Adjunct Faculty Guide
This document supersedes all handbooks/guides prior to June 21, 2023
I. Introduction to the University
A. History
B. Accreditation Standards
C. Board of Trustees
D. Administrative Organization
E. Mission of the University
F. JSU Definition of a Learning-Centered Community
G. Strategic Plan
II. Adjunct Faculty Contractual Matters
A. Adjunct /Dual Enrollment Faculty Definition
B. Philosophy on the Requirements for and Use of Adjunct Faculty
C. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
D. Notification of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex and Grievance Procedures
E. Sexual Harassment Policy
F. Policy on Drug and Alcohol Use
G. Americans with Disabilities Act
H. Type of Contract
I. Adjunct Faculty Duties and Responsibilities
1. Classroom Management and Procedures
2. Grading System
3. Change of Final Grades
4. Evaluations and Examinations
5. Make-Up Examinations
6. Student Attendance
7. Faculty Absences
8. Required Training for All Faculty and Employees
I. Adjunct Faculty File Documentation
J. Appointment Documentation
K. Review of Adjunct Faculty
A. Banner/ MyJaxState/ Email / Canvas Access
B. Audio Visual Aids
C. Course Audit Procedures
D. Cheating and Plagiarism
E. Class Admission and Grade Reporting
F. Class Length
G. Class Scheduling
H. Classroom Assignments
I. Clerical Services
J. Closed Classes
K. Conference Areas
L. Copyright Laws
M. Grade Appeal Procedures
N. Identification Cards
O. Student Conduct Issues
P. Textbook Selection
Q. Campus Security
R. Campus Parking
S. Inclement Weather Policy
T. Injury, Illness, Incidents, and Accidents
U. Faculty Handbook
V. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Information for Faculty
This document supercedes all handbooks/guides geared towards adjunct and dual enrollment faculty prior to June 21, 2023.
I. Introduction to the University
A. History
On February 22, 1883, the Alabama Legislature created the Jacksonville State Normal School as a two-year college for elementary teacher training.
In 1927, construction was begun on Bibb Graves Hall (now Angle Hall) and Daugette Dormitory, which became the nucleus of the present campus.
In 1929, the institution was changed from a State Normal School to a four-year State Teachers College offering the baccalaureate degree. As the College grew, a diversified curriculum began to attract students majoring in fields other than education. By 1957, the institution had progressed to the point where the Legislature changed the name to Jacksonville State College. A master’s degree program was initiated, with the first graduate degrees being awarded in 1959.
The institution grew rapidly through the next few years and was designated Jacksonville State University by the Alabama Legislature on November 22, 1966. The campus has now grown to be one of the premier educational facilities in Alabama, with a student body numbering over 9,000.
B. Accreditation Standards
Jacksonville State University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a regional accrediting body for eleven of the Southeastern states. In addition, its professional programs are accredited by their respective national accrediting bodies A list of JSU’s accreditations is available online.
C. Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of Jacksonville State University has the authority and responsibility for the management and control of the activities, affairs, operations, business, and property of the University. The JSU Board of Trustees webpage provides names of those presently serving.
D. Administrative Organization
The administration of Jacksonville State University is presently organized into six divisions headed by vice presidents, including Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Finance and Administration, Information Technology, Institutional Advancement, and Student Affairs. In addition to the six vice presidents, the Athletics Director, University Counsel, Director of Government Relations, and Director of Public Information and Communication report to the President. This group comprises the President’s Cabinet, along with a Chief Internal Auditor who reports to the JSU Board of Trustees.
The Academic Affairs division is divided into six colleges (College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business and Industry, College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Health Professions and Wellness, College of Science and Mathematics, and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences), plus the Houston Cole Library. The colleges and the library are led by deans who report to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The organizational structure of the University is presented in detail online in the current JSU Organizational Chart.
Administrative officials of the colleges include deans, associate deans, and department heads.
E. Mission of the University
Jacksonville State University, a learning-centered community, provides distinctive educational, cultural, and social experiences to prepare students to be competent, ethical professionals and engaged, responsible, global citizens.
F. JSU Definition of a Learning-Centered Community
At Jacksonville State University, a public, regional comprehensive institution, we believe that students, faculty, and staff comprise a community of learners. We believe it is important for learners to take responsibility for their learning, which means presenting a willingness to learn, being proactive in the acquisition of knowledge, and behaving with integrity and honesty in the learning environment. We believe that learning takes place when learners are engaged, assumptions are challenged, expectations are shared, and relationships are built around the purpose of learning.
Jacksonville State University promotes a learning environment with relevant programs of study supported by current technologies, opportunities for experiential learning and other high impact practices, and flexibility in the learning process. Faculty will use various methods of teaching to meet different learning preferences and will set learning outcomes that emphasize the application of knowledge, ensuring that graduates are prepared with skills necessary for careers in a global marketplace. (revised 3.26.11; updated 6.21.23)
G. Strategic Plan
Please refer to the JSU Strategic Plan online.
II. Adjunct Faculty Contractual Matters
A. Adjunct/Dual Enrollment Faculty Definition
Adjunct faculty is a faculty category as defined in the JSU Faculty Handbook. Although dual enrollment courses may be taught by full-time faculty, most dual enrollment faculty are adjunct faculty, and the information in this guide pertains to dual enrollment faculty working part-time for JSU.
B. Philosophy on the Requirements for and Use of Adjunct Faculty
All adjunct faculty must meet JSU’s minimum requirement for course work at the graduate level, i.e., having completed at least 18 graduate semester hours of course work in the discipline to be taught and holding at least a master’s degree or holding the minimum of a master’s degree with a major in the teaching discipline. Adjunct faculty members receive no fringe benefits other than those required by Federal or State Law, e.g. FICA, and do not accrue time toward and are not eligible for tenure or promotion or retirement credit. Adjunct faculty may teach no more than twelve credit hours during any semester or combination of short terms, with no more than 4 credit hours in any four-week term or 6 credit hours during a six-week term, and may work no more than 27 hours per week.
Adjunct faculty members teach on a per-course basis, as needed. Even though a course might initially be scheduled to be taught by an adjunct faculty member, there is always the possibility that another course scheduled for the same term might be canceled, requiring a full-time faculty member to be used in place of an adjunct person, or that insufficient enrollment in a course initially scheduled to be taught by an adjunct faculty member might result in the courses being canceled. This applies to all degree programs, day and evening programs, and locations. Adjunct faculty members have specific duties and responsibilities as outlined in section “H” below.
C. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Jacksonville State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.
The JSU Staff Handbook provides additional information on Jacksonville State University’s commitment and policies concerning equal opportunity.
D. Notification of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex and Grievance Procedures
JSU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates. JSU is required, by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Department of Education regulations to implement Title IX, not to discriminate in such a manner. This requirement to not discriminate in educational programs and activities extends to employment by the university and to admission thereto. Questions regarding Title IX and the implementing regulations should be referred to JSU’s Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights, or to both. For more information about the Title IX grievance procedure, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment and how JSU will respond to such complaints, please visit our Title IX website at www.jsu.edu/titleix or contact our Title IX Coordinator:
Title IX Coordinator
Angle Hall, Suite 301-A
(256) 782-5769
jlargo@jsu.edu or titleix@jsu.edu
E. Sexual Harassment Policy
Jacksonville State University's Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy is available online. Additional information is available in the JSU Staff Handbook and you may also contact your department head, associate dean, or dean.
F. Policy on Drug and Alcohol Use
Jacksonville State University recognizes the potential impairment in performing one’s job responsibilities due to the use of alcohol and other drugs. The University’s policy on drug and alcohol use may be reviewed in full at JSU Substance Abuse Policy.
G. Americans with Disabilities Act
It is the policy of Jacksonville State University not to unlawfully discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. For additional information, please refer to the ADA, Employee Accommodations Policy online, or contact your department head, associate dean, or dean.
H. Type of Contract
All faculty members are contract employees. Adjunct faculty members receive a term contract for a designated period, which automatically expires at the end of that period. Reemployment of the adjunct faculty member, after expiration of a term contract, is at the discretion of the University and requires the execution of another contract. The University uses an electronic system for contracts. Contracts are sent electronically by email for employee’s electronic signature.
Once the signed contract is returned to the University and prior to beginning of classes for the term for which the contract is let; the adjunct faculty must complete payroll paperwork. Contact Human Resources for instructions, by email careers@jsu.edu, or by phone (256) 782-5007.
JSU's Adjunct Faculty and Overload Status policy is available online.
I. Adjunct Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
1. Classroom Management and Procedures
For each course taught, adjunct faculty must, at the start of each term, prepare a syllabus with the following. Please check with department for other requirements.
a. the course objectives
b. special requirements for the course such as term papers, oral reports, field trips, etc.
c. grading procedures
d. attendance policy
e. statement of office hours
f. adjunct faculty’s contact information
g. statement of Americans with Disabilities Act policy (see dept. head for policy)
Note: A copy of the course syllabus must be provided to the appropriate department head within the first two weeks of the term.
Adjunct faculty are expected to:
a. meet and conduct classes in a professional manner
b. grade and return test papers within a reasonable time
c. maintain adequate records of grades and be accountable in grading
d. allow students an opportunity to review grades
e. report grades of all students earning D’s or F’s on official midterm grade reports
f. be available for student consultation at least one hour per week before and/or after the class period for each three-hour course taught
g. meet deadlines established by the department head, dean, registrar, and Provost
h. work no more than 27 hours per week
Adjunct faculty members shall refer to the current JSU Undergraduate Catalog for the undergraduate grading system and the current JSU Graduate Catalog for the graduate grading system. Adjunct faculty may also consult the department head in the discipline of instruction.
Faculty, both full-time and adjunct, are accountable for accurate grading. Final grades may not be changed after they have been officially submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Exceptions include incomplete grades (I) or in the case of miscalculation or miscommunication of the grade by the instructor. In these cases, grade changes are made online by the instructor and should be completed by midterm of the subsequent fall or spring semester. To initiate an online request for a change of grade or removal of an incomplete, the instructor should log in to MyJaxState, go to the Faculty tab, look under the “Faculty Links,” and select “Grade Change Form,” which will direct the instructor to Dynamic Forms, where the appropriate information should be entered as directed.
4. Evaluations and Examinations
General: In fairness to students, instructors shall inform students of the nature of their methods of evaluating student learning.
Final Examinations: The Registrar’s Office is responsible for the schedule of final examinations. The schedule is available online on the Registrar’s web page. All final examinations shall be given at the scheduled time unless a change is approved by the department head. Change of Examination forms are available from the department head and should be filed at least five days in advance of the exam. Under extenuating circumstances, a faculty member may, however, reschedule an individual student’s final examination for just cause.
Adjunct faculty shall, at the beginning of the semester, follow departmental policy and shall acquaint their classes with the policy on make-up examinations on the class syllabus. In some areas of academic work, course work and experience cannot be made up, and the adjunct faculty member should advise students of this. Students who miss announced examinations or announced classroom assignments for legitimate reasons may take a make-up examination, which shall be scheduled by the instructor at a reasonable time and under reasonable conditions. The legitimacy of the excuse for missing the test is to be determined by the adjunct faculty member.
Adjunct instructors should consult with the department head to determine the departmental policy for class attendance for students. For all classes, particular attention must be given to initial attendance in the class, due to United States Department of Education Financial Aid requirements.
As part of JSU’s compliance with United States Department of Education Financial Aid requirements, instructors must complete the Financial Aid Enrollment Verification, available online through MyJaxState. At the beginning of each term, each instructor receives an email from Financial Aid with instructions for this essential process. Please follow the instructions in the email carefully. Additionally, when students who are receiving financial aid are added to the class, the instructor will receive an email notice and will need to complete the same form for these students. It is critical for instructors to meet the deadlines set by Financial Aid, since JSU must report information to the United States Department of Education on a strict timeline. To access the online form, after signing in to MyJaxState, go to the Faculty link, Financial Aid Enrollment Verification, and follow the instructions.
A short YouTube instructional video for this process is available at JSU Enrollment Verification Tutorial.
Adjunct faculty members are expected to adhere to scheduled class meeting times. Absenteeism can be damaging to the University’s educational mission. When adjunct faculty members are unable to meet a class, they should contact the department head to make appropriate arrangements as far in advance of the absence as possible.
8. Required Training for All Faculty and Employees
Certain training is mandatory for all Jacksonville State University employees. Please consult the Human Resources web page Talent Development and Training for instruction for completion of required training.
I. Adjunct Faculty File Documentation
Files are maintained in departmental offices for all adjunct faculty members. It is the responsibility of the adjunct faculty member to provide the appropriate department head with all pertinent documentation. Official files are maintained in the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. If an adjunct faculty has not taught at JSU in more than three years, the adjunct faculty’s status will become inactive. In this case, if rehired, the adjunct faculty will be required to submit a new application to teach before being reinstated and approved to teach.
J. Appointment Documentation
All adjunct faculty members must be approved by the appropriate department head, dean, and the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Prospective faculty members submit applications through the University’s electronic system, PageUp, as instructed on the Human Resources webpage: Careers Opportunities. All new adjuncts are required to submit an electronic background screening. This aligns with the University's Recruitment and Selection Policy. Additionally, the prospective adjunct must submit official transcripts documenting academic degrees. The prospective adjunct faculty should contact all universities attended to request that transcripts be sent electronically by the universities to facultycredentials@jsu.edu. Should a university not use electronic delivery of transcripts, the transcript should be mailed to:
Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jacksonville State University
Provost Office
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, Alabama 36265.
Once appointed, new adjunct faculty members receive a contract electronically, sent to the adjunct faculty member’s JSU email. Instructions are provided for prompt electronic signature and return to JSU. Directions will be provided if any additional documentation is needed. Periodic reviews and re-evaluations are required.
K. Review of Part-Time Faculty
Adjunct faculty performance will be reviewed regularly by the department head. If the University needs some future adjunct faculty assistance, the outcome of these reviews will play an important role in determining whether the adjunct faculty member may be reemployed with the University. The Adjunct Faculty Teaching Evaluation Form may be used by the School/Department for evaluation of a part-time faculty member’s teaching.
III. Administrative Matters
A. Banner/ MyJaxState/ Email / Blackboard/Canvas Access
Administrative processes, including distribution of class rosters and entering of grades, takes place through MyJaxState and the University’s Banner system. Once work eligibility documents are accepted, HR will enter new adjunct instructors into the Banner system. JSU requires completion of a FERPA training certificate before using Banner. The system will generate an email to the department head and appropriate personnel that the adjunct instructor is in the system and has access to MyJaxState, email, Banner and Canvas, JSU’s learning management system.
B. Audio Visual Aids.
Please see Department Head
C. Course Audit Procedures
A person not regularly enrolled in the University may audit courses with the approval of the instructor of the subject, provided there is space available in the class desired.
Auditors must make application for admission and pay the $35.00 non-refundable application fee, as well as the $25 per semester hour fee. Auditors are listed on the class roll but do not participate in classroom discussions, take tests or final examinations, or make reports, and will receive no credit or grades. Regularly enrolled students may audit courses.
Once a student registers for a course in an audit status, he/she may not change his/her status in that course to a credit basis.
D. Cheating and Plagiarism
In a university community, true knowledge can be gained only through honest means. All academic dishonesty is expressly prohibited (See: JSU Student Handbook/ Academic Honesty). In the event that a student is suspected of using unauthorized material on an exam, copying information from the paper of another student during an exam, allowing another student to copy from his/her paper, illegally obtaining test materials, using commercially prepared or copied term papers, presenting another’s ideas as his/her own, altering class records, etc., the adjunct faculty member, in private, should initially discuss the situation with the student. Depending on the outcome of the discussion, the issue will either be resolved between the adjunct faculty member and the student or the adjunct faculty member will report to the department head for the appropriate procedures. The adjunct faculty member should not assess any penalties before consulting with the department head. Also, the situation should not be discussed with anyone except the department head.
E. Class Admission and Grade Reporting
Initial class rosters are available online on or before the first day of class of each semester or term. Adjunct faculty members are to check rosters to determine accuracy. The names of students who have registered late will not appear on the initial roster; however, these names will appear on the class roster once the student is registered.
If a student is not listed on the current roster, he or she should not be allowed to remain in class but should be directed to the department head or to the dean’s office to clear up the situation.
Jacksonville State University uses an online system for recording course grades. During regular semesters (fall and spring), all faculty are to report midterm grades electronically for those students who have earned less than a grade of C. All faculty members receive instructions from the Registrar’s office for recording and reporting these grades. Final grades will be recorded and submitted electronically following instructions provided. Please consult the department head for additional information, if needed.
F. Class Length
Adjunct faculty members are expected to hold class for the entire time scheduled. Short breaks are acceptable for extended evening classes; however, the break time involved should be kept to a minimum.
G. Class Scheduling
Scheduling of classes is the responsibility of the department head. No change in class time is to be made by a faculty member without the approval of the department head. Classes are scheduled according to approved, uniform class times across campus.
H. Classroom Assignments
Classroom assignments are made by the department head in conjunction with a master schedule of room assignments for the school. In the event that there is a need to change a classroom, the adjunct faculty member should clear the change with the department head, who will confirm a new location with the building manager.
I. Clerical Services
The departmental secretary is available to assist adjunct faculty with the typing of tests and handouts. However, requests of this nature must be made to give sufficient time for the tasks to be completed. Also, arrangements must be made to work within the 8:00 a.m. to noon, 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. time frame for submitting requests and picking up materials. Departmental offices close at 4:30 p.m.
J. Closed Classes
In the event that maximum enrollment is reached for a class and a student requests a seat to be added, the student should be directed to the department head. The department head has responsibility for setting and controlling class size.
K. Conference Areas
If possible, adjunct faculty teaching on campus will be assigned temporary workspace by the appropriate department head. Adjunct faculty who teach at JSU McClellan or JSU RMC South Complex Jacksonville should consult with the respective director for space arrangements. Where no designated workspace is available, student conferences must be held in vacant classroom either before or after the regularly scheduled time for the class.
L. Copyright Laws (From the Faculty Handbook)
Adjunct faculty are responsible for knowing and observing the laws concerning copyrighted material. University employees who wish to use copies of material created by others (printed material, videotape, computer software, or other materials related to electronic media) are responsible for determining its copyright status and should obtain written permission from the copyright owner before using the material, except when the "fair use" criteria have been met. Please refer to the Intellectual Property and Fair Use Policy in the Jacksonville State University Manual of Policies and Procedures, II: 05:03.
M. Grade Appeal Procedures
Adjunct faculty should see the department head before any discussion with a student concerning a grade appeal.
N. Identification Cards
Adjunct faculty members are not issued identification cards. However, access to the Houston Cole Library may be obtained by providing proper identification to the staff at the circulation desk in the main lobby of the Library.
O. Student Conduct Issues
The JSU Student Handbook contains information about many of the services available to students, important administrative policies and procedures affecting students, academic regulations frequently referred to by students, and student conduct regulations. A copy is kept in each departmental office and is online at JSU Student Handbook.
P. Textbook Selection
It is not typically the responsibility of adjunct faculty to participate in textbook selection. However, it is the responsibility of these faculty to require the students to use the particular textbook(s) and supplemental materials specified by the faculty making the selection. Adjunct faculty should check with the appropriate department head as to the textbook(s) to be used for the particular course which he/she is to teach.
Q. Campus Security
The Jacksonville State University Police Department (UPD) is staffed 24 hours a day, and police may be contacted at any time. After the switchboard closes, the main University telephone number is answered in the UPD. This office maintains radio contact with campus police. As required by the Campus Security Act, campus crime statistics are available : Crime Statistics
R. Campus Parking
Campus drivers must use their designated parking zones. A campus map and parking information may be found here: parking information. Parking decals may be purchased online: Jacksonville State University Parking Decals.
S. Inclement Weather Policy
Jacksonville State University is primarily a self-contained campus with a large number of residential students requiring a variety of support services, regardless of the weather. Normally, the University does not completely close because of bad weather. Decisions to close University operations, including classes, will be made by the President or a designee. In the interest of safety and in recognition of the difficult driving conditions that occur in certain areas, the University permits a liberal make-up policy for commuter students who cannot attend classes during times of bad weather. In the event that the University remains open on days of extreme weather, faculty who cannot reach campus should advise their department heads so their classes can be covered.
T. Injury, Illness, Incidents, and Accidents
Injuries, illnesses, and incidents, other than traffic-related accidents that occur on University property or affect University personnel or equipment, must be reported on the JSU Accident Report Form. Traffic related accidents should be reported to the Jacksonville State University Police Department or an appropriate law enforcement agency.
Additionally, incidents that resulted in no loss or injury but had significant accidental-loss potential should also be reported through this system. See the Jacksonville State University Manual of Policies and Procedures for additional details.
U. Faculty Handbook
Each department head has a JSU Faculty Handbook in the main department office which serves as a ready reference and as a summary of Jacksonville State University academic faculty policies, work rules, and benefits. In addition, the JSU Faculty Handbook is available online. Any questions concerning access to the JSU Faculty Handbook or its policies shall be directed to the appropriate department head.
V. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Information for Faculty (from the JSU Registrar's Office Web Site)
FERPA training is required for all adjunct faculty. A certificate of completion must be on file in Human Resources. The public posting of grades by any of the following methods without the student’s written permission is a violation of FERPA:
- Student’s name.
- Any part of the student’s social security number.
- Student's institutional identification number.
Please note that emailing grades is not recommended. A student's written permission is required to email grades to any account other than a JSU email account, but this practice is not recommended since there is no guarantee of confidentiality on the Internet, even via the JSU email account.
Regardless of the age of the student or who is paying the student’s bill, it is a violation of FERPA to release non-directory information over the phone to a parent. In addition, it would be a violation of FERPA to release directory information to a parent if the student has requested a privacy restriction to be placed on his or her education records.
Additional advice concerning telephone and email follows:
Do not release any information via the telephone without seeking assistance from the Registrar’s Office (256-782-5400). Remember, the student may have placed a privacy block on his or her education records.
Faculty who teach hybrid or online courses or utilize electronic teaching tools such as Canvas share students’ email addresses in a class with others who are in the same class. This is permissible as long as:
- The students have had an opportunity to request that their email address not be disclosed.
- The faculty member does not share the email address of any student who has requested a confidential block on his or her records.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If the contents of this guide conflict with or contradict any information in the most recent JSU Faculty Handbook, JSU Undergraduate Catalog, or JSU Graduate Catalog, the latter three documents take precedence.
This document was updated on 6/21/2023