COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
HANDBOOK
Last Updated February 26, 2007
Pilot Policy-Addendum for Grant- Related Activity
(Spring, 2007-spring, 2009)
Approved by Faculty
February 23, 2007
Rationale:
In order to increase research and refereed publication productivity in the COE, a sub-committee of the LC met to discuss changes to the existing policy for course buy-outs in the COE HANDBOOK. Currently, a course buy-out is available only for those external grants which buy- out 15% plus fringes of a faculty member's salary. Historically, very few faculty members have been able to seek a course reduction under the current policy. There is a need to find more avenues to encourage faculty research and writing. The sub-committee, after two substantive discussions, recommends the following to the LC for further consideration, before putting this pilot policy forward for a faculty vote:
Recommendation :
In cases where the external granting agency does not fund the PI for the needed 15% buyout, plus fringes, it may be possible for the PI to request a one course load reduction under the following circumstances:
• The granting agency will pay $3,000 to cover the cost of a part-time instructor to teach the course normally taught by the PI;
• The PI presents a credible research plan leading to a refereed publication;
• The PI outlines how the project may be a precursor to seeking a more substantial grant in the future;
Granting of a course reduction under these special circumstances will depend upon the discretion of the department chair, in consultation with the program coordinator, to ensure that there will be no adverse effects on students' access to needed courses or advisement for program completion.
Regardless of the number of grants funded in a given year, a faculty member's teaching load may not be reduced by more than one course per year, nor go below one course per year. Accountability to the letter and spirit of the criteria and successful implementation of the grant will determine future eligibility under this pilot policy. Evidence of having met the criteria, such as a status report or article in progress, will be due to the chairperson upon termination of the project or at the end of the pilot policy period.
Benefits of a pilot policy :
The sub-committee recognizes that unforeseen issues may arise implementing this policy-change and feels it is necessary to work through any glitches before changing the Handbook on a permanent basis. These issues can arise when:
Several faculty members are named in the grant, and only the PI is eligible under this pilot policy. Also, in cases where more than one faulty member from a program area or department are eligible at the same time for a course reduction according to this policy, it may not be feasible for all to receive the reduction at the same time due to adverse effects on the program, etc. Not knowing the effects on the college or on faculty morale of these issues, or how to solve them in the fairest way, we recommend a two- year pilot project to begin with spring, 2007 and end with spring, 2009. At that time, a sub-committee will evaluate the policy and revise it, as needed, before making it permanent.
Current policy status :
The current policy will remain in force for buy-outs 15% and above. If a faculty member can obtain such grants, that is the optimal situation because they provide needed extra resources for the university, the college, and the faculty member.
Note:
Faculty members who receive a course load reduction for other reasons will continue to do so. This policy is for the purpose of encouraging faculty research and publication productivity.