Credentialing

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) subscribes to the values and practices developed through the regional body for academic self-regulation, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation Comprehensive Standards sets forth the basic standards that an institution should meet in order ensure that its faculty holds the appropriate level and kind of credentials as follows:

3.7.1. The institution employs competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution. When determining acceptable qualifications of its faculty, an institution gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline in accordance with the guidelines listed below. The institution also considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity, including, as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, related work experiences in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. For all cases, the institution is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of its faculty.

FAU subscribes to the standards established by SACSCOC, beginning with the principle that consideration of faculty credentials begins with the instructional assignment. The content/level of the course or other instructional assignment determines the qualifications required to teach it.

This manual describes the policies and practices of Florida Atlantic University for ensuring that all courses are taught by well-qualified instructors. It includes the procedures used to review the credentials of every instructor teaching a course at FAU.