Academic rank at Avalon Center is neither a matter of hierarchy nor of empty titles. Each rank indicates the teacher's experience and service to the Center, and their own achievements as scholars. Currently there is not tenure system as all members of the Faculty are independent contractors working with us part-time. When we have the sustained revenue needed to offer endowed chairs and regular salaries, the Faculty will undoubtedly create a system of tenure and sabbatical years as further reward for academic rank.
Instructor and Assistant Professor
At Avalon Center, all new teachers who do not possess a Ph.D. from an accredited or accepted institution are hired as Instructors. Those applicants who do possess a Ph.D. or who hold professorial rank at another institution, may be hired with the initial rank of Assistant Professor. Promotion is based upon service to the college, professional development, and regular teaching loads.
Associate Professor
Instructors or Assistant Professors who have taught four or more courses per year for at least two years and who have either completed a master's degree or written a substantial piece of original research or a body of creative art will be eligible to promotion to Associate Professor.
Professor
Associate Professors who teach five or more courses per year for three successive years, and who have completed a doctoral program either at ACDS or another legitimate college, seminary, or university, or who have published a substantial original body of work, will be eligible for promotion to the rank of Professor.
Independent Contractors
At present, all members of the faculty are considered independent contractors. They are responsible for paying applicable income taxes in their home state or country. The contract for teaching is implied in each teacher's acceptance of the offer to teach a course in a particular quarter. Contracts may be terminated by either party at the end of any teaching quarter with one month notice.
The Personnel Committee
The body overseeing hiring and promotion is the Personnel Committee of the Board of Governors, which consists of the Chancellor, two members of the BOG and at least one member of the Faculty.
Last Revised 7/18/2006
