The rich educational atmosphere of Hendrix College is created by
bringing together students and teacher–scholars as fellow community
members. The faculty serves a vital role in nurturing this environment
by creating, supporting, and administering learning opportunities beyond
as well as in the academic arena.
We rejoice at all we have to
offer on campus and aim to sustain this tradition with the continued
participation of the faculty. In the interest of fairness and balance in
our private as well as professional lives, we expect all faculty
members to participate in a combination of these activities, to
reasonable and equitable levels.
Contribution to Collegiate Governance
It
is part of the responsibility of each faculty member to participate in
collegiate governance. These expectations include the following:
Faculty Meetings
The
faculty usually meets once each month when the College is in session.
Occasionally, additional faculty meetings are held on call. All members
of the voting faculty are expected to attend these meetings and the
meetings preceding the opening of the fall semester. Faculty should
inform the Provost if they expect to be absent.
Departmental and Area Meetings
Faculty
members are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings of
their departments and areas, and to take an active part in the work of
these groups.
Committee Assignments
Committee assignments
are a normal part of the duties of the faculty members. Committee
members may be elected out of their areas, elected by the
faculty-at-large as recommended by the Committee on Committees, or
appointed by the Provost or President depending upon the nature of the
assignment. The standing committee structure and election procedures can
be found in Committee Descriptions and General Principles under Section
C: Organization and Governance of the College in this Handbook. The
present committee assignments can be found here.
Convocations and Formal Academic Events
Periodically,
convocations and special academic events are scheduled at which the
faculty processes in full academic regalia. Such events, including
conferral of honorary degrees, Honors Convocation, Commencement, and
professorship installations, are integral to the aims and programs of
the College. Faculty members, appropriately attired, are expected to
take part in these formal academic occasions. Information about
acquiring academic regalia can be obtained in the Office of Academic
Affairs.
Support of Campus Growth and the Campus Community
The
faculty is necessarily the core for the success of the educational
mission of the institution. Therefore, many campus groups want, and
need, the assistance of the faculty to further their missions. While
these are not the primary responsibility of the faculty, the faculty
understands that our roles are significantly eased by the work of
others. These activities could include, but are not limited to the
following opportunities.
Supervision of student activities
The
faculty supervises student publications, intercollegiate athletics,
music, dramatic and literary clubs, social organizations, and other
student affairs (See Section 16 of the Bylaws).
Student recruitment and College advancement
Faculty
members play an essential role in student recruitment and college
development by meeting with prospective students, attending receptions
for prospective students and their parents, or assisting the Office of
Advancement in cultivating development opportunities in their respective
fields. All faculty members are expected to contribute to these
endeavors at reasonable and equitable levels.
Attendance at other campus events
The
College sponsors plays, concerts, sporting events, invited speakers,
and other campus events. Faculty members are encouraged to attend these
events, which enrich the community and recognize the work of others as
valuable.
Planning of campus events
Faculty are encouraged
to plan and participate in enrichment opportunities for the campus
community as appropriate. Such opportunities may include (but are not
limited to) performances, exhibitions, guest lectures, public readings,
and discussion groups.
Enrichment of the Community beyond Hendrix College
The
College encourages faculty to take on responsibilities within the
broader community. It recognizes that belonging to professional
organizations, serving on boards and committees of service
organizations, and volunteering time and effort to schools, church
groups, civic clubs, and other worthwhile causes can enhance personal
growth, develop further respect for the institution, and contribute to
the well-being of others in the world. These activities should be seen
as an extension of, rather than a substitution for, the faculty member’s
on-campus responsibilities.