ASNUNTUCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ADJUNCT FACULTY HANDBOOK
170 Elm Street
Enfield, Connecticut 06082
(860) 253-3000
www.acc.commnet.edu
October 2009
This handbook is for information purposes and is not a legally binding document such as Asnuntuck's college catalogue, curriculum sheets, and collective bargaining agreement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Academic Counseling for Students
Academic Integrity
Academic Skills Center
Academic Structure
Academic Year
Add/Drop and Withdrawal Procedures
Audio-Visual Equipment, Films, etc.
Authorization to Release Confidential Information
Bookstore
Career Services
Children's Reading Room
Class Cancellations
Class Rosters
Classroom Configurations
College Council
Computers
Course Syllabi and Outlines
Curriculum and Standards Committee
Desk Copies of Texts
Directed Study
Discrimination, Policy
Disruptive Students
Dress Code
Drugs and Alcohol, Policy
Early Warning Process
Emergencies
English as a Second Language
Ethics
Equipment, Audio Visual
Evaluation of Faculty
Evaluation of Students
Examinations
Excessive Student Absences
Faculty Council
Field Trips
Films
Grading
Guest Speakers
Identification Cards
Important Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
Independent Study
Information Technology Resources, Policy
Instructional Excellence Committee
Late Work, Policy
Learning Resource Center
Library Cards
Mail (Regular and Email)
Math Skills
Meetings
Non-Discrimination Policy
Office Hours and Office Space
Parking
Pay/Payroll
People with Disabilities, Policy
Plagiarism
Policy on AIDS and Other Communicable Diseases
Posting Grades
Purchase of Supplies or Equipment
Racism and Acts of Intolerance, Policy
Reading Skills
Safety and Security
Sexual Harassment, Policy
Smoking and Food
Student Absences
Student Complaints About Instructors
Student Counseling
Student Disabilities Services
Student Due Process (Grievance Process), Policy
Student Evaluation of Faculty
Student Writing Abilities
Students Needing Help with Math or English
Supplies
Syllabus and Course Outline
Syllabus Format
Syllabus Hints
Telephones
Textbooks
Transfer Information for Students
Travel
Typing/Copying Facilities
Voice Mail
Web Sites (ACC and Community College System)
ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION
The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for all academic programs, courses and instruction. The Dean of Academic Affairs is Dr. Barbara McCarthy. Faye Campbell is the Administrative Assistant to the Dean, Debbie Matusko is the Faculty Secretary, and Sandra Pouliot is a Secretary.
The academic disciplines at Asnuntuck Community College are organized into three departments, each with a department chair. The three departments are Business, Careers & Technology (Fred Stefanowicz, Chair); Social, Behavioral & Natural Sciences and Mathematics (Pat Hirschy, Chair); and Arts, Theatre & Communication (John Sheirer, Chair). If you are unsure about which department you are in, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.
The Academic Skills Center is set up to provide assistance to students in studying, especially in math, writing, and English. Services provided by the Center are free of charge, and students should be encouraged to contact the Center if they are experiencing difficulty in their classes.
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is a multimedia library which contains over 33,000 books on the shelves and 1,000 e-books online, subscriptions to almost 300 periodicals in print and over 10,000 more online, and several thousand video and audiotapes, CDs, and DVDs.
Services offered by the LRC include assistance in person or online with reference and research needs, library instruction for class groups, interlibrary loan, adaptive technology for LRC users with disabilities and/or special needs, a website that is regularly updated, and various informational publications.
Through the LRC's website and online catalog, LRC users may view and determine the availability of items not only in the LRC's own collection but also in most other college and public libraries in Connecticut and beyond.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Please also read appropriate sections in the college
catalog, which contains official Board of
Trustees and college policies.
Issues of academic integrity are of vital concern to any academic community. Academic integrity involves values that are at the core of the educational and developmental mission of any institution of higher education.
The Board of Trustees Policy on Student Conduct sets forth the Expectations for Student Conduct regarding Academic Integrity.
The College's procedure for addressing a suspicion of academic integrity as defined by the BOT Policy on Student Conduct is as follows:
Any member of the College faculty or staff (e.g., another instructor, lab assistant, tutors, support staff, etc.) who has information regarding a possible violation of academic integrity as defined by the BOT Policy on Student Conduct must report the information to the instructor in whose course the violation may have occurred as well as to the Dean of Student Services. Upon receipt of any such information the instructor will investigate and resolve the matter as to any academic consequences in the course. The Dean of Student Services will proceed in accordance with the Procedures set forth in the BOT Policy on Student Conduct.
The faculty member in whose course the violation of academic integrity may have occurred will promptly review the information provided. If the faculty member determines there is reason to believe a violation of academic integrity may have occurred, the faculty member will gather all relevant information and promptly provide the student with an opportunity to meet as soon as reasonably possible. If the student elects to meet with the faculty member, the faculty member will discuss the information gathered regarding the possible violation by the student of the Policy on academic integrity and allow the student to provide relevant information. As soon as possible after receiving all information, including information from the student, the faculty member must make a determination as to whether a violation of academic integrity was committed by the student. If a violation is determined to have occurred, the faculty member must determine the appropriate academic sanction in the course from among the following:
1. No sanction
2. Reduced grade on the assignment, paper, quiz, exam, etc.
3. A grade of "F" for the assignment, paper, quiz, exam, etc.
4. A reduced course grade
5. An "F" for the course
Normally within thirty (30) days of initially receiving information regarding a possible violation of academic integrity, the faculty member must notify the student, Dean of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Student Services of the decision and forward to the Dean of Student Services all of the information gathered by the faculty member, whether or not the decision of the faculty member is that violation occurred.
Upon receipt of information regarding a possible violation of academic integrity or upon receipt of a report from a faculty member of a determination of academic integrity the Dean of Student Services will initiate the Procedures set forth in the BOT Policy on Student Conduct during which the student's status with the College will be reviewed and which may result in sanctions being imposed that include, but are not limited to, Probation, Suspension or Expulsion from the College.
During the first week of classes, students may add or drop a course by completing an Add/Drop form available in the Registrar's Office. Students who want to add a course during the second week of school must obtain the instructor's signature if the course has met one full week. A full week for example is: A split class that meets M/W or T/Th requires the instructor's signature prior to the third class session; a class that meets once a week requires the instructor's signature prior to the second class session; an online/hybrid class requires the instructor's signature (an email from the faculty member may take the place of a signature) after one week from the first day of the semester; an accelerated class (meeting less than 15 weeks) requires the instructor's signature after the first day of class.
Courses dropped during the first 14 calendar days from the start of school will not appear on a student's academic record. The final day that a student may withdraw from a course is four weeks prior to the last day of classes each semester . The semester withdrawal date can be obtained at the information desk or in the schedule book. For accelerated courses, the withdrawal date will be prorated based upon the number of class meetings. A "W" will appear on the student's academic record.
Before withdrawing from a course, students should discuss their decision with their instructor. In addition, students are encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor before withdrawing from a course to determine if their financial aid package will be impacted.
Class rosters are sent by the Registrar's Office to faculty at the beginning of the semester. Faculty should print updated rosters, especially during the first two weeks of classes, via the web at http://my. commnet.edu.
Directed study is not normally offered by adjunct faculty. See the college catalog for more information.
The Academic Skills Center has staff trained to help students needing help mastering English. If you have such a student in class, refer them as quickly as possible to Cathy Juozokas, Director of the Academic Skills Center. We all want to help students receive the maximum benefit from the college.
Be clear and precise. Whatever arrangement you use to determine final grades must be in your syllabus. Changes must be written and distributed. Faculty who wish to allow student input on grading policies may do so. Please remember to provide students and the Office of Academic Affairs with a written copy of your final agreement.
It is College policy to provide reasonable accommodations to Students with Special Needs, including alternative methods of evaluation. Student Services staff and the Dean of Academic Affairs are available to assist you in providing reasonable accommodations.
During the semester, faculty are expected to make sure that students have an idea of approximately how well they are doing in a course. You may wish to do this by providing informal mid-term grades, or by making it clear to students that they can get an approximate course grade from you at any time.
The College does not require midterm or final examinations, though they are encouraged. There is a final exam period at the end of each semester. In the event of illness during a final exam, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor or, if that cannot be done, the Office of Academic Affairs. It is the student's responsibility to make up the missed exam. Individual faculty determine policies for make-up exams (an important item to have in your syllabus).
Individual areas or departments may have standard exams or final papers required of all students in a particular course. If you have any doubt about such final exams or papers, contact a full-time faculty member in your area or your Department Chair. (See also "Grading" below.)
Please try to contact students who are not regularly present in class. If you cannot contact the student, leave the student's name and class with Katie Watkins, the Dean of Student Services. Please also see the section on "Student Absences."
The methods of evaluation of student achievement are left to the professional judgment of each faculty member (unless a department or area has a standard method of evaluating students in a particular course). Remember to include how a final grade will be determined in your syllabus, or other written material provided to students and the Office of Academic Affairs (see also the "Examinations" section). Asnuntuck uses letter grading consistent with other community colleges in the state. Grades are:
A 4.00
A- 3.70
B+ 3.30
B 3.00
B- 2.70
C+ 2.30
C 2.00
C- 1.70
D+ 1.30
D 1.00
D- 0.70
F 0.00 Failure. The "F" grade appears on the transcript and counts in the GPA.
W 0.00 Withdrawal. Students may withdraw up to four weeks prior to the end of classes. A "W"
results only from a student's action, officially withdrawing from a course. A faculty
member cannot withdraw a student from a course. The "W" grade is assigned by the
Registrar and will appear on the instructor's roster.
I 0.00 Incomplete. Students must request an incomplete. Forms for incompletes must be
signed by the student, faculty member, and the Dean of Academic Affairs. Incompletes
are not given unless there is a serious reason and at least 3/4 of the course work has
been completed. The form for incompletes is available in the Registrar's Office (a copy
of the form is at the end of this handbook).
N 0.00 No basis for a grade. This is used when a student has never attended or has not
completed enough work on which to base a grade.
AU 0.00 Audit. Not for credit. Students may change from credit to audit or from audit to credit
only until the last day for audits.
M Maintaining progress. Used only for developmental courses to indicate that the student
is maintaining progress but not at the usual rate. It may be given to a student for a
course only twice.
P 0.00 Pass. No grade points.
TR 0.00 Transfer. Assigned by the Registrar.
# The # symbol should be used when assigning grades for remedial/developmental
courses. Assign the letter grade followed by the # sign. For example A#.
Students have up to the end of the tenth week of the next standard semester to complete a course where a grade of "I" (Incomplete) has been given. Should a student make up an Incomplete prior to the tenth week, the faculty member should submit the final grade immediately to the Registrar's Office. The form to change a grade is in the Registrar's Office (a copy of it is at the end of this handbook). If the work is not completed by the time allowed, the grade will automatically convert to an F. Please note that final grades are to be submitted online, and you will need your Banner ID and password to do so. If you need to have your password reset, please contact Lynne Gregor, Director of Information Technology.
Independent study may only be offered by the full-time faculty. See the college catalog for more information.
The College does not have a standard policy on the acceptance of late work from students. If credit will be taken off for late work, say so in your syllabus.
Students needing special help with their math skills should be referred to the Academic Skills Center for help. The Center is staffed with professional tutors to help students.
If you suspect plagiarism in a student's work, you should discuss the situation with the Dean of Student Services. The procedure for addressing suspected violations of academic integrity is available in your orientation packet.
If you post students' grades, use their student ID number rather than their name. It is illegal to post student names along with their grades.
Refer students with reading problems to the Academic Skills Center. The Center is staffed with professional tutors to help students bring their reading abilities up to a collegiate level.
There is no College policy about absences. Each faculty member must inform students of their requirements, both in the syllabus and verbally in the first class meeting. You may not fail a student for non-attendance. However, non-attendance may result in the student doing poor work, which is the basis for a failing grade, or no work, which may result in an "N." Of course, the class participation portion of the final grade may be lowered based upon non-attendance, and that portion of the final grade may be sufficient to flunk the student for the course.
We welcome students with disabilities and seek to provide opportunities for a positive college experience. Notification of a disability with supporting documentation should be received prior to registration in order to determine appropriate and reasonable services, accommodations, and implementation. Individual services are consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and are provided to each eligible student. Students with disabilities are advised to contact Maki McHenry, Counselor and Accommodations Coordinator, mmchenry@acc.commnet.edu, 860-253-3021.
Faculty members will be informed via an Accommodations Agreement Form if they have a student enrolled in their class who has self-disclosed a disability.
The College has specialized equipment including the Kurzweil 3000, available in the Learning Resource Center and the Academic Skills Center, and a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD), available at the Information Center, 860-253-3013.
Your students are urged to use a discursive process if a problem arises when they feel they cannot resolve a matter with you. Most often, matters brought to counselors revolve around:
expectations - student does not understand or does not accept faculty expectation of
course work, either in quality or quantity
grades - grading on exams or papers is deemed "too harsh" by student
personal - faculty style is offensive, perhaps language or a viewpoint is taken
exception to, or the materials used are found to be in "bad taste"
The bases for the process we use are the belief that both students and faculty have the right to personal opinions and behaviors, the belief that teachers have academic freedom and that students have a freedom to question, and the belief that rational discussion carried on in a non-threatening context will result in an understanding of the mutual dependency of the freedoms and rights we promote.
The role of administrator in this setting is as student advocate and as faculty advocate.
The process:
* Student or faculty member speaks with Department Chair
* Department Chair follows up conversation with the second party in the matter.
* Department Chair arranges joint meeting.
* If resolution is not reached in the joint meeting, a second is scheduled that could
include the Dean of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Student Services if either
party or counselor requests the addition of an administrator.
Our experience is that resolution and new understanding usually takes place with one or two conversations among faculty, student, and department chair. In that setting the department chair most often acts as the clarifier and will often offer alternative solutions.
We encourage faculty to work closely with their students, and to know they have access to this process when there is a need.
Please also refer to the "Student Discipline" and "Student Rights" sections of the catalog.
All faculty are strongly urged to give students a short writing assignment the first week of class as a means of informally assessing their abilities, and as a supplement to basic-skills testing. For students who seem to have serious difficulties, the College offers a Writing: Paragraph to Essay course that includes individualized tutoring.
Students may also receive tutoring in math, English, or related subjects in the Academic Skills Center. Talk with the students who have a problem and refer them to a counselor or the Academic Skills Center for more help.
All faculty are asked to give some written assignments in each course. Our students need as much work in this area as we can give them. Faculty are requested to correct glaring grammatical, spelling, and other mistakes when grading papers, so that students know when they are having writing problems and can work on them. Whether or not a grade on a paper is based partially on how well it was written is, of course, up to the faculty member. However, we encourage grading that takes writing competence into account (if you do this, say so in your syllabus).
ADJUNCT FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES AND
GENERAL INFORMATION
Adjunct faculty are required to be available between the dates on their contracts.
The Learning Resource Center handles all AV requests. Fill out a blue audiovisual request form by 12 noon on Friday for both day and evening classes during the following week (Monday-Saturday) for all equipment and college-owned software. Software purchases, rentals, and previews should be requested on the yellow form, well in advance. Special needs should be communicated to Tom Vesci, Director of Media Services or Ben Durant, Media Assistant as soon as possible.
AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Due to FERPA regulations, college personnel cannot discuss a student's academic history without their consent. The Authorization to Release Confidential Information form is available from the Student Services Office. This form allows the student to specify to whom and what information the College can share regarding their history. Once completed, the original is filed in the student file at the Information Desk.
The College bookstore is run by Follett Corporation. Tina Drouin, the manager, works closely with College staff to try to ensure all materials necessary for the students are available. If you have any special requests for your course, please let her know so that she can order the items you have requested. The bookstore also carries a small line of clothing items, snacks, and various academic supplies. The hours of operation are posted on the door.
When classes are canceled by the college, some television stations (WFSB-TV3, WWLP-TV 22, WVIT-NBC 30, WGGB-ABC TV 40) will carry the announcements. The college radio station, WACC, 107.7 FM will also announce cancellations. The primary means of determining the status of classes is our number that has weather-related recorded messages (253-3197 or 800-501-3967). Select option 2 from the main menu to hear the current message. Cancellations will be posted on the college website, www.acc.commnet.edu, as well.
If you are unable to meet your class as scheduled for any reason, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs and your Department Chair. Please do not leave voice mail messages; be sure to speak directly to someone. ONLY the Dean of Academic Affairs, or an official of the College, can cancel your class. In cases of expected prolonged absence, a request should be forwarded to the Dean of Academic Affairs for a long-term substitute. For short-term illnesses, faculty are expected to reschedule their classes at times convenient to students and to inform the Office of Academic Affairs of the make-up schedule.
The Instructional Excellence Committee has worked over the years to outfit classrooms in a variety of ways, from traditional desks to tables and chairs. That committee urges all faculty to consider the physical configuration of the classroom as an integral part of teaching. Take a walk around classroom areas, get an idea of what is available, and inform your Department Chair of your request. We will do our best to meet your needs.
The College strongly believes that faculty must have access to computers for their work. Computers are available in the computer labs (down the hall between the LRC and auditorium), in the Academic Skills Center, and various faculty offices. For assistance, contact the Office of Academic Affairs.
All faculty must distribute a written syllabus to students. All substantive changes to your course syllabus or assignments should be printed and distributed to your students. Send copies of all syllabi, course outlines, and changes made during the semester to the Office of Academic Affairs. This office needs complete records to help students transfer, to provide information to accrediting agencies, and to provide a record of what is taught in particular courses. See "Syllabus Hints" and the syllabus format at the end of this handbook.
If you need a desk copy of a text, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs for assistance.
If you find that there is a student who does not respond appropriately in spite of your best efforts, contact the Dean of Student Services as soon as possible. If it is an emergency, contact the Information Desk and request the assistance of the security guard.
Although Asnuntuck does not have a dress code, faculty should dress appropriately for the work environment.
EARLY WARNING PROCESS
Each semester, the Dean of Students issues a request for a list of students who may be in danger of failing their courses. It is of the utmost importance that you send the names of students in your classes to the Student Services Office. Once the list is compiled, students are notified of the potential danger of failure and the options that are available to them for assistance, i.e., the Academic Skills Center, Learning Resource Center, etc.
• Provide class or audience with general information relating to emergency procedures, including evacuation route, emergency phone location, etc. This information should be shared the first week of class.
• Assure that persons with disabilities have the information they need. The instructor should be familiar with the school's emergency response plan and be able to direct visitors with disabilities.
• Take responsible charge of the classroom and follow emergency procedures for all building alarms and emergencies.
• The initial and primary source for all emergency information is the Dean of Students, 253-3011.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY:
1. Dial 911 immediately. Be sure to inform the police of the room number. When called from an ACC phone, this will automatically notify the front desk, the security officer, and the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students (or her designee) and the security officer will respond to the call.
2. Ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors.
3. Remain calm to encourage students to stay calm. When appropriate, ask students to remain in the room.
4. Once emergency personnel arrive, provide necessary information.
5. After the incident is cleared, write a report of events to be filed with the Dean of Students.
Adjunct faculty are evaluated periodically. You will be told in advance that you will be evaluated. Classroom evaluations are reviewed individually with the faculty member concerned, whenever possible. See also the Student Evaluation section.
If you wish to take your class, or parts of the class, on a field trip, contact your Department Chair well in advance.
Prior to an off-campus field trip, students are required to complete an "Activity Waiver Form." Once all students have completed this form, the originals must be given to the Dean of Students Office. A copy of the form is at the end of this handbook.
Guest speakers are generally paid no more than $50 per lecture. Submit the list of speakers you want at the beginning of each semester, if possible, to your Department Chair for his/her approval prior to obtaining approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs.
The College does not provide photo identification cards for adjunct faculty.
Faculty are encouraged to obtain an LRC borrower's card. All services of the Asnuntuck LRC are available to adjunct faculty.
Both regular mail and in-house notices and communications are distributed through the mailboxes located at the Information Center. Your mailbox is the one below your name. Adjunct mailbox labels are red and full-time faculty labels are black. Please be sure to check your mailbox often as students may leave add/drop forms for your signature or they may leave assignments that are due.
Faculty are requested to provide the Office of Academic Affairs with an email address so that important information may be sent electronically.
Adjunct faculty are expected to attend the orientation meeting held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. They are not required to attend department meetings or all-college meetings during the semester, although they are welcome to attend.
All faculty must have office hours for student conferences. As a general rule, schedule at least one office hour for every 3-credit course. This should be in increments of not less than one-half hour. Notify the Office of Academic Affairs and your students of your office hours by the end of the first week of classes. Part-time faculty teaching on campus are assigned office space. (See map at the end of the handbook for adjunct office locations.)
There is no reserved parking for faculty. Should you need a short-term permit to park in the spaces designated as "Permit Parking," please see Joe Muller in the Business Office.
Adjunct faculty will be informed before the term as to pay dates. Paychecks are available in the Human Resources Office between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. every other Thursday, and on Thursday evening at the Information Center. If you are interested in direct deposit, contact Cheryl Cyr in Human Resources.
An internal requisition form is required for all purchases. The forms are available in the Office of Academic Affairs. All requests must be signed by your Department Chair and the Dean of Academic Affairs. Generally each college department has a budget that is prepared in March prior to the academic year. If possible, inform your Department Chair of needs by then.
Food is not permitted in classrooms, auditorium, LRC, Computer Labs, or the Academic Skills Center. The College building is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is permitted only in the back of the building in the gazebo. Smoking is not permitted in any entrance, sidewalk, deck, or grassy area around the building.
A great number of our students need academic counseling. Please refer students who need more help than you can provide to full-time college counselors in Student Services. Students can make appointments through the Information Center.
Asnuntuck believes in full involvement of students in all aspects of College affairs. Student evaluations are administered approximately ten weeks into the fall and spring semesters. The evaluation forms are processed by an outside vendor, and the results are available after the semester ends.
Students needing help with math or English should go to the Academic Skills Center for tutoring.
Some supplies (paper, pens, file folders, overhead transparencies, etc.) are in the Workroom. A larger supply area is located in the Business Office. If you cannot find what you need, contact the Office of Academic Affairs. If you need assistance at night, contact the Student Services staff member at the Information Center, the Faculty Secretary, or a full-time instructor.
See the section at the end of this handbook on accessing your voice mail and other general information about using telephones. The telephone on your desk will connect you to Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. For local calls, dial 8 and then the number. For long distance calls, dial 8, 1, area code, the number, then enter your long distance PIN. Obviously, they are not for personal use.
As a rule, adjuncts do not select textbooks. If you wish to discuss books, please talk with full-time faculty members in your area and your Department Chair. Also, contact full-time faculty in your area for information about publishers.
Whenever possible, use College vehicles for in-state travel. Make reservations for their use through the Office of Administrative Services (open until 4:30 p.m. most days). Travel out of state requires prior approval. Contact your Department Chair for further information and plan well in advance.
You may leave material to be typed or copied in the basket on the Faculty Secretary's desk or in her mailbox at the Information Center. Please give as much lead time as possible, especially during busy times, write legibly, and give clear instructions. When finished, copies (except tests) will be left in the Workroom. All tests are kept locked in the Office of Academic Affairs. Please make arrangements to pick up tests in advance to ensure you have your copies in case the office is closed.
There are several copiers and a scanner (used to scan special forms instructors may use for multiple choice tests) located in the Workroom. All of the copiers require a user ID to operate. The Workroom is open throughout the day and evening, and adjunct faculty may use the copiers themselves. If you have any questions about the machines, please ask the Faculty Secretary for assistance.
Asnuntuck Community College's website is located at www.acc.commnet.edu . Current course offerings, course descriptions, academic calendar, as well as general information for the public are available at the ACC website.
The Community Colleges' self-service student information system website is http://my.commnet.edu . Students are able to view their personal information, academic record, semester schedule, and final grades. Faculty are able to print their class rosters and enter their grades online. Semester schedules and enrollments can be found for any college in the community college system as well.
COLLEGE COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES
COLLEGE COUNCIL
The purpose of the governance system is to enable the college to achieve its mission to provide quality education in an accessible, affordable, and nurturing environment and thus to ensure student success. The goal is for all members of the college to participate in the decision-making process, as more fully described herein.
College governance is comprised of personnel--either individually or in groups--with complex and overlapping responsibilities. Governance provides channels for communication and participation within the College among faculty, staff, student body, and administration to foster a participatory decision making process that enables the college to fulfill its mission.
Curriculum and Standards is one of two standing committees of the Faculty Council. Its charge is to consider all matters of academic policy, and to formulate consistent positions on curriculum and/or standards for the faculty.
The Curriculum and Standards Committee considers new degree and certificate programs, new courses to be offered, as well as modifications to existing programs and courses. Academic policies are also reviewed and discussed in this Committee. Membership is composed of full-time faculty, staff, and the Dean of Academic Affairs. Individuals interested in proposing new courses or programs should speak to their Department Chair who will assist them with the paperwork to bring it to the Committee for consideration. The Committee reports to the Faculty Council and the President.
The Faculty Council advises the Dean of Academic Affairs on academic matters and serves as a forum for information-sharing and for discussion and review of academic policies and practices. All permanent faculty are members of the Faculty Council. The Council has two standing committees: Curriculum and Standards, and Instructional Excellence.
The Instructional Excellence Committee's charge is promoting excellence in instruction at the college. As such it sponsors a variety of activities designed to help faculty develop a repertoire of teaching skills, and coordinates the college's participation in the Center for Teaching. The Committee also makes recommendations to the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Faculty Council, and other officials at the college in areas that it feels impact on teaching and learning.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM POLICIES
The Board of Trustees has specific policies and procedures that must be followed in the event of an allegation of discriminatory behavior. Make certain you are aware of the latest policy sent out by the President.
The Board of Trustees policy states in part that since the unauthorized use of controlled substances is contrary to state and federal law and regulation, it must be prohibited in any college activity, on or off the college campus. Please refer to the college catalog for the complete policy statement.
The State of Connecticut and the Board of Trustees have specific regulations relating to the behavior of state employees regarding hiring of relatives, receiving gifts from suppliers, and profiting (or even seeming to profit) by virtue of positions held. Make certain you are aware of the latest policy sent out by the President.
The Connecticut Community College System provides information technology resources (IT resources) to faculty, staff and students for academic and administrative use. IT resources shall be used solely for legitimate and authorized academic and administrative purposes. They shall not be used for personal purposes. Please see the college catalog for the complete policy statement.
The community college system of the state of Connecticut will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, genetic information, marital status, mental retardation, sexual orientation, learning disability, or physical disability, including, but not limited to blindness, or prior conviction of a crime, unless the provisions of sections 46a-60(b), 46a-80(b), or 46a-81(b) of the Connecticut general statutes are controlling or there is a bona fide occupational qualification excluding persons in one of the above protected groups. With respect to the foregoing, discrimination on the basis of sex shall include sexual harassment as defined in section 46a-60(8) of the Connecticut general statutes. Although it is recognized that there are bona fide occupational qualifications which provide for exception from employment prohibitions, it is understood these exceptions are to be applied pursuant to section 46a-68-33 of the administrative regulations.
Further, the system will not discriminate against any person on the grounds of political beliefs or veteran status.
The Board of Trustees of Community-Technical Colleges and all of the colleges under its jurisdiction are committed to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for people with disabilities. Make certain you are aware of the policy which is in the college catalog.
State and federal laws and regulations prohibit discrimination against and harassment of individuals solely because of disability. No individual shall be discriminated against in any college programs, services, or employment solely because of his or her status as AIDS- or HIV-infected or having any other communicable disease. Please see the college catalog for the complete policy statement.
The Board of Trustees has specific policies and procedures for allegations of racism or acts of intolerance. Acts of racism or harassment directed against individuals or specific groups of individuals will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under the employee affirmative action grievance procedures and the student grievance and disciplinary procedures. Make certain you are aware of the policy which is printed in the college catalog.
The Board of Trustees has specific policies and procedures that must be followed in the event of an allegation of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is illegal under state and federal law and is also prohibited by the Board of Trustees' Nondiscrimination Policy. Make certain you are aware of the latest policy which is printed in the college catalog. The policy applies equally to cases of sexual harassment of students by staff or faculty and sexual harassment of staff or faculty by students.
The Board of Trustees has specific policies and procedures regarding the processes students must follow to process a formal complaint about an instructor. The current edition of the catalog has the latest version of the grievance process, unless it has been amended by a memo from the President.
STUDENT SERVICES
Students who need academic counseling you cannot supply can be referred to the counselors in Student Services. It is easiest for students to make appointments through the Information Desk.
Asnuntuck offers career counseling for life because sometimes life choices aren't that simple. We will assist students, alumni and community members with a wide range of overall job search strategies, including developing and reviewing resumes and cover letters, sharpening interviewing skills and learning how to market oneself using various networking techniques. For more information, please contact the Associate Director of Career Services, Stacy Tweedie, at stweedie@acc.commnet.edu or 860-253-3025.
The college runs a cooperative child care program during the day. The program is open to the young children of students, staff, and faculty. The Reading Room is open to children ages 3 and up. Contact Pam Keenan at 860-253-3040 or pkeenan@acc.commnet.edu for further information.
The College Emergency Response Plan is located on the college website. Faculty are strongly encouraged to become familiar with all of the protocols and the process for reporting incidents. An incident report form is located on the website as well. The Evacuation Plan, located on the website, is also included in the packet of information distributed during faculty orientation. In the event of a fire alarm, everyone is required to evacuate the building immediately.
All classrooms lock on the inside and phones are located in each classroom that have the capability to call the front desk or 911 emergency response. The VOIP phone system also allows emergency broadcast messaging.
Students wanting to talk to a counselor about transferring should contact Tim St. James through Student Services at extension 3087 or tstjames@acc.commnet.edu.
From Bill Searle
LATE WORK
If you have a policy on "late work," please specify what it is in your syllabus.
Sample: Please get assignments in on time. The later an assignment is handed in, the more points
you lose. Also, it is your responsibility to get material to me. Written material mailed to me,
left in my mailbox at the college, or left in my office, is YOUR responsibility. I accept
responsibility for materials when I have it in my hands.
MAKEUP TESTS
In your syllabus, clearly specify any policy you have regarding makeup exams. You are not required,
by college policy, to give makeup exams.
Sample: I do not normally give makeup tests. It is your responsibility to be in class to take the test,
or to contact me before the day of the test to see if we can arrange another time for you to
take it. I make the decision about whether to give you a test at a different time.
Course Title: Year and Semester:
Course Credit:
Instructor:
Office Hours and Office Location:
Required or optional (specify which) lab hours:
Are there special things about this course that students should note?
Course Description: This should be a relatively brief general description of the course, fleshing out the catalog description. It should also address whether the course has prerequisites (and what they are) and whether it is part of a sequence of courses (i.e. Elementary Spanish I is the first course in the language sequence, followed by Elementary Spanish II).
Course Objectives: This should specify in some detail what students can expect to be covered in the course. It should cover each major topic in the course and in one to four sentences what is covered, and what levels of understanding the student should achieve. Try not to use too much jargon, but don't make it simplistic.
Course Outcomes: This should specify in detail what skills or knowledge the student will have upon completion of the course.
Course Format: This should address whether this is a lecture, lecture-discussion, seminar or lab type course. Are students expected to actively participate in class? Do lectures cover material in the readings or progress beyond the readings? Should readings be done before the class or are lectures used to introduce the readings? Is there a study guide or workbook and how is it used? If there are labs, how are they operated? How much outside work is generally required per week? Are there any term papers or projects?
Evaluation: What are the specific breakdowns of how students' final grades will be determined? Is this partially or wholly determined by the student(s)? Exactly how does that process operate? What is the policy on acceptance of late work? What is the policy on make-up exams? Remember, it is College policy that an "F" grade may not be given simply for non-attendance. A student who never attends in a course where class participation is 20% of the grade, may in fact flunk because he/she gets an "F" in that area, but students flunk because of what they do or don't do--not simply because they don't come to class.
Texts and other required or recommended materials: NOTE: Is there a text required for the course or will the instructor use handouts? Are there special materials or supplies that students need to purchase for the class?
Special Needs and Disability Access Policy: Asnuntuck Community College, under the jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees of Community-Technical Colleges, is "committed to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for people with disabilities in the community colleges." Refer to pages 33-34 of the 2009-2011 Asnuntuck Community College catalog. It is the policy of Asnuntuck Community College to provide reasonable accommodations for students with a documented disability. Students with documented disabilities are encouraged to notify Maki McHenry, Counselor, Room 108, mmchenry@acc.commnet.edu or 860-253-3021.
Course Outline: This should be a class by class outline of the topics that will be covered, homework that is due, when tests are given, when papers and/or projects are due, etc.
Asnuntuck's phone system has Extension Mobility, which means that you can sign into any of the adjunct phones on campus to check your voicemail messages or make a call.
Details on setting up your mailbox for the first time, accessing messages from on-campus phones as well as from outside the college, and logging out of Extension Mobility are available in the hard copy of the Adjunct Faculty Handbook which will be provided to adjuncts as they begin employment.
If you have questions or concerns about the voicemail system, please contact Lynne Gregor, Director of Information Technology.
Academic Affairs Office
Barbara McCarthy, Dean of Academic Affairs 253-3101
(bmccarthy@acc.commnet.edu)
Faye Campbell, Administrative Assistant 253-3004
(fcampbell@acc.commnet.edu)
Debbie Matusko, Faculty Secretary 253-3005
(dmatusko@acc.commnet.edu)
Sandra Pouliot, Secretary 253-3101
(spouliot@acc.commnet.edu)
Academic Skills Center 253-3164 Cathy Juozokas, Director 253-3175
(cjuozokas@acc.commnet.edu)
Bookstore 741-8450
Tina Drouin, Manager
(0820mgr@fheg.follett.com)
Julie Harper, Assistant Manager
Department Chairs
John Sheirer (Arts, Theatre & Communication) 253-3138
(jsheirer@acc.commnet.edu)
Pat Hirschy (Social, Behavioral & 253-3139
Natural Sciences and Mathematics)
(phirschy@acc.commnet.edu)
Fred Stefanowicz (Business, Careers & Technology) 253-3154
(fstefanowicz@acc.commnet.edu)
Educational Technology (Blackboard Vista)
Katie O'Connell, Director 253-3109
(koconnell@acc.commnet.edu)
Information Center 253-3000
Karen Dardanelli, Evening Coordinator 253-3012
(kdardanelli@acc.commnet.edu)
Andrea Skidgel, Office Assistant 253-3012
(askidgel@acc.commnet.edu)
Information Technology
Lynne Gregor, Director 253-3163
(lgregor@acc.commnet.edu)
Jay Ayotte, Coordinator of Academic
Information Technology 253-3070
(jayotte@acc.commnet.edu)
Chris Hanecak, Network Manager 253-3036
(chanecak@acc.commnet.edu)
Wendi Jordan, Information Technology Technician II 253-3037
(wjordan@acc.commnet.edu)
LRC (Learning Resource Center) 253-3174
Ravil Veli, Director of Library Services 253-3171
(rveli@acc.commnet.edu)
Sherry Gelbwasser, Librarian 253-3161
(sgelbwasser@acc.commnet.edu)
Qiong Zou, Librarian 253-3172
(qzou@acc.commnet.edu)
Tom Vesci, Director of Media Services 253-3173
(tvesci@acc.commnet.edu)
Ben Durant, Media Assistant/Webmaster 253-3074
(bdurant@acc.commnet.edu)
Maintenance
Joe Muller, Superintendent I 253-3055
(jmuller@acc.commnet.edu)
Payroll/Benefits
Cheryl Cyr, Benefits 253-3045
(ccyr@acc.commnet.edu)
Joyce Catania, Payroll 253-3180
(jcatania@acc.commnet.edu)
Registrar's Office
Gail Labbadia, Registrar 253-3015
(glabbadia@acc.commnet.edu)
Maria Ragno, Assistant Registrar 253-3017
(mragno@acc.commnet.edu)
Student Services 253-3020
Katie Watkins, Dean of Student Services 253-3011
(kwatkins@acc.commnet.edu)
Amanda Baron, Secretary 253-3020
(abaron@acc.commnet.edu)
Weather-Related School Closing Information 253-3197 or
(press 2 for announcements regarding 800-501-3967
weather-related closings, delayed openings,
or class cancellations)
ASNUNTUCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Registrar's Office
Assignment of an Incomplete
Name of Student ___________________________________________________________
Student Banner ID Number ___________________________________________________
Name of Faculty Member _____________________________________________________
Course Number/Section ___________________ Term _____________________________
Policy
An Incomplete (I) is a temporary grade assigned to a student who, because of special circumstances, cannot complete the requirements of a course within the regular semester, and who has received a written time extension from the faculty member. The course work must be completed by the end of the tenth week of the next standard semester, and the Incomplete converted to a letter grade, or it automatically converts to the grade of ______ (Faculty Member Must Indicate ).
Requirements
In order to complete the course requirements, the student must (attach additional pages if needed):
(Optional) The student has already completed the following assignments and tests and earned the following grades:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faculty Member's Signature _________________________________________________________
Student's Signature _______________________________________________________________
Academic Dean's Signature _________________________________________________________
Date Signed __________________________________________
Copies: Student, Academic Dean, Registrar
Faculty member retains the original signed copy of this agreement.
CHANGE OF GRADE NOTIFICATION
Submit to the Office of the Registrar
Print clearly.
Student's Name _________________________________________________________________
Student's Banner ID#: ___________________________ Semester: ______________________
CRN: ___________ Title: ________________________________________________________
Grade Change: From: ____________________________ To: ___________________________
Instructor's Name ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________ ________________________________
Instructor's Signature Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registrar's Office Use Only:
Banner Updated: _______________________________________
Date
Signed ________________________________________________
Revised
04/04
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF COMMUNITY-TECHNICAL COLLEGES
Asnuntuck Community College
Activity Waiver Form
Participant’s name: ________________________________________________
Please Print
In consideration of being permitted to participate in _________________ (hereinafter called “the activity”) I, for myself, my heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Asnuntuck Community College and/or the Board of Trustees of Community Technical Colleges (hereafter called “the College”), their trustees, officers, employees, and agents and to indemnify them from liability for any and all claims resulting from personal injury, accidents or illnesses (including death), and property damage or destruction arising from, but not limited to, participation in the Activity.
__________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian of Minor Date
__________________________________________________________
Signature of Participant Date
Participant’s Age (in minor) ____
I understand that participation in the Activity carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but the risks range from 1) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises and sprains, 2) major injuries such as eye injury or loss of sight, joint or back injuries, heart attacks and concussions, to 3) catastrophic injuries including paralysis and death.
I have read the previous paragraphs and I know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are inherent in the Activity. I hereby assert that my participation is voluntary and that I knowingly assume all such risks.
I also agree to indemnify and hold the College harmless from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees, brought as a result of my involvement in the Activity and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.
I further expressly agree that the foregoing waiver and assumption of risk agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Connecticut and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
Finally, I have read this waiver of liability, assumption of risk and indemnity agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intent it by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.
_________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian of Minor Date
_________________________________________________________
Signature of Participant Date
Participant’s Age (if minor) ____
Directions to Asnuntuck Community College
From Springfield and points north:
From Interstate 91 South, take exit 48 (Elm Street, Rte. 220). At the light at the end of the exit ramp, take a left onto Elm Street. Proceed through five traffic lights. The college is on the right-hand side of the road a short distance after the 5th light. Parking is available in the front and back of the building.
From Hartford and points south:
From Interstate 91 North, take exit 48 (Elm Street, Rte. 220). At the end of the exit ramp, take a right onto Elm Street. Proceed through five traffic lights. The college is on the right-hand side of the road a short distance after the 5th light. Parking is available in the front and back of the building.
Adjunct Faculty Office Space Locations: Faculty Suites A, C & D;
located on the first floor.
FRONT OF BUILDING
