Faculty Load Policy
Faculty Distribution
- The standard full-time faculty load is 90 points per academic contract (fall & spring) year.
- A minimum of 45 points must be taught through in-person and/or hybrid instruction each academic contract year.
- The remaining 45 points may be fulfilled through online modalities, which include live online (synchronous online) and asynchronous online courses, subject to the approval of the appropriate associate dean and academic dean.
Definitions
- In-Person: Traditional face-to-face courses that use an online component to augment or enhance the classroom learning experience.
- Hybrid: Courses that blend traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning, resulting in a 50/50 mix of in-person and online instruction. This type of course is considered equivalent in load to an in-person course.
- Live Online (Synchronous Online): Courses that are delivered in real time via an online platform, where faculty and students interact simultaneously. While the courses do not meet in a physical classroom, they are held during designated days/times. This type of course is considered equivalent in load to an online course.
- Online (Asynchronous): Courses delivered online without real-time interaction, where students access materials and complete work when it best suits their schedule.
Load Assignment and Approval
- All course modalities (in-person, hybrid, live online, online) are counted toward the faculty member’s teaching load, but asynchronous (online) courses may be weighted differently based on institutional policy.
- Decisions regarding the mix of instructional modalities should be made in consultation with the supervising associate dean and academic dean and must align with program/departmental needs and accreditation requirements.
- Exceptions or deviations from this policy are subject to review and approval by the vice president of academic affairs or designee.
- In-person teaching is a standard mode of instruction required for all faculty load assignments. However, exceptions may be made for academic programs that are formally approved and delivered fully online.
Summary Table
|
Term
|
Minimum In-person Points (In Person/Hybrid)
|
Maximum Online Points (Live Online/Online)
|
Approval Required for Online Over 45 Points
|
|
Fall/Spring
|
45
|
45
|
Yes
|
|
This policy ensures a balanced approach to instructional delivery, maintaining a significant in-person teaching presence while allowing flexibility for online and live online instruction, subject to administrative oversight.
|
/November 2025