Faculty Handbook
Revised June 2025
Word of Life Bible Institute
Faculty Handbook Revised May, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ............................................................................................................................................................................ 1
History ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Philosophy, Mission, and Objectives . .......................................................................................................................... 4
Statement of Faith . ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Standard of Conduct . .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Notice of Nondiscrimination ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Administration ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Faculty Committee ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Faculty Policies and Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 16
I. Resident Faculty ................................................................................................................................................ 16 A. Hiring Procedures B. Standing C. Tenure
D. Development E. General Duties F. Workload G. Academic Freedom
H. Grievances I. Evaluations J. Performance K. Dismissal L. Miscellaneous
II. Adjunct Faculty ................................................................................................................................................. 21 A. Hiring, Contracting, Responsibilities
B. Scheduling C. Evaluations
III. Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................................................. 23 A. Guidelines for Preparing Course Syllabi B. Attendance Policy & Academic Help for Struggling Students C. Annual schedule for Academic Department Tasks D. Annual Strategic Planning Calendar E. Word of Life Bible Institute’s Affirmative Action Policy
PREFACE The faculty of Word of Life Bible Institute must be aware of two Staff Handbooks that govern their employment with Word of Life. There is the Word of Life Fellowship, Inc. Handbook that covers the basics of employment with Word of Life Fellowship, Inc. This present document supplies further policies & procedures unique to the division of Word of Life Fellowship, Inc. known as Word of Life Bible Institute. This handbook contains the policies under which the faculty of Word of Life Bible Institute shall function. This manual shall be distributed to all faculty and redistributed as often as changes are made. As an employee of a Bible Institute, more is required than just doing the job. Students are a valuable resource to the Christian community and the lives we model before them do make a difference. We will therefore strive for excellence in all things. This is a commitment that we as a faculty must make to our students. It will demonstrate itself, not so much in actions as it does in attitudes. Every faculty member must strive to have the mind of Christ in all matters. This is not a job – it is a ministry. As members of the faculty of Word of Life Bible Institute, we are expected to abide by the policies set forth in this Handbook.
1
HISTORY
In the year 1970, Word of Life Fellowship’s various youth ministries were growing at such a rate that a new need developed: the need for a place to train and prepare Christian young people to become leaders.
Word of Life Brazil had already started a Bible Institute in 1965 under the direction of Dave Cox. The school was training young Brazilians for Christian service, using a unique three-faceted program that stressed academics, life, and ministry. The clear need for such a program in the U.S. was evident, and the necessary facilities already existed on the property of the Word of Life Ranch, the organization’s children’s summer camp in Pottersville, New York. The Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI) in New York was launched in September of 1970 at the winterized Ranch facilities under the direction of Paul Brownback, a former West Point cadet who had met Jack Wyrtzen (the founder of Word of Life Fellowship) when Jack was teaching Bible classes at the military academy. While 50 students were expected to enroll, 73 showed up at the school’s launch. The school grew to 126 students the following year. At its start, the Word of Life Bible Institute’s program was a one-year intensive wholistic program with a three-faceted model that emphasized the study of the Bible and theology, personalized discipleship and spiritual disciplines, and ministry training. The objective of the program was, and still is, to prepare and equip students for effective service for Christ in any context around the world. The program was developed further in 1981 with the addition of the School of Youth Ministries, and later, the School of Missions and Evangelism in 1987, which were yearlong programs designed to equip graduates of WOLBI’s first-year program to be successful youth workers, evangelists, and missionaries. In 1992, these two programs were merged into the singular Studies in Youth Ministries, Missions, and Evangelism program, which, in 1995, became WOLBI’s second- year program. The launching of the second-year program, in conjunction with the original first-year program, meant that students who completed both years would graduate with a two-year diploma in Youth Work and Missions. Currently, students who complete the first-year program graduate with a Bible Certificate, while students who complete the second- year program receive a diploma in Bible. A large percentage of WOLBI graduates transfer to other institutions of higher learning to complete baccalaureate degrees, with many Christian colleges accepting the credits earned at WOLBI via articulation agreements. WOLBI is currently working through the process of becoming a degree-granting institution in New York State in hopes of granting an A.A.S. in Biblical and Theological Studies to students who complete its two-year program and a recognized Certificate in Bible and Theology for those who complete its first-year program. These changes would not only enable students to complete their time at WOLBI with an undergraduate degree or certificate but would also ensure easier transfer of the credits earned at WOLBI to other schools. Throughout the past fifty years, WOLBI has continued to grow, operating with the singular mission of educating each student within a rigorous academic and structured discipleship atmosphere, preparing him or her to live a life of maximum effectiveness for the Lord. This has been accomplished through the development and delivery of a biblical and theological studies curriculum taught by an impressive array of highly qualified and expert resident professors and an extensive network of guest lecturers with relevant expertise. While the mission and the means of accomplishing this mission has always been the same, the Bible Institute today is quite different from when it first began. With the New York property serving as the main campus, WOLBI now operates five other TRACS-approved teaching sites around the world. These teaching sites are located in Hudson, Florida; Owen Sound, Ontario; Toalmas, Hungary; Jeju City, South Korea; and Kampala, Uganda. Each teaching site is equipped to offer the full extent of the first-year program. Students at these locations wishing to continue into WOLBI’s second year may enroll in the program at the main campus in New York after completing the program at their respective teaching site. From an initial enrollment of 73 students in 1970 to its global enrollment, including the main campus in New York, of nearly 800 students in 2019, WOLBI has seen tremendous growth. The main campus in New York has a historical average enrollment of 444 students, with a five-year average of 269 first-year students and 147 second year students.
2
2 WOLBI will work through the substantive change process with TRACS as approvals are received from New York State.
1 WOLBI will work through the substantive change process with TRACS as approvals are received from New York State. There have also been numerous leadership transitions completed throughout WOLBI’s fifty-year history. In 1974, Dr. John Master took over leadership of the school from Paul Brownback. Just two years later, in 1976, Stuart Page, who had been a student in the very first class of the Bible Institute, shifted from the Dean of Men role to lead the institute as the Executive Dean. When Page retired in 2005, Reverend Ric Garland, a 23-year veteran from Word of Life Local Church Ministries, stepped in as the new Executive Dean/COO. In 2009, Mark Strout, who had helped found the Bible Institute in Quebec, moved from Canada to New York to assume the Executive Dean role of WOLBI. A governing board sanctioned restructuring of the institute occurred in 2017 with Mark Strout shifting to the role of Executive Dean of Global Campuses and Roger Peace, Jr. stepping into the role of President. President Peace stepped aside in December of 2021, leaving a legacy of remarkable campus improvements and institutional advancements, including a successful reaffirmation of WOLBI’s accreditation (reaffirmation officially granted in 2022). He was replaced on an interim basis by Dr. Donald Lough, Jr., who temporarily stepped aside from his role as Chancellor and President of the Governing Board. In August of 2022, Brian Baker was appointed to the role of President and CEO/Executive Dean of WOLBI, with Donald Lough, Jr. stepping back into the role of Chancellor and President/Chairman of the Governing Board. Word of Life Fellowship continues to function as the parent organization of WOLBI.
3
PHILOSOPHY, MISSION, AND OBJECTIVES
PHILOSOPHY Word of Life Bible Institute as an educational institution has developed its entire program around a particular philosophy of education. This philosophy of education is based on three key words: Know (Study), Grow (Life), and Show (Ministry). These three words characterize our approach to education. Believers are commanded to study the Word of God, accepting it as their foundation and authority. Since discipleship and character building are the responsibility of godly leadership, we need to build an institution that will educate students in biblical doctrine and conduct through the classroom and lifestyle of our staff. Our goal is to produce students who practice excellence in the Christian life, bringing glory to God.
This philosophy is based on the following principles:
1. We believe that the Bible is not only the foundation for morality, but it is also authoritative in every area that it addresses. It is, therefore, the beginning of wisdom and a prerequisite for any academic endeavor (2 Timothy 2:15). 2. We believe that any area of Bible study must be built on a proper relationship to Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:6–7). 3. We believe that intellectual knowledge is only a beginning step and that a student has not learned until he has put this knowledge into practice (2 Timothy 2:1–2). 4. We believe that character development is a legitimate concern of education (Colossians 1:9–11, 2:8–9; Titus 2:7–8). 5. We believe that staff and faculty are more than teachers. They are role models and, as such, must display Christian character and commitment before the student (Ezra 7:10; 1 Corinthians 4:15–16; Matthew 28:19–20).
6. We believe that doctrine is the foundation of all our endeavors (2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:1).
MISSION The mission of Word of Life Bible Institute is to educate each student within a rigorous academic and structured discipleship atmosphere preparing him or her to live a life of maximum effectiveness for the Lord.
INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES Word of Life Bible Institute seeks to produce students who:
1. Know – Cultivating an increasing knowledge of God and His Word through diligent and deliberate study. 2. Grow – Possessing a growing relationship with God through the practical application of biblical truth to daily life and participation in biblical community. 3. Show – Demonstrating a commitment and ability to model and share biblical truth and boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ.
4
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES Word of Life Bible Institute maintains the following learning outcomes and anticipates students completing the program will:
A. Understand the context, content, and contribution of every book of the Bible.
B. Understand the basic doctrines and history of Christianity.
C. Understand the historical, grammatical, and literal hermeneutical approach and its application to Scriptures.
D. Understand how to take biblical and theological knowledge and apply it to life and ministry in any given context.
E. Understand and implement effective research and writing techniques.
F. Think critically from a Christian worldview about their studies, life, and ministry.
G. Develop and incorporate spiritual disciplines into daily life with the goal of long-term spiritual progress.
H. Study and apply biblical principles of leadership within various contexts.
I. Learn and apply principles of discipleship within various contexts.
J. Understand principles and techniques of ministry.
K. Incorporate various principles and techniques into real-world ministry opportunities.
5
STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired of God, and they are without error in the original writings, and they are the supreme and final authority for faith and life. 2. We believe in one God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Who is eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 3. We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, His death to pay the penalty for everyone’s sins, His bodily resurrection, His exaltation at God’s right hand, and His personal, imminent, pre-tribulational and pre-millennial return.
4. We believe that all have sinned and are therefore guilty before God and are under His condemnation.
5. We believe that all who by faith receive Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, therefore children of God and eternally saved, and that the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer to enlighten, guide, and enable the believer in life, testimony, and service. We believe that God answers the prayers of His people and meets their needs according to His purpose. 6. We believe that God gives spiritual gifts to all believers for the building up of the body of Christ. However, the miraculous sign-gifts of the Spirit, such as tongues and healings, were limited to the early church. 7. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved in Glory and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost in hell.
8. We believe that all believers are called to a life of separation from all worldly and sinful practices and alliances.
9. We believe that from the beginning with Adam and Eve, God ordained marriage as only between one man and one woman. All sexual activity outside of this biblical definition of marriage, including homosexual practices, is in direct contradiction to God’s Word and His intention for the institution of the home. 10. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female for His glory. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God, and the rejection of one’s biological gender is a rejection of God’s decreed will and good plan for humanity and the individual. A STATEMENT ON THE HISTORICITY OF GENESIS: Word of Life Bible Institute is committed to the historical and factual accuracy of the book of Genesis. Therefore, we teach a recent creation of the entire universe and all forms of life in the six 24-hour days of Creation Week. We believe that Adam and Eve were the first man and woman; that all of mankind has descended from them and has inherited a sin nature from their fall into sin, resulting in a cursed creation. We believe in a personal Satan who led some of the Angels to rebel, enticed Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and continues to oppose God’s program for human history. We believe in a worldwide flood, which explains the disappearance of certain species recorded in the fossil record; the subsequent development of mankind from Noah; and the creation of language groups and nations from God’s intervention at the Tower of Babel. We believe that Satan’s attempt to overthrow God is doomed to fail and that the Lake of Fire has been prepared as a place of eternal conscious punishment for him, his demons and all humans who reject Christ.
6
STANDARD OF CONDUCT 1. Word of Life Fellowship, Inc., including domestic and foreign affiliations under the Word of Life structure, is dedicated to the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life. The distinctives of Word of Life lie in its philosophy and goals. The Word of Life family is a community of a board of directors, staff members and students (hereafter referred to as “associates”). Each associate consequently bears certain responsibilities and obligations within the organization for the implementation of its philosophy and goals. In order that the organization functions efficiently and its goals be realized, it is necessary that there be a mutual commitment to a corpus of standards which involve the willing surrender of certain individual purposes and goals. 2. Word of Life follows specific Biblical principles, which relate to Christian behavior. Therefore, Word of Life prohibits practices, which are clearly forbidden by Word of God, such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, dishonesty, and the like (I Corinthians 6:9–20). Further, to expect associates to exemplify Christian love, consideration for the rights of others, honesty, and a high sense of Christian ethics is to expect only that which the Word of God teaches to be primary in the character of the Christian (Ephesians 4:24–5:8). 3. Word of Life is firmly committed to a literal interpretation of the Bible and rejects any attempt to “reinterpret” Scripture in light of “modern” moral or psychological theories. In the Biblical account of creation, the family was the first societal institution ordained by God (Genesis 1:27, 2:18–22). Furthermore, Scripture plainly declares that the first two humans created by God for His glory were distinctly male and female (Genesis 1:27, 2:18–22). Together, these complementary genders reflect the image and nature of God. We believe that one’s gender is determined at birth and that the rejection of one’s biological gender is a rejection of God’s decreed will and his good plan for humanity and the individual. God joined the man and woman in the holy rite of matrimony and commanded them to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth (Genesis 1:28). Therefore, the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Romans 7:2, I Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 5:22–23). 4. In both the Old and New Testaments, God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should take place outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Accordingly, all forms of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex (Genesis 2:24, 19:5, 13, 26:8–9, Leviticus 13:22, 18:1–30, Romans 1:26–29, I Corinthians 5:1, 6:9, I Thessalonians 4:1–8, Hebrews 13:4). Since Word of Life believes that all sexual activity outside of a marriage, including homosexual practices, are in direct opposition to God’s Word and constitute a direct contradiction to God’s institution of the home, Word of Life will not employ or continue to employ men or women who promote or participate in homosexual behavior or any other sexual activity outside of marriage. 5. Word of Life recognizes the principles of Christian liberty within the sphere of those things, which are intrinsically innocent. However, Word of Life also recognizes that liberty needs to be restricted in certain instances. Scriptural precedent is found in Acts 15 and Romans 14, where certain practices inherently innocent were forbidden because they could do spiritual harm to other members of the Christian community. Verses for reference include: I Corinthians 6:12 – Lawful, but not expedient (not profitable for our good) I Corinthians 10:23 – Lawful, but not edifying I Corinthians 8:9 – Could be a stumbling block Romans 1:32 – Christians are different, and by living like the world, we approve of it. There should be no pleasure in watching sin. Ephesians 5:6–7, 11 – Don’t be deceived with vanity and participate in it. Colossians 3:17 – Make sure it pleases the Lord, not the emotions-flesh or self. Hebrews 12:1–2 – Lay aside weights as well as the sin.
7
6. Certain principles of conduct are a necessary part of the effort to establish an atmosphere within which the goals of Word of Life can be realized. For this reason, and to maintain a consistent and above-reproach testimony to youth, Word of Life requires associates to refrain from the possession or use of alcoholic beverages, all smoking products, recreational and illicit drugs, from gambling, and from social dancing. Ceremonial dancing at special family events such as weddings and anniversaries is permitted. Biblical discretion and restraint will be exercised in all choices of entertainment, including radio, television, all forms of audio and visual recordings, movies, stage productions, computer and video gaming, various forms of literature and social media (Psalm 101:3, Romans 14:13–17, I Corinthians 9:22–23, I Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 6:3, Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 5:3–4, I Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:12). Furthermore, it is expected that associates will actively support a local Bible-believing church through service, giving, and allegiance (Hebrews 10:24–25). 7. Word of Life rejects the principle that exposure to and/or experimentation with doubtful and objectionable practices is essential to the development of moral or intellectual discernment and/or discrimination. Word of Life reserves the right to make the final decision in any questionable area. Word of Life also affirms that every field has the freedom to adopt its own stricter internal standards based upon their cultural, ecclesiastical, or historical context, while still respecting this Standard of Conduct as its foundation. 8. Word of Life recognizes that observance of Word of Life standards does not comprise the whole of an individual’s responsibility to God and hence does not necessarily indicate that one is living a life of full commitment. The philosophy of Word of Life, however, maintains that willingness to obey these standards shows a maturity and spiritual concern for the whole Christian community (Galatians 5:13–24). 9. Conduct that is an offense to good taste, sound morality, or Christian propriety will not be acceptable. While some may not have personal convictions wholly in accordance with Word of Life standards, the purpose underlying them necessitates the honorable obedience to them. If an individual can no longer conform to them in integrity, that person should withdraw from Word of Life. Willful disobedience of these standards will bring about dismissal from Word of Life immediately. 10. To ensure that the doctrinal position of Word of Life will be maintained in an uncompromising manner, and believing that a consistent and exemplary life should be expected of those who undertake the instruction and guidance of Christian youth, it is required that associates shall individually affirm by signing the following at the time of initial association and shall so reaffirm at such time as determined by Word of Life.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AND NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI) prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The full notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://wordoflife.edu/pdf/nondiscrimination/. The Title IX Policy is located here: wol.is/titleix
8
ADMINISTRATION
I. PURPOSE STATEMENT The administration exists to oversee all aspects of the functioning of Word of Life Bible Institute in order to build an effective, cohesive, and unified ministry. It exercises immediate oversight for the development, maintenance and management of the physical plant of the Bible Institute.
II. PERSONNEL
A. Governing Board The Governing Board of Word of Life Bible Institute is made up of elected members of the Board of Directors of WORD OF LIFE Fellowship, Inc. as well as others. The Bylaws are available upon request from the administration of the Bible Institute. It is self-perpetuating. B. Chancellor The Chief Executive Officer of WORD OF LIFE Fellowship shall serve as President of the Governing Board and as Chancellor of Word of Life Bible Institute. He provides leadership and vision to the Board and to the school. C. President and CEO/Executive Dean The President and CEO/Executive Dean administers the school by coordinating the academics, student life, ministries, personnel, and business aspects of the Institute daily. He shall supervise the Executive Dean of Global Campuses, the Academic Dean, the Dean of Students, the Dean of Ministries, the Dean of Enrollment, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, and the Business Manager. In addition, he shall ensure adequate oversight of all teaching sites and branch campuses. D. Executive Dean of Global Campuses The Executive Dean of Global Campuses oversees the establishment and operation of all teaching sites and branch campuses in keeping with accreditation standards. He provides guidance to all Associate Executive Deans and spiritual encouragement to staff while promoting cooperation and effective communication with the main campus. E. Academic Dean The Academic Dean is responsible to the President for all academic matters pertaining to the Institute and its teaching sites and branch campuses. Personnel reporting to the Academic Dean will include all teaching faculty, the Librarian, and the Registrar. The Academic Dean will chair the Faculty Committee and oversee the functioning of its various committees. He shall also provide direction to all Associate Academic Deans at teaching sites and branch campuses. F. Dean of Students The Dean of Students shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to student life in order to ensure the spiritual, social, and physical welfare of the students. He shall supervise the Dean of Men, the Dean of Women, and their departments. He shall also provide direction to all Associate Deans of Students at teaching sites and branch campuses. G. Dean of Ministries The Dean of Ministries shall be responsible for the planning, scheduling, development, supervision, and evaluation of all student ministry and service assignments. He shall also be available to interact with and provide counsel to all Associate Deans of Ministry at teaching sites and branch campuses as requested.
9
H. Business Manager The Business Manager shall be responsible for budget development and control as well as all student billing and accounts receivable. I. Director of Marketing The Director of Marketing oversees all marketing initiatives across multiple platforms and formats to drive sales, engagement, retention, leads and positive customer experience. The Director of Marketing will lead the Marketing team with the purpose of meeting the organizations goals and objectives. J. Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator Under the direction of the President, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator (IEC) is responsible to plan, organize, control, and direct operations and activities involved in the research, review, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data and information used in assessing institutional effectiveness and student success. The IEC assists with the Bible Institute’s strategic planning, accreditation, and decisionmaking processes, determining implications of institutional practices, policies, measures, and procedures. The IEC provides training to faculty, staff, and administrators related to the effective use of data. K. Dean of Enrollment The Dean of Enrollment shall be responsible for the Enrollment and Recruitment of new students into the Bible Institute for the New York and Florida Campuses. He shall supervise the Recruitment Coordinator, Director of Financial Aid, Associate Dean of Enrollment and the Admissions and Guest Services Coordinator. L. Registrar The Registrar is responsible for verifying the integrity of all student grades; information in student files, including application information and references. He/she is also responsible for transcript services, verification of enrollment, academic evaluation of transcripts, as well as enrollment reporting and verification. The Registrar reports directly to the Academic Dean.
10
11
FACULTY COMMITTEE
I. PURPOSE STATEMENT The faculty of Word of Life Bible Institute shall have as its primary responsibility the continuance and improvement of all academic programs of the Bible Institute. In addition to academics, the faculty shall concern itself with any area that affects the moral, spiritual, or physical welfare of the students who participate in the program. It shall be their responsibility to review the Doctrinal Statement, Philosophy Statement, Mission Statement and the Objectives of the Bible Institute annually. The whole faculty shall consider their findings before being passed on to the Governing Board. It shall not be the goal of the Faculty Committee to change the basic philosophy that led Jack Wyrtzen to found the Bible Institute, but rather make sure that the Institute continues to fulfill the mission it was originally designed to fulfill. It shall also be the responsibility of the Faculty Committee to develop and execute the five-year strategic plan of the Institute under the direction of the Governing Board. II. COMPOSITION OF THE FACULTY COMMITTEE The faculty of Word of Life Bible Institute shall be comprised of either teaching faculty, nonteaching administrative faculty, teaching administrative faculty or adjunct faculty. 1. Teaching Faculty a. Full-time teaching faculty shall be designated as those who regularly teach core curricula in either the first or second year of the program. b. Part-time teaching faculty shall be designated as those who are hired to teach a specific course but who have no additional faculty responsibilities. 2. Non-Teaching Administrative Faculty Non-teaching faculty are those who hold administrative positions that require them to be involved in teaching or in academic decisions. Since their responsibilities are mainly administrative, they are not required to hold teaching degrees. Administrators who should be so designated shall include the President and CEO/Executive Dean, the Executive Dean of Global Campuses, the Academic Dean, the Dean of Students, the Dean of Ministries, the Business Manager, the Director of Marketing, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, and the Dean of Enrollment. 3. Teaching Administrative Faculty Teaching administrators are those who are a part of the administration but also hold teaching degrees and carry a reduced teaching load. 4. Adjunct Faculty Because of the unique nature of the Bible Institute, many courses are taught by lecturers who visit for only one or two weeks at a time. These teachers shall be designated as guest lecturers and may be called upon in an advisory capacity at the discretion of the faculty.
12
III. PROCEDURE FOR FACULTY COMMITTEE MEETINGS 1. The faculty shall meet regularly just prior to each academic semester. These meetings shall have as their focus the regular academic business of the Institute. 2. The presiding officer (Chairman) shall be the Academic Dean. All matters of business should be in the Academic Dean’s office at least two days in advance of the meeting. Items not submitted in advance shall be considered only upon a majority vote of the faculty. 3. The Committee shall nominate and elect committee members to serve in the role of Vice-Chairman and Secretary every two years. Elections will be decided by a simple majority vote. a. Vice-Chairman The Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman in his absence or disability, and shall also perform such other duties as shall from time to time be assigned to the office by the Faculty Committee. b. Secretary The Secretary shall act as secretary of all meetings of the Faculty Committee and shall maintain record of all votes and the minutes of all proceedings, and shall attend to the mailing, posting, and publication of all notices in coordination with the Academic Dean (Chairman).
4. Minutes shall be kept and distributed to all appropriate personnel in a timely fashion by the elected Secretary.
5. All issues shall be decided by a simple majority of the faculty present. A quorum shall be one half of the total faculty.
6. Decisions by the faculty shall always be subject to final approval by the President and the Board.
7. Every faculty member shall consider these meetings a serious part of his responsibility to the Institute. Attendance should be given a high priority.
IV. COMMITTEES OF THE FACULTY Committees of the faculty shall fall into two categories: standing committees and ad hoc committees. Standing committees shall be those that function on a permanent basis; ad hoc committees shall be those that are set up temporarily to deal with a specific problem that the Institute is facing. All committees shall meet regularly and keep minutes. 1. Standing Committees Standing committees shall be comprised of both permanent and elected members. Certain nonfaculty personnel, by reason of their responsibilities may be assigned to certain committees. The committees shall be completed by a simple majority vote of the faculty. Committee members shall be elected for a one-year term at the July meeting of the Faculty Committee. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all Standing Committees of the Faculty. a. Administrative Committee The President and CEO/Executive Dean shall chair the Administrative Committee which shall be comprised of the Executive Dean of Global Campuses, the Director of Property Services, the Academic Dean, the Dean of Students, the Dean of Ministries, the Business Manager, the Director of Marketing, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, and the Dean of Enrollment. The committee shall meet weekly to review the daily operations of the Bible Institute and to ensure that all policies and procedures are being carried out. This committee shall also be responsible for the development and execution of an integrated five-year strategic plan for the Institute under the direction of the Governing Board. This shall be a written plan, developed with input from the administration, staff, students, and alumni.
13
• Student Success Committee – a sub-committee of the Administrative Committee with membership including the Academic Dean, Business Manager, Dean of Students, Dean of Ministries, and Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator. This committee meets regularly to discuss academically at-risk students and devise strategies for their success. b. Faculty Development and Enrichment Committee The President and CEO/Executive Dean shall chair the Faculty Development and Enrichment Committee which shall be comprised of at least the Executive Dean of Global Campuses, the Academic Dean, the Director of Counseling, the Chancellor, the Institution Effectiveness Coordinator, and two other members of the faculty. The committee shall be responsible to develop a plan for both the long-term needs of the Bible Institute concerning faculty, and the spiritual and academic development of the present faculty. c. Curriculum Committee The Academic Dean shall chair the Curriculum Committee which shall be comprised of at least the President and CEO/Executive Dean, the Executive Dean of Global Campuses, the Librarian, the Bible Program Chair, the Registrar, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, and at least two other members of the faculty. It shall also include a faculty member from at least two teaching sites or branch campuses who shall serve for a period of two years. The committee shall be responsible to review curriculum considering the philosophy and mission of the Bible Institute and recommend any changes thought appropriate. d. Library Committee The Academic Dean shall chair the Library Committee which shall consist of at least all teaching faculty, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, and the Librarian. The committee shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining a clear philosophy statement for the library. A Library Manual shall be written and revised as needed that contains a clear mission statement and policies and procedures for the operation of the library and the strengthening of the collection. All teachers shall be responsible to make sure that the library has the appropriate holdings to support their syllabi and to advise the Librarian of any needed acquisitions. e. Student Life Committee The Dean of Students shall chair the Student Life Committee which shall be comprised of at least the President and CEO/Executive Dean, the Dean of Ministries, the Director of Counseling, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, the Dean of Women (NY), a Dean from the Florida teaching site, a representative from the Student Council, and one other faculty member. The committee shall be responsible for developing formal policies and procedures related to student life, to annually review support services throughout the campus, and making regular recommendations to the Faculty Committee. A regular survey of student opinion shall be a part of this process. f. Admissions Committee The Dean of Enrollment shall chair this committee which shall be comprised of at least the President/CEO and Executive Dean, the Associate Dean of Enrollment, the Dean of Students, the Business Manager, the Dean of Minisries, the Registrar, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, a member of the teaching faculty, and a Marketing Project Manager. It shall be responsible for reviewing admissions policies and granting final approval for applicants to the Bible Institute as needed. g. Alumni Development Committee The Alumni Director shall chair the Alumni Development Committee which shall be comprised of at least the President and CEO/Executive Dean, the Dean of Students, the Marketing Director, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, the Registrar, one other faculty member, and at least two alumni. The committee shall be responsible to design and implement a strategy to minister to our alumni and to involve them in the on-going ministry of the Bible Institute. Particular attention shall be given to disseminating information, meeting needs, placement, and recruitment.
14
h. Publications Committee The President/CEO and Executive Dean shall chair the Publications Committee which shall be comprised of the Executive Dean of Global Campuses, the Academic Dean, the Dean of Students, the Marketing Director, the Institutional Effectiveness Coordinator, the Business Manager, and a Marketing Project Manager. The committee shall be responsible to ensure that the information in all institutional publications is consistent, clear, accurate, and in keeping with our philosophy, mission and objectives. 2. Ad Hoc Committees As the faculty sees fit, they may establish temporary committees and elect members to fill said committees. For a committee to be formed, a real need must exist. Once that need has been met the committee shall cease to exist.
15
FACULTY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
I. RESIDENT FACULTY A. Faculty Hiring Procedures
1. The standard employment application required of all Word of Life employees is the basis of the faculty hiring procedure. 2. The potential faculty member will present a current curriculum vitae including standard personal details, degrees and institutions, date of degrees, professional history, academic honors, publications and significant accomplishments.
3. Official copies of all transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions must be in the employment file.
4. Professional references from three individuals with the credentials and personal knowledge of the applicant to evaluate the potential for success as a faculty member must be received. 5. Word of Life believes that equal opportunity for all employees is important for the continuing effectiveness of the organization. In accordance with state and federal law, Word of Life will not discriminate against an employee (or applicant for employment) because of race, color, age, national origin or ancestry, in hiring, promoting, demoting, training, benefits, transfers, layoffs, termination, recommendation, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on qualifications and job requirements. Based upon the religious exemption of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Word of Life has the right to not hire on religious grounds. It makes a good faith effort to do hiring from a diverse applicant pool. Faculty recruitment is done nationwide to have a broad basis to find the best candidates to fill vacancies. 6. Upon receipt of all applicational materials the Academic Dean will recommend that a position be filled or created. The suggestion will be given to the President for approval. 7. The potential faculty member will be invited to campus to meet with the Academic Dean, President, and Chancellor. The representatives will evaluate the candidate’s ability to teach, his research, and the prospective of being an asset to the mission of the Bible Institute. 8. After evaluating the qualifications of the candidate and conferring with the staff members that interviewed the potential faculty member, the Academic Dean will make a recommendation to the President. 9. If the recommendation is approved, then the Academic Dean will have authority to offer the position to the selected candidate. 10. Resident faculty will sign a contract stating that they will remain employed with the Institute through the end of each year’s spring semester at which time the contract will be automatically extended through the following spring semester if no administrative or personal action is initiated by July 1st. 11. Faculty renumeration policies and fringe benefits are listed in the Word of Life Fellowship, Inc. Staff Handbook. This Staff Handbook is attached as Appendix A.
16
B. Faculty Standing 1. Instructor The title of instructor is given to Word of Life staff members who teach a course(s), but that teaching is not a part of his/her regular responsibilities. 2. Adjunct Faculty Adjunct Faculty members are those who teach but are not full-time staff with Word of Life Bible Institute. 3. Assistant Professor The title of Assistant Professor is given to faculty members whose regular responsibilities involve teaching and who meet the following qualifications: a. Possession of a Master’s degree in an appropriate major. b. Evidence of the possession of those qualities of character, personality, and competence expected in a teacher and advisor of students. c. Evidence of effective communication in writing and public speaking. 4. Associate Professor The title of Associate Professor is given to faculty members whose regular responsibilities involve teaching and who meet the following qualifications: a. Possession of a Master’s degree in an appropriate major and at least eight years of teaching experience or possession of a doctorate and at least five years of teaching experience. b. Evidence of the possession of those qualities of character, personality, and competence expected in a teacher and advisor of students. c. Evidence of effective communication in writing and public speaking. 5. Professor The title of Professor is given to faculty members whose regular responsibilities involve teaching and who meet the following qualifications: a. Has taught for ten years or more. b. Possession of a Doctorate in an appropriate major. c. Evidence of the possession of those qualities of character, personality, and competence expected in a teacher and advisor of students. d. Evidence of effective communication in writing and public speaking. 6. Distinguished Professor The title of Distinguished Professor is given to faculty members whose regular responsibilities involve teaching and who meet the following qualifications: a. Has taught for twenty-five years or more. b. Possession of a Doctorate in an appropriate major. c. Evidence of the possession of those qualities of character, personality, and competence expected in a teacher and advisor of students. d. Evidence of effective communication in writing and public speaking. e. Has been approved by the board to receive this title.
17
7. Professor Emeritus The title of Professor Emeritus is given to retired faculty members who meet the following qualifications: a. Reached the title of Professor. b. Has taught for ten years or more. c. Possession of a Doctorate in an appropriate major. d. Evidence of the possession of those qualities of character, personality, and competence expected in a teacher and advisor of students. e. Evidence of effective communication in writing and public speaking. f. Has been approved by the board to receive this title. The Academic Dean will track the advancement of individual faculty members in the annual performance review and declare advanced standing as the criteria are met.
C. Tenure Word of Life Bible Institute does not offer tenure.
D. Faculty Development The spiritual and academic development of the faculty shall be the responsibility of the Faculty Development and Enrichment Committee (see p.15). Full-time teaching faculty are encouraged to consider on-going education towards a terminal degree and may petition the President for financial help for programs that will benefit the institution.
E. General Faculty Duties
1. To keep current in their subjects. 2. To instruct the assigned course in a timely manner 3. To complete all other academic assignments which the faculty member has accepted and that fall under the normal duties. 4. To hold regular office hours adequate for advising and counseling students, including during the registration and pre-registration periods. 5. To attend Commencements. 6. To notify the Academic Dean of plans to be absent or changes in the teaching schedule. Arrangements must be made to cover or reschedule any classes missed. F. Faculty Workload A five-hour teaching assignment is a standard workload for full-time faculty. Additional load may be added due to personal faculty interest in a particular course which otherwise would be handled by an adjunct faculty member. There may be a reduction in the teaching load for those members heavily involved in administrative or other required duties/ services. These decisions are made in consultation with the faculty member and administration. If a long-term situation, it will be reflected in the faculty members’ job descriptions. All faculty members are also involved in service, such as participation in committees, discipleship, and communication with faculty, staff, and students. There is also service outside this realm that the member could also be involved in such as campus activities, in the community, or in the profession at large. Members of the faculty have a responsibility to also represent WOLBI in a number of reasonable assignments of writing, public representation, and student advising. Normally, full-time faculty will be present on campus Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Work hour compensation is made for night classes or excessive travel on weekends on Bible Institute business. When there is a concern about the workload allocation it should be brought to the attention of the Academic Dean or the President. Full-time faculty will log their hours through Paycom for review by the Academic Dean. Performance reviews are competed biannually through HR.
18
G. Academic Freedom Word of Life Bible Institute is dedicated to academic freedom as maintained through reasoned discussion, intellectual honesty, and mutual respect to other thinkers. No topic or potential conclusion is off limits as long as the position taken falls within the published Mission Statement, Doctrinal Statement and Standards of Conduct that the faculty member signs to enjoy the position of “Faculty Member.” Faculty Members should feel free to question details of even these foundational documents in private with the understanding that, should their convictions change, and the institution is unwilling to do so, they may need to resign due to those changed convictions and inability to sign the foundational documents annually. Academic freedom and responsibility must go together. We expect faculty members to use their freedom to help and not hinder the professional development of students and fellow staff members. Faculty academic freedom includes: 1. The right and responsibility to present material in the classroom which aides in the understanding of the subject at hand as advertised in the approved course descriptions. 2. The right and responsibility to determine course content, grading, and classroom procedures in the courses taught as guided by the institutional mission statement 3. The right and responsibility to pursue continuing educational opportunities, personal research and extra-curricular speaking, writing and advising. 4. The right and responsibility to participate in community activities. 5. The right and responsibility to seek changes in institutional policy only through established procedures. 6. The right and responsibility to work through differences of opinion in a gracious manner. 7. The right and responsibility to clearly identify his or her personal opinions as being those of a private individual and not as representing Word of Life Bible Institute. H. Faculty Grievances Based on Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 6:16, Christians are to settle disputes outside the civil court system. This includes disputes between employees and Word of Life Fellowship. The process of Christian conciliation is the three-step process found in Matthew 18:15–17. By accepting employment, the employee agrees that Christian conciliation is the remedy for resolving any controversy or claim arising during, or as a result of, employment with Word of Life (see Word of Life Fellowship International Staff Handbook). If a member of the faculty feels that they have been denied fair and just treatment, they shall submit a written statement of their grievance, together with the factual basis and any supporting statements or evidence to the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean will discuss the grievance with them. The matter will then be discussed with other members of the faculty. If it is not completely settled, then the Academic Dean will submit the complaint and all supporting materials, together with his findings, to the President, and the Chancellor. They shall review the charge, findings, and make the final decision regarding the grievance. I. Faculty Evaluations At the end of each course, students complete evaluations of the lecturer. The results of these evaluations are placed in the faculty members file, which he or she can review in the Academic Dean’s Office. Resident lecturers are assessed in peer-to-peer format at least once per year. The Academic Dean functions as the primary peer-to-peer evaluator and manager of faculty assessment. Faculty assessment efforts are coordinated between New York and Florida.
19
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker