2.3.1.2 Probationary Appointments
2.3.2 Employment Appointment Information
2.3.3 Definitions of Appointment Terms
2.3.4 Duration of Appointments
2.3.5.1 Appointments of Employment
2.3.5.3 Policy for Re-employment of Faculty Retirees
2.3.1 Types of Appointments
Full–time faculty appointments are those designated as one (1.0) FTEF (full–time equivalent faculty) in accordance with Board of Supervisors guidelines. Part–time faculty appointments are those designated less than one (1.0) FTEF. Faculty appointments are of three types: “term,” “probationary,” and “tenure.” The basic, but not exclusive, distinctions among these appointments are as follows:
2.3.1.1 Term Appointments
A full–time or part–time term appointment is for a designated period and automatically expires at the end of that period. Re–employment of the faculty member after expiration of a term appointment is solely within the discretion of the University. Term appointments are also used to provide compensation for probationary or tenure appointment faculty who perform compensable duties not covered by probationary or tenure appointments.
2.3.1.2 Probationary Appointments
A full–time probationary appointment is for a designated period not to exceed one fiscal year and may be issued for a maximum of six academic years, subject to non–reappointment at the end of each designated period. Probationary appointments are also known as “tenure–track” appointments.
2.3.1.3 Tenure Appointments
A full–time tenure appointment is for a designated period not to exceed one fiscal year but gives the faculty member the constitutional right to continuous appointments until the faculty member resigns, retires, becomes permanently disabled, is dismissed for adequate cause, or is terminated pursuant to a reduction in force resulting from a bona fide financial exigency or from the formal discontinuance of a degree or program area. Tenure does not guarantee a right to rank, salary, or work assignment.
2.3.2 Employment Appointment Information
All faculty employment appointments shall be tendered subject to the availability of funds. Appointments shall include the following information:
- type of appointment (tenure status);
- salary amount;
- designation of program area(s);
- designation of academic rank, academic title, or special academic status;
- duration of appointment;
- special conditions (if any).
2.3.3 Definitions of Appointment Terms
For the purposes of the policies contained in this chapter, “academic year” shall mean that period of time encompassed by fall and spring semesters. “Fiscal year” shall mean July 1 to the following June 30. “Calendar year” shall mean January 1 through December 31. “Working day” shall mean any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday during the calendar year that the University is officially open; however, in accord with University guidelines, “working day” may also include the other days of the week (as pertaining to the University Library, for instance). “Class day” shall mean any day during which classes are scheduled.
2.3.4 Duration of Appointments
Unless otherwise specifically defined in an individual appointment of employment, appointments for the academic year shall be defined as:
9-month faculty – This appointment is considered to be continuous from the beginning of the fall Faculty Convocation, or three (3) working days before fall semester classes begin, through the spring semester commencement.
10-month faculty – This appointment is considered to be continuous beginning one week before each Faculty Convocation, or eight (8) working days before fall semester classes begin, and one week after the spring semester commencement.
Unless otherwise specifically defined in an individual appointment of employment, appointments for the fiscal year shall commence on July I and end on the following June 30.
2.3.5 Faculty Appointments
In policies, practices, and procedures related to faculty appointments, the University shall not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The University shall take affirmative action to employ protected class applicants and to treat all employees during employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of Louisiana. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, affirmative efforts with respect to employment, promotion, retention, recruitment, or recruitment advertising; reduction in force, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for faculty development activities. Furthermore, the University shall post in conspicuous places notices setting forth the provisions of this policy.
2.3.5.1 Appointments of Employment
Employment appointments are subject to approval by the President; all appointments are issued on official University forms and are contingent upon availability of funds. No offer of employment is valid and binding on the University until approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Appeals of appointment terms shall give the faculty member an automatic extension until the appeal is resolved through the normal due process channels established by this Manual. Faculty will continue to be paid under the terms of the offered appointment as long as they perform the duties specified for the appointment.
2.3.5.2 Types of Appointment
Faculty appointments are defined to include the following types:
2.3.5.2.1 Regular Appointment
The term “regular appointment” refers to those full–time or part–time term, probationary, or tenure appointments held by one person.
2.3.5.2.2 Shared Appointments
The term “shared appointment” refers to those part–time probationary or tenure appointments held by two people in a single authorized position. For the purposes of salary determination, promotion, tenure, performance assessment, and other personnel matters, individuals holding shared probationary or tenure appointments shall be subject to policies, procedures, and time–lines governing regular appointments. Shared appointments shall be approved by the President, based upon recommendations from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the appropriate Dean and Department Head, and specifically so identified in the official University budget. Such appointments shall be made only when the credentials of the faculty members and/or the needs of the degree or program area so justify.
2.3.5.2.3 Joint Appointment
The term “joint appointment” refers to those full–time or part–time term, probationary, or tenure appointments held by one person with specific contractual designation in more than one program area. For the purposes of salary determination, promotion, tenure, performance assessment, and other personnel matters, individuals holding joint appointments shall be assigned by the President, upon recommendation of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the appropriate Deans and Department Heads, to a program area as determined by the percentage of workload or level of responsibility. Joint appointments shall be approved by the President, based upon recommendations from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the appropriate Deans and Department Heads.
Such appointments shall be made only when the credentials of a faculty member and/or the needs of the degree or program area so justify. Available accrediting agency criteria for faculty will be used as guides for determining the appropriateness of the appointment.
2.3.5.2.4 Dual Appointments
The term “dual appointment” refers to appointments that concern an individual who is working for two public agencies at the same time. Nicholls employees are to be reminded that Louisiana statute specifically defines situations and conditions for dual appointments. These statutes also place limitations on those situations where dual appointment is allowed. For instance, anyone on 100 percent employment at one agency cannot be contracted by another; if employed by two agencies, one of the appointments cannot exceed 75 percent. Faculty or staff, therefore, who are employed 100 percent at Nicholls cannot teach (unless adjunct) at another institution.
All employees should be aware of possible conflicts with dual appointment statutes and should consult with the proper agencies whenever a conflict may be possible.
Section 5.4.4 titled Political Office of this Manual contains information about political office and dual appointment.
2.3.5.3 Policy for Re-employment of Faculty Retirees
Reemployment of Faculty Retirees. The reemployment of faculty retirees shall be governed by the rules and regulations of the applicable State retirement systems and Board Rule C-III, Section II of the Board Rules. (Revised 10-24-08)
The Department of Human Resources should be consulted for guidance prior to the rehiring of retirees.
Changes to Section of Manual
| Section | Effective Date | Origin | Change Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3.4 | 08/31/2021 | Academic Affairs | University Policy and Procedure Change Form – 2.3.4 Duration of Contracts |
