Unit: College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources

Date: August 21, 2003
 

CORE REQUIREMENTS   1. The institution has degree-granting authority from the appropriate government agency or agencies.   - Not applicable to unit level.       2. The institution has a governing board of at least five members that is the legal body with specific authority over the institution. The board is an active policy-making body for the institution and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the financial resources of the institution are adequate to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from it. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting members of the board have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution. A military institution authorized and operated by the federal government to award degrees has a public board in which neither the presiding officer nor a majority of the other members are civilian employees of the military or active/retired military. The board has broad and significant influence upon the institution’s programs and operations, plays an active role in policy-making, and ensures that the financial resources of the institution are used to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from the board except as specified by the authorizing legislation. Neither the presiding officer of the board nor the majority of other voting board members have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution.   - Not applicable to the unit level.       3. The institution has a chief executive officer whose primary responsibility is to the institution and who is not the presiding officer of the board.   - Not applicable to unit level.       4. The institution has a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the institution and appropriate to an institution of higher education, addressing teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service.   - Not applicable to unit level.       5. The Institution engages in ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research-based planning and evaluation processes that incorporate a systematic review of programs and services that (a) results in continuing improvement and (b) demonstrates that the institution is effectively accomplishing its mission. The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) is in compliance with this requirement.         i. CASNR participates in the ongoing, integrated TTU-wide research-based planning and evaluation process, also known as the TTU strategic plan. The strategic plan for the college and its academic areas may be found at: CASNR Strategic Plan: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/casnr_info/casnr_strategic_plan/ default_files/frame.htm Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics Strategic Plan: http://www.aeco.ttu.edu/Publications/Strategic%20Planning%20Document{11-6-01}.pdf Department of Agricultural Education & Communications Strategic Plan: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/aged/tempfiles/AECStrategicPlan_D.pdf Department of Animal & Food Sciences Strategic Plan: http://www.afs.ttu.edu/AFSStrategicPlan2002.doc Department of Landscape Architecture Strategic Plan: http://www.larc.ttu.edu/strategicplan.htm Department of Plant & Soil Science Strategic Plan: http://www.pssc.ttu.edu/mission_files/frame.htm Department of Range, Wildlife & Fisheries Strategic Plan: http://www.rw.ttu.edu/dept/strategic%20plan/strategic%20plan.htm International Textile Center Strategic Plan: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/itc/files/strategic_planning.htm ii. CASNR is accomplishing its mission and goals as demonstrated in its recent annual assessment report: http://techdata.irs.ttu.edu/stratreport/Reports2002/1_0_2002.pdf       6. The institution is in operation and has students enrolled in degree programs.   - Not applicable to unit level.       7. Degree programs CASNR is in compliance with all requirements 7.a. – 7.d   a. Offers one or more degree programs based on at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the associate level; at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the baccalaureate level; or at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the post-baccalaureate, graduate, or professional level. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for program equivalency. CASNR has: Bachelor of Science Degree (joint program) with 133 hours in: Agribusiness Bachelor of Science Degree with 134 hours in: Agricultural and Applied Economics Interdisciplinary Agriculture Agricultural Communications Animal Science Food Technology Agronomy Horticulture Integrated Pest Management Bachelor of Science Degree with 137 hours in: Wildlife and Fisheries Management Bachelor of Science Degree with 139 hours in: Range Management Environmental Conservation of Natural Resources Bachelor of Science Degree (Dual Program) with 148 hours in: Agricultural and Applied Economics/General Business Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with 155 hours in: Landscape Architecture Master of Science Degree with 30 hours (Thesis) in: Agricultural and Applied Economics Agricultural Education Animal Science Food Technology Crop Science Entomology Horticulture Soil Science Fisheries Science Range Science Wildlife Science Master of Science Degree with 36 hours (Nonthesis) in: Agricultural and Applied Economics Agricultural Education Animal Science Master of Agriculture Degree with 36 hours (Nonthesis): Master of Landscape Architecture Degree with 36 hours (Nonthesis): Doctor of Philosophy with 60 hours in: Agricultural and Applied Economics Animal Science Agronomy Fisheries Science Range Science Wildlife Science Doctor of Education with 60 hours (Joint Program) in: Agricultural Education   b. Offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. The CASNR Curriculum Committee reviews the standards for curricula to ensure that a coherent set of requirements for the course of study are maintained.     c. Offers a general education program at the collegiate level that is (1) a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency. CASNR complies with the University-wide general education requirements as found in the TTU University Catalog.     d. makes arrangements for some instruction to be provided by other accredited institutions or entities through contracts or consortia, where appropriate. The institution itself, however, provides instruction for all course work required for at least one degree program at each level at which it awards degrees, or provides an alternative approach to meeting this requirement. The alternative approach is approved by the Commission on Colleges. In all cases, the institution demonstrates that it controls all aspects of its educational program. CASNR controls all aspects of its degree programs and joint programs with other programs on campus.       8. The number of full-time faculty members is adequate to support the mission of the institution. The institution has adequate faculty resources to ensure the quality and integrity of its academic programs. In addition, upon application for candidacy, an applicant institution demonstrates that it meets the comprehensive standard for faculty qualifications. CASNR is in compliance with this standard. CASNR has a student/faculty ratio of 13:1. TTU has an average student/faculty ratio of 16:1.       9. The institution, through ownership or formal arrangements or agreements, provides and supports student and faculty access and user privileges to adequate library collections as well as to other learning/information resources consistent with the degrees offered. These collections and resources are sufficient to support all its educational, research, and public service programs.   CASNR is in compliance with this standard. Generally, the TTU main library supports the mission, objectives, degree programs and research needs of the units of CASNR. Additional holdings are housed in Agricultural & Applied Economics, 319 Ag Sciences Building; Agricultural Education & Communications, 206 Ag Ed Building; Animal & Food Sciences, 103 Animal Sciences Building and Range, Wildlife & Fisheries Management, 204 Goddard.       10. The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. CASNR is in compliance with this requirement. The college has the following: Ag Recruitment Career Center (undergraduate services) located in Goddard 108    http://www.casnr.ttu.edu Student Support Services – tutoring available in math & chemistry Mentoring for freshmen Ag students (Ag Pals)—information available in Goddard 108 Career Services – located in Goddard 108 Internship opportunities with state/federal legislators     http://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/current_students/congressional_internships/ Study Abroad – formal study abroad program set up with Royal Agriculture College in England - —information available in Goddard 108 Information on numerous student clubs, organizations & competition teams http://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/current_students/clubs/       11. The institution has a sound financial base and demonstrated financial stability, and adequate physical resources to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs and services. The institution provides the following financial statements: (a) an institutional audit (as distinct from a systemwide or statewide audit) and management letter for the most recent fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant or an appropriate auditing agency employing the appropriate audit guide; (b) an annual budget that is preceded by sound planning, is subject to sound fiscal procedures, and is approved by the governing board; and (c) a schedule of changes in unrestricted net assets, excluding plant and plant related-debt (short and long-term debt attached to physical assets). CASNR is in compliance with this requirement. Routes of compliance: Support for faculty and departmental expenses from the University Contributions from alumni   a. Institutional Audit: CASNR was last audited during the Spring 2003 by the Internal Audit staff of the University.      b. Annual Budget: The annual budget of CASNR is prepared by the Executive Associate Dean and the Business Manager. The budget is reviewed and approved by the Office of the Provost.     c. Changes in Net Assets: N/A.     COMPREHENSIVE STANDARDS   Institutional Mission, Governance, And Effectiveness Institutional Mission 1. The institution has a clear and comprehensive mission statement that guides it; is approved by the governing board; is periodically reviewed by the board; and is communicated to the institution’s constituencies. CASNR is in compliance with this standard. The mission for CASNR may be found at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/casnr_info/casnr_strategic_plan/default_files/frame.htm The mission of the college was reviewed and approved as part of the strategic plan by the TTU Board of Regents at their regular meeting of December 2001.       Governance and Administration 2. The governing board of the institution is responsible for the selection and the evaluation of the chief executive officer.   - Not applicable to unit level.       3. The legal authority and operating control of the institution are clearly defined for the following areas within the institution’s governance structure:   a. the institution’s mission;   b. the fiscal stability of the institution;   c. institutional policy, including policies concerning related and affiliated corporate entities and all auxiliary services;   d. related foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other corporate entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs.   - Not applicable to unit level.       4. The board has a policy addressing conflict of interest.   - Not applicable to unit level.       5. The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies, and protects the institution from such influence.   - Not applicable to unit level.       6. Members of the governing board can be dismissed only for cause and by due process.   - Not applicable to unit level.       7. There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and faculty to administer and implement policy.   - Not applicable to unit level.       8. The institution has a clearly defined and published organizational structure that delineates responsibility for the administration of policies. CASNR is in compliance with this standard. An organizational chart may be found in the Dean’s office located in 108 Goddard.       9. The institution has qualified administrative and academic officers with the experience, competence, and capacity to lead the institution.   - Not applicable to unit level.       10. The institution defines and publishes policies regarding appointment and employment of faculty and staff.   - Not applicable to unit level.       11. The institution evaluates the effectiveness of its administrators, including the chief executive officer, on a periodic basis. CASNR is in compliance with this standard. The Dean reports to the Provost and is evaluated annually. All Associate Deans, Department Chairs & Directors report to and are evaluated annually by the Dean.       12. The institution’s chief executive officer has ultimate responsibility for, and exercises appropriate administrative and fiscal control over, the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program.   - Not applicable to unit level.       13. The institution’s chief executive officer has ultimate control of the institution’s fund-raising activities.   - Not applicable to unit level.       14. An institution-related foundation, not controlled by the institution, has a contractual or other formal agreement that (a) accurately describes the relationship between the institution and the foundation, and (b) describes any liability associated with that relationship. In all cases, the institution ensures that the relationship is consistent with its mission.   - Not applicable to the unit level.       15. The institution’s policies are clear concerning ownership of materials, compensation, copyright issues, and the use of revenue derived from the creation and production of all intellectual property. This applies to students, faculty and staff.   - Not applicable to unit level.       Institutional Effectiveness 16. The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results. CASNR is in compliance with this standard. The means of determining the institutional effectiveness are consistent with the mission of TTU, page 2 of the 2003-2004 Catalog, and with the mission statement of CASNR, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/casnr_info/casnr_strategic_plan/default_files/frame.htm TTU has recently undergone an extensive strategic planning process. Established to be an evolutionary, ongoing process with annual assessment reports based on the written strategic plans of all units, the CASNR Strategic Plan along with the individual Departments Strategic Plans can be found in the same locations as noted in #4 of the Core Requirements above. Assessment of TTU is web-posted http://www.ttu.edu/stratplan/Assessment.php. Annual assessment reports for CASNR is available online at http://techdata.irs.ttu.edu/stratreport/Reports2002/1_0_2002.pdf Hard copy is located in the Dean’s office at 108 Goddard. Educational Programs Program expected outcomes are identified through several sources including the college and department strategic plans (web addresses listed in Core Requirements #4) and in the 2003-2004 Catalog pp 85-100 and at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf. Assessment of achievement of expected outcomes is done through formative and summative grading practices in courses and admission to teacher education reviews, capstone projects, and teacher certification exams where applicable. Site visits and subsequent visit reports from accrediting bodies (where applicable) also serve as assessments of expected outcomes. Evidence of improvement can be noted through longitudinal grade comparisons, results of all review processes as well as student teacher observation and final evaluations forms from cooperating and supervising teachers (where applicable). Evidence of improvement may also be found in department responses to accreditation visitors’ reports, copies of which are located in the departmental offices in which accreditation is necessary. Administrative Services To identify expected outcomes, job descriptions and expectations are on file in the Dean’s Office located in 108E Goddard Building. To assess whether expected outcomes are achieved, the dean of CASNR reports to the provost and is evaluated annually. Associate Deans, department chairs and directors report to and are evaluated by the Dean. Educational Support Services To identify expected outcomes, job descriptions and expectations of departmental staff are located in the departmental offices. Job descriptions and expectations of Dean’s office staff is located in the Dean’s Office, 108E Goddard. To assess whether expected outcomes are achieved, departmental and Dean’s office staff report to and are evaluated by their direct supervisors. Evidence of improvement is based on staff evaluations.       PROGRAMS Educational Programs Standards for All Educational Programs: 1. The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic credit is awarded is (a) is approved by the faculty and the administration, and (b) establishes and evaluates program and learning outcomes. CASNR is in compliance with 1 a – 1b   a. Approved by faculty and administration The approval process for adding, changing, and deleting courses, and changing the method of delivery is found in OP 36.01 http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP36.01.htm. The approval process for new academic programs, course approval for new programs, program termination and changes in delivery is found in OP 36.04 http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP36.04htm. At the college level, there is a curriculum committee made up from a representative of each of the six academic departments within CASNR. There is a member of the Dean’s office on the committee in an advising capacity. After changes are approved in the curriculum committee, they are forwarded per the procedure outlined in the OP manual. A list of the current curriculum committee can be found in the Dean’s Office located in 108E Goddard.     b. Establishes and evaluates program and learning outcomes The establishment and evaluation of program and learning outcomes is addressed through the annual assessment report http://techdata.irs.ttu.edu/stratreport/Reports2002/1_0_2002.pdf.       2. The institution’s continuing education, outreach, and service programs are consistent with the institution’s mission. CASNR is in compliance All of the CASNR Departments offer a variety of continuing education, outreach, and service activities. In 2002, CASNR faculty organized about 30 programs (workshops, symposia, etc.) targeted at building community connections and made 279 invited presentations to research/academic groups, commodity organizations, and agribusiness firms.       3. The institution publishes admissions policies consistent with its mission. CASNR is in compliance Information on admissions can be found in the 2003-2004 Catalog, pp. 21-29, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf for the University and for CASNR on pp. 85-100. Policies within CASNR are consistent with the mission of TTU, p. 2 of the 2003- 2004 Catalog, and with the mission statements of CASNR and its departments, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/casnr_info/casnr_strategic_plan/default_files/frame.htm, http://www.aeco.ttu.edu/Publications/Strategic%20Planning%20Document{11-6-01}.pdf, http://www.afs.ttu.edu/AFSStrategicPlan2002.doc, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/aged/tempfiles/AECStrategicPlan_D.pdf, http://www.larc.ttu.edu/strategicplan.htm, http://www.pssc.ttu.edu/mission_files/frame.htm, http://www.rw.ttu.edu/dept/strategic%20plan/strategic%20plan.htm.       4. The institution has a defined and published policy for evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit for transfer, experiential learning, advanced placement, and professional certificates that is consistent with its mission and ensures that course work and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to the institution’s own degree programs. The institution assumes responsibility for the academic quality of any course work or credit recorded on the institution’s transcript. CASNR is in compliance Information on evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit outlined in this standard can be found in the 2003-2004 Catalog, pp. 21-29, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf for the University, and for CASNR on pp. 85-100 in the 2003-2004 Catalog. Policies within CASNR are consistent with the mission of TTU, pg. 2 of the 2003-2004 Catalog, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf and with the mission statement of CASNR and its departments, web address in #3 above.       5. The institution publishes academic policies that adhere to principles of good educational practice. These are disseminated to students, faculty, and other interested parties through publications that accurately represent the programs and services of the institution. Information on academic policies can be found in the 2003-2004 Catalog, pp.47-52, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf for the University and for CASNR on pp. 85-100. The policies are consistent with the mission of TTU. Operating policies 10.01- 10.11 (Administration), 30.01-30.27 (General), 32-01.32-34 (Faculty), and 34.01-34.23 (Students) and address academic policies http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual.       6. The institution employs sound and acceptable practices for determining the amount and level of credit awarded for courses, regardless of format or mode of delivery.   - Not applicable to unit level.       7. The institution ensures the quality of educational programs/courses offered through consortia relationships or contractual agreements, ensures ongoing compliance with the comprehensive requirements, and evaluates the agreement against the purpose of the institution.   - Not applicable to unit level.       8. The institution awards academic credit for course work taken on a noncredit basis only when there is documentation that the noncredit course work is equivalent to a designated credit experience.   - Not applicable to unit level.       9. The institution provides appropriate academic support services.   CASNR is in compliance A listing of facilities and services is located in the 2003-2004 Catalog pp. 15-20 of the TTU Catalog http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf. CASNR has an Associate Dean who works with students that need assistance from the Dean’s Office, a Director of Ag Recruitment & Career (ARC) Center who supervises two coordinators, a Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs who manages all undergraduate student records and degree programs within CASNR and any questions regarding academic matters. Each of the six departments in CASNR has their own advisors. The ARC Center also provides math and chemistry tutoring throughout the semester to help CASNR students with these subjects. All of the departments in CASNR have active student organizations that support and complement the academic mission of the College and the University. CASNR website, http://www.casnr.ttu.edu, contains information directed toward students, for current and prospective students, departmental links, clubs and organizations, internship opportunities and job listings that are sent to CASNR by employers.       10. The institution defines and publishes general education and major program requirements for all its programs. These requirements conform to commonly accepted standards and practices for undergraduate programs as well as graduate and post-baccalaureate professional degree programs. CASNR is in compliance Undergraduate degree requirements are located in pp 42-43 of the TTU Catalog http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf, with the Core Curriculum requirements listed in pp. 44-47. Graduate program requirements are located in pp. 65-69. Requirements specific to CASNR graduate programs are located on p. 86 and then on each departmental page giving specifics to that major.       11. The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student academic records and maintains special security measures to protect and back up data. CASNR is in compliance TTU keeps students records electronically on TECHSIS, which is password protected. CASNR and each of its departments also maintain student records both electronically and in hard copy format. Student files are located in secure areas with restricted access. TTU adheres to the provisions of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.       12. The institution places primary responsibility for the content, quality, and effectiveness of its curriculum with its faculty. CASNR is in compliance The faculty of CASNR and each of its departments have primary responsibility for the content, quality and effectives of its curricular through the Curriculum Committee. The approval process for adding, changing, and deleting courses and changing the method of delivery is found in OP 36.01 http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP36.01htm. The approval process for new academic programs, course approval for new programs, program termination, and changes in delivery format is found in OP 36.04 http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP36.04htm. Departments that have accreditation also are guided by standards set forth by each respective accreditation organization.       13. For each major in a degree program, the institution assigns responsibility for program coordination, as well as for curriculum development and review, to persons academically qualified in the field. In those degree programs for which the institution does not identify a major, this requirement applies to a curricular area or concentration. CASNR is in compliance By following the process for programs and curriculum development outlined in OP 36.01 and 36.04 cited in #12 above, the CASNR Curriculum Committee assumes responsibility to see that TTU’s procedure is followed. 14. The institution’s use of technology enhances student learning; is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs; and ensures that students have access to and training in the use of technology. CASNR is in compliance Coursework in technology is required of all undergraduate students as part of the Core Curriculum pp. 44-47 TTU Catalog, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf. Upon admission to TTU, students are given an eRaider account through which to access their technology needs. Several departments have additional technology classes and computer labs to ensure their students enter the job market with the needed technology skills. Standards Specific to Undergraduate Programs: 15. The institution identifies competencies within the general education core and provides evidence that graduates have attained those college-level competencies. CASNR is in compliance Objectives for each of the categories of the TTU Core Curriculum are stated in pp. 44-47 of the TTU Catalog, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf. Specific competencies of the courses included in Core Curriculum are identified and developed by the departments responsible for those specific courses. Evidence that graduates have attained those college-level competencies is manifested in the grades that are assigned to students in those courses.       16. The institution awards degrees only to those students who have earned at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through instruction offered by that institution. 25% Rule of Resident Coursework Required for Degree CASNR is in compliance TTU OP 34.09, section 2a states the 25% rule http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP34.09.htm. The rule is also published on p. 42 of the TTU Catalog http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf.       Standards Specific to Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Programs: 17. The institution’s post-baccalaureate professional degree programs, and its master’s and doctoral degree programs are progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate programs. CASNR is in compliance Primary responsibility for the academic content of these programs resides at the department level with oversight at the college and institutional levels. Requirements reflecting advanced academic content are found in the TTU Catalog, pp. 65-69, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf. Additionally, specific information is located in each of the departmental offices.       18. The institution ensures that its graduate instruction and resources foster independent learning, enabling the graduate to contribute to a profession or field of study. CASNR is in compliance Conformity to the standards of departmental accreditation (if applicable) ensures that its graduate instruction and resources foster independent learning, enabling the graduate to contribute to a professional field of study. Additional attention to this standard is derived through the Strategic Planning Annual Assessment Reports of the institution, its colleges and its departments.       19. The majority of credits toward a graduate or a post-baccalaureate professional degree is earned through the institution awarding the degree. In the case of graduate and post- baccalaureate professional degree programs offered through joint, cooperative, or consortia arrangements, the student earns a majority of credits from the participating institutions. CASNR is in compliance Minimum residence requirements and regulations regarding transferred work are published in the TTU Catalog, p. 66, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf.       Faculty 20. 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 accord 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 all its faculty.   Credential Guidelines:   a. Faculty teaching general education courses at the undergraduate level: a doctoral or a master’s degree in the teaching discipline or a master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline).   b. Faculty teaching associate degree courses designed for transfer to a baccalaureate degree: a doctoral or a master’s degree in the teaching discipline or a master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline).   c. Faculty teaching associate degree courses not designed for transfer to the baccalaureate degree: a baccalaureate degree in the teaching discipline, or an associate degree and demonstrated competencies in the teaching discipline.   d. Faculty teaching baccalaureate degree courses: a doctoral or a master’s degree in the teaching discipline or a master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline). At least 25 percent of the discipline course hours in each undergraduate major are taught by faculty members holding the terminal degree–usually the earned doctorate--in the discipline.   e. Faculty teaching graduate and post-baccalaureate course work: earned doctorate/ terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline.   f. 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.   CASNR is in compliance All full-time faculty in CASNR hold appropriate terminal degrees or qualifying experiences that meet the TTU Certification of Faculty Qualifications, OP 32.02, section 2, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.02.pdf.       21. The institution regularly evaluates the effectiveness of each faculty member in accord with published criteria, regardless of contractual or tenured status. TTU regularly evaluates the effectiveness of each faculty member in accordance with published criteria. Performance evaluation of faculty is detailed in OP 32.32, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.32.html, and comprehensive performance evaluation of tenured faculty members and faculty members who receive an academic promotion is detailed in OP 32.31, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.31.html.       22. The institution provides evidence of ongoing professional development of faculty as teachers, scholars, and practitioners. CASNR is in compliance Each faculty member submits an annual report of activities as per OP 32.32, section 3.a, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual?OP32.32.html. TTU provides for leaves of absences, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.15.html, and for development leaves, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.29.html. Departments allow faculty to attend professional meetings for purposes of professional development.       23. The institution ensures adequate procedures for the safeguard and protection of academic freedom. CASNR is in compliance TTU faculty is assured of academic freedom as stated in the Faculty Handbook, p. 33 http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/FacultyHB.pdf.       24. The institution publishes policies on the responsibility and authority of faculty in academic and governance matters. CASNR is in compliance TTU OP 32.06, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.06.html, Faculty Responsibility outlines expectations in the areas of teaching, research and creative activity and university, community and professional service. It also allows for faculty to have authority in their respective classroom.       Library and Other Learning Resources 25. The institution provides facilities, services, and other learning/information resources that are appropriate to support its teaching, research, and service mission. CASNR is in compliance The TTU library supports the mission, objectives, degree programs, and research needs of CASNR. Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education, Animal & Food Sciences and Range, Wildlife and Fisheries Management also house additional holdings in their respective departments.       26. The institution ensures that users have access to regular and timely instruction in the use of the library and other learning/information resources. The TTU Library has staff available for instruction in the use of their facilities and resources on a formal or informal basis. In addition, support staff is available to assist users in departmental resource centers. Faculty members provide instruction through their research-based courses that use the resources.       27. The institution provides a sufficient number of qualified staff--with appropriate education or experiences both in library or other learning/information resources–to accomplish the mission of the institution. The TTU Library has qualified and sufficient staff to accomplish the mission of TTU as far as CASNR is concerned.       Student Affairs and Services 28. The institution publishes a clear and appropriate statement of student rights and responsibilities and disseminates the statement to the campus community. CASNR is in compliance Student rights and responsibilities are published in the TTU Catalog, pp. 47-52, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/Catalog.pdf, and in the Student Affairs Handbook on the Student Affairs web site, http://www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/.       29. The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student records. CASNR is in compliance TTU keeps student records electronically on TechSis, which is password protected. CASNR also maintains student records both electronically and in hard copy format. Undergraduate student records are kept in the Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs’ office located in the Dean’s Office. There is sufficient security for the student records. TTU and CASNR adhere to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.       30. The institution provides services supporting its mission with qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs programs. CASNR is in compliance TTU and CASNR and its departments employ qualified personnel that provide quality student services.       RESOURCES Financial and Physical Resources