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AP 3-81 Chairs Rights And Responsibilities

Arapahoe Community College
Series 3 – College Personnel
AP 3-81 Department Chair Rights and Responsibilities

Originated: May 2000

Revised: May 2006; March 2015, July 2016; July 2018; March 2024

Effective: May 2000; May 2006; March 2015; July 2016; July 2018; March 2024

References: BP 3-10; BP 3-20; AP 3-55; AP 3-80; Faculty Department Chair Position Description, Internal Compensation Practices Guidelines, ACC Recruitment & Selection Guide

Approved:

Stephanie J. Fujii, Ph.D.
President, Arapahoe Community College

PURPOSE

To provide information related to the selection process, compensation, rights, and responsibilities of faculty who serve as department chairs.

This Procedure contains pertinent information affecting faculty members, current through the date of its issuance. To the extent that any provision of this Procedure is inconsistent with State or Federal law, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Policies (BPs) or Colorado Community College System President’s Procedures (SPs), the law, BPs and SPs shall supersede and control. BPs and SPs are subject to change throughout the year and are effective immediately upon adoption by the Board or System President, respectively. Faculty members are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the BPs, SPs as well as College directives, including but not limited to this Procedure.

Nothing in this Procedure is intended to create (nor shall be construed as creating) an express or implied contract or to guarantee employment for any term. The College reserves the right to modify, change, delete or add to this Procedure as it deems appropriate.

SCOPE

Faculty, as defined in BP 3-10 Administration of Personnel, assigned to fulfill department administrative and supervisory responsibilities and activities that are appropriately compensated.

DEFINITIONS

Department - a unique discipline or several disciplines which may contain multiple prefixes and comprise a minimum amount of FTE.

Chair - member of the faculty in a department selected to serve as chair. Works collaboratively with other contractual faculty, instructors, and staff to carry out administrative and supervisory functions. Reports to the respective Dean.

PROCEDURE

  1. Method of Selection

    Department Chair positions will be posted as promotional opportunities via an internal posting for a minimum of 2 weeks. Candidates will be screened and selected following the college's standard screening and hiring practices as described in the ACC Recruitment & Selection Guide. If a search fails to find a suitable candidate, the Provost may request approval from the Cabinet and President to post an external search. Chairs serve contingent upon proficient performance in administrative duties.
     
  2. Compensation
     
    1. Department Chair compensation is outlined in ACC's Internal Compensation Practices Guidelines and included in the Faculty Department Chair addendum which is provided to Faculty Department Chairs annually with their faculty contract. 
       
  3. Rights of Chairs
     
    1. Chairs shall have all rights as faculty members. (See AP 3-80 Faculty Rights, Responsibilities and Workload.)
       
    2. Chairs shall have access to all information needed to manage and administer department budgets, perform faculty evaluations and meet the needs of the department.
       
    3. Chairs shall have access to clearly itemized comprehensive budgets in a reasonable time frame, to inform management decisions and monitoring of departmental needs.
       
    4. Chairs shall have the right to call, organize and conduct meetings of the Department and to coordinate the budget planning and assessment process.
       
    5. Chairs shall have the right to meaningful input and full participation from everyone in the Department in achieving Department goals and objectives.
       
    6. Chairs shall have the right to fair and equitable compensation for assigned duties and responsibilities.
       
    7. Chairs shall have the right to adequate clerical support.
       
  4. Responsibilities of Chairs
     
    1. Fulfill all assigned department chair responsibilities and activities as described in the Faculty Department Chair Position Description.
       
    2. Work the full faculty contract plus additional days specified in ACC's Internal Compensation Practices Guidelines and the Faculty Department Chair Addendum. Department Chairs will be responsible for following all ACC practices and procedures for administrative personnel, including:
       
      1. requesting non-working / personnel leave days in advance using the established leave request procedure
      2. requesting alternative work assignments following the Alternative Work Schedule, Flexplace & Telework Guidelines.
         

REVISING THIS PROCEDURE

ACC reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this procedures at any time and the change shall become effective immediately.