17.         Academic Qualifications and Faculty Status

Minimum Standards Established by the Board of Regents

17.1 Qualifications for Faculty Appointments**

**The Policy Manual of the Board of Regents, February 2004, Section 803.0102.

Minimum employment qualifications for all academic ranks within the Institute shall be:

1.      Consistent with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ requirements for institutional accreditation;

2.      Evidence of ability as a teacher;

3.      Evidence of ability and activity as a scholar in all other aspects of duties assigned;

4.      Successful experience (this must necessarily be waived in the case of those just entering the academic profession who meet all other requirements); and

5.      Desirable personal qualities judged on the basis of personal interview, complete biographical data, and recommendations.

Consistent with Board of Regents policy for Research Universities, initial appointees to the associate or full professorial rank should have the terminal degree in the appropriate discipline or equivalent in training, ability, or experience.

Evidence of current academic credentials (or equivalents) shall be maintained by the Institute for all faculty members, including any part time, temporary, or visiting instructors.