Section IV: Teaching, Research, and Service

Teaching
- Evaluation of Teaching
- Academic and Classroom Policies
Research
Service
Resources for Supporting Teaching, Research, and Service

Introduction to Section IV

Section IV focuses on matters of central concern to the faculty: policies and information pertaining to the prime faculty responsibilities of teaching, research, and service; policies and procedures regarding promotion and tenure; and information on faculty salaries, leaves, and benefits. Faculty members are urged to become familiar with these matters, to be aware of current interpretations, and to participate in their further development.

Teaching, research, and service are at the heart of university life. Indeed, the quality and recognition of its academic programs and the work of its faculty mark the vitality of an institution. Members of the faculty are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and to function within the specific traditions, policies, and regulations of their respective academic units and of the University at large. They are expected to meet academic program needs through excellence in teaching and scholarly productivity, to be well-informed on issues and policies that govern teaching and research, and to participate in the formulation of such policies. In addition, faculty members are expected to attend to their own intellectual and professional development.

The University acknowledges that the developmental process should be allowed to occur in an atmosphere of maximum flexibility, permitting each faculty member's unique talents to reach fruition. Thus, the faculty is encouraged to take advantage of the many University services and programs that can facilitate professional growth. University policies, procedures, resources, and services deemed important for improving teaching effectiveness and enhancing the level of research and scholarship apply equally well to the promotion and support of faculty development.

Set forth in this section are some of the policies and regulations pertaining to teaching, research, and service. Some of those are longstanding and can be changed only through action of the Chancellor, the Board of Trustees, or the Board of Governors. Most, however, are subject to change through the governance structure at other levels of the institution. The faculty should be aware of the conditions for adaptive change and be attuned to the several constituencies of the University: students, staff, colleagues, administrators, alumni, and the larger community.

Information to supplement this section is contained in the Undergraduate Bulletin, The Graduate School Bulletin, the Policies for Students Web Page, the University Policy Manual, and the instruments of government for the respective schools and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Teaching

Excellence in teaching is at the heart of the learning process. Teaching encompasses classroom and laboratory or studio instruction, academic advising, thesis or dissertation supervision, community-based practice, and continuing and professional education programs.

Teaching assignments emerge from consultation among faculty members, department heads, and deans and normally are determined at the academic unit level according to program needs and individual faculty talents and interests. Guidelines and forms for assigning faculty workloads are described in the UNCG Faculty Workload Guidelines.

Academic advising is seen as an important aspect of teaching, through which intellectual stimulation, tutoring, and personal and career counseling are offered to students. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor in the student's stated field of interest. Undeclared students are apportioned among the faculty members appointed as general advisors. Faculty advising assignments are normally determined by the Office of Student Academic Services, although some programs make their own designations. A first-year faculty member is usually excused from advising responsibilities. Faculty members are expected to facilitate contact with students through office hours or other arrangements whereby they are accessible. The Office of Student Academic Services and the Registrar's Office provide valuable support in helping students interpret and follow University guidelines and policies.

Faculty members have opportunities, as well as the responsibility, to participate in the consideration and formation of curricula and policies on teaching. Some of the procedures are described in "The Constitution of the Faculty" (PDF) and in descriptions of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, the Graduate Studies Committee, and the Teachers Academy. At the school or college and department levels, information on procedures to influence teaching policies is available from the appropriate dean or department head (or chair or coordinator).

Support in faculty and curriculum development is an important departmental responsibility. Departmental efforts in this regard may be supplemented by enabling support at the College or school level, particularly in comprehensive efforts to improve core curricula or interdisciplinary education. The Office of the Provost provides a special grant program for the advancement of teaching, faculty development, and curricular innovations and promotes other opportunities that support the professional development of faculty (e.g., faculty exchanges).

Evaluation of Teaching

The primary function of the University is teaching, and excellence in teaching should be encouraged and rewarded. An evaluation system for all faculty members may be provided by a portfolio consisting of multiple measures of teaching effectiveness as described in the "University-wide Evaluation Guidelines for Promotions and Tenure" and specified in criteria for effective teaching developed by the units.

Academic and Classroom Policies

Summaries of academic and classroom policies related to teaching are specified below, alphabetically. Complete policies may be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin, The Graduate School Bulletin, and the Policies for Students Web Page. These policies provide a framework that permits the University to perform its academic mission uniformly and efficiently. Faculty members are expected to execute their duties within the context of these policies, whether established by the Board of Governors, General Administration, or at UNCG.

Academic Integrity Policy

In 1977, the faculty adopted the "Academic Integrity Policy" that sets forth the responsibilities of the academic community to uphold the highest of standards in the pursuit of knowledge. Each faculty member is expected to be thoroughly cognizant of the tenets of this document and to participate actively in its applications.

Faculty members may solicit advice from former members of the Executive Committee on Academic Integrity, as well as the Office of Student Affairs, regarding interpretation of the "Academic Integrity Policy," procedures for filing charges, descriptions of how hearings are conducted, appropriate types of documentation to be used in a hearing, etc. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs maintains a list of names of faculty members who serve on the Executive Committee.

The complete "Academic Integrity Policy" can be found in the Policies for Students Web Page.

Calendar and Class Schedule

The academic year calendar consists of two semesters of seventeen weeks each and a summer session of ten weeks divided into two equal terms with opportunities for special scheduling.

The Schedule of Courses is prepared by the University Registrar's Office. Early in each term, the Registrar's Office sends a request to the deans and department heads for a list of course offerings for the following semester. Basic scheduling guides provide for the various sequence patterns and for time limitations set for courses and programs. Efforts are made to achieve a balanced schedule that is sensitive to pedagogical and student needs, the effective utilization of facilities, and the flow of traffic on campus.

Class Attendance

In general, faculty members use their own judgment in prescribing attendance expectations for their classes. For undergraduate courses, the faculty member may set and enforce reasonable attendance policies that should be appropriate to the content, requirements, and method of instruction. Attendance policies must be explicitly stated in the course syllabi and announced in class, particularly at the beginning of the term. Faculty members maintain attendance records as appropriate to the attendance policy. Appeals from the policy are made to the Instructor, the Department Head, the Dean, and the Provost, in that order. The faculty member may exact penalties for unsatisfactory class attendance by: (1) lowering the course grade and (2) in extreme cases, dropping the student from the course.

A faculty member may contact Student Health Services for verification of absence due to illness, but individual diagnoses and related details will be released only with the student's written consent. The Counseling Center cannot release information ascertaining absences due to counseling circumstances without the written consent of the student. The decision to help absentee students with make-up work or to give make-up tests rests with the faculty member. A faculty member who must be absent from class is expected to inform the department head or dean and make appropriate arrangements for meeting class obligations. If a faculty member is not in the classroom at the time for class to begin, students are expected to wait for at least ten minutes before leaving.

Classroom Assignments

The University Registrar's Office is responsible for course scheduling and room assignments for classes. The deans make requests after consultation with department heads or division chairs who review the requests of individual faculty members. Classrooms are considered to be a campus resource and are not assigned exclusively to particular departments or units even though scheduling preference may be given to departments in close proximity to classrooms. Classes may only be scheduled in rooms officially designated as classrooms, seminar rooms, or laboratories.

Commencement

Commencement exercises at the University are held semi-annually: on the Friday in May following end-of-semester examinations (usually in the Greensboro Coliseum) and on the Thursday in December following end-of-semester examinations. All full-time faculty members above the rank of instructor are expected to march in the academic procession. Instructors and non-teaching faculty members are invited to participate.

The faculty procession is led by the Faculty Marshal, who is a respected and honored senior member of the faculty and who has been recognized for distinguished teaching, research, and service. The length of service in rank as Professor and years of service to UNCG may also be considered. The Faculty Marshal shall be appointed by the Chancellor for five years.

Faculty members who do not own academic regalia may rent gowns, caps, and hoods through the University Bookstore.

The Commencement Participation Policy for students appears in the Undergraduate Bulletin and in The Graduate School Bulletin.

Consent for Participation in Classroom Exercises

When potential health risks are associated with any classroom exercise, the faculty member is responsible for securing from the students a signed consent form. These forms are available from the department office. A student whose health condition may be affected adversely by participating in the classroom exercise or whose participation could create a health risk to others shall be excused from participation. The student's choice not to participate shall be kept confidential by the faculty member and shall not result in any different treatment of the student by the instructor nor shall it have any effect upon the student's grade.

Consortium and Interinstitutional Agreements

The University has entered into two agreements that provide for students to register for courses at one of the participating institutions, subject to a number of stipulations. The Greater Greensboro Consortium agreement includes the following institutions: Bennett College, Elon College, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, High Point University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The second agreement is an interinstitutional registration agreement that provides for students to enroll for courses at Duke University, North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, or The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Copies of the agreements are available in the Office of the Provost.

Copyright Act of 1976

Faculty members who make available to students photocopies of copyrighted works should become familiar with the Copyright Act of 1976 (United States Code, Title 17), available in the Documents Division of Jackson Library. Also, they should review the "Statement on Photocopying and Copyright for The University of North Carolina," which is filed under "University Reports" in the Reserve Division of Jackson Library. For interpretation of the effect of the law on individual cases, faculty may consult the University Counsel.

The faculty should be especially cautious about using an independent copy company to assemble readings for sale to students. Normally, the creation of anthologies is not permissible under the "fair use" doctrine of the copyright law. For this reason, faculty should either obtain publishers' permission or verify that the copy company has done so before submitting work for copying and distribution to students.

Examination Policy

The final examination schedule for the semester is prepared by the Office of the University Registrar, as determined by the Academic Policies Committee. The time set aside for final examinations is considered as part of the instructional time for the semester and involves approximately six days at the end of each semester.

Examination periods are three hours in length, and three-hour examinations may be given. Faculty members are not, however, required to use the entire three hours for examination purposes.

Faculty members decide whether or not a final examination is to be included in the teaching of a particular course and must inform the students concerned of this decision early in the semester. If a final examination is not to be given, the faculty member must plan for and meet with the class during this time. The allotted time for the examination should be used for an appropriate alternative instructional period or activity. No test intended to substitute for the final exam may be given during the week preceding the final examination period.

Changing Examination Times

Change by Faculty - Faculty members may change the examination time posted in the examination schedule provided that the unanimous consent of the students affected by the change is secured and that the new time falls within the final examination period. A new room assignment for the rescheduled exam must be secured from the Registrar's Office.
Change by Student - Students may change their examination schedule only under the following circumstances:
- Conflict in Exam Times - If a student has two examinations scheduled at the same time, this conflict must be corroborated in writing by the University Registrar's Office, and another time must be negotiated by the student and the faculty member concerned.
- Crowding - In the event that a student has more than two examinations scheduled within a 24-hour period, the additional examination may be rescheduled. If mutually agreeable, the student and the faculty member concerned may negotiate an acceptable time for the exam to be given. If the faculty member concerned has problems rescheduling an exam, he or she may make arrangements for the University Registrar's Office to proctor the exam.
- Other Circumstances - When a student is ill, has a death in the family, or when other circumstances occur that are beyond the student's control, the student and the faculty member negotiate a new examination time.

In all cases, a rescheduled examination must be taken within the scheduled examination period for the University.

Inclement Weather Policy

In the event that the Chancellor officially cancels any exam periods for reasons such as severe weather or power outages, the rescheduled exams would be held on date(s) which are listed in the academic calendar and in the letter of instruction which accompanies each faculty member's semester final grade sheet.

Reading Day

The last instructional day immediately preceding the first day of the examination period is set aside as Reading Day for students. Faculty may not give an examination nor an assignment in lieu of an exam on that day. During the ten calendar days preceding Reading Day, no hourly tests may be given unless announced during the first month of the semester. It may not always be possible to include a reading day in the calendar because UNC General Administration sets the number of required class days.

Retention of Examinations

The faculty is expected to retain all papers not returned to students, including examinations and term papers, for a period of one calendar year, in order to ensure a basis for possible review of a grade. A faculty member should be willing to discuss any examination or grade at the request of a student.

Special Examination for Credit

In exceptional circumstances students may attempt to establish credit by examination. Detailed explanations may be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Field Trips with Students

A field trip is defined as one in which a faculty member accompanies one or more students on a trip expressly as an extension of the classroom experience. On such occasions, University vehicles may be used. See information on the use of state-owned vehicles in Section VI on Salary, Leaves, and Benefits.

Grading Policies and Procedures

The Faculty Senate has adopted grading policies that are published in the Undergraduate Bulletin and in The Graduate School Bulletin. Some schools and departments have established additional grading policies within the framework of the all-University policy.

A description of the grading symbols (A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, I, P/NP, S/U, W/WF, NC) appears in both the Undergraduate Bulletin and The Graduate School Bulletin. An explanation of these grades is also included in the letter of instruction that accompanies each faculty member's final grade list(s). Plus (+) and minus (-) grades are used for calculation in undergraduate grade point averages. Graduate students may be given plus or minus grades, but these will not affect their grade point average. Please note that a grade of "A+" is not assigned to undergraduate students, as the grade point average at UNCG is a maximum of 4.00. Graduate students may not be given a grade of "D" for courses that are 500-level or above.

Near the end of the semester, the University Registrar's Office sends class lists with procedural instructions to members of the teaching faculty. Final grades are due as follows:

24 hours after the final examination for students who are designated as graduating and
48 hours after the final examination for all other students.

Grades are reported electronically on UNCGenie. Grades cannot be changed after they are officially reported unless the change is approved by the instructor, the appropriate dean or department head, and the University Registrar.

A retroactive grade change is a change in an officially reported grade. A grade becomes official when the University Registrar so stipulates. Except to correct clerical errors, a retroactive grade change is considered an extraordinary action and is granted only in the most compelling circumstances. No change may occur unless the instructor who gave the grade initiates the formal process of a retroactive grade change. The change must also be approved by the instructor's department head and by the instructor's dean. In the event that the instructor is, for practical purposes, unavailable, only the Academic Appeals Committee of the Faculty Senate may act in place of the instructor in the matter of a retroactive grade change.

A student shall be given one year to petition for a retroactive "W" following the semester in which grades were awarded. Any retroactive grade change to a "W" must meet the preceding conditions and be approved by the Director of Student Academic Services (for undergraduate students) or the Graduate School (for graduate students). In addition, an instructor who is being asked by a student to consider a retroactive withdrawal must be informed by Student Academic Services of how many courses were completed and how many requests for a retroactive "W" are being sought by that student for the semester in question.

Faculty members report to the University Registrar's Office the unsatisfactory standing of undergraduate students whose work at the end of the first six weeks is low or failing. Class lists and instructions for reporting unsatisfactory progress are sent to the faculty from the University Registrar's Office.

Office Hours and Availability

The actual work period of the nine-month contract is considered to be from the official opening of school in the fall semester through the date of Commencement (or approximately August 15th through May 15th) each year. Faculty members should establish office hours, daytime or evening, at times most conducive to the needs of their students. Such hours should be regular, clearly posted, and consistently kept. Each department or unit should have this information for coordination of its collective schedule as well as for reference in advising students or colleagues who seek contact.

Registration

Before attending classes, students must have completed official registration. Each instructor receives from the University Registrar's Office class lists of duly registered students. Students who register late or incorrectly or who wish to change their registration must make changes officially through the Registrar's Office. Instructors are informed of such changes via electronic class rolls. During registration periods, faculty members are expected to participate in the registration process upon the request of their dean or department head.

Safety and Health Standards

The Office of Safety maintains the University's Safety and Health Policies and Procedures. These policies include specifics on both state and federal fire, electrical, and chemical regulations. They are all contained in the UNCG Safety and Health Policy and Procedure Manual, which is located in each department head's office, the Reserve section of Jackson Library, and on the Office of Safety's Web Page. Faculty members are required to abide by these policies that protect faculty, staff, students, and the surrounding community from a variety of safety, health, and environmental hazards. As stated in the Chancellor's policy statement, "Safety must be considered a basic responsibility for our everyday pursuits, in concert with teaching, research, and service."

Smoking in Classrooms

In 1952, the Faculty Council adopted the regulation that there is to be no smoking in any classroom on campus with the exception of those seminar rooms in which smoking is approved by the appropriate deans and department heads. The complete "University Smoking Policy" appears in the University Policy Manual. Most buildings are completely smoke free and have signs posted on entry doors.

Student Records

The policies that regulate the use of student records at the University have been developed to protect the rights and privacy of the student. In all major respects, these policies are compatible with the authoritative national standards on this matter and must comply with applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regarding confidentiality of records.

The University must respect obligations of confidentiality toward the student and toward others who (at the student's request) contribute to the record with the understanding that confidentiality will be maintained. To achieve these purposes, access to various student records is restricted to specific University personnel whose duties require such access.

Information contained in a student's record, with the exception of information legally defined as of public record or directory information, is regarded as confidential and may only be released with the student's consent.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

As stated in Section 608 of The Code of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina:

The University of North Carolina affirms that the first goal of each constituent institution is to educate the students admitted to its programs. The freedom of students to learn is an integral and necessary part of the academic freedom to which the University and its constituent institutions are dedicated. Each constituent institution shall provide, within allotted functions and available resources, opportunity for its students to derive educational benefits through developing their intellectual capabilities, encouraging their increased wisdom and understanding, and enhancing their knowledge and experience applicable to the effective discharge of civic, professional, and social responsibilities. No constituent institution shall abridge either the freedom of students engaged in the responsible pursuit of knowledge or their right to fair and impartial evaluation of their academic performance.
All students shall be responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that helps to enhance an environment of learning in which the rights, dignity, worth, and freedom of each member of the academic community are respected.
In applying regulations in the area of student discipline, each constituent institution shall adhere to the requirements of due process as set forth in Section 502 D (3) of The Code.

Copies of the University's Academic Integrity Policy, Student Disciplinary Code, and Grievance Procedures for Students appear on the Policies for Students Web Page.

Summer Session

Summer teaching is optional and subject to academic plans and availability of funds. Compensation for summer term instruction is in addition to the regular salary for faculty on nine-month contracts. The salary for summer school teaching is paid at the end of each term. For more information, refer to the "Summer Session Compensation Policy."

Research

In support of its stated mission and goals, the University has made a strong commitment to research and other creative scholarly activity for the advancement of knowledge and practice.

Research at the University encompasses the writing and publication of scholarly books, theoretical and empirical research papers, historical documents, creative prose and poetry, and the creation and presentation of works in the visual and performing arts. The nature and standards of such works are established primarily by the field of specialization and the academic unit. In accordance with principles of academic freedom, faculty members may pursue any avenue of creative activity, provided the chosen avenues are consistent with the activities and

goals of their basic academic unit and the University at large. Faculty members are encouraged to take advantage of the many University services and resources that can facilitate their scholarly and creative work. These are set forth in this section.

In light of the University's doctoral character, a significant portion of a faculty member's time is expected to be engaged in research and creative activity. This work is supported as fully as possible through intramural funding and services. Support from outside sources is, nonetheless, vitally important. Intramural research funding is allocated in expectation of energetic and effective faculty efforts to secure extramural funding. Support for research and other creative work from within the University is provided through Research Assignments (with pay or contingent upon external funding), Research Grants, and Summer Research Awards.

Research Assignments

Tenured faculty members may apply for a research assignment to work on or off campus in the form of a one-year research assignment at one-half salary or a one-semester assignment at full salary. Priority is given to those engaged in research and other creative projects that are near completion.

Applications for research assignments are made in the fall through the department chairs to the deans. The Board of Trustees, with the approval of the Chancellor, takes final action upon the recommendations of the Provost. Specific application guidelines are issued to deans, department heads/chairs, and the University Librarian by the Provost in the fall, approximately four to six weeks before the application deadline. Faculty research assignments without pay (when external support is expected) are requested through the same procedures and schedule.

To the extent that external funding is acquired, the University is able to provide research assignments to more faculty members in any one year. Those who acquire external funding for salary support and are approved for a one-semester research assignment will receive University salary support sufficient to bring the total salary to the full level (assuming the external grant is less than that amount). Faculty members who are approved for a research assignment for one semester, at full salary, will remain on payroll at their regular salary. During this period, the University will continue to fully fund all benefits normally paid by the institution. Unless the employee specifically requests changes, all taxes, deductions, and benefits will remain unchanged.

Faculty who acquire external support and are approved for an academic-year research assignment will normally be permitted to use the external funding to supplement the University's contribution of one-half salary, provided the total does not exceed the academic year salary rate. Faculty members receiving approval for a research assignment for a full year, at one-half salary, may choose: (1) to have any external funding paid directly to the University or (2) to receive the external support directly from the awarding agency. If a faculty member selects the first option, sufficient extramural funds must be available to cover the equivalent of one-half of the affected faculty member's annual salary. In cases where these funds are paid directly to the University, the money will be used to provide a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement to the department in order to pay those hired to assume the regular faculty member's duties during the period of the research assignment. The regular faculty member will remain on payroll at full salary, and the University will continue to fund all benefits normally paid by the institution. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to ensure that funds from the external agency are transferred to the institution as agreed upon. Funds will be made available to the faculty member's home department only after the University is in receipt of this extramural support. Faculty members who elect option two should check with the Office of Human Resource Services relative to the effect this option will have upon their benefits.

A research assignment is considered to be a reassignment of University duties and does not constitute a break in service. If a dean grants an exception to award a tenure-track faulty member a research assignment, the period of time spent on this assignment is considered as part of the probationary service.

Faculty members on research assignment are required to report on their accomplishments during the period of the assignment. A report must be submitted to the Provost within six months of the end date of the research assignment. Faculty members are also expected to return to UNCG for at least one academic year following the research assignment.

Research Grants

The Research Grants Committee of the Faculty Senate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is responsible for reviewing grant applications and recommending to the Associate Provost for Research the allocation of funding to members of the faculty. Research grants are intended primarily to assist faculty members in the initiation of their research programs, especially in the case of younger faculty members who have not yet developed extramural funding support. These grants are also intended as an incentive for and recognition of the creative work of the faculty in developing extramurally supported programs, where such funding is available. Information on application procedures, factors to be addressed in the proposal, regulations regarding the use of grant funds, and faculty member responsibilities in executing the grant may be obtained from the Office of Sponsored Programs For more information, refer to the "Guidelines for Faculty Research Grants."

Summer Research Awards

The University provides funds each year to support a limited number of summer research awards. The program was established to assist scholars and creative artists at early stages of their professional careers. Those tenure-track faculty members who have not yet received tenure are eligible to apply. Priority is given to proposals that show significant promise and eventual extramural support. The aim of the program is to bring scholarly and artistic endeavors more rapidly to completion. Innovative teaching projects that have a clear research component are also eligible for support, but the award is intended to support research and creative activity and may not be used to support classroom instructional duties. Announcement of the deadline and procedure for filing applications is made in the fall by the Associate Provost for Research, approximately four to six weeks before the deadline. Upon the recommendation of the Provost, the Chancellor makes awards in December for the following summer.

Research Excellence Awards

The Research Excellence Awards were established in 1988 with the following statement: "Given that creating and diffusing knowledge is a formal obligation of the University, the Research Excellence Awards will be given to a full-time member of the faculty whose work contributes in an exemplary fashion to this end." Two awards are given: the junior award for assistant and associate professors in the amount of $4,500 and the senior award for full professors in the amount of $7,500. The awards are based on three criteria: (1) the importance of the cited contribution to the field (2) the originality of thought and execution demonstrated, and (3) the pattern of the nominee's research productivity. The awards are based on research conducted within the past five years at the University, and a person is not eligible for the award twice within the span of five years. A committee appointed each year by the Chancellor reviews the nominations made by other faculty, and the awards are presented at the annual Excellence Day Celebration in the spring.

Subsidies for Publication, Exhibition, and Performance

The Research Grants Committee has a small fund for expenses incurred by faculty for publishing, exhibiting, and performing. For additional information, refer to the "Proposal Guidelines for Subsidies and Exhibition/Performance Charges."

Extramural Support

Most monies are received through the awarding of contracts and grants to individuals by non-University federal, state, and local agencies and through business, industry, and nonprofit organizations. All funds allocated or awarded to the University for research and creative activity - including extramural grants and contracts designated for individual faculty members - are administered by the University. While designated faculty members have primary responsibility for such monies, all expenditures require the approval of the Office of Contracts and Grants in the Division of Business Affairs. This Office ensures that monies are expended in accordance with state and federal regulations and within the terms of the award instrument. With the approval of the Chancellor, state funds for research are allocated to the departments and other academic units by the Provost through the Associate Provost for Research and the deans of the College and the professional schools. For additional information, refer to the "Guidelines for the Use of Indirect Cost Recovered."

University Services in Securing Extramural Support

Three offices provide essential services in assisting faculty and administrators with securing and administering external funding for instruction and research activities: (1) the Office of Development, (2) the Office of Sponsored Programs, and (3) the Office of Contracts and Grants. These offices work together to ensure the coordination that is essential to successful external resource development. The principal role of the Development Office is to cultivate donations (unrestricted or restricted) from private sources (individuals, private organizations, business, and industry). The principal role of the Office of Sponsored Programs, a division of the Office of Research, is to assist faculty and others to secure grants, contracts, and sponsored projects from external sources. The Office of Research also assists faculty, staff and students in the commercialization of intellectual properties and material transfer agreements through the Office of Technology Transfer and facilitates research activities that involve human subjects, animal subjects, biological and chemical hazards and radioactive materials through the Office of Research Compliance. The Office of Research works closely with the Office of Contracts and Grants.

The Office of Sponsored Programs offers a variety of services to faculty members and administrators to assist them in identifying and contacting appropriate funding agencies, planning application and proposal strategies, and preparing proposals. Other services currently provided include direct distribution to the faculty of funding opportunity announcements via a computerized faculty database system, on-line computer access to several databases for funding source searches, copying of proposals and applications for extramural support, mailing services for proposals and applications, administration of intramural funding programs, and contract development. The Office of Sponsored Programs also maintains a reference library on funding sources and regulations and attempts to stimulate research through the sponsorship of topical workshops.

Administration of Proposals

The President of The University of North Carolina requires that all proposals or applications for extramural funding of University-sponsored activities, whether of an instructional, research, or public service nature, be submitted to the Office of Sponsored Programs for review and approval prior to forwarding beyond the campus. Instructions and necessary forms ("Green Folders") are available in the Office of Sponsored Programs. The review and approval procedure may be expedited through preliminary discussion of the proposal with the staff of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Ethical and Professional Considerations in Research

Human Subjects

The University Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of policies and procedures pertaining to the protection of human subjects in research, as presented in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidelines. Each department or school utilizing human subjects has its own IRB representative who is required to approve all projects involving human subjects conducted in that department.

An individual investigator initiates review by submitting an IRB application to the appropriate IRB representative. For additional information, refer to the policy on the "Protection of Human Subjects in Research."

Animal Subjects

The use of animals in research is governed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and must follow guidelines presented in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by HHS. Research involving animals at the University is monitored by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which reviews all research projects involving animals, whether or not supported by external funding, and inspects all animal research and holding facilities. The IACUC has the authority to suspend any research activity involving animal subjects that does not adhere to the policies and procedures set forth in the HHS Policy. Department Animal Committees provide preliminary screening of projects in departments that regularly use animals in research.

An individual investigator initiates review by submitting IACUC Form 1 to the appropriate Department Animal Committee or, if a department has no committee, directly to the IACUC. For additional information, refer to the policy on the "Protection of Animal Subjects in Research."

Criminal Interference with Animal Research

Senate Bill 518 (1991) created a new category of crime. Section 14-159.2 makes it a misdemeanor for a person willfully to:

engage in an unauthorized entry into any research facility where animals are kept for the advancement of medical, veterinarian, dental, or biological sciences with intent to
1. disrupt normal operations,
2. damage facility or personal property,
3. release the animals, or
4. interfere with the care of the animals;
damage any research facility or personal property;
release any animal without authorization; or
interfere with the care of any animal.

If a person releases an animal with an infectious disease, then the crime becomes a felony.

As a condition of probation, the court may order restitution for damages including costs of restoring the animal to confinement, restoring the animal to its health condition prior to release, and restitution for damage to any personal or real property. If the interference causes the failure of an experiment, the restitution may include the cost of repeating the experiment.

Co-Authorship on Published Research and Professional Papers

Most professional organizations provide guidelines regarding ethically acceptable practices for co-authorship on collaborative research papers and other scholarly published works. When questions arise with regard to co-authorship, the guidelines of the relevant professional organization should be followed.

Patents and Copyrights

The University's "Patent and Copyright Policies," (Chapter V-B of The Administrative Manual of The University of North Carolina) developed by General Administration and approved by the Board of Governors, apply to the entire UNC System. A statement of "Patent and Copyright Procedures," developed specifically for this University, has been approved by the Board of Trustees.

Service

Service involves participation in professional activities inside and outside the University; participation in social, political, and cultural activities in the larger community; and participation in the formal and informal varieties of governance and student support activities at the departmental, school or College, and University levels. Such activities are considered in decisions regarding promotion, tenure, merit salary increases, and contributions in teaching and research. Some of the administrative policies related to service responsibilities are described below.

Dual Employment (Services for State Agencies and Constituent Institutions)

When one state agency secures the services of an employee of another state agency on a part-time, consulting, or contractual basis, approval must be given in writing by the administrative head of the agency from which the employee receives his or her regular paycheck. If the work to be performed is outside regular scheduled hours, the immediate supervisor must certify in writing that the work and any preparation for it will be done on the employee's own time.

No employee on paid leave may be paid additionally for other services performed for the parent agency. Payments within the state system are made directly to the parent agency of the employee, rather than to the employee; however, travel or subsistence expenses are paid directly to the employee.

This policy applies to all state employees, those both subject to and exempt from the State Personnel Act. The "Dual Employment Policy" is included in the Policy Manual for Staff Employees.

Employment Beyond Contract

University employees, including faculty members, may engage in teaching and other professional activities (with or without pay) beyond their contract and normal responsibilities. The needs of the University and the professional relevance of such work for the individual are considered in authorizing such activity. (On rare occasions and only when the needs of the University can be served in no other practicable manner, the "Policy on Compensation Beyond Contract" may be invoked to allow faculty and EPA nonfaculty employees to engage in other types of activities.) Prior approval to engage in the proposed activity must be granted by the Provost or appropriate Vice Chancellor. For more information, refer to the complete "Policy on Compensation Beyond Contract."

External Professional Activities for Pay

Faculty employment outside the University is governed by the system-wide policy approved by the Board of Governors. Both the "Policy Statement on External Professional Activities of Faculty and Other Professional Staff" and the "Notice of Intent to Engage in External Professional Activities for Pay" form are included in Chapter III-F of The Administrative Manual of The University of North Carolina. (PDF)

Political Activities

Political activities of University employees are governed by the state-wide policy approved by the Board of Governors. With respect to candidacy for membership in the General Assembly, in any case in which an employee has a position in either a primary or a general election, the presumption shall be that such candidacy creates a conflict of time which interferes with performance of responsibilities owed the University; accordingly, the candidate must sustain the burden of demonstrating conclusively that such a conflict in fact does not exist, if the candidate is to avoid the usual requirement that he or she either resign from University employment or obtain a leave of absence without pay of appropriate duration. An employee who fails or refuses to observe the procedural requirements of the policy has violated the terms and conditions of his or her employment and is subject to disciplinary action.

For additional information, refer to the complete set of policies on "Political Activities of University Employees."

Faculty Services to Students

Faculty members can render valuable services to students through formal programs such as SOAR and Focus and through participation in efforts to recruit new students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Faculty members serve as advisors to student clubs and organizations and as speakers and resource persons for student activities. By their presence at University events, faculty members set examples for students and encourage broader student participation in University life. The faculty's dedication to the students' university experiences not only benefits the students and enhances the University but is also personally rewarding.

Resources for Supporting Teaching, Research, and Service

Resources available to the faculty for teaching, research and creative activity, and service include space and facilities, supplies and equipment, library facilities and services, computer facilities and training, statistical consulting services, secretarial and clerical services, instructional technical services, the use of vehicles, reimbursement and educational leave for job-related courses and tuition-free course enrollment (one course per term). Other resources and services are available in certain departments or provided according to selection criteria for faculty development. These include graduate and teaching assistants, research assignments, summer research excellence awards, library studies, reimbursement for job-related travel, grants for professional development and instructional improvement, and faculty exchange opportunities.

Computing and Information Systems

Section VIII of the Handbook for Faculty details the computer services available for faculty.

Academic Assistance Program for EPA Employees

The purpose of the Academic Assistance Program for EPA Employees is workforce development. The program provides supervisors with a means to support educational activities which are deemed beneficial to both The University and employee, and which serve to develop the employee's knowledge, skills and abilities directly related to their current position. The AAP provides reimbursement of academic costs if funds are available at the departmental level, and/or time away from normal responsibilities if the course is available only during working hours.

Faculty Exchange

Avenues are open to exchange work locations with a faculty member at an overseas university for a semester or year. The University encourages such exchanges, recognizing that the exchange process must comply with the policies of the institutions involved. Faculty members are expected to take the initiative in seeking exchange opportunities, whether through their own professional organizations, the International Programs Center, or other sources. Requests for an exchange are made through regular administrative channels, beginning with the department head or chair. Additional information about this opportunity is available from the International Programs Center, located at 127 McIver Street.

Grants for Professional Development and Instructional Improvement

The University Teaching and Learning Center (UTLC) administers the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (ATL) grants, Faculty Instructional Development Mini-Grants, and the John and Mary Hamil Fund for Innovation in Undergraduate Studies. These grants are designed to enable faculty or faculty groups to pursue professional development activities, special projects in instructional development, course development, curricular reform, enhancement of learning through technology, research in teaching and learning, and interdisciplinary activities. ATL grants are limited to $3,000 for proposals from individuals and to $6,000 for proposals from a department or group of faculty. Mini-grants are limited to $300 per application. Awards for the Hamil Fund may total up to $800 depending upon availability of funds. The calendar of submissions and application forms are available at the UTLC website.

International Programs Center

The International Programs Center was established in 1991 to manage and expand the University's several international efforts. Specifically, the Center manages faculty and student exchange programs with partner universities in other countries, assists in the development of the International Studies and Business and International Education programs, and conducts several programs of outreach in the field of international education. To achieve its objectives, the Center conducts workshops to publicize international opportunities; manages the University's international linkage program; provides logistical support to visiting scholars and international students; assists faculty members, departments, and schools in seeking external funding for international projects; and provides travel grants and other awards from its International Programs Endowment.

Library Resources and Services

Section VIII of the Handbook for Faculty describes the many services Jackson Library has available to aid faculty in teaching and research.

Statistical Consulting Center

The Statistical Consulting Center (SCC) is a campus-wide service center available to faculty, staff, and students seeking statistical advice during any stage of research planning, proposal writing, design, or analysis. The statistical expertise of the faculty and the graduate assistants allows the SCC to offer advice on a wide variety of statistical methods. The SCC consults with numerous graduate students and faculty each year from such diverse areas as Psychology, Biology, Music, Nursing, Nutrition, and Business. In addition, the SCC does statistical work for agencies outside the University on a contractual basis.

Faculty engaged in unfunded research who wish to use the SCC should contact the Director to set up an initial appointment. Faculty conducting funded research who would like statistical consulting must have the SCC budgeted into their original proposal.

The SCC deals with computing only as it relates to statistics. The Center is able to answer most questions relating to the proper use of statistical software such as SAS, SPSSX, BMDP, or Minitab. Questions related to computer systems use or programming languages such as Fortran should be taken to Academic Computing. If needed, the SCC does data entry and data base manipulation on a fee basis.

The SCC operates on a very limited basis during the summer. Faculty, staff, and students with large problems or complex analyses should seek assistance during the regular academic year. Drop-in consultations are discontinued during the summer.

Travel

Limited travel funds are available to full-time faculty members attending professional meetings or otherwise representing the University. The Provost allocates funds to the deans of the College and schools for distribution to departments; criteria vary considerably among schools and departments. If the department is not able to provide the necessary support, the department head may request additional support through the dean. The dean will judge the priority of the request within available resources and assist in identifying any other sources that may be appropriate.

Tuition Waivers

Full-time faculty and staff members of the University who are eligible for membership in either the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System of North Carolina or an approved optional retirement program may receive a waiver of tuition and fees for one course per academic term on a space-available basis, if enrollment does not interfere with normal employment obligations. The privilege of tuition-free enrollment may be exercised at any of the constituent institutions of the UNC system. Faculty may obtain the forms for requesting tuition waivers from the Office of the Provost.

University Teaching and Learning Center

The primary mission of the University Teaching and Learning Center (UTLC) is to provide support to the faculty and instructional programs of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In keeping with this mission, all services of the UTLC are based on meeting the instructional needs of the faculty and students in courses of study offered through academic degree programs at the University. Most services to faculty for instructional support are free. Other programs or projects are supported on a fee basis as long as such support does not interfere with the primary mission of the UTLC.

Page updated: Friday, August 14, 2009

Accessibility Policy

Office of the Provost
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
201 Mossman, P.O. Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE: 336-334-5494
FAX: 336-334-3009

Faculty Handbook

Office of the Provost