Coordinator Ferguson Building 228 Circulation Desk Holly LRC 301 Educational Technology Services Coordinator Holly LRC 304 Library Services Director Holly LRC 307

STUDENT SERVICES AZALEA BUILDING Admissions Office Bailey Building 874, 887, 7576 7577, 7578, 202

Career Center Bailey Building 209 Counseling Center /SSA Bailey Building 142, 164, 441, 7586, 146

Disabled Student Services Bailey Building 7581, 7587,141 International Student Services Bailey Building 441 Placement Testing Bailey Building 7583 Registrar / Associate Registrar Bailey Building 147, 291 Reception / Information Desk Bailey Building 7520, 7584 Student Activities Director / Recruiter Coman Student Center 203 Activities Assistant /SSA Coman Student Center 7585 Student Records and Registration Bailey Building 489, 494, 7579 Transfer Advising Center Elm Building 7580, 183, 882 Transfer Credits Bailey Building 202 Transcript Requests Bailey Building 7579 Veterans’ Services Bailey Building 206

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES EXTENSION/CELL Vice President of Instruction Simpson Building 7633 Melissa Quinley 772-6318 Associate Vice President of Instruction Simpson Building 240 Ned Fowler 231-8132 Interim Dean, Allied Health and Public Service Education Rhododendron Building 250 Dolly Horton 989-3882 Associate Dean, Emergency Services Academy Hemlock Building 353 Skye Myrick 712-0123 Dean, Arts and Sciences Elm Building 7650 Beth Stewart Associate Dean, Math and Sciences Elm Building 7655 Jon Weiner 772-6323 Dean, Business and Hospitality Education Birch Building 286 Phil Leftwich 231-8598 Associate Dean, Hospitality Education Magnolia Building 232 Sheila Tillman 231-9088 Dean, Engineering and Applied Technology Dogwood Building 220 Vernon Daugherty 231-7964 Dean, Academic Success Holly Building 191 Sue Olesiuk 215-9200 Assoc. Director, Center for Faculty Development and Assessment Holly Building 7513 Barbara Brownsmith Associate Director, Instructional Support /Online Learning Holly Building 7511 Bethany Faber Director, Madison Site Ramsey Building 7701 Connie Buckner or 649-2947 Director, Career Pathways Partnership Sunnicrest Building 484 Michael Dempsey Coordinator, Reporting, Compliance Simpson Building 121 and Scheduling Annie Dowdell Administrative Assistant to Vice President Simpson Building 122 and Associate Vice President Vera Williams Adjunct Faculty Employment Information Basic information for adjunct faculty includes: 1. Academic Credentials A-B Tech employs competent faculty members who are qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the College. All faculty members, both full-time and adjunct, must meet the academic credential standards set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  Arts and Sciences Courses (General Education) - All faculty members teaching general education courses must hold a doctoral or a master’s degree in the teaching discipline or a master’s degree with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.  Associate in Applied Science Program Major Courses -All faculty members teaching associate degree courses not designed for transfer to the baccalaureate degree must hold a baccalaureate degree in the teaching discipline or an associate degree and demonstrated competencies in the teaching discipline.

2. Employment of Adjunct Faculty Members An adjunct faculty member is interviewed and recommended for employment by the department chairperson, and employment is dependent upon student enrollment. The College tries to maintain a group of adjunct faculty for each department in order to permit some rotation among teaching assignments. The following guidelines are used in the employment of adjunct faculty members:  Adjunct faculty members must meet the same minimum credential requirements as full-time faculty members.  Adjunct faculty members are employed on a semester-by-semester and course-by-course basis.  Full-time faculty whose classes are cancelled due to schedule adjustments may assume responsibility for courses assigned to adjunct faculty.  Adjunct employment does not necessarily lead to full-time employment, nor is there any assurance that an adjunct faculty member will have a continuous instructional assignment.  An adjunct instructor may be removed at any time during the semester.  Adjunct faculty members are not expected to perform extracurricular duties required of full-time faculty, such as student advising, committee assignments, and curriculum or course development (unless approved by the department chair.)

3. Maximum Adjunct Teaching Load The teaching load for adjunct instructors is dependent on student enrollments. The department chairperson determines the teaching load for adjunct instructors. If an adjunct is contracted from semester to semester, teaching load may vary. However, adjunct teaching load will not exceed 25 contact hours per week.

4. Adjunct Faculty Agreement Each adjunct faculty member signs a Curriculum Adjunct Faculty Agreement that identifies the course(s), the beginning and ending date for each course, class days and meeting times, and class location(s).

This contract is a commitment for instructional duties for the course(s) listed. The commitment by adjunct instructional personnel includes all general professional responsibilities within the role of an instructor which may include but are not limited to:  Instructional preparation and presentation.  Timely and accurate record keeping and reporting and attendance and grades.  Student consultations and assistance.  Other class-related activities which may be necessary outside of scheduled class hours. The commitment for payment, on the part of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, is based on sufficient enrollment in the assigned course(s) and availability of funds. Student attrition may cause class(es) to be terminated. Arrangements for substitutes must follow College procedures. Part-time instructors are not assured continuing employment. This contract is subject to exception by the College President without prior or written notice.

5. Adjunct Compensation Compensation for adjunct faculty members is determined on a course basis. The course payment amount includes all responsibilities associated with instruction, including class preparation, instruction, evaluation, and outside-of-class academic assistance. Adjunct faculty members receive monthly payments, September through December for fall semester, January through May for spring semester, and June through August for summer semester. The total payment for contracted instruction is indicated on the Curriculum Adjunct Faculty Agreement.

6. Absences and Implications for Compensation If a faculty member cannot meet a class at the scheduled time because of illness or emergency, please contact the department chair immediately. If the department chair cannot be reached, the faculty member will contact the dean or speak with another staff member as soon as possible. It is essential to speak to a person rather than leave a voicemail message. During the evenings, the switchboard operator can provide the phone number for the Evening Dean.

For a planned absence, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to notify the department chair so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Upon returning after missing a class, faculty members must contact department chair to insure completion of appropriate paperwork. When a substitute instructor has been approved and used, the College will pay the substitute and reduce the adjunct faculty member’s compensation by the same amount. Faculty absences should be limited. Excessive class absences may affect performance evaluations and future adjunct employment at the College.

7. Timeliness of Record Submittal and Implications for Compensation If an adjunct faculty member does not submit required records in a timely fashion, there are compensation implications. The contract contains this statement: “I understand that payment of the amount above is conditioned on me completing the duties assigned to me, including turning in all necessary reports and records. I understand that my paycheck(s) may be withheld by the College until all duties assigned are completed and all records and reports are turned over to the appropriate College official.”

8. Completion of Personnel Forms All required personnel forms must be submitted prior to the first day of work. Official transcripts of higher education degrees and coursework must be sent to the Human Resources Office before the end of the first semester of employment.

9. Evaluation of Instruction Student Evaluation of Instruction All courses taught by full-time and adjunct faculty will be evaluated each semester using online course evaluations. The goal of the evaluation is to promote continuous improvement in instruction and student learning.

Faculty members will receive an email from the company that is providing A-B Tech with this service, www.onlinecourseevaluations.com. The email will let faculty know the following:  Evaluations are open for student response.  Directions on how to log in to the system.  Students have also received an email along with instructions on how to access the system. The A-B Tech Research and Planning office will send out basic instructions to instructors to support them in maximizing student response rates including:  Telling students that the evaluation period has begun (evaluations will be open at approximately the 75% point of the course).  Telling students that their responses are completely anonymous, and that instructors will only see results after grades are released.  When the registrar's office lets us know that all grades are turned in (generally the week after classes end), we release the course evaluation results. Instructors, department chairs and deans will receive emails with links to reports for their areas.

Encouraging students to fill out the online evaluation is an important aspect of this process. Faculty members are encouraged to think about incentives that could enhance student motivation to respond. One of the most effective methods is to have students take time to fill out the evaluation while in class if computers are available. Department Chair Evaluation of Instruction In addition to using student online evaluations as an indicator of faculty performance, department chairs may observe faculty teaching. The instructor will be notified in advance of a classroom observation. The department chair will hold follow-up conferences with faculty members whose scores indicate a need for improvement. A-B Tech Student Evaluation of Instruction: Questions for Online Course Evaluation Student 1. I had a strong desire to take this course. 2. The percentage of time I was prepared for class_____ 3. What grade do you expect to receive in this course?

The Course 1. How much did you feel you learned in this course? 2. The workload for this course was_____ 3. The assignments adequately reflected course goals (learning outcomes). 4. The online materials were clear, comprehensive and presented in a logical manner. 5. Course expectations were clearly communicated in the course syllabus. 6. I feel the course challenged me intellectually. 7. I would recommend this course to others.

The Instructor 1. The instructor was well-prepared, organized and used class time effectively. 2. The instructor has a strong ability to communicate the subject matter. 3. The text and other assigned readings were used effectively in this course. 4. Tests adequately reflected course content. 5. The grading policy was fair. 6. The instructor was available to help me. 7. The instructor respected students’ opinions and ideas. 8. The instructor’s teaching style stimulated active learning and participation. 9. The lectures helped me master course goals (learning outcomes). 10. The instructor provided timely feedback on my academic performance. 11. What is your overall rating of this instructor’s effectiveness? Open-ended Questions 1. What aspects of this course contributed most to your learning? 2. What aspects of this course detracted most from your learning? March, 2010

Faculty Instructional Responsibilities Major responsibilities inherent in the role of full-time and adjunct faculty include the following: 1. Course Availability A-B Tech strives to ensure that all courses are available at dates, times, and locations advertised. Face-to-face courses: Instructors must meet all assigned classes at the scheduled time and location and for the scheduled class duration. Any departure from the scheduled hours or location must have the previous approval of your department chairperson. Online: Instructors should make courses available by 8:00 a.m. on the first day of the semester. Hybrid: Instructors should make the on line portion of courses available by 8:00 a.m. on the first scheduled day of the course and should follow the published schedule provided for face-to-face class meetings. Any departure from the scheduled hours or location must have the previous approval of your department chairperson.

2. Course Syllabus Preparation and Approval Instructors are required to submit a course syllabus to their department chairperson for approval prior to the official start date of a course. Course Syllabus Description: The purpose of a course syllabus is to provide students with course outcomes; how they will be assessed in relation to those outcomes, and the learning assignments and activities they will engage in during the course. The syllabus serves as a written contract between the instructor and the student, and documents what is expected of the students in order for them to receive credit for the course.

Course Syllabus Development: Department chair are responsible for developing and maintaining up-to-date standardized course outlines for all courses offered within the department. These outlines serve as the basis for course syllabi. Faculty members are expected to incorporate components of the course outline into each course syllabus. Instructors are encouraged to review the syllabi of experienced colleagues teaching the same course as a springboard for their own syllabus development (avoid reinventing the wheel). Course Syllabus Components: In addition to course outcomes, assessment/evaluation methods, and learning activities/assignments, the course syllabus should be as detailed as possible including class schedule and instructor contact information (college email address, a description of where to drop off materials if necessary, and campus voicemail number if applicable). Review of Syllabus with Students: Faculty must review the syllabus with students on the first day of class or at first login for a hybrid or online course. Face-to-face courses: Review the syllabus on the first day of class to insure that students understand outcomes, expectations, workload, and instructor contact information. All courses should have their syllabi posted on Moodle for ease of student access. Online Courses: Present the syllabus so that it is available during students’ first log in to the course. It is recommended that students demonstrate understanding of the syllabus via short quiz, scavenger hunt, or discussion forum. Hybrid Courses: Follow the Face-to-face process if your hybrid class meets during the first week of the term. Follow the Online Course process if your hybrid course does not meet face-to-face during the first week of the term.

3. Effective Learning Environment Each A-B Tech course, regardless of delivery method, will establish and maintain an environment that is conducive to optimal student learning. Face-to-face courses: In traditional labs and shops, provide adequate supervision for students and encourage safe learning and working conditions. Online: Students learn best when courses have clear outcomes and are organized in a way that promotes ease of learning. Frequent contact between instructor and students enhances student learning.

4. Effective Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Being dedicated to student success means that A-B Tech strives to ensure that every student achieves the learning outcomes in every course which in turn will lead to the achievement of program and general education outcomes. A-B Tech also endeavors to create active learning environments both on campus and online that prepare students to enter the workplace or to transfer to a four-year institution. 4.1 Effective Teaching: Convey the relationship of each instructional topic to the course outcomes and, if appropriate, program outcomes. This facilitates students’ knowing how the course content fits together. 4.2 Active Learning: Develop active student learning by using a variety of teaching methods such as reading, group discussions/discussion forum, projects, hands-on activities, role playing, debates, etc. as appropriate to face-to-face and online formats. Field trips are a form of active learning. They require department chair approval and special forms. Require students to write frequently and encourage discussion, when appropriate, as ways to enhance critical thinking skills. 4.3 Learning Resources: In many courses, textbooks serve as the key content resource. Textbook selections are made by departments once per year. Students are required to purchase textbooks and other materials or supplies that the department has selected for use in the course. Please become thoroughly familiar with all textbook(s) and instructional materials required for your course(s) and use them to support student learning. While faculty may supplement textbooks and instructional materials, plan to actively use all texts and materials students are required to purchase. 4.4 Assessment in General: Design exams and other assessments of student learning so they directly relate to course outcomes. Continuously evaluate students’ progress towards reaching course outcomes. Assessment methods may include tests, written assignments, projects, demonstrations, oral presentations, team assignments, quizzes, portfolios, or other methods appropriate to the instructional content and delivery method. Use a variety of these techniques and provide students with prompt feedback. Apply grading policies fairly and consistently. Please check with the department chair to determine if the course to which you have been assigned has a common assessment method such as a course rubric (e.g. CIS 110).

4.5 Final Exams: Each faculty member will schedule a comprehensive final course evaluation at some point during the last five days of the semester or the last two days of the class. The evaluation may consist of one or multiple components or methods which include but is not limited to exams, capstone projects, portfolios with self-reflection, etc. The course syllabus will indicate the date(s) and methods(s) of evaluation. If the final evaluation is given prior to the last day of class, syllabus will reflect the class activities to take place after the final evaluation.

5. Acceptable Use Practices of Learning Materials Copyright: Each faculty member is expected to review and follow the guidelines for copying printed, electronic, or audiovisual material as outlined in the Copyright, Trademark, and Patent Policy. https://intranet.abtech.edu/presidents_office/manual_pdfs/0.07.policy.copy.tr.pat.pdf

6. Student Consultations and Assistance Faculty members are expected to support student learning outside of classroom hours. Full-time faculty: Full-time faculty members are required to maintain five office hours per week. Adjunct faculty: Adjunct faculty members who teach face-to-face and hybrid classes are expected to be accessible to students outside of class time. Adjunct faculty members who teach face-to-face and hybrid evening classes are encouraged to establish a regular time each week to meet with students. Adjuncts are encouraged to meet with students in the designated adjunct faculty office areas if available. For online students, faculty must provide their students with a response policy (i.e., “I will check email and course messages each evening between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.”).

7. Accurate Student Records and Timely Submittals Faculty members are required to maintain accurate records of student enrollment, attendance, withdrawals, and grades and submit attendance and grade reports in a timely manner.

7.1 Class Records: All faculty members must maintain accurate daily attendance records throughout the semester. 7.1.1 Temporary Roll. The Temporary role is available to the faculty member through Web Advisor. This Roll is used on the first day of class to assure that each student attending the class has paid tuition for the class. Students who are not on this Roll and who cannot show proof of registration on the first day of class must go to or contact the Registrar’s Office before they can be admitted to class. 7.1.2 Census Roll. The Census Roll is the official enrollment report. An official census of students is taken at the 10% point of the semester for the purpose of computing FTEs. The College does not receive FTEs for students who have not attended the course or who have dropped the course prior to the 10% point. Thus, it is mandatory that the student in a face-to- face course attend at least once during the first 10% of the course. Failure to attend during the first 10% of the course will cause the grade of “No Show” to be awarded. The student will not be allowed to continue with the course or to receive a refund. You will receive the Census Roll and instructions for completing it in your campus mailbox soon after the census date for your class. The Census Roll must be completed and returned to the Records and Registration Office by the date indicated at the top of the form.

Attendance before the census date (10% point) for online students is determined by students logging into and submitting an assignment for the course. The 10% census date for online classes is as follows (including specific dates for Fall 2011): o 8th weekday of the term for a 16-week classes (August 26th) o For late start (LO) sections census is September 7th o 4th weekday of term For 8-week Minimester classes (August 22 for MMI courses, Oct 21 for MM2 courses) o 2nd weekday for 4-week classes (August 18 for 1st 4-week term, September 16 for 2nd 4-week term, October 19 for 3rd 4-week term, November 16 for last 4-week term)

7.1.3 Submitting Grades. Grades should be submitted electronically using Web Advisor. Faculty can contact your department chair or the Registrar at Ext. 146 for assistance.

7.1.4 Submitting Class Meeting Verification Form. A Class Meeting Verification form with instructions about how to record verification that the course met for all scheduled hours will be sent to all faculty members at the end of the term. It must be signed and returned to the Registrar’s office by the date indicated at the top of the form.

7.1.5 Student Attendance. Instructors must keep students’ daily attendance records. The NCCCS Auditor may visit classes at any time during the semester and ask to see the class roster, attendance records and course syllabi.

7.1.6 Maintenance of Class Records. At the end of every semester, the following records must be submitted to the department chair: Gradebooks (or Excel spreadsheet), attendance records, copy of final exam, and other material as requested. Faculty members must maintain students’ graded final exams for 6 weeks after the end of the term.

7.1.7 Posting of Student Grades: Please do not post student grades at the end of the semester. Doing so is a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

7.1.8 Student Grade Appeals: Students have up to 6 weeks following the awarding of a grade to appeal the grade.

7.2 Required Record Submittals: Faculty members must submit census roles, grade reports, and class meeting verification form by the published due dates.

8. Teaching High School Students Huskins/Dual Enrollment: Faculty who teach Huskins courses in the high schools or dual enrollment classes on campus can contact Mike Dempsey, Director of Career Pathways Programs at extension 484 or [email protected] for assistance or questions regarding high school student issues.

9. Faculty Development All faculty members are encouraged to participate in professional development to maintain and advance their knowledge and skills. A-B Tech provides a number of opportunities for faculty growth through the Curriculum Innovation and Assessment Department and advertised on the Organizational and Professional Development Office website. http://pdreg.abtech.edu/

Full-time faculty: Full time faculty members are required to attend Professional Development Day programs, Faculty Update sessions, and other opportunities directed by the department chair. Adjunct faculty: Adjunct faculty members are encouraged to attend Professional Development Day programs, Faculty Update sessions, and other opportunities for growth. Questions regarding faculty development activities can be addressed to [email protected]

10. Continuous Course Improvement All courses are works-in-progress. The greatest determiner of course improvement is the rethinking and reworking done by the faculty who actively teach them. Suggestions for improvements in course outcomes, assessments, content, or delivery methods can be made to department chair.

11. Professional Behavior Faculty members are expected to maintain a professional relationship with students and colleagues.

Academic Policies and Procedures

The Student Handbook and the College Catalog contain student information regarding campus rules, regulations, procedures and activities, and academic information regarding curriculum programs. Please refer to these official documents if you have questions about academic policies and procedures. Check the Faculty/Staff Resources link at www.abtech.edu.

1. Class Attendance Regular class attendance in face-to-face classes and active participation in online and hybrid classes is expected of all students so they can achieve their potential in class and develop skills that are necessary to succeed in the workplace. Students who miss instructional time in face-to-face classes for excusable reasons will be permitted to make up work to the extent possible. The faculty member and the student share a joint responsibility to discuss attendance patterns that will endanger the success of the student in the course. If it appears that a student will not be able to complete a course successfully, the faculty member may advise the student to withdraw no later than the official withdrawal date at the 75% point of the class in order to receive a grade of “W.” The College’s attendance policy states that in order to receive course credit in a face-to-face class, a student should attend a minimum of 85% of the contact hours of the class. Upon accumulating absences exceeding 15% of the course contact hours, the instructor may drop the student from the class and award a grade of “U,” unless the student follows the official withdrawal procedure. (Note: A “U” grade is the equivalent of an “F” grade and will influence the student’s quality point ratio.) To receive course credit when enrolled in an Allied Health program a student should attend a minimum of 90% of the contact hours of all major area courses. To receive course credit when enrolled in a Cosmetology program, a student should attend a minimum of 95% of the contact hours of all major area courses (COS). http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/academic-procedures/class-attendance 2. Course Drop/Withdrawal To officially withdraw from a course without academic penalty, a student must complete a course withdrawal form (available in the Registrar’s office) and submit it to the Student Records and Registration Office. The deadline for withdrawing from a course without penalty is the 75% point of the term. A student who has withdrawn from a class may no longer attend the class. http://abtech.edu/Student_Services/registration/drop.asp

2.1 Drop/Add Students may drop courses before the 10% point of the term by completing a Drop/Add Registration Change Notice. This form can be obtained in the Student Records and Registration Office and must be signed by the student. A course dropped before the 10% point will not be included on the student’s transcript. http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/academic-procedures/schedule-adjustments/adding-a-class http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/academic-procedures/schedule-adjustments/dropping-a- class

2.2 Course Withdrawal After the 10% point of the term, a student wishing to withdraw from a class must complete a Course Withdrawal Registration Change Notice. The form must be submitted to the Student Records and Registration Office during the first 75% of the term. Students who withdraw from a class will receive a grade of “W,” which will not influence the quality point ratio but which will appear on the transcript. http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/academic-procedures/schedule-adjustments/withdrawing- a-class

2.3 Student Who Stops Attending A student who ceases to attend class and who does not submit a withdrawal form to the Student Records and Registration Office by the 75% point of the term will have a grade of “U” recorded for the class. This grade is processed as an “F” and will affect the quality point ratio. Developmental Studies faculty may officially withdraw a student from a course. http://abtech.edu/Student_Services/registration/drop.asp

3. Grading System A: 90-100 Excellent academic performance, consistent mastery of facts and concepts, and a thorough understanding of course content. B: 80-89 Good academic performance, high-level mastery of course content. C: 70-79 Average academic performance. D: 60-69 Marginal academic performance; poor mastery of course content. F: < 60 Very poor performance, no demonstration of even minimal mastery of course content. Note: Some courses are designed using a point system rather than a percentage system. Student performance will still be reported on an A – F scale. I: Incomplete Assigned when a student is unable to complete work or take a final examination because of illness or for other reasons over which the student has no control. An “incomplete” must be removed within the first six weeks of the next term. Otherwise, the grade becomes an “F.”

U: Unofficial Withdrawal Assigned when a student does not follow the College’s official withdrawal policy by the course withdrawal deadline or is dropped for excessive absences. The “U” grade is the equivalent of an “F” and will influence the quality point ratio. W: Official Withdrawal Assigned when a student officially withdraws from a class after the 10% point but before the 75% point of the term. The “W” grade does not influence the quality point ratio.

X: Continuing Assigned when a student is unable to complete work during the current semester because of class scheduling over consecutive semesters or at the discretion of the instructor to allow additional time to complete the course. A contract of conditions for completion and time limit, not to exceed 12 months, will be executed by the instructor and signed by both the instructor and student. If the terms to remove the “X” are not fulfilled by the end of the contract period, the grade will revert to the average held at the beginning of the contract period, including zeros for work not completed. http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/academic-procedures/grading-system

4. Credit by Exam Qualified students may be eligible for credit by exam. See the Catalog for requirements. http://abtech.edu/Student_Services/forms/Credit_by_Exam.pdf

5. Course Audit A student who wishes to audit a course must register through the regular registration process and pay tuition and fees. Audit work does not receive credit and cannot be used toward certificate, diploma, or degree requirements. All prerequisites must be met before a course can be audited. An audit form can be found at on the A-B Tech website under Student Services. http://abtech.edu/Student_Services/registration/audit.asp

6. Grade Appeals A student who wants to appeal a grade must do so within six weeks of the awarding of the grade. Faculty can refer to the Student Handbook or the Catalog for the Student Appeal Policy, http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/student-rights-responsibilities-and-due-process/student-and- grade-appeals-policy

7. Code of Student Conduct and Code of Classroom Conduct The College has adopted basic rules of student conduct and has established guidelines for classroom behavior to ensure that the learning environment is not compromised. The Catalog and the Student Handbook have a complete description of the Codes as well as the Student Appeal Policy. http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/student-rights-responsibilities-and-due-process/code-student- conduct http://www1.abtech.edu/a-b-tech-catalog/student-rights-responsibilities-and-due-process/code-classroom- conduct

8. Privacy of Student Records In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as the Buckley Amendment, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College will not release information concerning students except for Directory Information. Directory Information is defined as name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, and degrees received. A student who does not wish to have this information released may specify in writing to the Office of Records and Registration that this information is to be withheld. A parent does not have the right to access the records of a student 18 years or older without written permission from the student. Records may be released without the student’s permission to College officials who have legitimate educational interest in the records, to officials of another college or university in which the student seeks to enroll, to certain federal and state educational authorities, to persons involved in granting financial aid for which the student has applied, to testing, research, and accrediting organizations, in compliance with a court order or subpoena, or in very narrowly defined emergencies affecting the health and safety of the student or other persons.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibits the posting of student grades. http://abtech.edu/Student_Services/records/privacy.asp

9. Inclement Weather The College will close when weather conditions are such that driving is hazardous. If it appears that ice or snow may be cleared by mid-morning, the College will follow a delayed opening schedule. Closing or delaying the day programs does not automatically close the evening programs. If weather conditions dictate the early dismissal of day or evening classes, the announcement will be made by phone and classroom computer to each building on campus.

For daytime classes, announcements concerning the College’s operation will be made as early as possible on local radio and TV stations as well as an announcement posted on the A-B Tech web page, www.abtech.edu. Also, the switchboard operator will record a voice mail message with information about closings or delayed openings. For evening classes, announcements will be made in the afternoon.

Instruction missed due to inclement weather must be made up. The Vice President of Instructional Services will determine the make-up method and information will be distributed to faculty. Instructors must document make-up classes on the Class Meeting Verification Form. http://www1.abtech.edu/student-handbook/inclement-weather-schedule

10. Activity Day Schedule Three times each year, the College will use an Activity Day Schedule for announced student activities. Under this schedule, classes which normally meet between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. are canceled. http://www1.abtech.edu/student-handbook/activity-day-class-schedule

The Activity Days for the 2011-2012 academic year are:  Fall Festival – Tuesday, September 13, 2011  Children’s Holiday Party – Friday, December 2, 2011  Earth Day Celebration – Friday, April 20, 2012

Services and Resources for Faculty Basic Services and Resources for Faculty 1. Security and Emergency Procedures In case of emergency on campus, call 279-3166 or ext. 125 or the switchboard operator for Campus Security. You should also be familiar with the floor plan for evacuation, which is posted in each building. A Faculty and Staff Emergency Management Guide is posted in each classroom. If you are near a keyboard, depress both Control keys simultaneously. https://intranet.abtech.edu/security/default.asp

2. E-mail Accounts All instructors MUST have an A-B Tech e-mail account and must include that e-mail address in their course syllabi. Your email address may be located in the “Directory” at http://www.abtech.edu/directory/eDirectory.asp.

Please check your college e-mail account frequently. Departments with adjunct offices will also provide computers where you can check your e-mail. For assistance with accessing your college e-mail account contact the helpdesk at extension 849 or [email protected]

3. Mail Boxes Adjunct faculty members are assigned campus mail boxes. Please check with your department chair to find its location. For face-to-face and hybrid instructors, please check your campus mailboxes when you are on campus. If you teach at a local high school, you may need to mail or deliver materials to campus. Contact your department chair for more information.

4. Duplicating/Copying Services A maximum of 10 pages may be copied on departmental copiers located in division offices. Multiple copies must be sent to Duplicating Services with a minimum of three days lead-time for copying. You may send the documents by campus mail to the Campus Copy Center, or drop them off in the Copy Center in the basement of the Maple Building. A copy of the Duplication Work Request is available online. No A-B Tech copiers are to be used for the purpose of copying entire books or large sections of books. Book packs can be reproduced and sold through the Book Store; see your department chairperson for information. https://intranet.abtech.edu/College_Relations/Communications/work_requests.asp

5. Evening Support (Administrator on Duty) One of the division deans is available from 4:30-10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please call the Evening Dean if assistance is needed. The evening dean schedule is provided via email at the beginning of the semester. Any changes to the schedule are sent to by e-mail to the campus community. The Evening Dean may also be contacted through the college switchboard at extension 0. If you have access, the Evening Dean information can be found on R-25, the college’s scheduling program.

Extended Services and Resources for Faculty 6. Curriculum Innovation and Assessment (formerly Instructional Support and Online Learning) Instructional support is available for faculty teaching face-to-face, web-assisted, hybrid, and online classes. The staff provides assistance and training to support course development (clarification of outcomes, learning plans, assessment tools, online learning objects), and instructional methodology. They provide support for the Moodle Learning Management Systems. For assistance, email at [email protected] or call extension 300.

7. Educational Technology Services A-B Tech equips classrooms with instructional technology to provide faculty members with access to the Internet, audio and video resources, streaming video, and other resources. Instructors who utilize classroom technology can call extension 304 or 309 for training and assistance.

8. Library Find what you need: books, DVDs, or journal articles from the Holly Library homepage. http://www1.abtech.edu/holly-library

If you would like to schedule a library class, put materials on reserve or make an Interlibrary Loan request, click on Faculty Resources on the left to access and submit those forms. Holly Library is open Monday- Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 8-5:00, and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, please call 828-254-1921, ext. 301.

Services and Resources for Students

1. Holly Library Find what you need: books, DVDs, and journal articles from the Holly Library homepage. Online students can use our Online Orientation on the homepage to learn more about the library. Holly Library is open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, please call 828-254-1921, ext. 301. http://www1.abtech.edu/holly-library

2. Writing Center Writing Center can help students develop strategies for planning, organizing, drafting, and revising papers, reports, or other documents. The Writing Center can also help with résumés, scholarship letters, and other writing projects not associated with a specific class. Students have two ways to get help in the writing center. There are two ways to get help from the Writing Center. In person: The Writing Center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Writing Center offers students relaxed one-on-one sessions with an instructor or peer tutor who will help them accomplish their writing goals during and after the session and then guide students to meet the goals independently. Online: Students can also get help from the Writing Center online by communicating with tutors using email. The Writing Center provides an online service for students enrolled in online and hybrid (O or Y section) courses. http://www1.abtech.edu/writingCenter

3. Academic Learning Center The webpage shows the hours, location, staff, links to the tutoring referral form and the testing transmittal form, and other general information. Please let students know that the tutoring and testing labs are not open on the last day of the semester. When classes are not in session or canceled, the labs are closed. The Testing Lab is for make-up testing, re-testing, and special needs testing. The ALC cannot proctor tests on the last day of the semester AND process and return tests in a timely manner. Completed and expired tests are returned to your campus mailbox each Friday afternoon. If you need a completed test before then, you may pick it up in the testing lab. A staff member will get it for you. http://www1.abtech.edu/content/learning-resources/academic-learning-center/Academic-Learning-Center--- Overview

4. Tutoring Labs The tutoring labs are not for completing homework. NCCC Code does not permit us to earn FTE for helping with homework assignments. The auditor stated that homework is whatever the instructor says is homework. If you want your students to receive tutoring help with work for your class that will not be collected and graded, it must be designated “Skills Work.” We do not help with graded assignments. If you use MathXL for your homework assignments, the student should complete and submit the assignment before asking us for help. After it has been graded and we can see the green checks or red “X”es, we can tutor using the assignment. You may send the Tutoring Labs a copy of your skills work and homework assignment sheet(s) so that we can check in case of doubt. http://www1.abtech.edu/content/academic-learning-center/tutoring-labs

5. Computer Labs The Student Success Division provides two open computer labs for students to complete course assignments, review computer-based tutorials, access and send email, and perform other academic uses. The labs are located on the first floor of the Holly Library and in the Ferguson Academic Learning Center. Call extension 308 or 219 for more information. Hours of operation are: Monday –Thursday, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Ferguson Lab hours are 9-6:30 Mon.-Thurs. and 9-1 on Fri. Holly lab (125) hours are 8 a.m.- 8:45 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. on Fri. http://www1.abtech.edu/content/learning- resources/academic-learning-center/computer-lab-policy