TCU Faculty Handbook
In the summer of 2023, this online Faculty Handbook was created by transferring information directly from the Faculty Section of the 2022-23 Faculty Staff Handbook to the Provost’s website. The process was carried out by the Provost’s Director of Communications with the knowledge and support of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. The online Faculty Handbook information was carefully scrutinized and reviewed against the 2022-23 Faculty and Staff Handbook by a special committee of the Faculty Senate, led by 2023 President Omar Harvey, for accuracy of the transferred information.
Purpose
The Faculty Handbook is a ready reference for answers to most questions concerning TCU’s academic policies and procedures. It is not meant to be all-inclusive. More detailed information may be secured from appropriate personnel, websites, and/or publications. The provisions herein are as current as possible and may be reviewed, amended, or revoked following reasonable opportunity for consultation with the segment(s) of the University affected by proposed changes. If errors are found, please email the Director of Communications for the Provost, Elaine Cole, at e.cole@tcu.edu.
This handbook is for informational purposes only. The provisions of this handbook do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any staff or faculty member and Texas Christian University. The provisions of the handbook are subject to change without notice.
2023 Faculty Handbook
CONTENTS
Constitution of the Faculty Assembly and Faculty Senate
By-Laws of the Faculty Assembly and Faculty Senate
- University Council
- Graduate Council
- Undergraduate Council
- University Advisory Committee
- TCU Core Curriculum Committees
- Research Committees
Terms and Conditions of Service
- Faculty (Full-time, Part-time, Adjunct, Postdoctoral Appointees, Emeritus)
- Appointments and Contracts
- Faculty Compensation Philosophy
- Terms of Employment
- New to TCU Faculty Orientation
- Removal
- Academic Freedom and Faculty Responsibility
- Alcohol Usage (on campus, off campus, international)
Faculty Appointment, Reappointment and Promotion Policy
Statement on Professional Ethics
Faculty Advisory Committee Structure
Conflict Resolution Policy for Faculty
Academic Responsibilities and Procedures
- Teaching
- Student Perception of Teaching
- Registration
- Class Scheduling
- Class Periods
- Course Syllabus
- Class Rosters
- Office Hours
- University Communication
- Independent Study Protocol
- Audit Enrollment (Course Visitor)
- Student Records
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
- Withdrawals from Classes
- Attendance Expectations & Official Absence Policy
- Disruptive Classroom Behavior and Lack of Academic Progress Policy
- Class “Walks”
- Grading
- Grade Rosters
- Procedures for Grade Appeal
- Final Evaluative Exercise Policy
- Rescheduling of Finals
- End of Semester Study Period
- Teaching Materials Policy
- Instructional Equipment Policy
- University Policy for Disclosure Requirements for Academic Programs Leading to Professional Licensure
- University Policy for Distance Learning & Web-Enhanced Courses
- Procedures for Ordering Textbooks and Course Packets
- Outside Speakers
- Discipline, Students
- Student-Initiated Withdrawal Policy
- Academic Processions and Regalia
Archives
Hard copies of the Faculty and Staff Handbook dating from 2000 are available in the Provost’s Office. Hard copies of the Faculty Handbook will continue to be available in the Provost’s Office from 2023 forward, annually each summer. PDFs of hard copies are available upon request. Note that the 2023 and future PDFs will not include the policies but will link to the policies in Policy Tech.