Faculty teaching at National Park College must meet the qualifications outlined in the “Faculty Minimum Qualifications Chart.” When faculty members are employed based on equivalent experience, as defined by the Higher Learning Commission, the institution defines a minimum threshold of experience and an evaluation process. These definitions may include length of prior service to the college in another position, professional certifications, and past work experience in relevant professions. The following procedures for hiring new faculty apply to decisions in which equivalent experience must be taken into account.
- If a search committee identifies a candidate of interest that does not meet the minimum qualifications defined in this policy (5.120), the Vice President for Academic Affairs will review the equivalent experience and other qualifications of the applicant with the direct supervisor of the potential new faculty member. The advisory board for the program may also be consulted about the prospective employee’s equivalent experience.
- If the question arises whether the candidate meets the minimum qualifications or has the equivalent “tested experience” to fulfill the teaching position, then the Vice President for Academic Affairs may call together a temporary Faculty Credentials Task Force of three to four faculty from several academic divisions to review the redacted hiring materials and to determine whether the candidate meets the level of tested experience to warrant a letter of variance and hiring.
- If a position is offered based upon the Faculty Credentials Task Force’s recommendations, the new employee and the Vice President for Academic Affairs will negotiate any criteria for employment.
- Upon agreement, a final contract will be presented to the Board of Trustees for ratification.
- If the equivalent experience is acceptable, a letter of variance will be kept on file outlining the qualifications of the faculty member and justifying their continued employment.
- D = Developmental
- N = Courses not intended for transfer OR courses where transfer is not guaranteed
- T = Courses intended for transfer
| Course Prefix/Number | Course Level | Minimum Qualifications | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | T | Master's degree in accounting; OR Master's in Business Administration, Economics, or other business related field with 18 graduate hours in accounting; OR Masters in Business Administration, Economics, or other business related field with a CPA credential. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of accounting/economics/business will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| AFAB | N | Associate's in Aerospace Technology, Applied Technology, General Technology or a related area with an emphasis in general aspects of aerospace; certifications in areas to be taught (if available); 5 years in-field experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| ALH | N | Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in the field to be taught, OR any associate degree and four years of professional experience in the field to be taught. | No comments. |
| ANTH | T | Master's in anthropology; OR master's plus 18 graduate hours in anthropology. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of social science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| ART | T/N | Master of fine arts, art, or visual arts; OR other master’s and 18 graduate hours in fine arts, art, or visual arts. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of art will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| AST | N | Associate's in Applied Technology, General Technology or a related area with an emphasis in Automotive Service Technology; certification in ASE/NATEF areas that are to be taught; 5 years in-field experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| BIOL | T | Master of Science in biology, human biology, anatomy or physiology, microbiology, virology, or other biological science; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in an appropriate biological science; OR Medical Doctorate. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| BUS | N | Master's in business administration/general business/ business; OR other master’s with 18 graduate hours in an appropriate combination of business administration, accounting, management, business law, marketing, economics, finance, and organizational behavior. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of accounting/economics/business will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| CHEM | T | Master of Science in chemistry; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in chemistry. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| CIS | T/N | Master’s degree in business administration or a computer science field (information systems, information technology, computer engineering, database technology, or network technology); OR a master’s +18 graduate hours in business administration or a computer science field (information systems, information technology, computer engineering, database technology, or network technology); OR bachelor’s degree in computer science field (information systems, information technology, computer engineering, network technology, or database technology) with at least three years in-field work experience, and appropriate industry certifications. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. In general, in-field work experience does not include basic office work requiring computer skills; in-field refers to positions with direct responsibility for the technical aspects of computer hardware/software. |
| CRJ | T/N | Masters' degree in criminal justice/public safety/law enforcement; OR master’s in criminal justice/public safety/public administration plus three years in-field experience; OR a master's degree in any field with significant documented, in-field experience; OR Juris Doctorate. | A bachelor’s degree in a related field plus demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| ECON | T | Master’s degree in economics; OR other master’s degree with 18 graduate hours of economics; OR a Master's in Business Administration. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| EDUC | T | Master's degree in education (any area/level) OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in education (any area/level). | “Any area/level” means a master’s in elementary education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, secondary education, higher education; OR other education area which includes a substantial pedagogical component. |
| EGR | T | Master's degree in engineering, or related engineering field; OR other master’s and 18 graduate hours in engineering related fields; OR related master’s with bachelor’s in engineering, manufacturing technology, drafting, or engineering technology, and minimum of one year in-field work experience. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| EMSP | N | Master’s degree in emergency medical services, fire science, or related field; OR Bachelor's degree in emergency medical services, fire science, or related field plus two years in-field experience; OR Associate’s degree in emergency medical services, fire science, or related field plus four years in-field experience; OR Paramedic certificate plus five years in-field experience; Paramedic with Arkansas Department of Health section of EMS instructor endorsement; OR Medical Doctorate with appropriate Paramedic field experience. Program Director qualifications - Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree to direct a Paramedic program from an accredited institution of higher education along with Paramedic field experience. | No comments. |
| EMT | N | Master’s degree in emergency medical services, fire science, or related field; OR Bachelor's degree in emergency medical services, fire science, or related field plus two years in-field experience; OR Associate’s degree in emergency medical services, fire science, or related field plus four years in-field experience; OR Paramedic certificate plus five years in-field experience; Paramedic with Arkansas Department of Health section of EMS instructor endorsement; OR Medical Doctorate with appropriate Paramedic field experience. Program Director qualifications - Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree to direct a Paramedic program from an accredited institution of higher education along with Paramedic field experience. | No comments. |
| ENG | T | Master's degree in English, rhetoric, literature, journalism, or creative writing; OR other master’s degree and 18 graduate hours in English, rhetoric, literature, journalism, or creative writing. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of English will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| ESCI | T | Master's degree in geology, oceanography, environmental science or meteorology; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in geology, oceanography, environmental science and/or meteorology. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| FREN | T | Master's degree in French; OR master's plus 18 graduate hours in French. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of foreign language will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in the appropriate field of study. French fluency and demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| GEOG | N | Master's degree in geography; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in geography. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of science or social science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| GEOL | T | Master's degree in geology; OR other master’s and 18 graduate hours in geology. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| GRD | N | Master's degree in graphic design; OR a Master's of fine arts, visual arts, photography, art, design, computer graphics with a graphic design emphasis; OR master’s plus 18 graduate hours in an appropriate combination of the following areas: art, computer design, graphic arts, graphic communications, graphic design, graphic design technology, instructional design, web design instructional/educational technology, visual arts/design. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| HA | N | Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism or a related field; OR Associate's Degree with certifications in areas to be taught (if available) and 4 years in-field experience. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| HIST | T | Master's degree in history; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in history. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of social science or history will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| HIT | N | Bachelor’s degree in health services, health information, health administration; OR other bachelor’s degree and demonstrated skills in health information management; the program director must be certified as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). The faculty member(s) must hold an AHIMA credential, and all faculty members must have a degree and/or certification in their assigned teaching area. | No comments. |
| HPR | N | Master’s degree in wellness/fitness, physical education, exercise physiology, health education, health science, kinesiology; OR other master’s and 18 graduate hours in wellness/fitness, physical education, exercise physiology, health education, and/or health science. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or physical education teaching will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| INDT | N | Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering or in a technology related field, such as Applied Technology, General Technology with an emphasis in Industrial Technology; certifications in areas to be taught (if available); 5 years in-field experience. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| LAD | D | For LAD Math: Master's degree in mathematics; OR master's degree in secondary education with a K-12 math certificate; OR master's with 18 graduate hours in mathematics. For LAD Reading/Writing: Master's in English or Rhetoric; OR master's in secondary education with K-12 English/Writing certificate; OR master's with 18 graduate hours in English or Rhetoric. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| MAR | N | Associate's in Applied Technology, General Technology or a related area with an emphasis in Marine Maintenance and Repair; certifications in areas to be taught (if available); 5 years in-field experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| MATH | T | Master of Science in mathematics; OR master's degree in related field of study, such as engineering or physics with 18 graduate hours in mathematics. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching mathematics will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| MLT | N | Faculty: qualified faculty/instructors who hold appointments within the educational program (e.g., certified professionals in their respective or related fields). The program must ensure and document ongoing professional development of the program faculty/instructors. Program Director: Master's degree in a science related field or applicable area of study. MLS (ASCP) or MLT (ASCP) certification or equivalent required. |
Preferred minimum of 3 years recent experience working in a clinical laboratory setting performing testing. |
| MUS | T/N | Master of Fine Arts in music, performing arts, humanities with an emphasis in music coursework; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in music, music theory, music composition, and/or conducting. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching music will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| NUR | N/T | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a minimum of two years previous experience in clinical nursing as a Registered Nurse; Master’s degree in nursing preferred. Holds a current unencumbered Arkansas Registered Nurse license. | Transfer of ASN completion credit within the Arkansas Nursing Education Progression Model for RN to BSN. |
| PE | N/T | Bachelor’s degree in physical education, sports, or recreation; OR other bachelor’s and coaching/supervisory experience. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| PHIL | T | Master's degree in philosophy; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate semester hours in philosophy. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching humanities will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| PHOT | N | Master of fine arts, visual media arts, or art with a photography emphasis; OR master’s plus 18 graduate hours in photography. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of art will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| PHYS | T | Master of Science in any physical science; OR other master’s and 18 graduate hours in physical sciences. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in the appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| PNP | N/T | Associate’s degree in Nursing with a minimum of two years previous experience in clinical nursing as a Registered Nurse. Holds a current unencumbered Arkansas Registered Nurse license. | Transfer of LPN completion credit within the Arkansas Nursing Education Progression Model for LPN to RN. |
| POLS | T | Master's degree in political science, public policy, public administration, or government; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in political science, public policy, public administration, or government OR a Juris Doctorate with applicable government related work experience. Note: MA Public Service from Clinton School of Public Service can teach American Government. | Note that a master’s in secondary science education or teaching of civics or social science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in the appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| PSYC | T | Master's degree in psychology; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate hours in psychology. | Note that a master’s in counseling or social work will not meet this requirement, nor will a master's in secondary education or teaching of social sciences unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in the appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| RAD | N | Associate’s degree in radiography and a bachelor’s in a health related field with an unencumbered in-field Arkansas license, ARRT registry, and a minimum two years of in-field work experience. | No comments. |
| READ | D | Bachelor's degree in reading, reading education or communications (with written and/or reading emphasis) and one or more of the following: a) minimum one year of teaching experience, b) six graduate credit hours in education or reading, c) secondary teaching /endorsement in reading. | No comments. |
| RESP | N | Program Director of an associate degree program must have earned at least a baccalaureate
degree from an academic institution accredited by an institutional accrediting agency
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). He/She must a) hold a valid
Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) credential and current state license; b) have
a minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist with
at least two (2) years in clinical respiratory care; c) have a minimum of two (2)
years’ experience teaching either as an appointed faculty member in a CoARC-accredited
respiratory care program or as a clinical instructor/preceptor for students of such
programs. The DCE of an associate degree program must have earned at least a baccalaureate degree from an academic institution accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). He/She must a) hold a valid Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) credential and current state license; b) have a minimum of four (4) years’ experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist with at least two (2) years in clinical respiratory care; c) have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience teaching either as an appointed faculty member in a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program or as a clinical instructor/ preceptor for students of such programs. |
No comments. |
| SOC | T | Master's degree in sociology or social work; OR master’s plus 18 graduate hours in sociology. Note: MA Public Service from Clinton School of Public Service can teach Social Problems. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of social science will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in the appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| SPAN | T | Master's degree in Spanish; OR master's plus 18 graduate hours in Spanish. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of foreign language will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in the appropriate field of study. Spanish fluency and demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| SPCH | T | Master's degree in speech, communications, or oral communication; OR other master’s plus 18 graduate semester hours in speech, communications, or oral communication. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching of speech, oral communications, and/or forensic speaking will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in the appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification of variance. |
| SUPM | N | Master's degree in business with work experience in supervision required; OR any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in the field to be taught; OR any associate degree and four years of professional experience in the field to be taught; OR demonstrated field and professional experience. | No comments. |
| TECH | N | Bachelor's in English, Business or a related area; 3 years classroom teaching experience. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| TECM | N | Bachelor's in Mathematics, Business or a related area; 3 years classroom teaching experience. | Note that a master’s in secondary education or teaching mathematics will not meet this requirement unless the individual has 18 graduate hours in an appropriate field of study. Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
| WLD | N | Associate's in Applied Technology, General Technology or a related area with an emphasis in Welding; NCCER certification; welding certification in all areas to be taught; 5 years in-field experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. | Demonstrated field and professional experience may be considered and warrant justification for variance. |
Does the potential faculty member have a Master’s degree in the area or subfield as listed in the Faculty Credentials Minimum Qualifications chart?
Yes
Letter of variance is not required.
No
Request for credentials review written by Dean and submitted to VPAA. VPAA reviews transcripts.
Does the potential faculty member have 18 graduate level hours in the area or subfield?
Yes
Letter of variance is not required.
No
Matter referred to the FCTF for review. An effort to make the documents anonymous should be made before submission to the FCTF.
Does the potential faculty member have related graduate level course work or relevant tested experience that match the course content being taught?
Yes
Applicant qualifies for a letter of variance documenting related graduate level course work or relevant tested experience. Letter is written by the Dean and submitted for signature to the VPAA and President.
No
Applicant does not qualify for a letter of variance. FCTF and VPAA will notify Deanr with rationale for the decision.
- Does the potential faculty member have a Master’s degree in the area or subfield as
listed in the Faculty Credentials Minimum Qualifications chart?
- Yes. Letter of variance is not required.
- No. Request for credentials review written by Dean and submitted to VPAA. VPAA reviews
transcripts.
- Does the potential faculty member have 18 graduate level hours in the area or subfield?
- Yes. Letter of variance is not required.
- No. Matter referred to the FCTF for review. An effort to make the documents anonymous
should be made before submission to the FCTF.
- Does the potential faculty member have related graduate level course work or relevant
tested experience that match the course content being taught?
- Yes, applicant qualifies for a letter of variance documenting related graduate level course work or relevant tested experience. Letter is written by the Dean and submitted for signature to the VPAA and President.
- No, applicant does not qualify for a letter of variance. FCTF and VPAA will notify Dean with rationale for the decision.
- Does the potential faculty member have related graduate level course work or relevant
tested experience that match the course content being taught?
- Does the potential faculty member have 18 graduate level hours in the area or subfield?
| Criteria | Value = 5 points | Value = 4 points | Value = 3 points | Value = 2 points | Value = 1 point | Value = 0 points | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Length of Teaching Experience: (Teaching experience must be exact subject) | 7 years or more | 5 to 7 years | 3 to 5 years | 1 to 3 years | Less than a year | No teaching experience | |
| 2. Graduate Hours | 12 to 17 graduate hours in the subject | 10 to 12 graduate hours In the subject OR 18 graduate hours in related subject | 7 to 9 graduate hours In the subject OR 15 to 17 graduate hours in related subject | 4 to 6 graduate hours in the subject OR 7 to 12 graduate hours in related subject OR more than 6 Graduate Education hours - teaching | 3 graduate hours in the subject OR 6 graduate hours in related subject | No graduate hours in the subject OR less than 6 graduate hours in related subject | |
| 3. Relevance of Related Work Experience Skills | Work experience in a related field; skills are an exact match for the desired course. | Work experience in a related field; skills are not an exact match for the desired course. | Work experience in a related field; some skills are an exact match for the desired course. | Work experience not in a related field; skills are an exact match for the desired course. | Work experience not in a related field, includes some skills that match desired course. | Work experience not in a related field and skills don’t match desired course. |
| Criteria | Value = 4 points | Value = 3 points | Value = 2 points | Value = 1 point | Value = 0 points | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4. Length of Related Work Experience | 7 years or more | 5 to 7 years | 3 to 5 years | 1 to 3 years | Less than a year | |
| 5. Related Certifications | State certification: Current to 1 year ago | State certification: 2-3 years ago | Local certification: Current to 1 year ago | Local certification: 2-3 years ago | No certification or certifications more than 3 Years ago | |
| 6. Leadership Positions or Activities (including Publications) related to Desired Course | State leadership position or activities related to desired course. Current to 2 years ago National publication related to desired course. Current to 2 years ago. | Local leadership position or activities related to desired course. Current to 2 years ago. State publication related to desired course. Current to 2 years ago. | School leadership position or activities related to desired course. Current to 2 years ago. Local publication related to desired course. Current to 2 years ago. | School leadership position or activities related to desired course 3 or more years ago. School publication related to desired course. 3 or more years ago. | No leadership positions held or not related to desired course. No publication or not related to desired course. | |
| Total points: | ||||||
Required Documents:
- C.V. or Resume (documentation for items 1, 3-6)
- GRADUATE Transcripts (documentation for item 2)
- Teaching certificates (ex: Department of Education) (documentation for items 5)
- Documentation of teaching experience (length of service?) (documentation for item 1 and possibly 3 and 4)
- Leadership certificates (documentation for item 5) or leadership awards, etc.
-
- Total points possible: 27 points.
- 70% of 27 points possible is 18.9 points.