Faculty Credential Levels and Minimum Qualifications

Policy Owner: Chief Academic Officer

Policy Statement:

According to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC} guidelines, qualified faculty members are identified primarily by their academic credentials; however, additional factors such as progress toward academic credentials, equivalent experience, and relevant industry certifications may also be considered. Instructors must hold an academic degree that is relevant to the subject they teach and at least one level above the level of instruction unless equivalent tested experience has been established or as required by accrediting bodies. All individuals considered for faculty employment are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the quality and completeness of the educational experience, as well as evidence of or the potential for effective teaching.

Policy Rational:

Institutions are responsible for ensuring that faculty members who deliver college level instruction are appropriately qualified, in accordance with the Higher Learning Commission guidelines published in September 2025. These guidelines apply to all faculty, including full-time instructors, adjunct instructors, and those who teach dual credit or concurrent credit courses. The HLC requires that college credit awarded through dual credit arrangements meet the same standards of quality, integrity, and comparability as credit offered on the institution's main campus or at any other instructional site.
Consequently, faculty who teach dual credit courses must hold the same minimum qualifications expected of the institution's regular faculty.