6.9 POLICY ON SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT AND INVOLVEMENT
For the full-time
members of the faculty, a position in the college is their primary vocational
calling. Each faculty member is expected to exhibit, in addition to evidence
of an informed and vibrant Christian faith, a commitment to effective
teaching, advising, and professional scholarship. Faculty members are
also strongly encouraged to serve various communities when such involvement
arises naturally out of the faculty member's calling as a Christian teacher
and scholar at Calvin College. Although one's position in the college
does not make a claim on all of one's waking hours, a commitment to the
above ideals does require persistent effort. Any outside activity, professional
or personal, should not interfere with fulfilling well all responsibilities
to the college.
It is in the light
of this calling, therefore, that all opportunities for outside professional
activities not directly entailed by one's position in the college ought
to be evaluated. Effective teaching, professional scholarship, academic
advising, and service to various communities are expected of us all, and
no outside activity should interfere with excellent performance of those
responsibilities. Faculty members are encouraged to have a professional
plan which would provide a context for considering opportunities for outside
activities.
This policy recognizes
that outside activity may be done pro bono as well as for remuneration.
Secondary professional pursuits should either enhance one's work at the
college or serve the college as well as the beneficiary of the service
rendered. Those outside activities which are clearly consistent and compatible
with the ideals set forth above may be worthy of undertaking by faculty
members. Such activities may include, for example, professional consultation,
research collaboration, artistic performance and the like. These activities,
however, should be undertaken only when it is certain that they will not
reduce teaching effectiveness or impede professional growth and contributions.
The question of judging whether the activity is consistent or compatible
with the above ideals is separate from the question of remuneration; the
criteria for acceptable secondary pursuits should apply regardless of
whether remuneration is received.
Academic Year
The academic year
is that time from September through May in which one has obligations for
teaching, scholarship, advising and service that is associated with the
rhythm of enrollment, classes, and exams, including preparation for those
activities. During this time, the faculty are expected to be professionally
engaged in the work of the college. (Times during the academic year when
there are no classes are considered recesses from class but not vacations
from work.)
Regardless of whether
the outside professional activity is pro bono or remunerative work,
such activity should not exceed ten percent of one's working time unless
such activity is an integral part of one's professional work (preferably
included in a professional plan) and approved by the department chair
and academic dean. Then it should not exceed twenty percent of one's working
time. Unless the college has a collaborative teaching relationship with another institution, teaching at another institution is discouraged. Each opportunity for a faculty member to teach at another institution must be approved in advance by the department
chair and the academic dean, preferably in response to a formal request from an academic
officer at the other institution.
While pro bono and remunerative work are both covered by this policy, remunerative work
that involves a significant commitment of college resources requires approval
by the Academic Dean. If a contract is involved in any secondary employment,
special attention should be given to avoid potential conflicts between
the obligations of the primary contract with the college and the secondary
contract.
Volunteer work in
the civic, church, and school communities that is not related to professional
activity, while not expected of all faculty, is encouraged by the college.
Such activities should be considered in the context of one's gifts and
other responsibilities. The limits stated in the proceeding paragraphs
are devoted to one's working time and do not apply to this nonprofessional
volunteer work. Engagement in such volunteer work should not interfere
with excellent performance in fulfillment of professional responsibilities.
The nature and extent
of outside professional activity should be reported to the Provost as
part of the annual report of publications, service, awards, and other
professional accomplishments and service.
Summer
During three months
of the summer, faculty members have freedom to establish their own schedule.
This should include a renewing vacation. The summer should also include
professional activities that promote effective teaching and engage the
faculty member in research and scholarship. This can include doing research
and scholarship, teaching development, consulting, professional service,
or completing administrative assignments. Limited teaching is also acceptable.
Normally, the college will not provide remuneration for more than the
equivalent of teaching one four-week summer session. Faculty members are
free to develop contracts with outside agencies or receive remuneration
from grants for two months of the summer. In no case should planned summer
activity be an excuse for not fulfilling the scholarship and professional
activity expectations or preparation for teaching that is expected. Departments
are expected to provide advising for summer orientation.
In the practical
implementation of the principles expressed above, it is expected that
faculty members will use their best judgment in all matters pertaining
to secondary employment and outside activities. In some instances even
acceptable activities, if they detract from excellent performance of one's
primary responsibilities for teaching and scholarship, will have to be
discouraged or curtailed. A faculty member who is uncertain about a secondary
pursuit, which he or she is considering, is encouraged to discuss the
matter with his or her department chair or the academic dean.
