Common use of Academic Units Clause in Contracts

Academic Units. a. Only approved coursework and/or program of study will count toward classification advancement. Faculty are encouraged to obtain prior approval before beginning coursework, by submitting course/program and institution information to the Office of Human Resources. b. The rationale for courses and/or degrees submitted for credit toward classification advancement must meet at least one of the following conditions: (i) Be directly related to the employee’s current faculty service area; (ii) Be consistent with the minimum qualifications necessary to maintain the employee’s position with the District; (iii) Meet requirements for a degree in employee’s current faculty service area; (iv) Be an appropriate course(s) or program of study relating to the learning process or special student situations, (e.g., conditions unique to underrepresented populations, first-generation students, etc.). (v) Be professional education and/or college administration courses, providing these courses would aid the faculty member in understanding education law, finance, or organization. (vi) Or otherwise add to the faculty member’s professional competence c. No course, semester units, or degree credit shall be granted for classification advancement unless such course, semester units or degree was earned at an institution of higher learning, which has been accredited by a nationally recognized agency, such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The District reserves the right to determine if the accrediting agency is acceptable. Faculty are encouraged to ask the District to make this determination prior to beginning courses or a program of study. d. No course or semester units shall be approved for classification advancement or for degree credit unless the employee receives a letter grade of “C” or higher or receives a “pass” designation in the “pass or fail” system.