Impacts of changes to UNC Policies/state law on unit codes
Equality Within UNC impacts
Revise/change in focus for equity or DEI committees within units
“Equity or DEI committees within the units of the university, considered subdivisions of the university, must shift their focus to broader student, staff, and faculty success and wellbeing, rather than matters of contemporary political debate or social action. The committees must be renamed to reflect this new focus.” (ECU’s Office of University Counsel FAQ about UNC System’s Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy).
Prohibition against compelled speech impacts
Remove any diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements for promotion, tenure, advancement in title, or subsequent contract consideration.
“To mitigate the risk of compelled speech that undermines the intellectual freedom and fostering of free expression required of the University of North Carolina by Article 36 of Chapter 116 of the General Statutes and embraced in Chapter VI of The Code and Section 1300.8 of the UNC Policy Manual, the University shall neither ask nor require an employee or applicant for academic admission or employment to affirmatively ascribe to or opine about beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles regarding matters of contemporary political debate or social action as a condition to admission, employment, or professional advancement. Nor shall any employee or applicant be solicited or required to describe their actions in support of, or in opposition to, such beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles. Practices prohibited here include but are not limited to solicitations or requirements for statements of commitment to particular views on matters of contemporary political debate or social action contained on applications or qualifications for admission or employment or included as criteria for analysis of an employee’s career progression. Any constituent institution believing a requirement or solicitation prohibited hereby to be necessary for reasons related to the educational, research, or public service mission of the University established in G.S. 116-1 shall obtain prior written approval to include such a requirement or solicitation from the President following discussion in open session of a meeting of the Committee on University Governance attended by the requesting constituent institution’s chancellor, its provost, and its chair of its board of trustees.” (UNC Policy Manual and Code 300.5.1 Political Activities of Employees (PDF))
Faculty Senate Resolution #21-41 – Master Teaching Instructor Title
Addition of Master Teaching Instructor title for fixed-term appointments in Part VIII.I (PDF) Personnel Policies and Procedures for the Faculty of East Carolina University
“Master Teaching Instructor:
This title is normally appropriate for a Senior Teaching Instructor who has a minimum of six consecutive years of full-time service in that title or has equivalent professional qualifications and has met the following criteria:
- Has demonstrated excellence in teaching
- Has established an excellent professional reputation among colleagues
- Is qualified and competent in mentoring others (such as students, instructors, etc.)
In recognition of the ongoing record of excellence represented by this title, an appointment of up to five years should be considered.”
Faculty Senate Resolution #24-36 – Annual Evaluation ratings change
Revision of Part VIII.I (PDF) Personnel Policies and Procedures for the Faculty of East Carolina University.
“The annual evaluation shall include ratings and summarize the faculty member’s performance in each category of responsibility as “exceeds expectations,” “meets expectations,” or “does not meet expectations” and shall conclude with an overall rating.”
Faculty Senate Resolution #24-37 – Post-tenure Review changes
Revision of Part IX, Section II and the Faculty Senate Guidelines for Faculty 5-Year Comprehensive Work Plan
Review PTR guidelines to make sure they do not conflict. Main changes to the process are that a peer review committee conducts the initial review, and the unit administrator and dean write independent reviews.