INTRODUCTION

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is one of thirty-four units of the University System of Georgia governed by the Board of Regents, a constitutional entity of the State of Georgia. Guidelines for governing the College are found in the Statutes, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and in the Policy Manual of the Board of Regents, University System of Georgia. Non-academic personnel should refer to the policy manual entitled ABAC Classified Personnel Handbook for additional provisions and guidelines.

This policy manual provides a reference volume of general and specific information designed to assist the faculty and staff.

The following documents are sources of reference for College operations:

§ Policy Manual of the Board of Regents, University System of Georgia

§ Academic Affairs Handbook, University System of Georgia

§ Core Curriculum Information, University System of Georgia

§ Administrative Procedures for the University System of Georgia

§ Statutes, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

§ Classified Personnel Handbook, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

§ Policy Manual, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

§ Catalog, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

§ Student Handbook, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

§ Focus (published weekly), Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

§ Handbook for Academic Advisors, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

§ Special publications that may be issued as necessary

MISSION STATEMENT

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), established in 1908 as the Second District A&M School, became South Georgia A&M College in 1924 and Georgia State College for Men in 1929. Named for a signer of the United States Constitution and the first President of the University of Georgia, the College assumed its present name in 1933 when it became a unit of the University System of Georgia. At that time ABAC embarked on a mission devoted primarily to associate-level studies in agriculture, home economics, and related fields. ABAC’s role later expanded to include a diverse educational program.

As a unit of the University System of Georgia, ABAC shares the following characteristics with other two-year units in the System.

§ a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the needs of a local area and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;

§ a commitment to a teaching/learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional excellence, functions to provide University System access for a diverse student body, and promotes high levels of student learning;

§ a commitment to a high quality general education program that supports a variety of well-chosen associate programs and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, learning support programs designed to insure access and opportunity for a diverse student body, and a limited number of certificate or other career programs to complement neighboring technical institute programs;

§ a commitment to public service, continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities that address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational level within the College’s scope of influence;

§ a commitment to scholarship and relative work to enhance instructional effectiveness and meet local needs.

In addition, campus life at ABAC shares the following characteristics with all other units in the system:

§ a supportive campus climate, necessary services, and leadership and development opportunities, all to educate the whole person and meet the needs of the students, faculty, and staff;

§ cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society;

§ technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education; and

§ collaborative relationships with other System institutions, state agencies, local schools and technical institutes, and business and industry, sharing physical, human, information, and other resources to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.

ABAC, a two-year college, is a community-based, residential institution offering programs in the natural and physical sciences, the liberal arts, the social sciences, business, physical education and recreation, and health occupations as well as a specialized institution serving a unique role through programs in agriculture and related disciplines. This dual emphasis, together with on-campus housing, gives the College its distinctive character and enables it to attract traditional and non-traditional students from throughout Georgia, other states, and other countries, creating a culturally diverse student body.

ABAC provides high quality academic programs that allow employment upon completion of two-year career programs of fulfillment or the core curriculum requirements and an opportunity for successful transfer into baccalaureate programs.

Off-campus and evening programs provide educational opportunities for individuals who are unable to attend classes in the traditional setting. Public service programs include special-interest activities and courses, occupation-enhancing short courses, youth enrichment courses, and performing and visual arts events. The College also provides administrative services and facilities that enable community and state organizations as well as other units of the University System of Georgia to bring seminars, meetings, and upper-level and graduate instruction to the region.

ABAC’s vision for the future includes placing student learning foremost; having an outstanding diverse faculty, staff, and administration; valuing and encouraging lifelong learning; and ensuring continuous leadership and improvement. The College supports its mission through a participatory planning process involving all aspects of the campus community. Key components of the vision include additional outreach in Colquitt County through the development of the Moultrie Center; expanded use of distance education technologies; and collaborative efforts with technical institutes, public schools, and business and professional organizations. Another dimension of the vision is the continued development of agriculturally related programs of study and applied research partnerships with Fort Valley State College and the University of Georgia. Furthermore, the vision includes meeting the changing needs for programs other than those in agriculture.

The open admissions nature of ABAC continues to require refinement of services that enhance student development and academic success.

CHAPTER I — ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

The College's operations are divided among nine administrative areas: (1) Academic Affairs, (2) Student & Enrollment Services, (3) Fiscal Affairs and Plant Operations, (4) College Services, (5) Development & Alumni, (6) Public Relations, (7) Institutional Research & Planning, (8) Information Technology and Services, and (9) Intercollegiate Athletics. The administrator for each area responds directly to the President for the operation of his/her respective area. These officers are (1) the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, (2) the Vice President and Dean of Student & Enrollment Services (3) the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs, (4) the Director of College Services, (5) the Director of Development & Alumni, (6) the Director of Public Relations (7) the Director of Institutional Research & Planning, (8) the Executive Director of Information Technology & Services, and (9) the Athletic Director. Collectively, these nine officers are referred to as the President's Cabinet.

Selection and recommendation for appointment of administrative officers is made by the President, upon recommendation by a screening committee, and in consultation with the chancellor. Final recommendation to the Board of Regents is the responsibility of the chancellor, with ultimate ratification by the Board of Regents.

Administrators may hold professorial rank in conformity to the Policy Manual of the Board of Regents and are voting members of the faculty with all rights and benefits.

President

The President is the chief executive officer of the College. The President is elected annually by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on the recommendation of the Chancellor. The President is responsible to the Chancellor for the operation and management of the institution and for the execution of all directives of the Board and the Chancellor. The duties and responsibilities of the President are as follows:

1) Be the executive head of the institution and of all its departments and exercise such supervision and direction as will promote the efficient operation of the institution.

2) Be the ex officio chair of the faculty and serve as chair and preside at its meetings.

3) Be the official medium of communication between the faculty and the Chancellor and between the faculty and/or any such body representative of the faculty and the Chancellor.

4) Recommend annually to the Board of Regents, through the Chancellor, the election or re-election of the faculty and the other employees of the institution, the salary of each, and all promotions and removals.

5) Have the right and authority, with the approval of the Chancellor, to fill vacancies in the faculty between meetings of the Board with the understanding that these appointments shall be approved by the Board of Regents.

6) Have the right and authority, with the approval of the Chancellor and the Board of Regents, to grant leaves of absence to members of the faculty for study at other institutions or for such reasons as the Board may deem proper.

7) Appoint other representatives of the College that may be needed to assist in planning and administration.

8) Make an annual report to the Board of Regents, through the Chancellor, of the work and condition of the institution.

9) Recommend to the Board of Regents, through the Chancellor, budgets and budget amendments, repairs to existing buildings, need for new buildings and facilities, and all other matters pertaining to the operation of the institution.

10) Have power to appoint special or standing committees to advise and assist the President in planning and administration. The President shall be ex officio a member of all standing committees.

11) Prepare the annual budget and the annual report of the College for presentation, through the Chancellor, to the Board of Regents.

12) Have and exercise such other powers, duties, and responsibilities that may be required or authorized by the Board of Regents.

In the temporary absence of the President, the president's functions shall be exercised by the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, or then by the Vice President and Dean of Student & Enrollment Services, or then by the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs, or then by the Director of College Services.

Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs

The Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs is responsible to the President for the development and administration of all academic services as the chief academic officer of the College. The Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs provides leadership for the faculty and guidance in the development of curriculum and in the improvement of instruction. This position works closely with all division chairs, the Library Director, and the Director of the Evening and Off-Campus Program, in planning and implementing procedures related to the academic affairs of the College.

The Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs administers the academic credit programs of the College and is responsible for the execution of all educational policies including policies concerning the academic performance of students. The duties and responsibilities of the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs are as follows:

1) Serve as chief academic officer of the College.

a) Relate continuously to the President of the College in all duties and account to him for performance.

b) Act on the President's behalf during the President's absence.

c) Provide guidance and assistance to the faculty and Academic Assembly and present the Assembly's recommendations to the appropriate administrative areas.

d) Function as security officer for faculty records and provide such reports as required from these records.

e) Coordinate the preparation of educational and financial planning for academics, including the annual budget.

f) Participate in the appropriate University System of Georgia committees.

g) Supervise the preparation of the College Policy Manual.

h) Supervise the preparation of the Handbook for Academic Advisors

i) Coordinate the preparation of reports to University System offices and to regional and national offices, including an annual report of the College.

j) Coordinate faculty recruitment and orientation of new faculty; offer recommendations to the President concerning contract renewals, promotions, tenures, and faculty leaves of absence.

k) Encourage the teaching faculty to develop the potential of the Library among their students.

l) Encourage teaching of the high quality and monitor continuously the success of students in the academic programs.

m) Cooperate with the enrollment services area regarding class and course schedules, instructor assignments, room and building use.

n) Provide assistance with institutional research issues and projects.

o) Perform other customary functions ascribed to the office.

2) Provide leadership to faculty development.

a) Encourage professional growth and development of faculty through conferences, seminars, and service on committees.

b) Promote faculty and staff development programs and projects.

c) Keep abreast of current knowledge and practices through literature on leadership and curriculum and through attendance and participation at meetings.

d) Direct the academic program and faculty evaluation processes.

e) Encourage the emergence of leadership among faculty ranks.

3) Provide leadership to curriculum development.

a) Direct on-going evaluation and revision of the core curriculum, career-technological programs, and learning support studies.

b) Translate curriculum plans into space and personnel requirements.

c) Encourage the removal of obsolete courses and the creation of appropriate new ones.

d) Direct and coordinate the creation of new instructional programs, projects, and other curricular growth.

4) Provide appropriate logistical support for student academic development and recognition.

a) Manage the awarding of scholarships and academic honors.

b) Cooperate to effect the probation and suspension process.

c) Coordinate the annual Honors Day and Graduation ceremonies.

5) Supervise the academic support functions residing within academic affairs.

a) Provide guidance and support for the Evening and Off-Campus Program.

b) Provide guidance and support for the Library, including the development of collection plans, automation of library user functions, collection expansion, and faculty involvement.

c) Support the Arts Connection work with area school systems and the community.

Vice President and Dean of Student & Enrollment Services

The Vice President and Dean of Student & Enrollment Services provides leadership for non-academic student life and all activities related to enrollment, retention, and the improvement of graduation rates. This area works with student government, student organizations, student councils, and various other student organizations. The Vice President and Dean of Student & Enrollment Services has the authority and responsibility to develop, coordinate, and promote all activities and functions pertaining to student life/services on campus and at off-campus locations where the institution offers instruction. This involves functions related to admissions, registrar, advising, learning support, financial aid, counseling, career planning and placement, student testing, student housing, and educational programs related to the drug free schools and other substance abuse programs. The duties and responsibilities of the Vice President and Dean of Student & Enrollment Services are as follows:

1) Direct the area of student and enrollment management and coordinate all assigned student service programs.

2) Develop policies and procedures in conjunction with student and faculty leadership to promote the growth of student government, student activity clubs and organizations, and student publications.

3) Devise a system for the administration of student discipline and, in cooperation with appropriate committees and the Student Government Association, develop standards governing student conduct.

4) Develop, in cooperation with the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and other involved administrative officials, procedures for the execution of required duties concerned with the housing, governing, and supervising of students living in campus housing.

5) In conjunction with the appropriate personnel, review policies and procedures governing programs that are supported by the student activities fee budget.

6) Promote the creation and maintenance of a cultural and social environment calculated to encourage the well-rounded development of individual students and the maintenance of a high level of morals on campus.

7) Administer procedures governing the counseling, testing, career development, job placement, withdrawal, housing, and supervising of activities of all students.

8) Be responsible for developing policies, procedures, and programs to provide financial assistance to meet student needs.

9) Along with other administrators, study the causes of student attrition and propose programs that will encourage students to derive the maximum benefits that may be offered by the College.

10) Coordinate the preparation of and approve all material concerning student services and enrollment management that is to appear in the college catalog, student handbook, and/or other College publications.

11) Administer the counseling, testing, career development, job placement, life planning programs, and the veterans’ affairs program.

12) Study the nature of the student body and disseminate information concerning student needs.

13) Promote sound relationships with the community, public schools, technical colleges, universities, and colleges in the area.

14) Supervise the preparation and execution of an annual budget for student and enrollment services, the student activities program, admissions, registrar, academic assistance, retention program, housing, and other budgets in the administrative area of student and enrollment services.

15) Prepare a comprehensive annual report concerning the operation of the area of student & enrollment services.

16) Serve, as designated by the President, as ADA Section 504 compliance officer for facilities and coordinator for students with disabilities, coordinator of student civil rights, and coordinator of the Drug Free Schools Program, including responsibilities for an education awareness program among students relative to substance abuse.

17) Coordinate the awarding of out-of-state tuition waivers.

18) Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet and other faculty committees, and perform other duties as directed by the President.

19) Oversee entire program of student services committed to enrolling, retaining and graduating students.

20) Provide guidance and support for the registrar, including the development and expansion of automated student records procedures.

21) Supervise the activities of the Admissions Office in the areas of recruiting, application processing, and orientation.

22) Perform recruiting duties as needed.

23) Assist the Admissions Office in developing a policy and procedures manual.

Vice President for Fiscal Affairs

The Vice President for Fiscal Affairs shall provide leadership for all business affairs of the College, for the maintenance and security of grounds and buildings, for the operation of auxiliary enterprises, for the operation of public safety, and, in general, be responsible for all fiscal and physical affairs of the institution. The duties and responsibilities of the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs are as follows:

1) Administer the business affairs of the institution.

2) Formulate policies, develop operating procedures, establish accounting and reporting methods, and coordinate day-to-day business operations.

3) Collate, consolidate, and prepare a final draft of the budget for submission by the President to the Board of Regents.

4) Direct budgetary control over funds once they are budgeted.

5) Exercise fiscal control over student activity fees in cooperation with the Vice President and Dean of Student & Enrollment Services.

6) Formulate policies and procedures governing the financial operation of the auxiliary enterprises budget.

7) Manage the business phases of auxiliary enterprises and supervise their financial matters.

8) Administer fiscal aspects of student loans, scholarships, and student campus employment.

9) Conduct the business phase of physical plant planning and the supervision of construction and rehabilitation.

10) Procure goods and services.

11) Prepare an annual report of the financial status of the institution and special periodical reports as requested by authority.

12) Jointly with the Director of College Services, administer the group life and hospitalization plan, the Georgia Teachers' Retirement Program, the Social Security Program, Workman's Compensation Program, and Tax Sheltered Annuity programs of the faculty and staff.

13) Keep students' financial records and accounts in order.

14) Approve expenditures and issue payment of invoices.

15) Keep such permanent financial, property, and inventory records as are needed and organize, store, and preserve them.

16) Make financial and efficiency analyses for educational planning and institutional growth as needed.

17) Prepare reports requested by governmental and professional agencies and by the President for the Regents' office.

18) Perform other functions assigned by the President.

19) Prepare the College payroll.

20) Coordinate the campus food service.

21) Supervise and provide direction to the Public Safety Office.

22) Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and other committees, and perform other duties as directed by the President.

Director of College Services

The Director of College Services provides leadership to Public Service and Business Outreach Center, the Office of Human Resources, and Federal Programs. The duties and responsibilities of the Director of College Services are to:

1) Supervise, direct and coordinate all areas of college services and respond directly to the President.

2) Keep the President and other administrators current on matters within the area of college services.

3) Assist the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs in structuring the fall conference and the development of workshops for supervisors and administrators.

4) Coordinate budget preparation and annual reports for the area of college services.

5) Serve as the College's Affirmative Action officer and maintain the Affirmative Action Plan.

6) Assist the President and Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs and other administrators in developing a hiring and retention plan for minority faculty and staff.

7) Coordinate evaluations within the area of college services.

8) Assist the director of the Public Service & Business Outreach Center in the development of long range plans to include a review of courses/programs.

9) Monitor the updating of procedural manuals for the Public Service and Business Outreach Center.

10) Assist with program development for minorities, older citizens (seniors), and children, grades K-12.

11) Direct the implementation of innovative methods of program delivery in continuing education and youth enrichment programs.

12) Provide oversight leadership for all publications from the Office of Public Service and Business Outreach Center, the Office of Human Resources, and Federal Programs.

13) Ensure that the Office of Human Resources has access to information needed to discharge duties.

14) Assist the Director of Human Resources in maintaining a Classified Personnel Handbook.

15) Encourage the director of human resources to stay current on matters related to employment practices, affirmative action requirements, grievance procedures, insurance regulations, benefit plans, etc.

16) Coordinate with the Director of Human Resources and other College officials the various programs regarding environmental health and safety, Americans with Disabilities Act provisions, and other such human resources responsibilities as may be assigned.

17) Assist the Director of Human Resources in administering training programs for classified and supervisory personnel.

18) Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and other committees, and perform other duties as directed by the President.

19) Oversee duties of the Coordinator of Federal Programs.

20) Perform recruiting duties as needed.

21) Monitor the grievance and mediation procedures and processes.

Director of Development & Alumni

The principal role of development is fund-raising; however, overall campus planning is, in part, a role of this office. This office coordinates all fund raising including the annual fund, major donor solicitation, and Dollars for ABAC Scholars. This office also serves as the headquarters for the Abraham Baldwin Foundation, Inc., with the Director of Development & Alumni serving as President of the Foundation. This office works closely with the Office of Public Relations in forming a positive relationship with the community. The Director of Development & Alumni is responsible for, and is the administrative officer in charge of the Offices of Development and Alumni Relations. The duties and responsibilities of the Director of Development & Alumni are as follows:

1) Administrative: