It competently offers the institution's academic programs and fulfills those tasks appropriately assigned it. The preparation and qualifications of all members of the faculty are suited to the field and level of their assignments. Qualifications are measured by advanced degrees held, evidence of scholarship, advanced study, creative activities, and relevant professional experience, training, and credentials. The faculty is sufficiently numerous to carry out such functions in addition to instruction as student advising and academic planning and to participate appropriately in policy-making, course and curricular development, and institutional governance. The institution employs an open and orderly process for recruiting and appointing its faculty members.
Faculty participate in the search process for new members of the instructional staff.
The institution observes pertinent legal requirements related to equal employment opportunity and compatible with its mission and purposes, addresses its own goals for the achievement of diversity of race, gender, and ethnicity. Faculty selection reflects the effectiveness of this process and results in a variety of intellectual backgrounds and training. Each prospective faculty member is provided with a written contract that states explicitly the nature and term of the initial appointment and, when applicable, institutional considerations that might preclude or limit future appointments. Similarly, the institution publishes, makes accessible, and explains upon appointment the explicit criteria and procedures for the appointment, evaluation, advancement, and termination of academic support staff who are not members of the faculty but who have academic responsibilities. Such staff are appropriately qualified and are provided reasonable employment security.