WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST
FACULTY HANDBOOK
The UAS Faculty Handbook outlines the University of Alaska Southeast organization, procedures of the Faculty Senate, academic ethics, rights, and responsibilities, curricular development protocols, support services, procedures and guidelines for faculty evaluation and sabbatical leave, and other matters of faculty life. Everything in the Handbook arises from University of Alaska Board of Regents’ policies and regulations, faculty union collective bargaining agreements, and University of Alaska Southeast policies. The Handbook should be considered a companion to the UAS academic catalog.
Other important materials regarding University planning and governance reside within other UAS websites such as the Provost's Office, the Chancellor's Office, and the Faculty Senate website. Faculty are encouraged to visit these websites to be apprised of strategic planning, budget issues, and other matters of importance.
Faculty Handbook Update
On November 4, 2011 the Faculty Senate and Provost jointly approved a newly revised UAS Faculty Handbook through a shared governance process. The document was the result of the efforts of a working group composed of the Faculty Senate President, United Academics UAS Organizational Vice President, University of Alaska Federation of Teachers President, senior UAS faculty, the Provost, and the Assistant to the Provost. For the most part, the revisions made to the Handbook were primarily updates and clarifications so that the document correctly reflects current faculty collective bargaining agreements, Board of Regents policy and regulations, and UAS business practices. The document was also consolidated into a single PDF file to improve faculty navigation through important processes such as faculty evaluations and provide an easier way to access the Handbook information overall.
The Handbook will be reviewed annually by an ad hoc Working Group created jointly by the Faculty Senate President and Provost. The Group will review the document and recommend changes to the Faculty Senate. The Senate will then consider the recommendations and take action no later than their regular May meeting and the resulting Handbook revision will be posted on the Web. This process of reviewing, updating, reaffirming, and posting the revised Handbook will ensure everyone is aware of applicable policies and procedures prior to the start of each academic year.
Note: Since the current version of the Faculty Handbook was approved after faculty evaluation processes had begun, faculty undergoing comprehensive reviews in AY 2011-12 will be evaluated under the earlier approved Faculty Handbook evaluation guidelines, not the new guidelines contained in the current Handbook. (Copies of the earlier version of the Handbook can be obtained from the Provost’s Office.)
The UAS Faculty Handbook should provide faculty ample guidance in most cases, particularly in the areas of evaluation for promotion, tenure, and sabbatical leave and curricular development. Should clarification and further guidance be required, the Provost’s Office is always available to respond to you personally.
Richard A. Caulfield, Ph.D.
Provost
796-6486
provost@uas.alaska.edu