Other Department guidelines

The primary objectives of the Department are to:

1. Create a quality academic environment, which promotes the intellectual and professional development of students and faculty;
2. Develop and maintain a commitment to scholarly activity in research, graduate education, and undergraduate education which is commensurate with the goals and mission of Kent State University;
3. Provide programs in the Mathematical Sciences for all students who meet the educational and technological demands of the discipline;
4. Offer courses in cognate academic disciplines and professional fields that provide the necessary base for the career goals of students and faculty; and,
5. Provide the public with service commensurate with a University.

Implicit in these objectives is our responsibility as teachers. This includes, but is not limited to, educating undergraduate and graduate students and providing continuing education while promoting and clarifying the role and philosophy of education.

A strong commitment to research demands the creation and maintenance of a significant intellectual environment and the achievement of broader commitments to the advancement of knowledge and service to the public.

The Department views teaching and scientific research as mutually supportive, with both essential to the pursuit of academic excellence.  Consistent with this philosophy, the Department seeks to recruit students and faculty of the highest caliber.

Service to the University and to the general public unifies and clarifies the role of the University in the local community, in the State of Ohio, in the nation, and is valued within the Department, the College, and the University.

Normally, an earned doctoral degree in a related discipline is required for all faculty appointments to a tenure-track position in the Department.  Postdoctoral experience is preferred. 

The basic definitions of faculty ranks are the following:

Each faculty member is expected to contribute to the Department, Campus, College, and the University according to the terms and conditions of their letter of appointment.  Some faculty members make their primary contribution in teaching, while others emphasize research.

Scholarly activity is expected of all Faculty members, although the extent and type of activity may vary with the terms of each Faculty member’s assignment and campus location.  According to CBA Section IX.2.D, each continuing tenured Faculty member must prepare and submit an annual workload summary report.  For Faculty involved in research and the graduate program it is appropriate to include evidence of publications, proposals submitted for extramural funding, and dissemination of research in various venues. Activity in professional organizations and the training of graduate students is also expected.

Not all faculty members contribute to the Department in the same manner. Some faculty members will be involved primarily in undergraduate teaching.  Typically, a Faculty member will be a full or associate member of the Graduate Faculty.  Full Graduate Faculty members are expected to be involved in significant research activity, serve on graduate student committees, and direct graduate student research. Supervision and direction of undergraduate research projects and theses is part of the teaching function.

Service to the University is a responsibility of each Faculty member.  Department, Campus, College, and University committee or task force membership is expected as a normal part of a Faculty member’s contributions.  Special or outstanding service above and beyond that which is typical may be considered during any review of a Faculty member, but service alone will not reduce the expectations of quality teaching and scholarly activity.  Public service is encouraged and recognized as a part of the professional responsibilities of each Faculty member, although contributions in this area can be expected to vary widely.

All members of the Department faculty are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards as teachers, scholars, university citizens and colleagues.  The University policy regarding faculty code of professional ethics can be found in the University Policy Register.  (See, University Policy Register 3342-6-17)          

All members of the Department faculty are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards as teachers, scholars, university citizens and colleagues.  The University policy regarding faculty code of professional ethics can be found in the University Policy Register. (See, University Policy 6‐17).

Faculty members are encouraged to engage in professional activities outside the University to the extent that these activities are consistent with the faculty member's teaching, research, or service responsibilities to the Department, Campus, College, or University. Under some circumstances, however, University Policy requires disclosure and prior approval. (See, University Policy Register 3342-6-24). Additionally, outside employment or other outside activities are subject to the Faculty Code of Ethics and the University’s conflict of interest policies.  (See, University Policy Register 3342-6-17 and 3342-6-23).

All faculty members should be aware of current copyright laws, which restrict the copying of published materials.  For further information, contact the University’s Office of Legal Affairs.

The University policy regarding misconduct in research and scholarship and the Administrative policy and procedures regarding allegations and instances of misconduct in research and scholarship is included in the University Policy Register. (See, University Policy Register 3342-3-05 and 3342-2-05.01).

The implementation, modification, amendment and revision of this Handbook is governed by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The Department Faculty will review and update this Handbook, as needed, but at least every three (3) years.  Suggestions for modifications or amendments to the Handbook may be initiated at any time by the Chair or by any Faculty member.  Proposed modifications or amendments are subject to discussion, revision, and recommendation by the FAC.  When a proposed modification or amendment involves a major change in Department policy or practice the Chair will solicit the input and seek the recommendation of the entire Faculty.  When the recommendation of the entire Faculty is sought, the vote shall be by secret ballot and the deadline for ballots shall be no earlier than 10 days after the proposed changes are submitted to the Faculty. If the Chair concurs with a proposed modification, amendment or revision, he/she will recommend the change(s) to the Dean.  All modifications, amendments and revisions of the Handbook require the approval of the Dean. In reviewing this Handbook the Dean may request revisions before lending final approval.  If these revisions are not adopted by the Department, the Dean shall consult the CAC with regard to the provision(s) in dispute before making a final determination and certifying final approval of the Handbook. Further, the Dean may direct that the Handbook be modified, amended or revised to reflect changes in College or University policy.