Section VIII - Faculty & Instruction

VIII A 4

Faculty - Credentials

To ensure the highest standards of instruction and institutional integrity, Randolph Community College (RCC) employs qualified faculty in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the institutional accrediting agency and relevant program specific accreditation and credentialing bodies.

RCC shall employ instructional personnel who meet or exceed the faculty credentialing expectations established by its institutional accrediting agency. Faculty qualifications must be appropriate to the level and discipline of instruction and support high-quality learning experiences aligned with program and institutional outcomes.

The College evaluates faculty qualifications using a combination of academic credentials and other demonstrated competencies. These may include:

1. The highest earned degree in the field or related discipline (typically a master’s degree with 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline for transfer-level courses).
2. Undergraduate and graduate degrees from regionally accredited institutions.
3. Related work experience in the discipline or profession.
4. Professional licensure or certifications.
5. Honors, awards, or recognitions of teaching or professional excellence.
6. Documented, continuous excellence in teaching or instructional performance.
7. Other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and learning.

Note: For any faculty who do not meet the standard academic credential requirements, the College may utilize an Alternative Credentialing Portfolio to justify the instructor’s qualifications based on tested experience and documented expertise.

In cases where faculty qualifications are based on tested experience or alternative qualifications, RCC will maintain a formal portfolio that includes:

1. A current résumé or CV.
2. Letters of support or recommendation.
3. Documentation of relevant work experience.
4. Proof of licensure or certification (if applicable).
5. Evidence of continuing professional development.
6. Teaching evaluations or demonstrated instructional effectiveness.
7. Any other artifacts that demonstrate expertise in the teaching field.

The portfolio must provide a clear rationale and documentation supporting the faculty member’s ability to effectively teach the assigned content.

1. Basic Skills Programs (ABE, AHS, GED, ESL): Instructors must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Continuing Education Programs: Instructor credential requirements vary by course. Qualifications may include a minimum degree level, substantial demonstrated experience in the field, professional licenses or certification relevant to the subject matter and/or specific qualifications required by local, state, or national credentialing agencies.
3. Emergency Services Training: Instructors must meet the credentialing standards established by the relevant certifying agency for their discipline (e.g., law enforcement, fire/rescue, EMS).

1. Academic Deans, Department Heads, and the Chief Academic Officer will collaborate regularly with faculty to review and update credentialing standards and hiring practices in alignment with current institutional and individual program accrediting agencies.
2. Credentialing requirements will be reviewed at least every three years or more frequently as standards evolve.
3. Official documentation, including official transcripts, will be kept on file for all full-time and part-time faculty.
4. Alternative Credentialing Portfolios will be reviewed and approved through a documented internal review process prior to faculty assignment.

Adopted: 04/15/1999

Revised: 01/17/2008, 07/16/2009, 09/18/2025