Degree Program Instructional Delivery (Full-Time/Part-Time Faculty)

McNeese State University relies on the expertise of qualified faculty to ensure the academic quality of the curricula and to fulfill the institution’s educational mission. The institution seeks to have adequate faculty committed full-time to McNeese to provide excellent instructional delivery and accomplish out-of-class responsibilities necessary for a thriving University community. This policy aligns with the SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation Standards 6.1 (full-time faculty) and 6.2.b (program faculty).

McNeese strives to have at least 60% of the major courses for each degree program taught by full-time faculty (tenured, tenure-track, visiting, non-tenure-track, or other full-time status). Undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and post-master’s certificate programs may call for specialized faculty credentials for effective knowledge transfer. Such certificate programs strive to have at least 30% of the required courses delivered by full-time faculty, and up to 70% of the courses may be taught by appropriately credentialed part-time faculty who specialize in the field or hold specific credentials related to the course content. Exceptions for full-time faculty requirements for the certificate programs may be considered when academic credentials and specific certification or unusual expertise of part-time faculty enhances the classroom experience.

In unforeseen circumstances, such as when a full-time faculty member vacates a position with short notice, the institution strives to keep students on track toward program completion and may offer courses temporarily (no more than one academic year) with appropriately credentialed part-time faculty at a rate higher than the normal guideline.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.