NSU Faculty Handbook

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1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON NORTHEASTERN

 

1.1 Brief History

Northeastern State University has a long and colorful heritage dating back to what was one of the first nationally-planned systems of education, that of the Cherokee Nation. The Constitution of the Cherokee Nation states: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary for good environment, the preservation of liberty, and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged in this nation." To implement that provision, the Council, in 1846, passed the act: "Be it enacted by the National Council that all facilities and means for the promotion of education by the establishment of schools, and the diffusion of general intelligence among the people shall be afforded by legislation commensurate with the importance of such objects and the extent of public finances ..." Construction of the buildings for two seminaries began in 1847. The Cherokee National Male Seminary opened on May 6, 1851, and the Cherokee National Female Seminary opened the following day. Except for a period beginning just before and ending with the Civil War, these institutions were in operation until Oklahoma became a state. In 1909, the state of Oklahoma purchased the Cherokee Female Seminary and, on September 14, 1909, opened Northeastern State Normal School in Seminary Hall on the site of the present campus. Tracing its origins to 1851, Northeastern is the second oldest public institution of higher education west of the Mississippi River.

The act of the State Legislature of Oklahoma that provided for the creation and location of Northeastern State Normal School at Tahlequah, and for the purchase from the Cherokee Tribal Government of the building, land, and equipment of the Cherokee Female Seminary, stated that the school was to be "...for the exclusive purpose of the instruction of both male and female persons in the art of teaching and in all various branches that pertain to a good common school education, ...to give instruction in the theory and practice of teaching, in the fundamental laws of the United States, and in what regards the rights and duties of citizens."

As previously authorized by an act of the State Legislature, the State Board of Education, the then governing board of the school, took action in 1919 to make a name change from "Normal School" to "Teacher's College." Northeastern State Teacher's College also was authorized to provide a four-year curriculum leading to the bachelor's degree. In 1939, the Oklahoma Legislature changed the designation to Northeastern State College in an act stating that it was"...authorized to offer courses in the various educational branches and shall not be confined to the purpose of educational ... subjects and in addition thereto, may establish such other departments as may be necessary to offer a full and complete course for the higher education of students in all branches."

A constitutional amendment adopted in 1941 created in Oklahoma a unified system of higher education, the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, which embraces all state-supported institutions of higher learning. This system is coordinated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

On January 25, 1954, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education authorized the college to institute a program leading to the degree of Master of Education beginning on June 1, 1954. On May 4, 1974, Governor David Hall signed a bill changing the name of the institution to Northeastern Oklahoma State University effective August 16, 1974. In the fall semester of 1982, Northeastern joined with the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and Langston University to begin offering junior and senior level course work, and later graduate degrees, at the University Center at Tulsa. The first Doctor of Optometry degrees were awarded by Northeastern at the spring 1983 Commencement. In 1984 Northeastern began offering courses in Muskogee and, nine years later in March 1993, established a branch campus. On July 26, 1985, the Oklahoma Legislature approved a name change to Northeastern State University. In accordance with legislation passed by the State Legislature in 1998, Northeastern established a new campus in Broken Arrow which began offering degree programs in the 2001/2002 academic year.

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1.2 Missions and Goals (Revised May 3, 2001)

Northeastern State University is a comprehensive regional university governed by the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma within a state system coordinated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Its mission is to provide undergraduate and graduate education leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees in selected areas, and a doctoral degree in Optometry. In fulfilling this mission the University commits itself to excellence in instruction, to appropriate basic and applied research, to educational outreach and service, and to cultural activities that enhance the quality of life in the region and state. The University's contemporary mission reflects the high aspirations and commitment to higher education made in 1846 by the founders of the original Cherokee seminaries.

To implement Northeastern State University's mission of excellence in teaching, research and service, the following purposes provide direction for planning, administration and programming:

  1. Provide flexible, comprehensive, and relevant undergraduate and graduate programs.
  2. Promote and support comprehensive academic programs that stimulate students to seek knowledge, think analytically, and communicate their thoughts effectively.
  3. Maintain and support a university community committed to providing educational programs that enhance the quality and vitality of student experiences through effective teaching, research, continuing education, and public service.
  4. Provide multifaceted opportunities for personal and social development through effective student support services.
  5. Provide cultural and extracurricular activities that foster informed judgment, aesthetic sensibility, and a sensitivity for ethnic and cultural diversity and a sense of historical continuity.
  6. Offer programs which prepare students for leadership and decision making roles in a technologically and globally oriented society, and which enable students to develop an awareness and appreciation for local, state, national and international perspectives.

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1.3 Boards of Control

1.31 Regents for Higher Education

THE OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION is a constitutional board of nine members appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate, with one member's term expiring each year. This board confers all degrees, approves curricula and courses of study, prescribes academic standards, establishes student fees, and allocates funds to each institution for operation and maintenance from the legislative appropriations which are made to the board.

1.32 Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma

The Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma is a constitutional board of nine members, eight of whom are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. The ninth member is the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Members of the Board serve a nine-year appointment with one term expiring each year. The duties and powers of this Board are to: make rules and regulations governing Northeastern and its sister schools, employ all persons in the service of these Universities, construct all buildings, and authorize the purchase of equipment and supplies.

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1.4 Accreditation

Northeastern State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP). All programs offered by the University are approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and by the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. A number of academic and professional programs also possess accreditation through professional agencies. These programs and their respective accrediting bodies follow:

Undergraduate

Graduate

Education

All undergraduate and graduate education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation.

Doctoral

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1.5 University Organization (See Appendix A)

1.51 President

The President reports directly to the governing boards and is responsible for the determination and administration of all University policies.

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1.6 Academic Organization (See Appendix A)

1.61 Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Vice President for Academic Affairs directs the University's academic programs. The Vice President is responsible for all academic degree programs, academic support services, and outreach (see Academic Organization chart, Appendix A). In the absence of the President, the Vice President is responsible for making presidential decisions concerning academic matters.

1.62 Academic Administrators

1.621 Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Associate Vice President coordinates various academic functions including: curriculum, academic policies, program review, academic calendars, University undergraduate catalog, academic plan, and student academic complaints. The Associate Vice President assists the Vice President with many other academic functions and correspondence.

1.622 Dean of the Graduate College

The Dean of the Graduate College is chair of the Graduate Council and assists the Vice President for Academic Affairs in directing and supervising programs leading to graduate degrees and certificates.

1.623 Director of University Libraries

The Director supervises all activities of the University Libraries. Among other duties, these responsibilities include tailoring the libraries to meet the current and future needs of the University and serving as supervisor of the professional librarians.

1.624 Branch Campus Administration

The administrators of NSU branch campuses report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and work with the college deans to establish a schedule of courses that will meet the needs of students served. They also provide administrative support for the extended campuses.

1.625 Deans of University Colleges

The deans of the Colleges of Business and Technology; Education; Liberal Arts; Science and Health Professions; and Optometry coordinate and supervise academic programs and personnel and provide leadership in the development of programs and activities related to the operation of their colleges. They report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

1.626 Dean of Enrollment Management and Registrar

The Dean of Enrollment Management and Registrar supervises the admission and enrollment of students and is responsible for maintaining student transcripts. The Dean also evaluates student progress toward graduation.

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1.7 Administrative Support for Academic Organization (See Appendix A)

1.71 Vice President for Administration

The Vice President for Administration is responsible for Planning and Budgeting, Payroll, Business Affairs, Computing & Telecommunications, Human Resources, Public Safety, Physical Plant, Fitness Center, and Auxiliary Services.

1.72 Administrative Administrators

1.721 Assistant Vice President for Administration - Tahlequah campus

The Assistant Vice President for Administration, in addition to coordinating Administrative activities, is responsible for purchasing, contracting, public safety, risk management and research administration.

1.722 Assistant Vice President for Administration - Broken Arrow campus

The Assistant Vice President for Administration is responsible for Administrative and Student Affairs activities on the Broken Arrow campus and serves as a liaison between the Broken Arrow and Tahlequah campuses.

1.723 Director of Business Affairs

The Director of Business Affairs is responsible for the treasury and audit function of the University, fiscal oversight of receiving and disbursing funds, investments, travel, student accounts and inventory.

1.724 Director of Budgets and Payroll

The Director of Budgets and Payroll is responsible for University budgeting, reports and surveys.

1.725 Director of Payroll and Business Systems

The Director of Payroll and Business Systems is responsible for all benefits and compensation payment and serves as the coordinator for implementation of the enterprise wide software implementation for the administrative areas.

1.726 Director of Computing and Telecommunications

The Director of Computing and Telecommunications supervises the University's computing center and telecommunications system. The Director also provides support for campus microcomputer users, NSUnet, and supervises the Microcomputer Repair Service.

1.727 Director of Human Resources/Affirmative Action Officer

The Director of Human Resources assists in developing and executing policies regarding employment, promotion, affirmative action, conduct, termination and other employment matters. The Director maintains records concerning a faculty member's job classification, employee benefits, and conducts in-service training programs.

1.728 Director of Physical Plant Administration
The Director of Physical Plant Administration is responsible for University facilities, grounds, custodial services, utilities, energy conservation, renovation and capital construction.

1.729 Director of Auxiliary Services
The Director of Auxiliary Services oversees the areas of housing, bookstore, University Center operations, food service, conferences, printing services, vending operations, rental properties, motor pool, the Fitness Center, and intramurals.

1.73 Vice President for University Relations
The Vice President for University Relations is responsible for leading the University's efforts in Alumni Relations, Development, Public Relations and Community/Government Relations.

1.74 Dean of Student Affairs
The Dean of Student Affairs is concerned primarily with student conduct on University property. Services supervised by the dean include, Health Center, Student Conduct, Student Development Center, and Student Activities & Organizations. The Dean is also responsible for Multi-Cultural Services and services for students with disabilities.

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1.8 Faculty Handbook Revision Process

The Faculty Handbook Committee will be composed of faculty and appropriate administrators. The Committee shall have the responsibility of updating the Handbook a minimum of every other year, prior to July 1, and shall conduct major revisions at the request of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Current copies of the Faculty Handbook are available in each college office, in Academic Affairs, and on the NSU website.

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