Faculty Development

The Tennessee Board of Regents recognizes the need for the continued professional growth and development of all faculty at institutions in The College System of Tennessee. Each faculty member is to participate in faculty development activities each academic year.

The continued professional growth and development of faculty is to include: (1) new developments and knowledge in academic disciplines (including academic research and creative endeavors); (2) new curricular, instructional, research, and service techniques and strategies; (3) enhancement for meeting the changing needs and expectations of students. While all faculty are responsible for their own continued professional development, the college must provide planned, organized faculty development programs to encourage professional growth in accordance with its missions and goals. Jackson State Community College considers the faculty development program as an integral part of its faculty evaluation system. (TBR Policy No. 5:02:01:05)

Faculty will propose development activities each year as part of the annual faculty evaluation agreement negotiated with the immediate supervisor. Development activities also may be proposed for a faculty member by the immediate supervisor or dean in order to address weaknesses identified in the previous year’s evaluation agreement. If a proposed activity requires funding beyond the resources of the division, a written request for funds should be submitted through the appropriate dean to the Vice President of Academic Affairs as soon as possible. Faculty travel requests, whether part of the evaluation agreement or not, should be submitted on a travel authorization form.

Faculty Orientation. It is also incumbent upon the institution to ensure that new faculty receive adequate orientation and mentorship. To that end, a formal mentorship program and a new faculty orientation of no less than one semester will be created and implemented by the institution.