LIBRARY FACULTY MANUAL

Approved the University Library Faculty Council, Fall 2000

Approved by the University Senate, May 2, 2001 

FOREWORD

 

American University's policies governing the relationship entered into by each full‑time member of the University Faculty and the University at the time of initial appointment describe the mutual obligations and expectations which are the basis for a continuing association.

 

These policies have been formulated with the assistance of the Committee on Faculty Relations and approved by the University Senate.  They reflect the concerted efforts of the Committee, the University Senate, the provost, the president, and the Board of Trustees to affirm principles of University faculty relationships which are in accord with those generally in effect in the academic world, which adopt the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure of the American Association of University Professors, and which take into account its subsequent related recommendations.  The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income or Vietnam‑era veteran status, or any other legally protected status under the D.C. Human Rights Act.  It conforms with all applicable federal and state non‑discrimination laws.

 

The University gives emphasis in its recruitment and promotion to a diverse faculty.  This emphasis applies both to faculty and administrative appointments and is not inconsistent with a consideration of quality and professional preparation governing such appointments.  American University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action university and employer as required by local and federal laws.

 

The principles set forth in this Manual attest to the firm intention of the University to provide as favorable working conditions for its faculty as its resources permit, and an atmosphere in which each faculty member may pursue his/her scholarly activities and interests freely and without restraint. In return, the University expects that faculty members shall devote themselves creatively and with energy to the primary duties of teachers and scholars.  Each faculty member should endeavor to challenge students intellectually and stimulate them to acquire knowledge, understanding, and vision.

 

This Manual applies to all faculty at American University with the exceptions noted below or unless specifically described otherwise in the individual rule, regulation, or policy.  This Manual is not a static document but rather an evolving one.  Therefore, following established procedures, the University may amend this Manual from time to time to reflect changes in local or federal laws or in the academic or business needs of the University.  The Manual also incorporates by this reference the policies contained in the Faculty/Staff Benefits Manual as it applies to faculty.

  

This Manual applies to the Washington College of Law faculty only when not inconsistent with the Washington College of Law Manual (Section II, Part VI of the Manual of Information and

Procedures).  The Washington College of Law Manual conforms to the Faculty Manual of the

University except in instances where long‑standing practice or principles enunciated by the

Association of American Law Schools and the American Bar Association have resulted in different

policies or procedures.  In particular, faculty appointments in the Washington College of Law are not

subject to review by the University Committee on Faculty Relations (except appointments as

University Professors), although the faculty grievance procedures of the University Committee on

Faculty Grievances do apply and are available to faculty of the Washington College of Law.

 

This Manual also applies to University Library faculty only when not inconsistent with the approved Library Faculty Manual (Section II, Part V of The Manual of Information & Procedures). The University Library Faculty Manual conforms to the Faculty Manual of the University except in

instances when long‑standing practices or criteria or principles specific to University Library faculty

members have resulted in different policies or procedures.  The shaded sections in the Library Faculty Manual apply to teaching rather than to library faculty; italicized sections apply to Library faculty.  In connection with policies and procedures related to University Library faculty members, appropriate terms such as “University Librarian,”and “administrative head” are used.

 

This Manual also applies to the Law Library faculty of the Washington College of Law only when not inconsistent with its approved Law Library Manual (Section II, Part V of The Manual of

Information & Procedures).  The Law Library Faculty Manual conforms to the Faculty Manual of the University except in instances when long‑standing practices, or criteria or principles specific to Law Library faculty members have resulted in different policies or procedures.