In the early 1990’s, the beginnings of Professional Studies (an initiative to provide degree-completion programs for working adult learners) were being considered by the college. In 1994, the first “center” was established in downtown Winfield. From those early beginnings, Professional Studies has grown to include centers in East Wichita, KS (established in 1996), West Wichita, KS (1998), McConnell AFB, KS (2003), Oklahoma City/Midwest City, OK (2005), White Sands Missile Range, NM (2006) and Fort Riley, KS (2006). At the centers, classes are offered during the day, evening and on the weekends in six-week sessions.
In
addition to expanding its “center” operations,
In addition to offering undergraduate degree-completion programs to adult learners, the college has expanded its operations to include graduate education at the master’s level. Today, graduate programs are offered both in the classroom and online.
The mission of Southwestern College Professional Studies Centers is to provide:
· affordable, quality education for professional adults in convenient locations.
· a variety of educational opportunities that will benefit both students and their employers.
· a link from the main campus to other communities.
The college engages in an active strategic
planning process to realize its mission and vision. Additional information about the colleges
strategic goals, directions and steps may be viewed at: http://www.sckans.edu/campus/aboutsc/stratplan.html.
A
complete listing of Professional Studies locations and contact information is
available on the website at: www.sckans.edu/ps or www.sckans.edu/online.
The vice president for Professional Studies and SC Online reports to the president and directs the college’s operations, which provide degree-completion bachelor’s programs, graduate programs and certificate programs for adult learners at satellite locations and online. The vice president serves as a member of the president’s administrative council and has substantial authority in the development and offering of educational programs for working adults.
Staff reporting to the Vice President for Professional Studies and SC Online include:
Director of Academic Programs
Director of Enrollment Management
Director of Graduate Academic Programs
Director of Learner Services
Director of SC Online
Staff members at each location carry out the day-to-day operations of the college.
This council is composed of two full-time faculty members appointed by the president, one full-time faculty member representing the curriculum committee, one full-time faculty member representing the academic affairs committee, two adjunct/affiliate instructors teaching in the professional studies program, the director of SC Online, the director of academic programs (serving as chair), the vice president for professional studies. The president and vice president for academic affairs serve as ex-officio members along with the director of library services and registrar. The council is the curricular and policy development and approval body for professional studies, serving the same functions for the approval of majors and course changes as the curriculum committee and faculty do for on-campus programs.
Additional information about admission into the undergraduate degree-completion program, the application and enrollment procedures, as well as current tuition and fees is available in the Professional Studies and SC Online Catalog published annually.
The college will work with each learner concerning payment options. A variety of payment options may be available including company reimbursement plans, military tuition assistance, and self pay (full payment or partial payment). Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
An academic advisor will be assigned to each learner to provide academic advising assistance.
Additional information about admission into the graduate programs, the application and enrollment procedures, as well as current tuition and fees is available in the Graduate Catalog published annually.
The college will work with each graduate learner concerning payment options. A variety of payment options may be available including company reimbursement plans, military tuition assistance, and self pay (full payment or partial payment). Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
A graduate advisor will be assigned to each learner to provide academic advising assistance.
B.A.,
Bachelor of Arts
B.S.,
Bachelor of Science
B.S.N.,
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Graduate programs include the following:
M.B.A.,
Master of Business Administration
M.Ed.,
Master of Education
M.S.L.,
Master of Science in Leadership
In most cases, students will meet graduation
requirements stated in the catalog under which they first enter
The Professional Studies & SC Online catalog as well as the Graduate catalog provides relevant information to learners concerning academic information and policies. For example the following will be highlighted in each catalog:
Declaration of Major – Process for Changing Major or Programs
Requirements for Transfer Learners
Academic Integrity and Policies Dealing with Academic Dishonesty
General Academic Policies (e.g., course numbering system, SC grading system)
Institutional Policies (e.g., Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – FERPA)
Course Withdrawal Procedures
Course Grade Appeal Procedures
Standards of Academic Progress
Credit for Prior Learning (e.g., validation of credits by exam or extra institutional credit)
Academic Honors
Requirements for Graduation
This section pertains to all affiliate instructors who teach in the classroom or online for Professional Studies.
An affiliate instructor is a part-time employee of the college who:
A. Always receives a term contract (a sample contract may be obtained from the Director of Academic Programs and/or Director of Graduate Academic Programs).
B. Receives no fringe benefits or tuition remissions.
C. Does not accrue time towards tenure, promotion, or sabbaticals.
D. Is appointed after a review of credentials and experience and the conduct of an interview by the Director of Academic Programs and/or Director of Graduate Academic Programs.
E. Completes the Introduction to Online Teaching course prior to consideration for online teaching assignments.
A person assigned the title of affiliate instructor shall
hold, at minimum, a master’s degree from a college of recognized standing. In
lieu of this requirement, considerable experience in an appropriate technical
or professional field may be substituted. The affiliate instructor shall show
proven or presumptive potential for fulfilling the duties and responsibilities
of a member of the
An instructor who teaches on a part-time per course basis for the college, and who is a full-time ranked faculty member of another institution of post-secondary education or has other full-time employment, will be assigned “affiliate” rank at the college that is equivalent to the instructor’s rank at the other institution. Should the other institution not use rank, the title of affiliate instructor will be used.
The affiliate lead instructors act as a liaison within the specific majors offered by professional studies with the affiliate instructors in their major areas. Specifically, they:
1. Review and revise curriculum (texts, syllabi).
2.
3. Participate in college assessment activities.
They are selected by the director of academic programs and/or director of graduate academic programs based upon experience with the programs, expertise and willingness to serve.
Term contracts at the college are given to affiliate instructors, and are limited to the term of employment outlined in the applicable contract. Term contracts do not confer upon an instructor’s entitlement to continued employment after the term specified in the employment contract expires.
Evaluation is a dynamic and continuous process. Classes are held every six weeks throughout the year. Eight different class sessions per year are conducted. Affiliate instructors are evaluated every session through the use of student evaluations. Experience has shown that working adult students readily share positive and negative comments regarding affiliate instructors. All written comments and scores are documented and filed in individual affiliate instructor file folders. The instructor’s teaching techniques will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
a. Ability to communicate
b. Attitude toward learners
c. Enthusiasm for teaching
d. Classroom presentation
e. Promotion of learner responsibility
f. Use of various classroom-based and/or online techniques and approaches
g. Provision of feedback and reinforcement to the learner
h. Subject-matter background and knowledge
i. Updated course syllabus using the specified format (A sample course syllabus is available from the Director of Academic Programs and/or Director of Graduate Academic Programs).
j. Course requirements
k. Validity and reliability of assessments
l. Dynamic course presentation
m. Keeping accurate records
n. Work ethic
1. Meet with classes as scheduled.
2. Provide learners with a detailed syllabus.
3. Be available for meetings with students before class, after class or through online office hours.
4. Assist the registrar in maintaining an accurate record of class enrollment..
5. Turn in grades promptly and properly..
6. Meet with the Director of Academic Programs, the Director of Graduate Academic Programs and/or the lead affiliate instructor if, and as, requested.
The
Affiliate Faculty Handbook includes relevant information for the conduct of
classes including:
Process
for Completion of Employment Paperwork
Preparation
of a Course Syllabus and Online Classes
Verification
Procedures for Class Lists
Assessment
Strategies and Techniques
Grading
Procedures
Expectations to ensure high academic standards and high quality classes:
1. Classes reflect current workplace issues, bridge theory with practice, and allow opportunities for learners to utilize their knowledge, from and in, their respective careers.
2. A variety of meaningful learning activities are utilized in classes.
3. Faculty members adhere to high standards in their class preparation.
4. Syllabi, course learning modules, and detailed class activities/instructional techniques are developed and utilized.
5. Learners have significant assignments each week and are made accountable for them.
6.
7. Learner grades reflect actual work completed and are not inflated.
8. Classes are not cancelled without the director’s approval, nor are classes dismissed early.
9. Learners are encouraged to take only one class and spend 8-12 hours per week studying outside of class.
10. Textbooks are utilized effectively and provide standards for curriculum.
Learners are expected to participate in the student
assessment program. The information resulting from the assessment process will
not be used in any way other than for assessment.
Affiliate instructors are fully protected for classroom academic freedom as follows:
Academic communities traditionally have been the guardians of freedom in all its forms. Controversy and dissent have been basic to the expansion of knowledge and spiritual growth.
The instructor shall be free to discuss, debate, or dissent on all subjects, but should not introduce into the classroom controversial matter which has no relationship to the subject matter of the course.
The intent of this statement is not to discourage what is “controversial.” Controversy is at the heart of the free academic inquiry which the entire statement is designed to foster. The statement serves to underscore the need for the instructor to avoid persistently intruding material that has no relationship to the subject.
The instructor shall be entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of other duties.
The college recognizes the right of instructors to express their grievances and to seek a solution concerning disagreements arising from working relationships, working conditions, employment practices, or differences of interpretation of policy that might arise between the institution and its employees.
The procedures for processing a grievance are as follows:
Step 1. An instructor brings a grievance to the director of academic programs and/or director of graduate academic programs. A disposition of the grievance shall be made by the director within two (2) working days.
Step 2. If the grievance is not settled in the previous step, or if the employee does not wish to take up the grievance with the director, it must be submitted in writing to the vice president for professional studies & SC online. The vice president shall establish and chair an ad hoc committee of no less than two (2) additional administrative or staff personnel not directly involved in the grievance who will conduct a complete review of the grievance. An advisory opinion regarding the grievance will be forwarded to the parties by the vice president in writing within then (10) working days after its presentation.
Step 3. If the grievance is not settled as a result of step 2, the employee may appeal to the president. Within seven (7) working days of receipt of the disposition from the vice president, the employee must notify the vice president in writing that the employee wishes to appeal to the president. The president shall review the facts and make a decision. This decision is final and will be recorded in the grievance file.
There is no further appeal within the college beyond the president unless the president in the first instance was the charged party in the grievance. In that case the procedure in volume IV subsection 4.13.5 may be followed if the grievant wishes to appeal to the executive committee of the Board of Trustees.
The possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs by students or employees is strictly prohibited on the property of the college, even if that activity does not involve students or employees. No college funds will be expended for the purchase of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs at any group activity taking place on or off college property (e.g. alumni event, campaign reception, etc.). See section 3.4.9 for additional information on drug and alcohol regulations for employees.
Students who host, live, participate in, or attend activities where alcohol or illegal drugs are present violate the college’s code of conduct. They may be reported to the appropriate school officials or law enforcement officials if local, state, or federal statutes are violated in addition to facing college action.
Students will be subject to the following sanctions:
1. Disciplinary action;
2. Placement on probationary status;
3. Temporary suspension from classes and activities;
4. Suspension for a semester from classes and activities;
5. Expulsion.
Students subject to these penalties will be afforded all due process rights to which they are entitled by law or under current policies affecting student conduct (see section 8.7). In addition to the above sanctions, a student may be required to meet with a campus counselor. In lieu of suspension or expulsion a student may be required to complete a drug or alcohol abuse education or treatment program as a condition of continued enrollment. The cost of completing such a program will be the responsibility of the student.
Employees of the college are required as a condition of employment to abide by the terms of this policy. Employees are further required to notify the college in writing of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five calendar days after such conviction.
Employees who violate the terms of this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials and will be subject to the following sanctions:
1. Short term suspension with pay;
2. Short term suspension without pay;
3. Long term suspension without pay;
4. Required participation in a drug and alcohol education, treatment, counseling, or rehabilitation program;
5. Termination or dismissal from employment.
Prior to applying sanctions under this policy, employees will be afforded all due process rights to which they are entitled under their contracts, if applicable. Nothing in this policy is intended to diminish the right of the college to take any other disciplinary action which is provided for in college policies.
If it is agreed that an employee should enter into and complete a drug education or rehabilitation program, the cost of such program will be the responsibility of the employee.
The college recognizes that each individual is unique and each incident occurs under varying conditions. Therefore, specific sanctions for specific violations are not predetermined. The sanctions may be implemented individually or in any combination by the appropriate disciplinary authority. A list of possible sanctions for students, which is representative and is neither inclusive nor binding, is in section 8.7.6.
Local, state, and federal statutes prohibit furnishing alcohol to a minor, purchase or consumption of alcohol by a minor, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, vehicular homicide, vehicular battery, transporting liquor in opened containers, obtaining a prescription-only drug by fraudulent means, and possession, use, sale of illegal drugs, stimulants, or anabolic steroids. Penalties range from fines through misdemeanor and felony charges.
The risks of using alcohol include but are not limited to impaired judgment, alcoholism, liver damage, pancreatitis, and congestive heart failure. The risks of using sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, anxiety, blurred vision, respiratory depression, addiction, and death from overdose or unsupervised withdrawal. The risks of using narcotics include but are not limited to AIDS, hepatitis, and skin infections from non-sterile injections, endocarditis, addiction, and coma or sudden death from overdose. The risks of using inhalants include but are not limited to psychosis, accidental suffocation, heart failure, kidney failure, and bone marrow disorders.
Local, state, and federal statutes prohibit furnishing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, purchase or consumption of alcohol by a minor, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, vehicular homicide, vehicular battery, transporting liquor in opened containers, obtaining a prescription-only drug by fraudulent means, and possession, use, sale of illegal drugs, stimulants, or anabolic steroids. Penalties range from fines through misdemeanor and felony charges.
The college will provide information and educational programs that attempt to keep the campus community informed about the consequences of using and misusing intoxicating alcohol and illegal drugs. Help is available for those persons who seek it. Employees and students are encouraged to initiate contact with their supervisor, counselor, a faculty member, or administrator who will work with them confidentially or refer them to an off-campus source of help.
Southwestern College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ethnic origin, or physical disability, veteran (including Vietnam era) status, or other non-merit reasons, in hiring, admissions, and educational programs or activities, all as required by applicable laws and regulations. The college also practices affirmative action in hiring. Responsibility for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries, including those concerning the Civil Rights Act of 1960, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other related federal, state, and local legislation, executive orders, regulations, and guidelines has been delegated to the vice president for finance and human resources, Southwestern College, 100 College, Winfield, KS 67156, telephone (316) 221-4150.
In these policies, if ever this policy manual fails to accurately reflect the accurate and up-to-date status of statutes, case law and regulations, the college will comply with the existing laws. All policies appearing or referenced in this policy manual, including this policy, will be amended as new legislation dictates and may also be revised at the discretion of the college.