TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


37. Employee Academic Credentials Policy and Requirements

 

37.1 General Statement

 

The Office of Human Resource Services maintains official employment records for all employees.  These files must contain official academic transcripts where applicable as specified below.  The Office of Academic Affairs will coordinate the credentialing process for faculty between Academic Deans, Chairs, and the Office of Human Resource Services.

 

37.2 Administrative and Support Staff Credentials

 

Administrative and support staff employees are required to provide official transcripts that document their academic credentials for the highest degree earned and other appropriate documents that provide evidence of other credentials required for their position to the Office of Human Resource Services, on or before beginning employment.  If such documents have not been received by the beginning date of employment, the employee must show proof that such documents have been applied for, and the Office of Human Resource Services will verify the credentials while awaiting receipt of official documents.  The University may, at its discretion, also require employees to provide evidence of all credentials listed on their resumes, asserted on their employment applications, or claimed during the interview process.  Acquisition of credentials shall be the financial responsibility of the employee.

 

37.3 Faculty Credentials

 

SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) requires all accredited institutions to keep on file, for all full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty members, documentation of academic preparation, such as official transcripts and, if appropriate for demonstrating competence, official documentation of professional and work experience, technical and performance competency, records of publications, certifications, and other qualifications. Departments and/or colleges are responsible for ensuring that individuals recommended for hire arrange to have official transcripts for all degrees conferred sent directly to the Office of Academic Affairs upon acceptance of an offer of employment from the department. Official transcripts must be on file in the Office of Academic Affairs in order for an employment contract to be prepared and the hire finalized. Acquisition of credentials shall be the financial responsibility of the employee.

 

Official transcripts must be on watermark paper or must contain an official stamp; they cannot be “issued to student.” Copies should be maintained in the departmental personnel files. This policy also applies to graduate teaching assistants who are lead instructors.

 

37.4 International Credential Requirements

 

Transcripts from international higher education institutions should be official and should include English translation where necessary.  In all cases, requests should be made to the international institution for official transcripts.  If, however, official transcripts are unavailable, the employee should obtain a letter of denial and submit it along with notarized copy of the international transcript(s) to Human Resource Services or the Office of Academic Affairs, as appropriate.  Exceptions to International Credential Requirements are to be made in writing by the Office of Academic Affairs.


This information is maintained by Business & Fiscal Affairs
Last Updated 24-SEPT-2008
For more information, contact the Human Resource Services Office

 

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