THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE

                         FACULTY SENATE 


 Senate Document Number    0294F 

 Date of Senate Approval   11/10/94


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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:

     FWDC #1:  PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNCA FACULTY

   The professional responsibilities of full-time faculty at UNCA are divided
   among the three general headings of teaching, scholarship and service.  All
   three are considered important, but historically UNCA has placed the
   heaviest emphasis on teaching.  The way in which faculty members meet these
   three responsibilities will vary from department to department and may
   differ throughout a faculty member's career.

   As a relatively small, primarily undergraduate, liberal arts university,
   UNCA properly requires excellence in teaching as its first priority. 
   Teaching loads are also heavier at UNCA than at some of the larger
   institutions in the UNC system.  In order to teach well at the university
   level, up to several hours of preparation may be required for every hour in
   the classroom.  Besides direct preparation for class, university faculty are
   also expected to keep abreast of the literature of their respective
   disciplines in order to incorporate current insights into their teaching.  
   In addition, many more hours of follow-up are often necessary to meet with
   students, support ongoing projects, and evaluate their completed work. 
   Finally, faculty are often asked to present material in courses in other
   departments.

   While the category of scholarship or creative activity is sometimes
   considered separate from teaching, at UNCA the two are closely linked. 
   University instruction presupposes scholarship.  It takes the form of
   original research or creative endeavors, integrative scholarship, and
   sharing knowledge with peers in the profession.  This involves attending and
   presenting at professional conferences; writing books, articles, and book
   reviews; and preparing performances and exhibitions.  At UNCA, given the
   emphasis on teaching mentioned above, the participation in undergraduate
   research and research for new course preparation are also given special
   attention.

   The service responsibilities of faculty members involve the utilization of
   their expertise in their departments, colleges, institutions, professions,
   and communities.  Service activities include academic and other advising;
   sponsoring of student and other organizations; laboratory and studio
   management; involvement in departmental, college and university committees;
   participation in faculty governance bodies; administrative assignments; and
   seeking external funding.  Outside the university, it often involves service
   in professional organizations; editorship of professional journals;
   lectures; performances; and readings at local, regional, or state clubs and
   organizations; sponsorship of conferences; consulting; service to public
   schools; and other service to various agencies and organizations.  Also,
   UNCA has a tradition of heavy faculty participation in university
   governance; hence, more involvement in university service is expected here
   than at many other universities.

   (For specific procedures on tenure, reappointment, and promotion, refer to
   that section of Faculty Handbook.)