General Instructor Responsibilities

It is expected that all the PAC classes will be conducted in an efficient, effective, and professional manner as expected of all classes in an institution of higher education. It is expected that all PAC instructors be conscientious, competent, and dedicated individuals. In addition, it is expected that instructors exhibit enthusiasm and interest in their areas of expertise. It is hoped that all PAC staff are committed to a healthy lifestyle and are ambassadors for the Program.

Meeting Classes

Students have paid for a certain number of class sessions, usually 19 or 20. The instructor must see that students have opportunities for instruction in that number of sessions. Generally this means that class meets every scheduled time, i.e. instructors are not to call off class for any reason. It is also necessary that an instructor be present at every class session. The instructor is liable for the class and should remember this should an occasion arise where the instructor must leave the class for any reason. It is expected that instructors will be ready to begin class on time, will hold the class the allotted time, and will conclude class on time.

Instructor Absences

If an illness or injury prevents the instructor from meeting a class, the procedure is to attempt to get a substitute if time allows. If this is not possible, call the PAC Office and talk directly with the secretary or coordinator. If neither is available, leave a message at 737-3222 with your phone number and call back later. If the absence is due to a job related conference or other matters pertaining to career/profession, the Off Campus form must be completed at least three days in advance. Technically, there is no provision for personal leave in the contracts of PAC instructors. It is expected that personal travel or responsibilities will be managed without missing classes. Unusual absences are to be discussed with the coordinator prior to finalizing plans for travel. The form requires information on how a class will be covered during the absence. It is the instructor’s responsibility to make these arrangements. The form is returned to the coordinator who signs it then passes it to the chair of NES if any NES classes will be missed. A copy is forwarded to the instructor.

Acceptable Substitute

Liability dictates that a qualified person be assigned to the class. The department requires that a substitute be a qualified, experienced instructor with at least an undergraduate degree. The first choice is another PAC instructor. Second choice is another HHS instructor. Other choices for substitutes must be discussed with the coordinator. If the best available substitute is not an OSU employee, a volunteer form must be completed and on file in the PAC Office. Additional time will need to be spent with volunteers to assure that they are familiar with safety and emergency procedures. Substitutes should be appropriately thanked and the favor returned if an opportunity arises. It may be necessary to pay a substitute if an exchange of classes is not possible. The suggested pay is $10-20 per class, depending on the responsibility expected of the substitute. It is expected the part time instructors volunteer to substitute without pay or exchange of substitution favors no more than two times each term.

Alternatives to Canceling Class

Here are some options should a qualified substitute not be available to cover class: 1) Reschedule the class for a day and time when students are available to attend. Do not require attendance in case some students are unable to attend. 2) If appropriate and as a last resort, an outside related assignment can substitute. This is most appropriate if the activity is part of evaluation process determined at the start of the term. As an example, in raquetball, students make a court reservation, play or practice, and complete a worksheet. Playing outside of class is a requirement for the class anyway. These alternatives must be discussed with the coordinator. If there is an exciting and relevant video/DVD, it can be shown in a smart classroom. Assign a responsible student to take roll or require a written synopsis.

Conflicts with Assigned Classes

Instructors are given opportunities to select classes to teach. This process takes place well in advance of the term; therefore, it is necessary that PAC instructors be aware of their schedules for that term. GTAs may need to call departments and find assigned times for intended classes. Once registration begins, if a conflict arises, the responsibility for changing an assignment falls first on the instructor. Notify the coordinator who can give suggestions. GTAs should inquire with other GTAs as to possible switches. Class times generally cannot be charged, and a course should not be canceled. The last alternative is to take over part time instructor’s class. If the only alternative is to cancel a course, the involved GTA or faculty member may have a reduced FTE. GTAs may need to make this up another term by teaching an overload.

Changes in Class Time or Location

There are a variety of means for communicating with students. Establish your method, and put this on the Course Outline. There is a dry erase board and a bulletin board outside the PAC office; the chalk board at the entrance to WB is for PAC. Individual signs can be made. Notification can be given via Blackboad and/or a recorded phone message. Other arrangements can be made as long as students are informed. As an example, golf students are given written instructions to call the instructors office phone number after a certain time in order to check for changes in class location due to weather changes. Instructors put recorded messages on the phone. In addition, a sign is posted on the door to the golf room, and a message is sent via Blackboard. If a change in class location involves a different campus location, the instructor must make prior arrangements with Debi Rothermund, When changes in aquatic classes are necessary the lifeguard must be informed as soon as possible. There is a form that is to be completed by the PAC Office when changes are known at least two days in advance.

Scheduled Time in the Office

As stated in the Faculty Guidebook, faculty with less than .5 FTE are to schedule commensurate office hours to reflect the number of courses taught. Full faculty must schedule five hours each week, representing at least three different days. GTAs with .3 are to schedule 90 minutes of office time on at least 2 days. GTAs with .2 are to schedule 60 minutes of office time on at least 2 days. It is recommended that part time instructors schedule 15 minutes per class taught. Each instructor must post his/her schedule near the office door. In addition, the schedule must be given to the PAC secretary by the end of the first week of classes.

Promotion of the Program

In order for the PAC Program to be successful, it must be promoted much like a private club is promoted. It is hoped that all instructors within the Program will be proud of the Program and enjoy promoting the Program. The best method of promotion is providing a fun, educational, exciting class. Beyond that, instructors are to remind students when registration begins and recommend classes appropriate to the interests of the students. In addition, instructors may be asked to help distribute fliers, talk with campus groups, or participate in a promotional booth. Any suggestions for additional promotional ideas are welcomed by the coordinator.

Dress for Class

It is expected that instructors will dress appropriately for the class activity. Dress should be representative, in good taste, and professional.

Instructor Injury

Should an instructor get injured teaching a class or doing any work related responsibilities on campus, the workman's compensation insurance may cover some expenses. First, an accident form for faculty and staff is to be completed. Next, information on the SAIF coverage and the form can be found here: http://www.saif.com/forms/801pack.pdf. Questions and forms are to be directed to the CHHS accounting office in WB 120. If it is an emergency situation, the PAC Office must be contacted as soon as possible. If it is not an emergency, contact with the coordinator should be made as soon as the extent of the injury is known. If possible substitute instructors need to be contacted to cover classes if the employee cannot continue. The employee should be careful about returning to activity and make every effort to avoid further injury.

11/15/2004