3.7.1 Faculty Competence

Comprehensive Standard:  The institution employs competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution.  When determining acceptable qualifications of its faculty, an institution gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline in accordance with the guidelines listed below.  The institution also considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity, including, as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, related work experiences in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes.  For all cases, the institution is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of its faculty.

X  Compliance
    Partial Compliance
    Non-Compliance

Narrative:

As a research institution offering baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees, Georgia State adheres to the SACS-defined faculty credential guidelines which follow:

  1. Faculty teaching general education courses at the undergraduate level: doctoral or master's degree in the teaching discipline or master's degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline). [1]
  2. Faculty teaching baccalaureate courses: doctoral or master's degree in the teaching discipline or master's degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline).  [1]
  3. Faculty teaching graduate and post-baccalaureate course work: earned doctorate/terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline. [1] 
  4. Graduate teaching assistants: master's in the teaching discipline or 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline, direct supervision by a faculty member experienced in the teaching discipline, regular in-service training, and planned and periodic evaluations.

In general, graduate teaching assistants must meet the credential guidelines described above as outlined in the HR appointment policy [2]; at times, exceptions are made with appropriate justification [3].

Supporting Documentation:

  1. Query application to access roster of faculty, qualifications, and teaching assignments by college and department. 
  2. Graduate Assistant Policy 
  3. GTA exceptions by college