[Phys-L] Re: SACS question

[John Denker <jsd@AV8N.COM>]

I'm enjoying the wide-ranging discussion of credentials and
qualifications and the relationship (or lack thereof :-)
between the two.

However, we might also take a stab at addressing the original
question.

As the saying goes, when all else fails, read the instructions.
In this case, it is instructive to read the SACS "principles
of accreditation"
   http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/PrinciplesOfAccreditation.PDF

Starting at the bottom of page 24 it says:

> 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
> accordance with the guidelines listed below. The institution also
> considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity, including, as
> appropriate, undergraduate andgraduate 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 its
> faculty.

Some observations:
  a) The terminal degree in the discipline receives "primary"
   consideration;  however....
  b) SACS leaves open a door wide enough to drive trucks through,
   based on "competence, effectiveness, ... and achievements".
   So assuming you really did hire competent people, all you have
   to do is _document_ why they should be considered competent.
   This is a straightforward paperwork exercise.  Don't spend
   more than 10 minutes on it.
  c) They don't define what they mean by "disipline".  So
   arguably it is somewhat open to question whether astronomy
   is the same "discipline" as physics.  But this doesn't
   matter in light of item (b).  Just go with plan (b) and
   move on.
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