Document
Owner
Office of Academic Affairs
Effective Date
October 18, 2026
Last Reviewed
October 18, 2026
Next Review
October 2027
1. Welcome
Neponset University faculty are at the heart of the institution’s mission. This Handbook summarizes the rights and responsibilities of Neponset adjunct faculty. Detailed operational procedures are maintained separately by the Office of Academic Affairs.
2. Faculty Model
All Neponset instructors are paid adjunct faculty engaged on per-course teaching agreements. Instructors receive a stipend of approximately $800 per 8-week course, with adjustments for course development and graduate-level instruction. Agreements are issued one term in advance and are renewable at the discretion of the Office of Academic Affairs.
3. Qualifications
Faculty must hold a terminal degree in their teaching field or a recognized professional credential demonstrating advanced expertise. Specific qualifications and CV documentation are required as part of the engagement process and re-verified periodically as required by the institution’s accreditor.
4. Faculty Responsibilities
Deliver course content as approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Maintain regular and substantive interaction with learners (a federal financial aid requirement once Neponset is Title IV certified).
Respond to learner questions within two (2) business days during the active term.
Grade and return major assignments within seven (7) business days.
Comply with the Academic Integrity Policy, Privacy Policy, Title IX Policy, and all institutional policies.
Report suspected academic integrity violations within ten (10) business days.
Complete annual training on Title IX, accessibility, FERPA, and information security.
5. Faculty Rights
Academic freedom in the development and delivery of approved curriculum.
Fair compensation paid on the published schedule.
Access to institutional support: instructional design, technology, and academic advising for learner referrals.
Notice and opportunity to respond before any non-renewal based on performance concerns.
A clear grievance procedure for any concerns about institutional decisions.
6. Course Materials & Intellectual Property
Course content developed for Neponset under a teaching agreement is owned by Neponset, with the faculty member retaining rights to reuse general intellectual contributions in their other professional work, consistent with the institution’s intellectual property policy. Specific provisions are stated in each teaching agreement.
7. Professional Conduct
Faculty are bound by the same conduct standards applicable to all Neponset community members, including the prohibition on harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and conflicts of interest. Faculty are expected to maintain professional boundaries with learners at all times.
8. Faculty Grievances
Faculty may raise concerns or grievances under a faculty-specific grievance procedure maintained by the Office of Academic Affairs. The procedure provides for informal resolution, formal complaint, and appeal to the Provost.