3.7 Faculty

Standard			Status
3.7.1		Faculty competence	Compliance
		The institution employs competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution. When determining acceptable qualifications of its faculty, an institution gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline. The institution also considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity, including, as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, related work experiences in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. For all cases, the institution is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of its faculty. (See Commission guidelines “Faculty Credentials.”)
3.7.2		Faculty evaluation	Compliance
		The institution regularly evaluates the effectiveness of each faculty member in accord with published criteria, regardless of contractual or tenured status.
3.7.3		Faculty development	Compliance
		The institution provides ongoing professional development of faculty as teachers, scholars, and practitioners.
3.7.4		Academic freedom	Compliance
		The institution ensures adequate procedures for safeguarding and protecting academic freedom.
3.7.5		Faculty role in governance	Compliance
		The institution publishes policies on the responsibility and authority of faculty in academic and governance matters.