LSC Faculty Handbook_2021-22

LSC Faculty Handbook

2021–2022

FACULTY HANDBOOK

Lone Star College Faculty,

Welcome to the start of a new academic year at
Lone Star College. For those of you who have been
members of our faculty for many years, thank you for
continuing the important work with our students. For
those of you new to Lone Star College, welcome to
one of the premier community colleges in the nation.
We pride ourselves on recruiting and retaining a
diverse, highly qualified faculty who are dedicated
to the success of our students.

The college’s faculty are integral to the learning
environment and ongoing excellence of our
institution. Reflective of these contributions, the
faculty senates of our college have developed Faculty
Qualities of Excellence which define our faculty and
provide the framework for their ongoing professional
development. The faculty members of Lone Star College strive to create a notion of world citizenry in students.
In that pursuit, they model ways of thinking and being that incorporate diversity, equality, and equity. They
are innovative in the pursuit of learning. Ultimately, they create a culture where learning thrives, people are
safe, and mirror the qualities of world citizenry. I invite you to learn more at Faculty Qualities of Excellence.

Student Invested Content Expert Pedagogically Excellent Institutionally Dedicated

An excellent LSC faculty An excellent LSC faculty An excellent LSC faculty An excellent LSC faculty
member demonstrates member is dedicated and member employs engaging member will collegially
commitment to student success invested in one’s discipline instructional strategies to foster participate, communicate, and
by maintaining academic and exhibits a continual pursuit student learning. collaborate within the college
rigor, fostering student of knowledge. and community.
accountability, and embracing
diversity in all its forms.

Each of our locations prides itself on building a strong community for our faculty, staff and students. Together,
we embrace the LSCFocus Cultural Beliefs:

One LSC Own It Cultivate Community
Student Focused Advance Equity Choose Learning

Congratulations on being part of a talented faculty dedicated to serving our community in their pursuit of
higher education. Thank you for choosing Lone Star College.

Sincerely,

Stephen C. Head, PhD
Chancellor

LSC Faculty Handbook

WELCOME TO LONE STAR COLLEGE!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you as a faculty member and colleague to our
institution dedicated to providing comprehensive educational opportunities and programs to enrich lives.
We are pleased to provide you with this Faculty Handbook, which outlines the instructional and personnel
policies for the college. The resources provided in this handbook will assist you in learning about the
expectations, rights, and responsibilities for faculty members, answer frequently asked questions that
faculty have, and familiarize you with various policies and procedures impacting your role as a faculty
member. We hope that you find this handbook a useful point of reference as you explore resources for
faculty in and out of the classroom. Our purpose for producing this document was to create a one-stop
information point where you will be able to access all the information you are likely to need during your
employment.
On behalf of the Faculty Handbook Committee, we wish you all the best in integrating into your new role
and welcome you to Lone Star College.
Sincerely,
Faculty Handbook Committee

LSC Faculty Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................1
LSCS Policy Manual................................................................................................................1
Equal Opportunity Statement..................................................................................................1
About Lone Star College..........................................................................................................1
Organizational Structure.........................................................................................................1
Faculty Senate.......................................................................................................................2
Curriculum Teams...................................................................................................................2

TEACHING AT LONE STAR COLLEGE..............................................................................3
Faculty Hours........................................................................................................................3
Instructional Logistics..............................................................................................................4
Student Absences (Religious Holidays)......................................................................................4
Classroom Emergencies..........................................................................................................4
Inclement Weather.................................................................................................................4
Campus Carry.......................................................................................................................4
Disruptive Student Behavior.....................................................................................................4
Students with Disabilities.........................................................................................................5
Faculty with Disabilities...........................................................................................................6
Student Travel........................................................................................................................6
Academic Integrity and Dishonesty...........................................................................................6
Academic Student Code of Conduct.........................................................................................6
Testing Centers......................................................................................................................7
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)........................................................7
Course Grades......................................................................................................................7
Academic Appeals.................................................................................................................7
Libraries................................................................................................................................8
Learning Centers....................................................................................................................8
Teaching Online....................................................................................................................8
Technology Support...............................................................................................................8

LSC Faculty Handbook

FACULTY RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES..........................................................................9
Ethical Standards...................................................................................................................9
Sexual Misconduct - Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).................................10
Academic Freedom..............................................................................................................11
Children on Campus............................................................................................................11
Lone Star College Property....................................................................................................12
Additional Employment.........................................................................................................12
Copyright Law.....................................................................................................................13
Intellectual Property..............................................................................................................13
Clery Act............................................................................................................................13
Emergency Management Procedures......................................................................................13
Student Organizations..........................................................................................................14
College Purchases & Other Contractual Arrangements..............................................................14

LONE STAR COLLEGE EMPLOYMENT...........................................................................15
Credentials and Records......................................................................................................15
Instructional Appointment Categories.....................................................................................15
Faculty Contracts.................................................................................................................16
Change in Contract Status & Grievances................................................................................17
Faculty Workload................................................................................................................17
Payroll................................................................................................................................18
Employee Benefits................................................................................................................18
Sabbatical Leave............................................................................................................18
Faculty Leave Banking.....................................................................................................18
Educational Attainment....................................................................................................18
Professional Development.....................................................................................................19

RESOURCES.............................................................................................................20

LSC Faculty Handbook

INTRODUCTION

The Lone Star College (LSC) Faculty Handbook provides answers to commonly asked questions by
summarizing operational policies and procedures. It will be updated periodically as needed faculty
should always check identified sources for the latest information.

LSCS Policy Manual
The LSCS Board Policy Manual provides links to specific policies, such as faculty leave banking, and the
accompanying processes and forms.

This handbook does not replace nor in any way alter LSC Board of Trustees policies nor other legal
requirements. LSC reserves and retains the right to edit or otherwise alter this handbook as necessary
with faculty input.

Equal Opportunity Statement
LSC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment and does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability,
age, or veteran’s status in its programs or activities. For more details, visit the Equal Opportunity Information
and Inquiries page.

About Lone Star College
Lone Star College is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the Houston area. Information
about LSC’s locations, history, accreditation, strategic plan, and its mission and vision are available at
the College’s website along with details about its student body.

Organizational Structure
The College’s Board of Trustees adopts policies to direct the College to accomplish its mission. The
Chancellor, Dr. Stephen C. Head, is the College’s Chief Executive Officer. The Chancellor implements
policies adopted by the LSC Board and is the only employee reporting directly to the Board. Members
of the Chancellor’s Cabinet include the Presidents and Vice Chancellors. The institution’s organizational
chart is posted online.

College Presidents serve as the Location Executive Officer (LEO) for their respective colleges. Each college
also has a Vice President of Instruction (VPI) who reports to the President. VPIs are the Chief Academic
Officer (CAO) and are responsible for student learning, quality of instruction, data informed decision
making, and the pursuit of academic excellence and integrity at the campus and center locations.

In most instances, contacts for answering questions, explaining processes, or resolving issues will be
within one’s division office. A division is led by a dean who supervises faculty supported by a division
operations manager (DOM), division operations specialist (DOS), or division coordinator. Department
chairs, or if applicable, program directors help the dean administer the division.
 

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LSC Faculty Handbook

Faculty Senate
Each college has a Faculty Senate, a recognized body comprised of faculty members and its faculty-elected
officers. This venue allows faculty to voice ideas and concerns and provides for communication between
faculty and administration. Faculty Senate presidents meet monthly with the Chancellor, providing a line
of communication to the CEO of the College, and one Faculty Senate president reports to the Board of
Trustees at each regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Curriculum Teams
LSC’s curriculum development processes ensure appropriate, coherent programs of study are available for
students. The processes are collaborative efforts among faculty-driven curriculum committees, academic
deans, the vice presidents of instruction, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Workforce
Education & Corporate Partnerships.
Each academic and workforce program or curricular area has a curriculum team comprised of a faculty
representative from each campus that offers the program or subject area. The curriculum teams initiate
curriculum actions and ensure quality, effectiveness, and consistency by establishing course and program
learning outcomes and assessing the extent to which these outcomes are being achieved.
Curriculum team information is posted on the College’s Employee Intranet. Log in is required.
Course descriptions, including student learning outcomes, are available in the online version of the LSC
Catalog.

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LSC Faculty Handbook

TEACHING AT LONE STAR COLLEGE

LSC faculty members are expected to meet the contact hour requirements for each course assigned to them
including both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Scheduled office hours should be reasonably
convenient for students. Office hours should be posted and included in course syllabi.

Below are the general teaching responsibilities required of all LSC faculty members:
• Be well prepared for each class session and meet all classes for the full contact hours at the place
and time assigned.
• If unable to teach a class, faculty should notify the division office prior to class start time so a note
may be posted for students or arrangements made for a substitute instructor. Campus division
offices should be consulted with any questions.
• Develop and follow a course syllabus that includes system, division, and department policies.
All faculty members are expected to abide by the terms of their syllabi. It is important that each
syllabus be clear and consistent. A syllabus includes:
• The instructor’s contact information including office phone, email address(es) and availability.
• Course number, title, description and outcomes; prerequisites or entry skills; number of
credit hours; and required text and materials.
• Details of grading procedures.
• Instructor’s policies on attendance and make-up work.
• College’s academic integrity and civil rights statements.
• Detailed course outline of dates and assignments.
• Other syllabus requirements as requested by the division.
• Give a final exam or hold a final meeting during finals week according to the Final Exam Schedule.
• Maintain accurate grades; certify and submit official day rosters; and certify and submit final
grades by the designated date. [Your Division office will provide deadlines and instructions.]
• Upload vita and syllabi in myLoneStar (iStar). Campus division offices will provide deadlines and
instructions.
• Actively participate in outcomes assessment activities as directed.
• Promptly complete all mandatory LSC training.
• Routinely check LSC email and respond to student and administrative emails in a timely manner.

Faculty Hours
Faculty members are expected to meet the contact hour requirements for each course assigned to
them. These requirements include both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. To maximize faculty
accessibility to students, the College expects teaching faculty to be on campus at least four days per
week—preferably five. Scheduled office hours should be reasonably convenient for students. Office hours
must be posted and included in course syllabi. Teaching faculty may accomplish certain aspects of their
teaching responsibilities off-campus, e.g., course preparation, evaluation of student work, and computer-
based instruction. No specific hourly requirement is assigned to teaching faculty. To facilitate calculations
of negotiated workloads, a 35-hour faculty workweek is the general guideline. Teaching faculty should
allot sufficient time within their work week to fulfill other duties, e.g., institutional service, committee work,
and professional development. This policy applies to each term a faculty member is contracted to teach.
(Policy Manual IV.F.1.2.b Core Hours by Position, Faculty Members).

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Instructional Logistics
Questions about textbooks, photocopies, marker board supplies, classroom access, etc., should all be
directed to the campus division offices.

Student Absences (Religious Holidays)
Students are expected to abide by the attendance policy stated in the course syllabus; however, the
College respects students’ religious observances even though they may conflict with the College’s class
meetings, assignments, and examinations.

• Religious Holiday means a holy day observed by a religion whose worship places are exempt
from property taxation under Section 11.20 of the Texas Tax Code.

• Excused Absence means a student is treated consistently with the instructor’s policies and procedures
regarding other excused absences.

No instructor may unilaterally deny a student the opportunity for make-up work under this policy. (Policy
Manual VI.D.2. Religious Holy Days)

Classroom Emergencies
Lone Star College is committed to providing a safe environment in which to learn, study, and work.
For every classroom used, notice the location of the nearest emergency exits and college phones. If an
accident/medical emergency is witnessed (e.g. someone falls, faints, has a seizure, or suffers some other
injury or sudden illness) or another type of emergency occurs use the classroom phone to contact the LSC
Police Dispatch Center or Help Desk; simply lifting the receiver from the cradle will contact the Dispatch
Center.

Inclement Weather
If severe weather occurs, local media outlets will provide updates and information. Additionally, LSC
officials will update the College’s website and will notify local media outlets regarding LSC closings and
return-to-work situations. Additionally, all current LSC students and employees are automatically opted-in
to the emergency alert system with their LoneStar.edu email address. Faculty may also sign up for Lone
Star Alert to receive messages to their cell phone, personal email, or home phone.

Campus Carry
Since August 2017, Texas law permits license holders to carry concealed handguns on college campuses.
To carry on Lone Star College campuses:

• Must have a LTC (license to carry) or CHL (concealed handgun license)
• Weapon must be concealed at all times
• Follow Penal Code 30.06

Violations of the campus carry policy should be reported to the Lone Star College police (see Classroom
Emergencies above).

Disruptive Student Behavior
Instructors have the responsibility to protect the instructional integrity of the classroom and should not
tolerate any kind of disruptive student behavior that hinders other students’ learning or deters an instructor
from effective teaching. Effective classroom management begins on the first class day. Behavioral
expectations should be communicated to students orally and in writing via the syllabus.

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Fundamental classroom management is an expectation for all faculty members but if faculty encounter
egregious or ongoing disruptive student behavior, they should consult their dean immediately. Delayed
action might result in an escalation of the situation that may have been avoided.

Students who disrupt a classroom, after being warned, can be asked to leave the classroom. A student
refusing to leave a classroom after being asked to do so by the instructor may be removed by the
College’s Police Department (see Classroom Emergencies above). In this situation, the instructor must
submit a written report documenting the incident to the college’s Vice President of Student Success. The
report must include the date, time, place and describe the circumstances of the classroom disruption.
(Policy Manual VI.E.1.04 Non-Academic Code of Conduct, Classroom Misconduct).

Students with Disabilities
The College recognizes and supports the principles set forth in federal and state laws designed to eliminate
discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. The College believes in equal access to
educational opportunities for all individuals and is committed to making reasonable accommodations,
including furnishing auxiliary aids and services, for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law.

Any student seeking accommodations should contact a Disability Services provider (DS Provider) at their
campus. Lone Star College has a 2-step process for providing reasonable accommodations to eligible
students. Students are first required to share documentation of disability. The DS Provider will review
documentation and then contact the student to discuss next steps. The second step involves an interactive
process where the DS Provider and student identify initial accommodations and then work with faculty to
implement recommended accommodations. Awarded accommodations are noted on an Accommodation
Award Letter, which students must share/or DS provider must share with each instructor of a class where
they plan to request accommodations. Accommodation requests are not retroactive; accommodations
begin once the instructor has been notified and has signed the Accommodation Award Letter.

Faculty should respond urgently and confidentially, contacting the DS Provider listed on the form with
any questions they have. Without an accommodations form from the LSC Disability Services Office, no
unique accommodations are required to be provided to any student. Accommodations go into effect
when awarded and are not retroactive.

Upon receiving an Accommodation Award Letter from a student, it is strongly recommended that faculty
arrange for a confidential conversation with the student to determine the specific needs and how they
may be addressed in the class. It is inappropriate to discuss a student’s disability, or request for an
accommodation, during class or in front of his or her peers; rather, faculty are encouraged to make
detailed arrangements with the student and implement them from the receipt of the accommodation form.
Students are not required to request accommodation every time it is needed; instructors must remain
aware of accommodation needs stated in the Accommodation Award Letter and be prepared to offer
awarded accommodations throughout the semester. Faculty are encouraged to contact the Disability
Services Office for assistance and talk with their dean.

Students have the right to appeal denied accommodations within two weeks of the College denying an
accommodation request. Formal appeals for accommodation denials are completed online and received
by the Executive Director of Disability Services at System Office.

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Students may also request accommodation revision during the semester. Each Disability Services Office
evaluates revision requests for its college campus. Contact information for Disability Services Office
personnel at each LSC location is frequently updated. (Policy Manual VI.D.11. Students with Disability Rights)

Faculty with Disabilities
Disabilities may be both physical and mental, and both disability types are protected under Federal law
(ADA and EEOC) and may require accommodations. Like students with disabilities, faculty are required
to disclose their disabilities to their supervisors and/or Human Resources Managers if they expect/desire
accommodations. Such accommodations could include altered work hours.
 
Student Travel
The College provides equal opportunities to academic student travel for all students participating in courses,
activities, and programs regardless of any protected status. LSC’s policies and procedures address both
Academic Student Travel and Non-Academic Student Travel. All faculty members must consult division staff
before initiating any off-campus student trips so appropriate paperwork may be completed as necessary.
(Policy Manual V.H. Academic Student Travel, Policy Manual VI.D Non-Academic Student Travel)

Academic Integrity and Dishonesty
The College upholds the academic core values of learning: honesty, respect, fairness, and accountability.
The College promotes the importance of personal and academic honesty from its students, instructors,
and faculty members. The College’s academic integrity policies embrace the belief that all learners—
students, faculty, staff and administrators—produce their own work and give appropriate credit to the
work of others. No fabrication of sources, cheating, or unauthorized collaboration is permitted on any
work submitted to the College or work submitted to third parties. (Policy Manual V.D. Academic Integrity
and Dishonesty)

Academic Student Code of Conduct
The College provides an educational environment grounded in strict fidelity to academic integrity and
academic rigor. The LSC Academic Student Code of Conduct applies to all students enrolled in a credit
or non-credit course at the College. It also applies to all online-only or hybrid students. (Policy Manual
V.E. Student Academic Responsibilities)

Although anyone may report academic misconduct, faculty members retain primary responsibility for
matters relating to academic integrity within their courses. Instructors should clearly state in a written
report:

• How the student’s actions violated the College’s academic integrity policy (those found in the LSC
Board Policy Manual),

• How a grade was affected (assuming it was),
• And any academic actions taken. Changing grades (individual grades or overall course grades)

requires written notice to the college’s Vice President of Instruction.
• Reports should include all known relevant facts, including dates, times, and places.
(Policy Manual V.F. Student Discipline For Academic Misconduct)

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LSC Faculty Handbook

Testing Centers
If faculty are teaching an online course or have a student who needs to make-up a test or has approved
special accommodations, faculty should complete a request form before sending a student to one of the
LSC Testing Centers (sometimes called Assessment Center). Instructions are provided online.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
Lone Star College complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) when
collecting, maintaining, and releasing student records (Policy Manual VI.G Student Records)

Under the provisions of FERPA and LSC policy, students have certain rights to privacy concerning the
release of their educational records. Faculty members should disclose grades or any other student
information only to the student. The exception is employees in a need-to-know situation. Parents, spouses,
or any other third party seeking student information should be directed to the Student Services Office.

Common practices faculty must avoid:
• Posting lists of students’ grades online or in a physical location.
• Leaving graded papers to be picked up in a public area.
• Passing around an official day roster so students may confirm their enrollment.
• Walking away from a computer screen where students’ grades are displayed or viewing a computer
screen of students’ grades when a passer-by might view the information.
• Leaving an open gradebook visible on a desk, counter, or other area.
• Sending communication about confidential or sensitive matters, such as grades, to students’
personal email addresses. Instead, use students’ official LSC email addresses or communication
tools within Desire2Learn (D2L).

Course Grades
Final course grades should be promptly entered in myLoneStar (iStar). The division office will provide
deadlines and instructions. Possible course grades and details about grade point calculations are shown
in the Academic Policies, Procedures and Services section of the LSC Catalog.

Academic Appeals
An academic appeal is a formal request brought by a student to change a grade for:

• A mathematical error in the grade’s calculation,
• A deviation by the instructor from the course syllabus or the LSCS Board Policy Manual,
• Or disparate treatment of the student not covered by EEO policies (e.g. race, color, sex).

Any basis for appeal outside of those three categories will not be considered and the College will simply
inform the student of this policy and refuse to process the appeal. An appeal will not be considered
merely because the student is dissatisfied with a grade or disagrees with the instructor’s professional
judgment of the quality of the student’s work or performance.

Students have 12 calendar months from the date the grade was posted by the registrar to submit an academic
appeal. A grade may only be changed by the instructor of record, the instructor’s department chair, the
academic dean, or the Academic Appeals Committee. Should an instructor of record’s employment end or
otherwise become incapacitated or unavailable, the department chair, or the academic dean may enter
grades on the incapacitated or unavailable faculty member. (Policy Manual V.G. Academic Appeals)
 

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LSC Faculty Handbook

Libraries
LSC Libraries support the curriculum and student success through the provision of in-person and online
reference assistance, information and digital literacy instruction, collection development, inter-library
loan, course reserves, and circulation services. Each library provides co-curricular programing and events
to facilitate lifelong learning opportunities among students, faculty, staff and community members.
Through LSC Libraries online catalog and research databases, LSC faculty and students can access
thousands of general and specialized full-text articles, e-books, images, audio and video clips and an
array of other resources. For more details, including library locations and hours, visit LSC Libraries.
Learning Centers
Sometimes called academic support center, academic success center, extended learning center, or
learning commons, all LSC Learning Centers offer:

• Individualized tutoring in reading, writing, math, science, and languages,
• Workshops on student success skills including research, computer software, and exam techniques,
• Computer labs providing access to the internet, email, and course-related software, and
• Generalized and course-specific materials from the internet, in print, and through audiovisual aids.
Teaching Online
LSC-Online provides Online Teaching Certification courses as a resource for faculty covering best practices
of online teaching. These certifications permit faculty members to teach online or hybrid classes at Lone
Star College. The Online Teaching Certification - Quick On-Boarding is a certification that is valid for one
year. The Full Online Teaching Certification course builds upon the Quick On-Boarding training. Visit the
Virtual Teaching Assistance Center (VTAC) for more details.
Technology Support
Most LSC classrooms are equipped with an instructor’s computer, internet access, projector, and screen.
The Office of Technology Services (OTS) has a single point of contact for technology support. Dial
832.813.6600 or 866.614.5014 for the technology service desk.

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LSC Faculty Handbook

FACULTY RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

All employees must adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards, always conducting official
College duties with integrity and honesty and in conformance with applicable law, governing regulations,
Board Policy, and the Chancellor’s Procedures. Employees must immediately disclose actual or potential
conflicts of interest to the College.

Ethical Standards
Faculty members must:

• Protect all confidential information to which they have access. Confidential Information means
confidential and or proprietary College information, including but not limited to personally
identifiable information of students or employees, to which access is restricted by state or federal
law, Board Policy, the Chancellor’s Procedures, or College contracts.

• Refuse to accept any significant gift, favor, or service that might reasonably tend to, or appear
to, influence the discharge of official duties or official conduct. Except for cash or negotiable
instruments, this prohibition does not apply to items with a fair market value under $50. An
employee who receives an unsolicited gift or benefit that he or she may not accept under this
policy may donate the gift or benefit to the Lone Star College Foundation. Notwithstanding this
prohibition, an employee may attend a vendor–provided or –sponsored seminar or training
program under the conditions specified in the Board Policy section on Reporting and Investigating
Dishonesty and Fraud.

• Avoid any personal business arrangements that might impair independent judgment in the
performance of official duties.

• Avoid personal investments that could reasonably be expected to create a conflict of interest.
• Perform all official duties and exercise all official powers in an impartial manner, free from any

solicitation, acceptance, or agreement to accept or give any personal benefit, including a benefit
for or to one’s family.
• Contribute to creating a positive and constructive environment, which is essential for the success
and effectiveness of the workplace and the teaching/learning process, including the responsibility
for each employee to:

• Subscribe to the judicious use of power vested in his or her position and exercise particular
care in relationships of unequal authority, such as that of a supervisor/subordinate or a
faculty/student, in which he or she has responsibility for evaluation and decision making.

• Ensure that each employee/student under his or her direction has the opportunity to work/
learn in an environment that reflects concern for each individual and respect for each
person and is free from harassment or discrimination.

• Refuse to permit a family member to enroll in a class or other instructional activity for which
the employee has responsibility to evaluate performance.

• Take reasonable actions to ensure that appropriate rules regarding plagiarism and/or
cheating are in place and are impartially enforced to protect academic integrity.

• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Keep accurate and reliable records of all matters for which faculty has responsibility and maintain

all records and funds in an accurate and straightforward manner consistent with the law and the
College’s accounting processes.

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• Provide full and accurate information, and true records of all required documentation, including
employee applications, employment verification documents, transcripts, certifications and credentials,
criminal history, information regarding prior employment, and any other information which
materially relates to the employee’s employment or application for employment with the College.

• Sexually intimate or physical relationships between an instructor and a student enrolled in the
instructor’s course are prohibited.

Violating this policy may result in employee discipline—including termination. (Policy Manual IV.F.6
Ethical Standards)

Sexual Misconduct - Sexual Harassment / Sexual Assault – Title IX
An essential component in fulfilling the Lone Star College mission is to create a safe and supportive
learning environment for all students. LSC strives to maintain an educational environment compliant with
all applicable anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and retaliation laws and policies including all laws
prohibiting discrimination arising from: sexual harassment, sexual violence, race, color, sex, age, sexual
orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Unlawful academic discrimination, harassment or retaliation by officers, managers, faculty, supervisors,
employees, students, advisors, vendors, clients, or contractors will not be tolerated.

Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program
or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

LSC Policy Manual Section IX – Sexual Misconduct specifically covers sexual harassment, violence,
discrimination, and retaliation as prohibited by applicable laws and the College. The College does not
tolerate retaliation against anyone who complains about sexual misconduct or cooperates in a sexual
misconduct investigation. Nothing in this policy prohibits anyone from filing a report or complaint with
any other agency, including law enforcement.

Any person who believes sexual misconduct occurred may promptly report the incident to one of the
College’s Responsible Employees or a Campus Security Authority (CSA) if reporting sexual violence
including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Any person may obtain assistance
by contacting the following:

• College Police Department
Phone: 281.290.5911

• Title IX Coordinator
Karen Miner
Phone: 832.813.6614
E-mail: [email protected]

• Department of Emergency Preparedness
Phone: 281.290.5911

• LSC Incident Reporting System

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Academic Freedom
Every instructional employee and employee’s family member has the right to speak or write as a citizen
of the nation, state, and community without fear of institutional censorship or discipline so long as the
employee is clear that they do not speak on behalf of the College.

Instructional employees have the right to teach class content, including arguably offensive or controversial
class content, according to their professional judgment within the guidelines established by the curriculum
team, state governing bodies, accrediting agencies, the College’s Policy Manual, and as required by
federal, state, or local laws. Instructional employees are required to maintain academic standards with
respect to learning outcomes and the accrediting body’s requirements.

Challenges to the content of a course may be brought to an instructional employee’s dean or vice
president. The appropriateness of the content will be determined by the Vice President of Instruction.
Should a faculty member feel his or her academic freedom has been infringed upon by a student,
colleague, or supervisor, the faculty member should express concerns to the Chief Academic Officer of
the college. (Policy Manual V.I. Academic Freedom and Responsibilities)

Minors on Campus
An Authorized Responsible Adult (parents, legal guardians, or an adult authorized by a parent or legal
guardian) must supervise Minors (persons aged 15 and under) on College premises unless the Minor is
participating in a College class, program, or event. This means that Authorized Responsible Adults do
not have to accompany Minors while they are participating in the College class, program, or event but
must be present to monitor the Minors’ activities outside of a College class, program, or event. Minors
participating in a College class, program, or event must have written permission from their parent or legal
guardian. The Authorized Responsible Adult must be immediately available in an emergency situation.
(Policy Manual II.D.2.04 Requirements for Minors on College Premises)

College Employee Children on Campus
Employees may not bring children to their worksite, except for a brief visit, unless the applicable College
campus specifically designated a time or place for employee children to be present. Employees who
bring their children to a College work area for a brief visit must continuously supervise their children. No
child may be left unattended or with other employees. An employee’s child’s presence should not obstruct
or diffuse work or duties in the College work area. Supervisors may ask employees to have their children
leave the work area. Ill children may not be brought to the employee’s work area. Other arrangements
must be made to accommodate an ill child. (Policy Manual II.D.2.05 College Employee Children on
College Premises)

Children of Students
College students’ children may not enter the classroom, even for brief visits, without the instructor’s
prior express written permission. Instructors may deny permission or revoke written permission. Children
cannot enter an activity or lab area where dangerous substances or equipment are stored or in use unless
the children are students enrolled in an applicable class or participating in a special College program.
(Policy Manual II.D.2.06 Minors on College Premises)

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Lone Star College Property
Institutional equipment or property may not be used for personal benefit with the exception of library
books and materials, recreational facilities and other items that are typically available to LSC visitors.
The incidental use of the telephone, e-mail, and internet is permissible if the use does not interfere with
the employee’s job duties and does not incur any cost to LSC. However, you may not use institutional
resources for political purposes such as advocating for a candidate or bond.

Access to LSC’s network, myLoneStar, Desire2Learn (D2L), computer labs, internet, e-mail, and other
computing resources is extended to current employees, students, and affiliates that are in good standing.
Employee-level access to these systems ends with the termination of employment.

Users are expected to comply with all LSC policies and relevant laws of the United States and Texas and
to observe the same high ethical and professional standards when communicating through computing
resources as required in face-to-face or written communications.

The College reserves the right to monitor all employee email communication. Employees have no
expectation of privacy when using the College’s electronic resources. (Policy Manual IV.F.5. College
Resources)

Additional Employment
The College’s mission requires its employees’ professional endeavors to be focused on their primary jobs
at the College. The College may permit additional employment outside of an employee’s primary job if
the additional employment does not negatively impact the College’s mission.

Additional Employment means any paid employment or contract work outside of an employee’s primary
job at the College. As determined by the dean, a full-time faculty member may not undertake additional
employment that

• directly or indirectly interferes with the employee’s primary job;
• has been offered because of the employee’s official connection to the College;
• uses College resources—including but not limited to computers, copiers, materials, equipment, or

offices;
• was not approved in advance and in writing by both the employee’s supervisor and the respective

college president, vice chancellor, or other operational officer reporting directly to the Chancellor
(“chief area officer”);
• is expressly limited by the employee’s employment contract (if any) with the College; or
• violates any principle established in this Board Policy.
When a full-time faculty member wishes to engage in additional employment, including self- employment
or an additional position within the College, the faculty member must report the nature and scope of the
employment to their dean. Instructors may not engage in the employment unless it is approved in writing
by the dean and the applicable college president, vice chancellor, or chief area officer. (Policy Manual
IV.F.4. Additional Employment)

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Copyright Law
LSC faculty are expected to comply with the provisions of the United States Copyright Law which provide
a copyright owner with the exclusive rights to his or her copyrighted work. Federal law creates some
important exceptions to the exclusive rights of the copyright owner including the fair use of a copyrighted
work for teaching, scholarship or research.

However, instructors must consider a number of factors when seeking to determine if the proposed use
falls within this exception. Before using others’ copyrighted works in your classes, check with a Lone
Star College librarian to see if the institution already has license to the desired or similar works. (Policy
Manual IV.H.2. Copyright)

Intellectual Property
Lone Star College recognizes that engaged and creative faculty, staff, and students are essential to
the mission of the College and to the pursuit of knowledge. LSC supports the goals of facilitating the
development and dissemination of intellectual property to society and providing financial rewards to
creators and to the College. LSC Board Policy seeks to balance protection of public funds and equitably
recognizing technological, scientific, and academic advancements.

All individuals who create potentially College-owned intellectual property must submit a timely disclosure
form to the Office of the General Counsel. The Office of the General Counsel will review rights and
obligations, evaluate commercial significance, determine if the College has an ownership interest, decide
whether to seek legal protection, and identify other issues that may arise from disclosure. The Office of the
General Counsel will inform the individual of the disclosure review outcome within a reasonable time. The
College may then enter into agreements with the individual regarding rights, benefits, or obligations. An
individual cannot proceed with any outside disclosure, commercialization, or publication until the Office
of the General Counsel concludes its review.

The Board of Trustees policy on intellectual property applies to College employees and all individuals,
including students, using College resources. This policy is a condition of College employment, course
enrollment, and using College facilities, equipment, funds, or any other College resources. (Policy Manual
IV.H. Intellectual Property)

Clery Act
LSC complies with the Jeanne Clery Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. LSC community
members who witness or experience crime on campus are encouraged to report it to Campus Security
Authority (CSA) or campus police. An Annual Security Report (ASR) is published on October 1st of each year.

Emergency Management Procedures
The Department of Emergency Preparedness works in collaboration with the LSC Police Department and
campus administration to communicate and implement procedures for the safety of LSC students, faculty,
staff, and guests. It is critical that all members of the LSC community are informed and prepared to
respond appropriately in an emergency situation.

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The LSC Emergency Management Plan (EMP) outlines the College’s approach to emergency operations,
and is applicable to all LSC locations and departments. The EMP provides general guidance for emergency
management activities and an overview of our methods in mitigation, preparedness, response, and
recovery. The plan describes our emergency response organization and assigns responsibilities for
various emergency tasks
All faculty members should review guidelines and materials developed for:

• lockdown,
• active shooter,
• power outage,
• severe weather, and
• other possible threats or vulnerabilities.
Student Organizations
Many faculty members serve as Student Organization Advisors. If faculty are approached about serving
as an advisor or are interested in starting a student organization, it is imperative they review the Student
Welfare and Rights section of the policy manual, which addresses topics such as non-academic student
travel, required training and raffles. (Policy Manual VI.D Student Welfare and Rights)
College Purchases & Other Contractual Arrangements
LSC has extensive policies and procedures related to purchasing and contracts. Faculty members must not
initiate college-related purchases or contractual obligations without familiarization of these policies and
procedures and without seeking supervisor approval.

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LONE STAR COLLEGE EMPLOYMENT

Credentials and Records
Transcripts for all conferred degrees must be sent to the Office of Human Resources at System Office in
a sealed envelope from the institution within the first 30 days of employment or electronically directly
from the attending college or university. Failure to submit credentials by the end of the new employee’s
first semester, or misrepresented credentials on the applicant’s résumé or employment application, may
be grounds for disciplinary action—including employment termination. The Office of Human Resources
keeps each employee’s official personnel record. (Policy Manual IV.A.4 Credentials)

Instructional Appointment Categories
Each LSC position is categorized by the Office of Human Resources as being in one of 18 appointment
categories. The categories, in turn, affect benefits eligibility, compensation, contractual status, and other
conditions of employment. The Chancellor may reassign or transfer any employee within the College as
required to fulfill College needs.

ADJUNCT
An employee who receives a limited appointment to teach no more than nine credit hours per
semester not to exceed 18 credit hours in any given academic year, defined for this purpose as a
nine-month period with two 4.5-month semesters.

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) INSTRUCTOR
An employee who receives a limited appointment to teach specific non-credit course(s).

CORPORATE COLLEGE TRAINER
An employee who receives a limited appointment to teach certain non-credit courses.

DUAL CREDIT INSTRUCTOR
• Non-Employee: This person is employed by a local Independent School District (ISD). Dual
Credit Instructors receive an appointment from the ISD to teach and perform assigned
duties. The College pays the local ISD, and ISD pays all monetary compensation and/or
benefits to the Dual Credit Instructor. The ISD is the fiscal agent.
• Employee: College employee who receives a limited appointment to teach no more than
nine credit hours per semester not to exceed 18 credit hours in any given academic year,
defined for this purpose as a nine-month period with two 4.5-month semesters. The College
is the fiscal agent.

FACULTY
Contractual employees whose primary duties and responsibilities directly relate to educational
programs or student educational development. The term “faculty” only includes Faculty and
Temporary Faculty.

INSTRUCTOR
Contractual instructional employee whose duties are instructing and teaching only. Instructors are
hired on a reduced workload and will be paid at a prorated faculty salary. Instructors have no

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right of continued employment beyond their annual contract, do not have right of notice of non-
renewal, and their service as instructor does not count towards eligibility for a multi-year contract
or faculty status.

TEMPORARY FACULTY
Contractual instructional employee who has the same duties and responsibilities as a permanent
faculty member. Temporary faculty are hired in a full-time capacity on a temporary contract,
contingent upon College needs. Temporary faculty members have no right of continuing employment
beyond the term of their current contract and do not have a right of notice of non- renewal and
their service as temporary faculty members does not count towards eligibility for a multi-year
contract or faculty status.

WORKFORCE SKILLED TRADE INSTRUCTOR
Contractual instructional employee whose duties are instructing, teaching, and program and
career development designed to meet workforce needs, identified through College partnerships
with business, government, and community organizations. Instructors may be hired on a full or
reduced workload. Employee has no right of continued employment beyond the initial term of
employment. Employee has no right of notice of non-renewal and service does not count towards
eligibility for a multi-year contract or faculty status. (Policy Manual IV.B. Employment Relationship)

Faculty Contracts
Faculty employment contracts are recommended by the applicable college president, approved by the
Chancellor, and ratified by the Board. Faculty employment contracts may be for a one- or two-year
term. All full-time faculty receive a 1) nine-month assignment, 2) 10.5-month assignment, or 3) 12-month
assignment.

• Within the first three years of employment, full-time faculty are eligible for one-year contracts only.
• Upon satisfactorily completing the third full year of employment, full-time faculty are eligible for a

two-year contract.

Each full-time faculty member may be awarded the rank of assistant professor, associate professor, or
professor.

• Assistant professor means a faculty member has less than three full-time years of teaching experience
at the college or university level.

• Associate professor means a new faculty member has three or more full-time years of teaching
experience at the college or university level. After one year of satisfactory teaching at the College
as an assistant professor, a faculty member is eligible to become an associate professor.

• Professor means a faculty member has satisfactorily served as an associate professor for three
years. Professors have multi-year contracts.

The Board annually reviews and may ratify for renewal employment contracts upon the Chancellor’s
recommendation. Faculty renewal recommendations are generally presented at the April Board meeting. All
contracts are subject to non-renewal and or change of status if (1) the contractual employee fails to sign and
return initial or renewal employment contracts to the Office of Human Resources within required time periods,
and or (2) the College’s interests will be served in accordance with the Change in Contract Status policy.
(Policy Manual IV.B.2. Contractual Employees)

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Change in Contract Status & Grievances
The LSC Board of Trustees policy related to change in contract status addresses the modification, extension,
and non-renewal of employment contracts in a fair manner that complies with local, state, and federal
law. For details about the College’s policy, see Policy Manual IV.G.2. Change in Contract Status.

The College’s policy on employee grievance and review is a uniform process for resolving employee
grievances that exceeds state and federal laws. Employees who use this process may do so without
facing discrimination or retaliation. This policy nurtures an employee culture that values and respects
all employees by encouraging early collaboration and resolution of employee concerns. Go to Policy
Manual IV.E.6 Employee Grievance and Review Process for details.

Faculty Workload
Lone Star College faculty are responsible for learning facilitation (70%), institutional service (20%), and
professional development (10%). Details of the College’s policies on faculty workload are located in
Policy Manual IV.F.2. Full-Time Faculty Workload.

DEFINITIONS
• Annual Assignment means workload assignments that include the fall and spring semesters
and, if contracted, the summer session(s). The average number of hours per week may vary
if the total meets the annual standard.
• Discipline Profile means standard guidelines for learning facilitation assignments that identify
by discipline the number of hours and usual number of sections that faculty members teach
in each academic year.
• Institutional Service means one of three faculty workload components that contemplates
collateral responsibilities to support the College in achieving its goals, such as serving
on committees, mentoring faculty, recruiting, developing curriculum, and supporting
administrative functions.
• Learning Facilitation means one of three faculty workload components that includes
responsibilities associated with serving students such as: teaching, planning, evaluating,
advising, and counseling.
• Negotiated Workload means an individualized workload assignment based on Division/
College goals.
• Professional Development means one of three faculty workload components that may include
responsibilities associated with addressing growth and change such as participating in the
evaluation process, attending workshops, enrolling in programs of study, and contributing
to one’s profession.
• Traditional Workload means a workload assignment consisting of responsibilities in all
three workload components of the faculty position at the identified percentage of time, and
a teaching assignment according to the discipline profile, including a minimum of 24 hours
per week devoted to serving students.

With permission from the vice president of instruction, faculty may choose a traditional or negotiated
workload with at least 24 hours per week devoted to learning facilitation. Workload calculation is based
on a general guideline of a 35-hour week. The teaching component of the faculty workload follows the
applicable discipline profile. Teaching hours may be adjusted for faculty on a negotiated workload with
permission from the vice president of instruction.

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The COVID-19 Modified Faculty Workload Guidelines are effective through the end of Fall 2021.
Beginning Spring 2022, the College will follow its normal Faculty Workload Guidelines. Both documents
are available on the LSC Employee Intranet. Log-in is required.

Payroll
Faculty members receive semi-monthly payments on the fifteenth and the last day of the month. When the
pay date falls on a weekend or holiday, instructors receive payments on the last business day prior to
the scheduled pay date. Pay periods vary by number and start dates depending on the semester. Please
consult your division office for details. LSC requires employees to utilize direct deposit or pay card. (Policy
Manual IV.C.1.5. Payroll and Salary Deductions)

Employee Benefits
Numerous employee benefits are available to LSC’s full-time faculty members. The College offers group
benefits, paid professional development, standalone disability insurance, and other benefit plans. The
College’s Office of Human Resources facilitates most employee benefits. (Policy Manual IV.D. Employee
Benefits)

Sabbatical Leave
LSC full-time employees have numerous opportunities for paid leave such as sick leave, bereavement
leave or jury duty. Additionally, sabbatical leave is time-specified paid leave awarded to eligible faculty
members and administrators. This leave must be used to engage in full-time professional development,
study, research, writing, to gain work experience in a related field of work, or to address the College’s
strategic needs. Full-time faculty and full-time administrators with at least seven continuous years of service
in a contractual position are eligible for sabbatical leave. Eligible employees may be awarded sabbatical
leave only once every seven years. (Policy Manual IV.D.1(h) Sabbatical Leave)

Faculty Leave Banking
Full-time faculty may convert compensation earned through extra service assignments into a future leave
pool. This program allows eligible employees who have earned the equivalent of a full semester of
banked leave plus an additional service assignment to take a semester’s leave with full pay. (Policy
Manual IV.D.1(i) Faculty Leave Banking)

Educational Attainment
LSC faculty members are encouraged to further their education. Full-time Faculty/Instructional Educational
Attainments are awarded as an increase to faculty members’ base pay and are obtained by moving from
one faculty pay grade to a higher faculty pay grade. The degree must be completed while employed with
Lone Star College and the degree must be from an accredited college or university. The official transcripts
and documentation must be submitted to Human Resources prior to July 15 to ensure the request is
processed before the first pay cycle of the fall semester. Additional information and the educational
attainment online form are available in the HR Service Center.

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Professional Development
The College provides numerous avenues for faculty development:

NEW FACULTY INSTITUTE
LSC’s New Faculty Institute, a program offered by The Center for the Advancement of Teaching
& Learning, is developed for all newly hired full-time faculty members and is designed to be
completed in one year. The program begins with new instructors reporting one week earlier than
their colleagues to participate in three days of activities focused on teaching, learning, and student
success and two days of campus-specific activities. The cohort typically meets three additional times
for face-to-face workshops and participates in two distance learning experiences, all concentrating
on topics related to teaching and learning.

THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Faculty can also apply to participate in The Leadership Academy, a year-long leadership
development opportunity. The program includes eight day-long growth sessions, a three-day
residential retreat and a two-day trip to Austin. Any full-time faculty member with at least two years
continuous full-time service to Lone Star College as of January 15th of the cohort year is eligible
to apply. Individuals chosen for The Leadership Academy participate in mentoring and coaching
experiences and a group project or activity designed to benefit LSC.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Organizational Development also offers educational support via scholarships through a competitive
application process each year to employees seeking a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or
doctoral degree. Eligible employees must have two years of full-time experience at Lone Star
College.
 
EDUC 1300: STUDENT SUCCESS TRAINING
Specific professional development opportunities are required for faculty members teaching the
EDUC 1300 Student Success Course. Since fall 2014, all faculty members new to the course
are required to complete 10 hours of professional development with annual re-certification also
required (5 hours). The professional development program emphasizes student-centered strategies,
use of active learning techniques and differentiated instructional methods, building student rapport,
engaging routinely in professional collaboration and being available to students outside of class
time.

LSC-ONLINE SUPPORT
Lone Star College-Online provides support and professional development for faculty members
teaching hybrid or fully online classes. Completion of certification courses is supported college-
wide and is required to teach an online or hybrid class. The Virtual Teaching Assistance Center
(VTAC) has been created as a resource created LSC faculty. The VTAC provides instructional guides
and training to assist with the development and implementation of successful online courses.

Additionally, full-time faculty members can attend conferences and seminars as division budgets permit
and may apply for sabbaticals. College specific activities are varied and ongoing. Check with your
division office for information.

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RESOURCES

Analytics & Institutional Reporting
Board of Trustees
Bookstores
Calendar
Campus Carry
Campus Police
Catalog
Chancellor’s Cabinet
College website (Lone Star College)
Counseling Services
Course Learning Outcomes (Learning outcomes are listed at the bottom of each course record.)
Curriculum Team Information (log-in required)
Disability Services
Employee Intranet (log-in required)
Faculty Development
Final Exam Schedule
Human Resources
Learning Centers
Legal Notices
Libraries
Lone Star Alert
LSC-Online
Maps
Office of Emergency Management
Office of Technology Services (OTS)
Organizational Chart
Policy Manual
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
Virtual Teaching Assistance Center (VTAC)
Testing Centers
Veterans Affairs

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FACULTY HANDBOOK
LoneStar.edu

07.29.21.04