CFCC Faculty and Staff Handbook

Cape Fear Community College issues this FACULTY AND STAFF HANDBOOK for the purpose of furnishing relevant information to all employees. Announcements, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures contained herein are subject to change without notice and may not be regarded in the nature of binding obligations on the College or the State. Efforts will be made to keep changes to a minimum, but changes in policy by the State Board of Community Colleges, the North Carolina Community College System, the State Legislature, the Board of Trustees, and/or local conditions may make some alterations necessary.

The administration is receptive to and encourages suggestions for the improvement of this HANDBOOK; suggestions should be submitted in writing to the Personnel Director.

In the belief that a well-informed faculty and staff is essential to the success of Cape Fear Community College, this HANDBOOK is revised, when necessary, and such revisions are presented to each faculty and staff member as early as possible. It is approved by the Board of Trustees at a regular meeting and becomes official and remains in force until additional revisions are necessary and approved by the Board. No publication can cover every aspect of the College’s operation, but an attempt has been made to cover those most essential.

Each employee should become familiar with the HANDBOOK as well as the CATALOG and the STUDENT HANDBOOK in order to contribute to the continued success of the College. A copy of the North Carolina Community College System Policy Manual and a copy of relevant administrative memorandums are available to all College personnel in the Library.

1.2 Mission Statement

Cape Fear Community College is an open door, multi-campus, comprehensive community college that strengthens the academic, economic, social and cultural life of the citizens of New Hanover and Pender counties.

As a member of the North Carolina Community College System, Cape Fear Community College fully supports the system mission and fulfills its purposes by:

Focusing on vocational, technical, pre-baccalaureate, literacy education, and continuing education programs and services;

Recruiting, enrolling, advising and retaining a diverse student body;

Recruiting, retaining and developing a highly qualified and diverse faculty and staff who are dedicated to quality education and service to the College and the community;

Evaluating existing programs and implementing new curricula and instructional strategies to serve the changing needs of the service area;

Providing support services that help students succeed;

Enhancing student life through clubs, cultural activities, leadership opportunities, and athletics; and

Interacting and cooperating with others to encourage, promote and facilitate economic and community development.

Approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, March 23,1995; revised January 18, 1996; revised November 19, 2003.

1.3 Cape Fear Community College Vision Statement

“Cape Fear Community College: Building a future-oriented world-class workforce and a community of lifelong learners in partnership with regional businesses and agencies. Imagine the possibilities!”

1.4 The Community College System

Prior to 1963, state-supported industrial education in North Carolina was administered through the public school system with boards of education having local policy responsibility. In 1963, the Community College System was established by the North Carolina Legislature. This was the beginning of a completely new educational era in North Carolina. Provision for the establishment, organization, and administration of a system of educational institutions throughout the state is spelled out in Chapter 115-D of the General Statutes of North Carolina.

1.5 Mission Statement for the North Carolina Community College System

The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to opportunity for individuals seeking to improve their lives and well being by providing:

education, training and retraining for the workforce, including basic skills and literacy education, occupational and pre-baccalaureate programs;
support for economic development through services to business and industry; and
services to communities and individuals, which improve the quality of life.

Adopted by the State Board of Community Colleges, 10/93. Revised 3/10/94, 4/15/94.

Cape Fear Community College operates under policies as prescribed by the state of North Carolina, the State Board of Community Colleges, the NC Community College System, and the local Board of Trustees.

1.6 Non-Discrimination Policy

Cape Fear Community College, its faculty and staff, and the Board of Trustees are committed to equality of educational opportunity. The College does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees. Moreover, the College is committed to cultural diversity and actively seeks larger numbers of minorities within the College community. This policy applies to both students and employees at all levels of the College's operations.

The Director of Personnel will serve as the Title IX Coordinator. If either an employee or prospective employee, student or prospective student feels that he/she has been discriminated against or denied service on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap, he/she should report such to the Personnel Director. The Personnel Director will review appeal procedures with the aggrieved person.

1.7 Diversity Statement

Cape Fear Community College represents rich diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. The College and the Board of Trustees promote and support a student body, faculty, staff, and an administration that is multicultural and diverse. To meet these goals, the College supports policies, curricula and co-curricular activities that encourage understanding, respect, and appreciation of all the various groups who are members of our community.

1.8 Cape Fear Community College History

Cape Fear Community College is a comprehensive community college that offers education and training services through numerous TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL CURRICULA in such broad areas as health care, business, engineering technologies, computer sciences, architecture/construction/interior design, law enforcement and numerous other fields; COLLEGE TRANSFER/UNIVERSITY PARALLEL studies in the freshman and sophomore years of baccalaureate programs; and a host of CONTINUING EDUCATION programs that can be broadly clustered into such categories as Basic Skills (including Adult High School and GED, among other programs), Occupational Extension (custom-designed training related directly to the in-service training needs of various professions), and Community Services/Self-Supporting classes that may include a wide range of vocational interests.

The core of the College’s mission is world-class workforce development.

CFCC is one of fifty-nine institutions comprising the North Carolina Community College System. The North Carolina Community College System and its constituent institutions operate in accordance with legislation enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly and as contained in Chapter 115D of the North Carolina General Statutes. Governance of Cape Fear Community College is further defined by policies, rules, and procedures as promulgated in accord with state and federal laws by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees, and College officials.

The service area of Cape Fear Community College includes New Hanover and Pender counties with campuses located in Wilmington, Burgaw, and Hampstead. An additional campus is in the process of being developed in the northern section of New Hanover County. Several CFCC technical and vocational programs are unique to southeastern North Carolina and to the state as a whole, and the College therefore serves as a regional provider of workforce training. The number of different students annually enrolling at the College typically exceeds 21,000.

1.9 Current School Calendar

The School Calendar governs students and teaching faculty. All other personnel are governed by College leave and holiday policies.

1.10 Holiday Schedule

Upon request to the President, at least four weeks in advance, religious holidays for non-Christians may be granted. Total holiday days may not exceed the eleven-day holiday schedule. Non-Christians may be asked to fill College roles and responsibilities during Christian holidays.

1.11 North Carolina Community College Administration

The Honorable H. Martin Lancaster, President	North Carolina Community College System
Dr. Eric B. McKeithan, President	Cape Fear Community College

1.12 State Board of Community Colleges

Mr. James J. Woody, Jr.	Roxboro
Ms. Hilda Pinnix-Raglund	Cary
Dr. Jeannette Council	Fayetteville
Mr. James W. (Jim) Daniels	Asheville
Dr. Stuart B. Fountain	Greensboro
Mr. G. Gordon Greenwood	Asheville
Dr. Bob H. Greene	Winston-Salem
Ms. Sandra L. Hayes	Waynesville
Ms. Estell C. Lee	Wilmington
Ms. Anne-Marie Knighton	Edenton
Ms. Joanne Steiner	Wake Forest
Ms. Ann Turlington	Clinton
Ms. Norma Bulluck Turnage	Rocky Mount
Mr. Herbert L. Watkins	Charlotte

1.13 Local Board of Trustees

Mr. Carl A. Byrd, Sr.	Wilmington
Mrs. Jennifer C. Casey	Wilmington
Honorable. W. Allen Cobb Jr.	Wrightsville Beach
Mr. Charles E. Crowell	Wilmington
Honorable R. Theodore Davis, Jr.	Wilmington
Honorable Lethia S. Hankins	Wilmington
Mr. Kenneth J. McGee	Wilmington
Dr. Wendell M. Murray Jr.	Topsail Beach
Mr. William N. Rose	Wilmington
Mrs. Barbara S. Schwartz	Wilmington
Mr. Robert H. Williams	Wilmington
Mrs. Connie S. Yow	Wrightsville Beach
President, CFCC SGA	Wilmington

1.13.1 Major Powers and Duties

The Board of Trustees shall:

A) Elect a president or chief administrative officer of the College for such term and under such conditions as the Trustees may fix, subject to the approval of the State Board of Community Colleges.

B) Apply the standards and requirements for admission and gradation of students and other standards established by the State Board of Community Colleges.

C) Receive and accept donations, gifts, bequests, and the like from private donors and to apply them or invest any of them, and apply the proceeds for purposes under the terms which the donor may prescribe and which are consistent with the provisions of Chapter 115D and the regulations of the State Board of Community Colleges.

D) Provide all of the instructional services for the College including contracting with other public or private organizations or institutions in accordance with regulations and standards adopted by the State Board of Community Colleges.

E) Perform such other acts and do such other things as may be necessary and proper for the exercise of the foregoing specific duties, including the adoption and enforcement of all reasonable rules, regulations, and bylaws for the government and operation of the College under Chapter 115D and for the discipline of students.

F) Establish and discontinue programs of instruction within the College when necessary.

G) If the Board of Trustees provides access to the buildings, campus, or student information directory to persons or groups which make students aware of occupational or educational options, the Board of Trustees shall also provide access, on the same basis, to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities available in the military.

H) Adopt and recommend current expense and capital outlay budgets.

I) Review the performance of the President annually and report to the State Board of Community Colleges.

J) The Board reserves for itself all other duties, responsibilities, and powers, not inconsistent with Chapter 115D or the regulations of the State Board of Community Colleges, in addition to those enumerated in this Section.

CFCC Faculty and Staff Handbook

SECTION II - Administration

2.1 Administration and Organization Chart

Cape Fear Community College is organized into four functional units: Instruction, Student Development, Fiscal, and Institutional Services. These areas cover a wide range of services, which provide College-wide assistance and/or direction.

Organization Chart

2.2 Standing Committees

Faculty and staff involvement in academic matters and in the governance of Cape Fear Community College occurs as a result of their participation in standing committees. Accordingly, participation by faculty and staff named as members of standing committees is required.

Committee on Committees

Purpose of the Committee - To review the purpose(s), structure, and composition of all committees, at least annually, and make recommendations to the President.

Curriculum Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To make recommendations for administrative consideration of 1) changes in curriculum course titles and course descriptions; 2) addition or deletion of courses; and 3) addition or deletion of a curriculum. Moreover, the Curriculum Committee shall ensure that all curricula and any proposed changes to curricula are consistent with the Criteria of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Diversity Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To address diversity issues related to 1) curriculum development (more specifically to transfer the curriculum from a traditional one to one with a multicultural approach); 2) college activities; 3) employment; 4) student success and progression through existing programs; 5) increasing financial support for prospective needy students not otherwise eligible for existing financial aid programs; and 6) decreasing or eliminating other barriers that inhibit the College's ability to meet the diverse instructional needs of the community.

Information Technology Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To construct and assist in the implementation of a technology plan for phased development of a campus-wide fiber optic network. This will include College instruction and instructional support activities as well as faculty advisement of students.

Institutional Effectiveness Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To develop, implement, and monitor planning and evaluation processes, which are designed to ensure the effectiveness of the educational programs, services, and operations of the institution. The I.E. Team ensures that the CFCC planning and evaluation processes are in accordance with the requirements of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Judicial Board

Purpose of the Judicial Board - To ensure the right of appeal to all students. The Judicial Board will hear appeals concerning academic suspension, conduct suspension, and charges of discrimination and/or denial of service on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, handicap, or sex. The Judicial Board's subcommittees (Academic, Financial Aid, Residency Status) will act on other categories of student appeals.

Learning Resources Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To serve as a medium which instructors, students, and the CFCC professional staff may discuss and interpret matters concerning the overall operations of the Library and the Audio Visual Center's programs. This Committee may assist in making recommendations concerning the use of facilities, circulation policies, methods of increasing the use and effectiveness of services, and additional acquisitions. This Committee may review and/or make recommendations for proposed changes in policies of the Library.

Professional Development Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To develop goals and objectives for appropriation of funds supporting professional development activities for faculty and staff.

Safety Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To ensure that employees are informed of good safety habits and that the College is in compliance with all mandated rules and regulations and make recommendations concerning CFCC's campus security compliance.

Social Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To 1) coordinate and plan approved social and recreational events for CFCC personnel and boards; 2) recognize significant events in the lives of CFCC personnel and board members; and 3) recommend a faculty and staff member to receive the President's Award for Outstanding Service to the College.

Student Development Committee

Purpose of the Committee - To review and recommend policies and procedures as they concern services to students to include, but not limited to:

financial aid;
career and testing services;
student government, student activities, and publications;
residency;
student grade appeals;
conduct and discipline;
bookstore;
food services;
intramural and intercollegiate athletics; and
College calendar.

CFCC Faculty and Staff Handbook

SECTION III - Institutional Development

3.1 Introduction

CFCC Institutional Development functions include institutional effectiveness (planning and research), public information (news and media relations), printing, and publications.

3.2 Institutional Effectiveness

The term “institutional effectiveness” is derived from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges Criteria for Accreditation (see Section III of the Criteria) and is at the heart of the Commission’s philosophy of accreditation. Institutional Effectiveness is a term synonymous with CFCC’s planning, assessment, and budgeting process. The College systematically engages in planning and the assessment of its programs and services to demonstrate how well it is fulfilling its stated Mission. Employees of Cape Fear Community College participate in this process through annual college and department level planning, program and services assessment, and budgeting. A complete description of the process is outlined in the published document “The Cape Fear Community College Institutional Effectiveness Program” and a copy is available upon request. Faculty and staff should contact their immediate supervisor or the Institutional Development Office for more information.

3.3 Research Function

Cape Fear Community College is not a research institution; however, there is an institutional research function to support planning and assessment. The Vice President of Institutional Development has been assigned administrative responsibility for institutional research and performs a coordinating function. The primary objectives of the Institutional Development Office are to (a) coordinate campus-wide assessment by assisting individuals with developing annual assessment plans, survey design and methodology, and in the selection of other means of assessment; (b) to conduct and/or coordinate research activities to support planning such as environmental scanning, program and services reviews, focus groups, and economic impact studies, for example; to respond to requests from faculty and staff for assistance with research projects that support the Mission of CFCC, and (d) to respond to external agencies, such as SACS and NCCCS, when requesting information for accountability purposes.

A few examples of the publications supporting institutional research are the CFCC Fact Book, Annual Program Review Reports, Critical Success Factors Report, reports of survey results, environmental scanning and focus group reports, and the Economic Impact Study.

3.4 Public Information and Media Inquiries

To assure accuracy and consistency of news and information concerning CFCC, all public information should be coordinated and/or released by the Public Information Office. Any media interviews should be cleared through the Public Information Office. When questioned by the media, employees should respond to questions only when they have sufficient information to give factual, accurate responses. If an employee prefers not to answer media inquiries, or does not feel that he/she is informed, the requests should be referred to the Public Information Officer (PIO).

3.5 College Publications

To keep a consistent and professional public image of the College, any publications or documents, which promote college services or the Public Information Officer should approve programs, before they are reproduced or distributed. All printed materials should adhere to the publications standards set by the Public Information Office.

Official publications include, but are not limited to, materials such as: business cards, official reports, letterhead, envelopes, newsletters, catalogs, view books, advertisements, brochures, pamphlets, and flyers. Publications also include electronic publications such as Internet web pages and audio/video presentations, with the exception of instructional materials for classroom use.

Publication standards include correct grammar and spelling, and should include the College logo or seal (when appropriate) and should also be duplicated clearly. Please contact the Public Information Office with any questions regarding publication standards.

3.6 Printing/Duplication Services

Cape Fear Community College offers a variety of printing, design, and duplication services through the Print Shop and Copy Center to produce official college materials and publications. Because of the large demand for duplication services, all printing/copying requests must be accompanied by a completed print/copy request form. Jobs will be completed on a first come, first serve basis. Although the time needed to complete each project will vary according to size and preparation time, departments are encouraged to give as much advance notice as possible to the Copy Center or Print Shop in order to complete the job in the time desired. Failure to give adequate notice may require the requestor to use a commercial printing/copying service.

All printing and/or design work is to be dropped off in the Public Information Office, not taken directly to the Print Shop. The material must be submitted on a disk along with a hardcopy. No handwritten material will be accepted. Jobs for the Copy Center are to be dropped off in the Copy Center or the Public Information Office.

3.7 Promotional Advertising

All promotional advertising (not employment ads) must be approved by the Public Information Officer. All ad copy and design also must be approved by the PIO before it is submitted to the media.

3.8 Patent and Copyright Policy

Every invention, discovery, material, work, product, or any part thereof, that results from the efforts of a full or part-time employee or outside consultant carried out while in the employment of, or under contract or agreement of any kind with, the College and that is produced or brought about in any fashion with the aid of the College’s facilities, staff, or through funds administered by the College shall, as between the College and the full or part-time employee or consultant, be the property of the College. Any patents, trademarks, trade names, and/or trade secrets shall belong to the College and any legal protection applied for shall be applied for by the College or through an authorized agent, assignee, or licensee in the name of the College.

As a general rule, all rights to copyrightable material are the property of the creator. The creator shall be deemed to be the College where a specific contract so provides, where a full or part-time employee or outside consultant is employed for the purpose of producing a specific copyrightable work, or where necessary to reflect the contribution of the College to the work, as in the case of software or audiovisual material of any kind.

As between the College and The State Board of Community Colleges, ownership of any of the above-described items shall be determined in accordance with applicable regulations of the state Board of Community Colleges.

The College may charge a reasonable rental fee for use of any of the above-described items and, further, if such items is a learned journal, work of art, book, publication, textbook, library book, form, bulletin, or instructional supply, then it may, as allowed by the Umstead Act, be offered for sale by the College.

This policy shall be deemed to be a part of any existing and/or future employment or consulting agreements of the College.
(approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, March 17, 1994)

CFCC Faculty and Staff Handbook

SECTION IV – Resource Development

4.1 CFCC Foundation, Inc.

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation under North Carolina law and section 501 (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation receives gifts of money and property to support educational programs and the Mission of the College. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of community leaders who volunteer their time in support of CFCC. Funds raised by the Foundation are used for scholarships and other needs of the College.

All gifts to the College (cash and in-kind) must be made through the CFCC Foundation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to identify potential donors. The Executive Director of the Foundation should be notified before any gifts are accepted to ensure appropriate procedures are followed and all necessary paperwork is completed.

4.2 Fund Raising Policy

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation, Inc. is the designated fund raising unit of the College. To protect the donors and solicitors, all fund raising activities outside the Foundation must be coordinated in consultation with the Executive Director or his/her designee.

Only by permission of the Executive Director or his/her designee may a college employee or student be authorized to solicit funds, goods, or services on behalf of the College.

Exception to this policy may be made for fund raising activities by student clubs and organizations, where no outside donations are sought and where such activities are held within the campus and are approved by the Director of Student Activities or appropriate administrator. (approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, July 18, 1996)

4.3 Gifts to the College Policy

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (3) corporation established to solicit, receive, hold, and administer gifts for the College.

All gifts (cash, real property, stocks, bonds, bequests, equipment, supplies, and in-kind donations) to the College must be recorded through the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, Inc., including those gifts designated by the donor(s) for a specific project, program, department, or division. All private cash gifts will be given to the Foundation, which will serve as the central registry for such gifts to the College, ensuring acknowledgment and accountability to the donor.

Whenever gifts or bequests involving maintenance are made, provisions for such maintenance shall be included in the gift unless the Board of Directors of the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, Inc waives this requirement.

The Board of Directors of the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any proffered gifts.
(approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, May 16, 1996)

4.4 Externally Funded Grants and Contracts Policy

Externally funded grants and contracts must be related to the stated purpose of Cape Fear Community College. The Vice President of Institutional Development and/or the President prior to commitment of college resources in seeking grants and contracts must approve all externally funded grants and contracts being sought. College personnel other than the President may accept no externally funded grants and contracts.

In no case shall externally funded grants and contracts be allowed to interfere with the College’s instructional commitments without prior approval of the President. Externally funded projects shall be conducted and reported in a manner consistent with the operational guidelines required of Cape Fear Community College by the State of North Carolina.

Summer salaries, salary supplements, and fees for consultative services rendered by college faculty and staff in externally funded grants and contracts shall be consistent with the College’s compensation plan (for full-time employees) or with established part-time pay rates, unless particular requirements of funding levels of the project require different rates of compensation.
(approved by the CFCC Board of Trustees, July 20, 1995)

CFCC Faculty and Staff Handbook

SECTION V - Personnel

5.1 Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination

5.1.1 General Policy Statement

General Policy Statement Cape Fear Community College (the “College”) is committed to equality in employment opportunity and does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of any legally protected status.

The College supports the protections against discrimination available to applicants and employees under all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act, and Chapter 115D of the North Carolina General Statutes, as these and other applicable laws from time to time may be amended.

A full copy of this policy is in the Personnel Office and the Library. A copy may be requested from the Personnel Office.

5.2 Definitions of Employment Categories

Regular Full-Time - A position established in the budget as a regularly recurring position. Employment must be for nine or more months per calendar year and considered full-time weekly employment. Positions in this category earn all benefits offered by CFCC, including membership in the Retirement System.

Regular Part-Time - A position established in the budget as a regularly recurring position. Employment must be for nine or more months per calendar year and at least 20 hours per week but less than full-time weekly employment. Positions in this category earn holidays, longevity, and pro-rated annual and sick leave.

Temporary Full-Time - A position not esta