Credentialing Process – Knowledge Base at Santa Fe College

Overview

The college complies with SACSCOC requirements to employ an adequate number of full-time faculty members to support the mission and goals of the institution. Additionally, for each of its educational programs, the institution justifies and documents the qualifications of its faculty members. (Principles of Accreditation, CR 6). SACSCOC faculty credential guidelines, requirements of other accrediting agencies and applicable state statutes are used to identify appropriate credentials for courses as defined in this Faculty Credentialing Manual.

SF Credential Guidelines

Faculty teaching college preparatory courses: a baccalaureate degree in the teaching discipline, or related discipline.
Faculty teaching certificate/diploma courses: certification/licensure in the program area and documentation of demonstrated competencies that includes letters from employers in areas related to the teaching discipline, copies of licenses and/or certification.
Faculty teaching contact hour courses or career certificate courses must have relevant certificates and/or demonstrated work experience in the field.
Faculty teaching general education courses at the undergraduate level: Master’s degree or higher in the teaching discipline or master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline)
Faculty teaching associate degree courses designed for transfer to the baccalaureate degree: Master’s degree or higher in the teaching discipline or master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline).
Faculty teaching associate degree courses not designed for transfer to the baccalaureate degree: Bachelor’s degree in the teaching discipline or associate’s degree and demonstrated competencies in the teaching discipline.
Faculty teaching baccalaureate courses: Doctorate or master’s degree in the teaching discipline or master’s degree with a concentration in the teaching discipline (minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline).

Additional Considerations

In several colleges and universities, a graduate student may pursue a doctorate directly in a discipline, without first attaining a master’s degree. Upon admission to candidacy, these students have demonstrated an advanced depth and breadth of knowledge in the discipline, the same as those who proceed to attain the doctorate. Therefore, for purposes of credentialing, applicants in this category are recognized as having at least the minimal credentials for teaching transfer courses in the discipline, if the recommendation is also supported by 18 or more semester hours of graduate credit in the discipline.

As stated above, generally qualifications of SF faculty are determined primarily through consideration of the highest earned degree in the discipline. The institution also considers competence in the field, professional licensure and certificates, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. A portfolio of evidence of qualifications may be presented for consideration by a candidate in lieu of a degree in field. For all cases, the institution documents the qualifications of its entire faculty.