REVISION APPROVED FEBRUARY, 2021
Preamble
The Kent State University at Geauga and the Twinsburg Academic Center (herein after referred to as the Campus) Faculty Handbook provides a description of the major processes and procedures that direct and affect the professional rights and responsibilities of the campus faculty. Specific information is included on the structure and organization of the Campus, the advisory role of the faculty in governance, and procedures and expectations regarding faculty growth and development.
This handbook includes information on how University policies and procedures are carried out locally and on University policies and procedures most central to professional academic life. For complete information on related policy, see the University Policy Register and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for tenure track (TT) and Full Time Non-Tenure track (FTNTT) faculty. This handbook is made available to all faculty members.
The policies and procedure contained in this Handbook shall not conflict with any University, Administrative and Operational Policy of Kent State University, any applicable CBA, or any federal, state, and local law.
History, Mission, and Vision
Brief History
Kent State University at Geauga
The Geauga Campus opened in 1964 as a night center at West Geauga High School. In 1967, increasing enrollment prompted the addition of a day center in Chardon, the Geauga County seat. By 1969, many of the county’s leading citizens decided that a permanent facility was desirable. In 1970, an 87 acre farm north of Burton was donated by B. J. Shanower. Construction of the present facility began in 1974, and the campus opened its doors for classes in 1976. The Geauga Campus serves Geauga, southern Lake, northern Portage, eastern Cuyahoga, and northern Trumbull counties. In 1984, the North Central Association visitation team expressed concern about low enrollment at the Campus. Despite discussions about the possible closing of the Campus, the University and the residents of Geauga County maintained faith in the Campus. By improving marketing and by integrating the Campus into the county’s economic development plans, enrollments have steadily increased.
Twinsburg Academic Center
The Kent State University Twinsburg Academic Center in Twinsburg is a satellite of the Geauga Campus in Burton, Ohio. The Center was established in 1991 at the Daimler Chrysler Stamping Plant in Twinsburg. In 1995, Daimler Chrysler opened the UAW Training Center, at the corner of Rt. 91 and Rt. 82 in the “Old School.” At that point, a wide range of Kent State classes were offered at that location to the community. Due to the continuing interest in higher education in this area and increasing enrollment, a new state-of-the-art facility opened its doors at 2745 Creekside Drive, just a half mile from the previous location, in the fall 2012. This new Twinsburg Academic Center offers quality coursework expected of a research institution. The low faculty-to-student ratio and outstanding student support services fortify student success in and out of the classroom. The location and classes offered at the Twinsburg Academic Center play an important part in showing communities how Kent State is one university with many points of access.
Mission and Vision Statement
The Geauga Campus and the Twinsburg Academic Center provide comprehensive, lifelong, learning-centered educational opportunities and services to meet the diverse needs of our communities. The Geauga Campus and the Twinsburg Academic Center reinforce programs that support academic excellence and economic development. The Geauga Campus and the Twinsburg Academic Center support students to become successful professionals, scholars, citizens, and leaders. In partnership with K-12 institutions, the corporate, public, and non-profit communities, the Geauga Campus and the Twinsburg Academic Center promote diversity and excellence in teaching, research, and service to increase the educational attainment, economic prosperity, and environmental vitality of the region.
Handbook Modifications, Amendments, and Revisions
The implementation, modification, amendment, and revision of this Handbook are governed by the applicable CBA. This handbook should be reassessed and may be revised every three years to stay current with University policies and procedures. The FC, comprised of TT Faculty and its elected NTT voting members, are eligible to vote on the Handbook. Approval is then made by the Dean and the Vice President of Systems Integration. Proposed modifications or amendments are subject to discussion, revision, and recommendation by the FC.