The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) requires that accredited institutions evaluate and enforce faculty qualifications in order to demonstrate that faculty have the appropriate subject matter expertise for teaching classes, supervising research, and conducting clinical experience. The Commission requires that institutions and departments have a written policy and that departments complete a document that states these requirements are met for those teaching, including full-time, part-time, adjunct, dual credit, temporary and non-tenured faculty. This policy creates a campus standard and sets standards for the appointment of all instructors teaching courses for academic credit at Indiana University East. Departments are expected to review and submit the enclosed check sheet (or equivalent alternative) to the Dean or Unit Head, and then to Academic Affairs.
The HLC allows an institution to determine that a faculty member is qualified based on experience that the institution determines is equivalent to the degree it would otherwise require for a faculty position. This experience should be tested experience in that it includes a breadth and depth of experience outside of the classroom in real-world situations relevant to the discipline in which the faculty member would be teaching.
Credentials at the undergraduate level. The faculty member must meet one of the following:
1. The individual must hold a doctorate or terminal degree in the field or closely related field of the course.
2. The individual must have a master's degree in the field or closely related field of the course.
3. The individual must hold a master's or terminal degree in another field, while having a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the field taught.
4. The individual must have documented experience, which includes professional experience with managerial responsibilities or experience in an occupation related to the field; or hold a nationally recognized certificate or credentials in the field; or present ample publication of research in the field.
Credentials to teach at the master's degree level. The faculty member must meet one of the following:
1. The individual must hold a doctorate or terminal degree in the field or closely related field of the course.
2. The individual must have a master's degree in the field or closely related field of the course, plus 10 years of professional experience.
3. The individual must hold a master's or terminal degree in another field, while having a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the field taught, plus 10 years of professional experience.
4. The individual must have documented experience, which includes professional experience with managerial responsibilities or experience in an occupation related to the field; or hold a nationally recognized certificate or credentials in the field; or present ample publication of research in the field.
