Policies and practices that impact professional life
Responsibility for knowing policies
Wherever you accept a faculty position, there will be policies and practices that guide your work. You will be a much more effective faculty member if you take the time to become familiar with these policies and practices at the outset, and following them will ensure that your work is within expected guidelines. It is your responsibility to become familiar with what is expected, and most policies are located for easy access on the campus website. It may take a little digging, but locating them will certainly save you difficulties in the future.
Different types of policies
Federal, state, and university policies guide your behavior as a faculty member. Some campus policies are set by administration, those governing curriculum and other academic issues are under the purview of the faculty. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the “common rule” for protection of human subjects are examples of federal policy governing faculty. Each campus has a means of communicating these policies to faculty. Be sure to take advantage of training opportunities related to policy as they become available.
Examples of Federal Policies
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
This federal law protects the privacy of student education records and applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
The Common Rule for the Protection of Human Subjects
The 45 CFR Part 690, Federal Policy for Protection of Human Subjects sets guidelines for the treatment of human subjects in research.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
There are ten federal laws that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Examples of State Policies
Fair Employment and Housing
The mission of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing is to protect Californians from employment, housing, public accommodation discrimination, and hate violence.
California Faculty Association Web links
Several websites addressing issues of access and equity in the CSU are compiled for faculty members on this site.
SB1212 (2001)
This bill requires the CSU Board of Trustees to establish grievance and disciplinary action procedures for all academic employees.
California Education Code
This summary outlines the various California laws governing educators.
Examples of California State University Policies
CSU Executive Orders
This list of orders governs operations throughout the CSU system as well as specific orders that apply to a particular campus. For example EO 926 – California State University policy on Disability Support and Accommodations; EO 927—Prohibits harassment in employment and retaliation for reporting harassment.
CSU Coded Memoranda
These documents contain many of the policies of the CSU.
Examples of Campus Policies
Official CSUSM Policies and Procedures
California State University San Marcos
The San Marcos campus has a searchable page that provides easy access to campus policies.
Sacramento State University Policies and Procedures
California State University Sacramento
Policies and procedures are set up as links from the Sacramento State webpage.
CSU Fullerton Campus Policies
California State University Fullerton
This site provides a comprehensive list of university policy statements for the Fullerton campus.
