Overview
The lecture covers the policies, procedures, and standards governing faculty roles, governance, appointments, evaluations, and rights at Roger Williams University School of Law.
Mission, Goals, and Faculty Duties
- RWU Law aims to prepare students for legal careers and promote social justice through teaching, scholarship, and service.
- Faculty must teach, conduct research, publish, advise students, and participate in governance.
- Faculty are expected to interact regularly with students outside class and serve on committees.
Academic Freedom, Non-Discrimination & Conduct
- Faculty have the freedom to research, publish, and teach without undue restriction, avoiding unrelated controversies.
- The Law School prohibits discrimination based on sex, disability, race, religion, age, or sexual orientation in all programs.
- Sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances or creating hostile environments, is forbidden.
- Faculty are expected to model ethical, professional behavior and adhere to ABA standards.
Diversity & Teaching Standards
- Diversity among faculty and staff is prioritized to enrich the educational mission and legal profession.
- Teaching quality is evaluated on mastery, preparation, and ability to engage students, with various valid pedagogical methods recognized.
Scholarship and Community Service
- Research and publication are vital faculty responsibilities, evaluated on quality, originality, and creativity.
- Faculty service includes pro bono work, judicial service, and participating in community and school activities.
Faculty Appointments and Evaluations
- Appointments can be probationary (tenure-track), continuous (tenured), term (non-tenure), or emeritus.
- Promotion and tenure are based on professional conduct, teaching proficiency, scholarly productivity, and community service.
- Regular evaluations assess teaching, scholarship, and service; tenure decisions are made by the sixth year.
- Tenure and promotion applications require comprehensive documentation and undergo committee and administrative review.
Governance and Committees
- Governance is shared among Dean, faculty, Board of Directors, and various committees.
- Faculty meetings require quorum and allow eligible faculty to vote on most matters.
- Standing committees manage curriculum, admissions, appointments, standards, library, retention, and adjuncts.
Faculty Rights, Benefits, and Work Conditions
- Faculty have defined office space, classroom support, computers, and secretarial services.
- Leaves include bereavement, jury duty, military, family, personal, and parental leave; sabbaticals require tenure.
- Comprehensive fringe benefits include medical, dental, disability, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits.
- Compensation is reviewed annually and may be received over 10 or 12 months.
Dismissal, Separation, and Due Process
- Separation may occur via resignation, retirement, non-renewal, termination (e.g., program closure, financial exigency), or dismissal for cause.
- Due process is ensured in dismissal proceedings, including written notice, right to hearing, and appeal processes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- ABA — American Bar Association, accrediting body for law schools.
- AALS — Association of American Law Schools.
- Tenure — Permanent appointment, terminated only for cause or under specific extraordinary circumstances.
- Formative Assessment — Assignments during a course providing feedback to improve student learning.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Faculty Handbook for detailed procedures and additional policies.
- Faculty applying for tenure or promotion must submit applications by September 30.
- Faculty must provide formative assessments and feedback as outlined in required courses.
- Stay updated on benefits, policy amendments, and committee service opportunities.