Kansas State University

Updated versions of University Handbook sections C, D, E, F, and appendices O and U

Submitted by Brian Niehoff, acting provost, and Spencer Wood, Faculty Senate president

After an extensive review and revision process, we are happy to announce that updated versions of Section C, Section D, Section E, Section F, Appendix O and Appendix U of the University Handbook have been approved by the Office of the Provost and Faculty Senate. The changes to the handbook can be viewed online. All changes will go into effect immediately. 

The specific changes we wish to note are:

1. Section C – Faculty Identity, Employment, Tenure. Revised Sections C53.3, 63.3, 112.5, and 152.5. Wording changes made in these sections clarify what documentation is in a candidate's promotion and/or tenure evaluation paperwork and additionally what documentation is given to the candidate and the dean.
2. Section D – Privileges, Benefits, Responsibilities. Revised Section D3 for the insertion of wording and a website link to new PPM Chapter 4094, Consensual Romantic Relationships Involving Students. Also, an addition to PPM Chapter 4095 includes policy related to consensual employee romantic relationships.
3. Section E – Leaves, Insurance, and Retirement Benefits. Revised Section E1-E8 to include:

• Overall editorial revisions to Section E 1-8 for clarity. Headings for each subsection were changed. Sections E2 and E3 had substantial policy changes.
• Revised E2, particularly as it relates to terms of the sabbatical. Additions to this section include that faculty may accept limited lecturing or teaching responsibilities at another institution during the sabbatical, but will not be approved for sabbatical leave in order to accept full-time employment with another organization. Also the faculty member is released from all academic duties and responsibilities while on sabbatical, but they should make arrangements for the supervision of graduate students while on leave.
• Revised E3, stating that the university will not reimburse a faculty member for sabbatical leave expenses (typically travel and subsistence) from general use funds. However, a faculty member may use non-general use funds such as DRA, SRO, Foundation or restricted-use funds, to the extent that such funds are at the discretion of the faculty member's use and may be used for professional development activities.

4. Section F – Instruction – Academic Procedures. Revised Section F to include:

• Revised Section F83. Wording changes to the Incomplete policy provide clarity regarding what responsibility belongs to the faculty member and student respectively, what is appropriate use of the Incomplete grade, and additional detail regarding the time frame allowed to complete the course.
• Revised Section F103. Procedural language was added for the reinstatement process when an undergraduate student has been dismissed from a KSU undergrad program, is admitted to a graduate program, and then re-applies to an undergraduate program. This is a rare set of circumstances. This addition will also be included in the undergraduate catalog and on the Registrar's website where reinstatement policies are listed.

5. Appendix O – Integrity in Research and Scholarly Activity. Revised Appendix O includes:

• Overall editorial revisions to Appendix O for both clarity and modernization to match current Federal regulations.
• Edited the list of topics which fall under the scope of the policy based on the Federal definition of Research Misconduct.
• Provided definitions of the topics that fall under Research Misconduct.
• Organized and formatted various sections of the old policy to match Federal policy guidelines and make it easier to understand and follow (added headers for each section).
• Appointment of the IRSAC – changed membership numbers from 12 to 15.
• Added a provision that an individual who suspects a case of research misconduct may meet informally with the VPR to discuss before/if bringing forward an official charge of research misconduct against another individual.
• Provided definitions for terms "malicious" and "frivolous."
• Added a list of what should be included in the Inquiry report.
• Removed the requirement of including one tenured faculty member from the Department of the individual whose conduct is in question to serve on the Review Committee.
• Added a list of what should be included in the Review Committee report.
• Added a link to where graduate students can appeal a determination.
• Added a link to where undergraduate students can appeal a determination.
• Added a sentence that states that upon completion and closure of the case, a letter will be sent to the VPR documenting the resolution of the case and the matter will be considered closed.

6. Appendix U – Policy on Mediation. Revised Appendix U to include:

• Revisions to Appendix U reflect that Human Capital Services will now be responsible for the coordination of mediation services.
• Employee Relations & Engagement, or ER&E, is appointed to coordinate the services, in lieu of appointing a Mediation Coordinator. This approach will be cost effective and improve efficiencies for employees who are seeking services provided by ER&E. 
• ER&E can coordinate services through the Employee Assistance Program, EAP, who have licensed mediators at no additional cost to the university. 
• If necessary, ER&E can coordinate mediation services through outside licensed mediators.

If you have any questions concerning the changes, please contact Sandra Brase, Office of the Provost, sbrase@k-state.edu, or Charles Barden, cbarden@k-state.edu and Amy Betz, arbetz@k-state.edu, of Faculty Affairs.