This “Faculty Handbook” has been prepared as an addendum to the TBS Student Catalog to provide specific information relative to faculty. Thus, for faculty purposes, the “Student Catalog” should be considered Part I, and this handbook as Part II of a continuous document. The most recent version of this document is available for viewing and printing on the TBS website under “About – TBS Documents.” For more information, contact the seminary’s main office at: 2655 S Mason Road Katy, TX 77450 281-646-1109 (Phone) Info@TheBibleSeminary.edu TheBibleSeminary.edu Main Campus Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Introduction

The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non-denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. On-campus and Distance Education programs include Bible Certificate and Vocational Ministry Certificate non-degree programs, as well as Dual Degree Completion, Master of Arts, and Master of Divinity degree programs. The seminary is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) approved to offer Distance Education, a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

TBS aims to help nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training. Faculty seek to integrate studies of the Bible with instruction in historical, theological, and practical disciplines critical to developing professional skills for life and ministry. Experiential education occurs through classroom instruction, study tours, hands-on ministry training, and community-based training with ministry professionals.

Leadership includes Dr. K. Lynn Lewis, President; Dr. Scott Stripling, Provost and Vice-President of Donor Relations; Dr. Israel Steinmetz, Dean of the Graduate Programs and full-time Professor; numerous adjunct faculty, ministry professionals, and mentors who serve as part of the teaching team; and a Board of Trustees.

Accreditation

Covenantal Documents

Facts

TBS History

Employment

The Bible Seminary educational team may include various full-time, part-time, or adjunct faculty who possess specific knowledge or ability needed for instructional purposes.

Employment Inquiries

Faculty employment inquiries may be submitted to the Provost by interested parties, or TBS may invite select persons to consider employment. A submitted inquiry or invitation for exploration does not constitute an offer or a commitment of any kind.

Faculty Contracts

Faculty titles include “Professor” (persons with an advanced degree, such as a D. Min. or Ph.D., in their subject area of teaching) or “Instructor” (persons without an advanced degree or with an advanced degree in process). Seminary staff may also be named to any of these positions.

Contracts are contingent upon presentation of satisfactory documentation of credentials, including an original transcript from the institution awarding the highest degree.

All faculty must sign agreement with the Covenantal Documents of The Bible Seminary (see pages 6-12). Initial employment will involve signing agreement with the full text of these documents. Continued employment contracts usually contain an all-inclusive signature opportunity for expediency, although we do expect all faculty to review these documents at least once annually.

TBS typically offers adjunct faculty contracts on a semester by semester and course by course basis.

Contracts include the Name and Number of the course contracted to teach and/or develop, as well as the time period(s) – including the Semester(s), Year(s), Date(s), and daily Time(s) – Location(s), Description, and Terms – including whether or not the contract is renewable and information about remuneration.

Job Descriptions

Adjunct faculty contract terms detail specific course assignment(s) and include a job description. Full- time faculty contracts include job descriptions as part of their annual contract. Job descriptions are reviewed with the Provost as part of annual and/or post-semester evaluations, as well as during contract negotiations. In general, the job descriptions below apply.

Full-time Faculty Members

A full-time faculty member should cultivate a healthy relationship with God and a healthy family life. This position reports to the Provost and serves as an extension of that office. The primary responsibility of a full-time faculty member is to teach a full load (4 graduate courses per semester or the equivalent thereof). Additionally, a faculty member maintains regular office hours, serves on committees as assigned, and assists with course and policy development through the Faculty Association. Finally, faculty members assist with accreditation, student advising, marketing, and publishing.

Adjunct Faculty Members

An adjunct-faculty member should cultivate a healthy relationship with God and a healthy family life. This position reports to the Provost and serves as an extension of that office. The primary responsibility of an adjunct-faculty member is to teach courses as assigned. Additionally, adjunct- faculty members may serve on committees and assists with course and policy development through the Faculty Association.

Materials and Procedures

For contractual purposes, tentative employees need to provide Name, Address, Phone, E-mail Address, and Academic/Professional Credentials (a full copy of a CV and/or resume is preferred), as well as personal information for the Background Check Authorization.

Upon acceptance of a contract, employees should also plan to provide:

• A high-quality headshot photo for filing and marketing purposes (at least 300 dpi, a full head and shoulders pose with a non-distracting background). If you do not have one, TBS can assist you. Visit “People – TBS Faculty” on the TheBibleSeminary.edu for examples.

• Official transcripts from all degree programs completed

• An up-to-date CV/resume

• Other documentation as needed All employee application materials must be completed and contracts returned with all documents signed as requested. Following due process and satisfactory completion of all requirements, final contract approval resides with the appropriate administrative head of The Bible Seminary, who must sign a contract to make it valid and enact the provisions therein.

Salary and Benefits

Remuneration is typically paid semi-monthly, on the 15th and the last day of each month. If one of these days falls on a weekend or holiday, TBS will pay on the nearest business day prior to the scheduled pay date. The semi-monthly payment amount is calculated by dividing the total remuneration amount by the number of semi-monthly pay dates in the contract period. TBS offers Direct Deposit as the preferred method of payment. TBS does not release paychecks prior to payday and does not grant pay advances.

TBS benefits generally available to full-time faculty members includes the following:

• Salary

• Health Insurance – 100% of Employee coverage plus $3,000 toward HSA account, plus 20% of spouse and/or family coverage.

• Dental Insurance – $100 per month paid by Employer, balance paid by Employee

Life Insurance – 100% paid by Employer ($50,000 of coverage is provided, the maximum allowable without the premium paid being taxable.)

• Long-term Disability – 100% paid by Employer (Long-term disability requires evaluation prior to determining benefits and only begins after the period of short-term disability. Generally, the benefit is 60% of base earnings up to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month. If disability begins prior to age 62, benefits are payable to age 65; lesser lengths of benefits if the disability begins at or after age 62; and, if disability at age 69 or after, the benefit duration is one year.)

• Short-term Disability – 100% paid by Employer (Short-term disability pays 60% of weekly base earnings to a maximum benefit of $1,500 per week for up to 13 weeks of disability.) Retirement Plan – TBS matches 100% of contributions up to 3% of salary, and 50% of contributions over 3% and up to 5% of salary.

• Vacation – (varies as agreed upon)

• Holidays – 11 holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., President’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving (2 days), and Christmas Day.

Performance Evaluations

Faculty performance-evaluation policies and procedures may include scheduled and/or random classroom observation by TBS leadership, student evaluation(s), peer assessment(s), Employer assessment(s), and Employee self-assessment(s). Evaluation records will be kept on file as part of the Employee’s professional record, with information therein subject to the confidentiality rules and regulations according to the laws of the state of Texas.

All courses include a “Course Evaluation” opportunity provided to all enrolled students at the end of each semester. Students receive a hard copy evaluation or an e-mail link to complete an evaluation for each class in which they were enrolled. This procedure is initiated and managed by the TBS administration, so faculty have no responsibilities related to initiating, managing, or processing these evaluations. Following each semester, faculty will be given an opportunity to review the compiled results from their class(es) and will be expected to sign and date the review kept on file.

Random or scheduled classroom observations are followed by an e-mail summary of what was observed. End of year evaluations for full-time faculty members typically occur in April. These involve faculty self-assessment, direct supervisor assessment, and opportunities for professional growth. These signed evaluations are kept on file and precede the letting of a renewed employment contract.

Termination

Employer reserves the right to terminate a contract if:

a. There is insufficient enrollment at the determination of the Employer, in which case Employer agrees to notify the Employee within two (2) business days of the decision. Teaching contract cancellation prior to the beginning of class instruction incurs no financial obligation on the behalf of the Employer. For contracts terminated after the beginning of teaching a class, terminated Employees will be entitled to a prorated remuneration based strictly on the day(s) of a class actually held in session as scheduled and taught by the Employee.

b. The performance of the Employee is not deemed satisfactory by the Employer.

c. Employee fails to comply with any of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this contract.

d. Employee commits an illegal or immoral offense under Federal, State, local, or institutional laws or ordinances or policies, or engages in conduct which causes the Employee to be held in public ridicule or scorn to such an extent as will, in the opinion of the Employer, have a detrimental effect on the Employee, the Employee's services, or Employer in part or in whole. The use of an illegal controlled substance shall result in immediate termination.

Adjunct employment does not count toward consideration of tenure, and adjunct faculty are not eligible for employment benefits. Adjunct employment places no obligation on Employer to renew a contract or to specify any cause(s) for non-renewal and does not constitute a right to full-time employment. TBS employment contracts shall be governed according to the laws of the state of Texas.

(For more information about faculty employment, see the TBS “Faculty Employment Policy.”)

Absences and Substitutes

Faculty are expected to teach or arrange teachers for all class sessions for which they are contracted to teach. If faculty arrange for a guest or substitute during a time in which the faculty member is contracted to receive compensation (most class sessions), payment of an honorarium or other compensation is left up to the discretion of the faculty member.

However, if the seminary arranges for a special guest to teach a class session or sessions, then any payments of honorariums or other compensation will be the responsibility of the seminary, not the faculty member.

In emergency cases, faculty members should contact the Provost and seminary office at the earliest possible time.

Academic Advising Procedures

Faculty are expected to be available to students for academic and spiritual advising outside of actual class time. Maintaining availability at least 15 minutes both before and after classes is recommended as a minimum. Additional time(s) of availability and contact information should be noted in course syllabi and posted on office doors if possible.

Full-time faculty and employees may utilize their own office space on campus, anyone may use available classrooms and library/conference room spaces, and adjunct faculty may utilize the adjunct faculty workspaces noted previously. Appropriate off-campus advisement is also acceptable, for instance in association with teaching sites and remote instructional locations, at an adjunct’s regular office or at restaurants or other establishments, provided all meetings in all circumstances abide by the TBS Ethos statement.

Course Resources

TBS faculty are expected to produce and/or compile their own syllabus, grading criteria, and class resources (graphics, handouts, notes, etc.) for their classes. TBS administration may assist with book and resource orders. If faculty need assistance finding or preparing resources, contact the seminary office. We do have some design, graphics, research, audio/video, and web capabilities that can be of assistance, if needed. A complete syllabus – including a list of required books and resources that need to be ordered – must be submitted to the Provost for approval at least two months prior to the start of a class.

Bible Software

Graduate students typically have access to a platform and version of Logos Bible Software or other digital program(s). If a faculty member does not already have a personal subscription or access to Logos Bible Software or another program available to students he or she should discuss this with the Provost.

Email Address

Faculty members may use their own e-mail address or TBS can provide an email address according to the following convention: firstname.lastname@TheBibleSeminary.edu

Web Portal

All faculty and students should have access to the TBS intranet. All course records and most resources should be accessible through this portal. To access, set-up or maintain your class on this system:

Visit TheBibleSeminary.edu and click on "My TBS"

• Fill out the login information:

• Email: (your e-mail address)

• Password: (contact the seminary office if you do not know yours)

• Then click "Login" and “Success – Click to Enter” to continue.

Click “Module – Faculty – My Courses" and then select your course by clicking “View.”

• "Directory" – List of course registrants, including a photo and contact information.

• "Setup" – We usually do this for you based on information in the syllabus, or you can setup your own by clicking “Add Category” and then “edit” and “Add Assignments” in each category. The total “Weight” of all the assignments have to add up to 100%, as well as the total “Weight” in the categories. Assignments can also be edited, but most of these fields prepopulate and require no changes.

• "Grading" – Includes several options for inputting grades.

• "Attendance" – Includes a table for keeping attendance. The table automatically populates everyone “P” for “Present” on the date of each scheduled class. Options for changing that will pop-up when you click the appropriate box include “A – Absent, EA - Excused Absent, UA - Unexcused Absent, L – Late, P – Present, LE - Left Early.”

• “Resources – A place to manage various system and online resources assigned to your course. To add a new resource, click “General Resources” and “Upload Additional Files” and then “Browse” to select and upload a file.

• “News Posts” – Option for easy access to relevantly tagged class-related news.

• “Threads” – Option for intra-class communications.

• “Student files” – Location of files uploaded by students.

• “Add/Drop” – Record of students’ status.

• “Email” – Contact class members individually or as a group through the online email system.

Facilities and Equipment

TBS facilities are commonly identified using the nomenclature of “TBS@XYZ” to denote the primary location, plus additional “Classroom ###” to identify a specific location on that particular campus.

TBS@Katy identifies the seminary’s main campus at 2655 S Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450. Classroom 270 on this campus is a standardized classroom equipped with student desks and chairs, a teaching platform, platform desk with a moveable podium, chair or stool, lighting, electrical power, wireless Internet (contact the office for the password), and dual, duplicate video projection and audio capabilities (adapter plugs available for most computer models, and the single remote for controlling both video and audio is usually in the compartment under the podium). Suite 250 currently hosts the archaeology museum and offices, and Suite 263 serves multiple purposes as reception area, offices, and a conference room/library.

These main campus rooms have a posted emergency plan, fire extinguisher, doors to both interior and exterior building access, and interior access to restroom facilities and water fountains. Free water is also available from the water cooler in Classroom 270. Students who would like to utilize available coffee makers on campus should bring their own coffee and contribute other occasionally supplies as needed.

Students have access to seminary copy services, paper, and other basic classroom and office supplies within reason. Some services and supplies, such as large volume copying and some color copying, may require additional charges. For more information, contact the Administrative Coordinator.

The following are distinctive features of individual facility areas. For more information, speak with the professor, Provost, or other TBS staff member.

Classroom 250

• 3J Museum displaying approximately 170 archaeological artifacts.

Classroom 270

• An interactive projector network with software that allows for dynamic, dual, duplicate projection or split- projection capabilities.

• Built-in tracking video camera and room microphones for remote video conferencing and distance education, as well as classroom recordings.

• The production system helps manage presentations and connects to distance education students through Zoom. A TBS staff member or associate is available to train in using the system, which includes synchronous live productions and online interactions, recording of classes and uploading final productions for asynchronous access.

• A dry erase board with markers.

• Comfortably seats 40 students but can accommodate 56.

• Includes a small kitchen area with cabinets, coffee makers (bring your own supplies), a microwave, a standard size household upright refrigerator and freezer (no ice maker), and a large bottled water cooler. Students should label any personal items in the refrigerator or freezer.

Classroom 263 – Main Library and Conference Room

• Variable use room that includes books and other media resources in shelving on all four walls.

• Single video projector with audio/video capability.

• Comfortably seats up to 10 in a long conference table configuration with 4 side chairs per side and a chair at each end, plus 10 more at a two-table configuration seating 3 on two sides and 2 each on the others.

• Includes a small kitchen cabinet area with a Keurig drink maker (bring your own supplies), small microwave, and small under-the-counter refrigerator. Students should label any personal items kept there.

Other Classrooms

For the most current information about other TBS@XYZ locations, see the TBS Student Catalog under “Campus Resources – Instructional Locations,” the web site under “Academics – Campus” or contact TBS.

Campus Offices

The seminary’s main campus offices are located in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center office complex just north of The Mansion on the Grace Fellowship campus, as noted on the campus map.

Campus Study Space(s)

The TBS classroom, main library, and Archaeological Library can be available for independent or group study when not otherwise in use. All areas offer power and wireless Internet. The adjacent Porch area in front of the Grace Fellowship worship center is also available when not in use by the church.

Campus Technology

Access to electrical power and wireless Internet are available in seminary classrooms, offices, the library, and some outside areas on campus. Additional technology assistance may be available from seminary staff, and, if necessary, can be arranged for a fee from an outside contractor associated with the seminary. Laptops and other portable devices are welcome in classrooms as long as they are used for educational purposes and their use is not disruptive to other students or instructors. Cell phones should be set on silent during class, and phone calls should never be conducted in the classroom during class time. In case of an emergency call, please exit the classroom to answer.

Disability Access and Use

The TBS main campus includes designated handicap parking spaces, ramp access available for all three main entrances, and handicap-accessible restroom facilities. Other instructional sites also have handicap-accessible parking, entry/exit access, and restroom facilities available. For equipment availability and use by those with disabilities, please contact the TBS office for assistance. For more specific details, see the “Building Use Policy” in the TBS Policy Manual available on at TheBibleSeminary.edu under “About – TBS Documents.”

Great Southwest Equestrian Center Campus

The seminary is located on the 80-acre Great Southwest Equestrian Center (GSWEC) campus. Exterior common space includes paved and grass parking areas. Primary student parking for the main campus is located in the paved parking lot in front of the seminary offices and classrooms (the west side of the buildings). Interior facilities available for seminary use include common restroom facilities and a water foundation. Also, most GSWEC events are free and open to the public.

Grace Fellowship Campus

The seminary is located in close proximity to the 30-acre Grace Fellowship campus, which includes ample additional parking south and southwest of the seminary facilities, a large worship center, and a number of various sized meeting facilities. For access to these facilities, please contact the seminary office to help facilitate necessary arrangements.

Libraries

On campus facilities include a library with thousands of theological study resources that include books, periodicals, and other items in various media formats (CD, DVD, video), including a special archaeology library with more than 400 resources. TBS libraries are open whenever the offices and classrooms are open. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. See the current Academic Calendar for classroom hours. If you need special access, please contact the seminary office. In addition, graduate degree students are provided subscription access to various digital resources such as Logos Bible Software (some financial assistance may be provided, but varies depending on funding), and RightNow Media. Other resources, available online under “Academics – Library,” include links to Journals, Online Databases, and Study Tools. The Bible Seminary is extremely fortunate to offer our students local access to one of the emerging, premier biblical research libraries in the United States, the Lanier Theological Library. Housing a comprehensive collection of books, periodicals, magazines, artifacts, and historical documents designed to aid the serious study of Scripture, this impressive facility currently holds more than 60,000 volumes and will eventually hold over 100,000 books. The library contains several private collections of noted scholars that have been kept intact, and regularly hosts events with noted authors, guest lecturers, and researchers. The library covers the following research areas: Ancient Languages, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Biblical Studies, Church History, Classics, Dead Sea Scrolls, Egyptology, Monasticism, Patristics, and Theology.

Lanier Theological Library

14130 Hargrave Rd Houston, TX 77070

281-477-8400

LanierTheologicalLibrary.org

TBS students additionally have access to RightNow Media resources (RightNow.org). For information on setting up a student account to access these resources, contact the TBS Administrative Coordinator.

Parking and Use of Automobiles on Campus

Student parking on campus is available as noted on the campus map. No parking registration or decals are required, and there are no restrictions for the use of automobiles on campus other than related general state and private property laws in the state of Texas.

There are designated handicap parking spaces, and the main TBS campus does have ramp access available for all three main entrances. Additional assistance may be available upon request.

Primary parking for the main campus is located in the paved parking lot in front of the seminary offices and classrooms (the west side of the buildings). Overflow parking is available in the south and southwest parking areas on the Grace Fellowship campus. For more main campus and other location parking, see the TBS Student Catalog under “Campus Resources – Instructional Locations,” the web site under “Academics – Campus” or contact TBS.

Restroom Facilities

The main campus has handicap-accessible restroom facilities available down the back hallway. Other instructional sites also have handicap-accessible restroom facilities available.

Safety and Emergency Response Plan

Introduction

This plan describes the general actions to be taken in response to undesirable incidents and emergency circumstances that may be encountered at the TBS main campus on the grounds of the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The purpose of this plan and of the actions that may result from its implementation is intended to achieve these basic objectives:

• Protection of life and prevention of personal injury,

• Protection of property and equipment,

• Avoidance of increased exposure to risk as a result of response actions, and

• Rapid recovery and return to full, normal operations.

The TBS campus consists of two classrooms, offices, library, and a small kitchen/storage area, identified by the Great Southwest Equestrian Center as, north to south, Suites 263 (offices, library), 250 (classroom and offices), and 270 (classroom, kitchen/storage). These facilities are located in the southwest corner of a single story, wood frame, metal-roofed building shared with other tenants, with common areas that provide hallway access, basic utilities, and restrooms. Utilities include electrical service, water, and telephone/internet. There is no natural gas utility connection to the building. No cooking is provided for or allowed in any of the facilities, including the kitchen (posted “House Rules”).

Smoke detectors are mounted above each exit door in all three suites. Fire extinguishers are located near the east (hallway) exit doors in all three suites.

Organization

Due to the small size of TBS and limited staffing, response to emergencies will require a strong dependence on local authorities. Members of TBS staff or adjunct faculty may be the sole individuals on site to assure an appropriate initial response to emergency circumstances according to the procedures described in this plan. Cooperation and assistance by students and volunteers are encouraged and appreciated.

TBS is located at the southern boundary of Harris County and is therefore in the jurisdiction of the Harris County Sherriff. Fire, ambulance, and emergency medical services are provided by Harris County Emergency Services District (HCESD) #48. 911 service is available and should be the primary method of contacting response services in case of emergency circumstances.

NON-EMERGENCY Phone Numbers

Harris County Sheriff 713-221-6000

Fire and EMT’s (HCESD #48) 281-578-2518

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital 281-644-7000

Poison Control Center 800-784-7661

Primary TBS Emergency Contacts

Lynn Lewis 832-525-5244

Rick McCalip 281-793-4561

Orientation, Training, Exercises Employees,

volunteers, adjunct professors, and instructors will be provided copies of this plan and a discussion of the plan’s provisions will be included in the process for developing employee performance agreements. The plan will be reviewed with students at the beginning of each semester’s classes. A poster summarizing general response actions and evacuation plans will be posted near the hallway doors at the eastern end of each suite.

Fire evacuation exercises will be conducted once per semester, during a time of greatest number of class attendance.

Procedure for Notifying Emergency Response Agencies

In case of emergency circumstances requiring response assistance, a TBS staff member, adjunct faculty, or designated student should call 911. The caller should remain as calm as possible and provide the following information to the 911 operator. If the incident is described below as a circumstance requiring evacuation, this call should be made by someone who has completed evacuation, while evacuation is continuing.

1) Describe the emergency

• Injury of Illness Requiring Medical Attention or Evaluation

• Number of ill or injured individuals

• Fire or Possibility of Fire

• Terrorism or Violent Threat

• Life Threatening Situation

2) The Bible Seminary location

The Great Southwest Equestrian Center

2501 South Mason Road (Physical address)

Facilities directly north of Grace Fellowship Mansion

Suite 263 (Offices) and 250 and 270 (Classrooms)

3) Answer the operator’s questions but respond “I don’t know” if not sure.

Unless necessary to protect life, students should not move any injured or ill person. Provide comfort and, if someone is available, meet emergency services outside the building. Provide first aid only to the extent that the person feels confident in what to do and how to do it.

Violence or Threatening Circumstances

If the threat is outside the offices or classrooms, students should lock the exterior doors and doors to the hallway, call 911, and remain inside away from windows and doors until the authorities arrive.

If the threat is inside the offices or classrooms, remain calm and attempt to do nothing to incite action by the intruder/perpetrator. Individuals should hide, use furniture as protection, and do whatever is necessary to minimize risk of confrontation and harm. If at all possible, exit the involved offices or classroom areas. 911 must somehow be called as promptly as the situation will allow.

Students should provide the 911 operator as accurate a description of the person or person(s) as possible. Note the type of dress, height, weight, sex, and any other characteristics/physical items that are particular to the individual(s). Report the type of weapon (if known) and direction of travel or area entered. Upon arrival of responding authorities, follow their instructions and assist as requested.

Severe Weather

If the immediate area is under a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning, close exterior and hallway suite doors and take refuge in the inner hallways outside the hallway doors of the offices and classrooms. Remain in the hallway area until the warning has been released. Students and faculty are advised to utilize warning services available through cell phone-based services to receive notifications of severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service.

KTRH radio (740 AM) and www.weather.gov are the best sources of reliable weather information. To confirm open/closed status of the offices and classrooms, contact Lynn Lewis or the TBS main office at 281-646-1109.

Fire Emergency

If an incipient stage fire is noticed and a TBS staff member or student is willing and able to attack the fire with an available fire extinguisher, please do so. Incipient stage is a fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus. If the extent of the fire is not visually verifiable as incipient stage, call 911 while immediately initiating evacuation, as described here.

In case of fire or smoke, indicated either visually, by smell, by notification from others, or one or more alarming smoke detectors, students should immediately evacuate the building, using the main front doors to the parking lot. Those evacuating should leave personal items in place, except to the extent that a minimum number of items can be collected and carried out, as long as this can be completed in essentially one motion while proceeding to evacuate. Close all doors upon evacuation completion and leave the doors unlocked. Gather in the shaded area immediately behind the Great Southwest Equestrian Center sign, due west of the building, at the corner of Champions Way and Northmoor Drive (southwest corner of the parking lot).

If any student, faculty, or staff vehicles are parked along the front of the building or near the building and if safe to do so, vehicles should be moved as far west and northwest in the parking lot as practical. This is to protect the vehicles from damage, but also to assure access by responders to the possible sources of fire or smoke. Upon parking, students should lock vehicles and return to the gathering point.

If, for any reason, the front doors are blocked, or the parking area appears unsafe for evacuation, students should check the back hallway doors for heat, and only if cool to the touch, carefully evacuate through the hallway toward the restrooms, exiting the building through the exterior door immediately across the hall from the restrooms. If this secondary route is used, the initial gathering point will be in the covered storage area due east of the exterior door. Fire extinguishers can be used to assure safe passage through the hallways to the exit.

As evacuation completes, a member of TBS staff, volunteer, adjunct faculty, or student volunteer must verify that evacuation is complete, including verifying common areas and restrooms have been also evacuated. Evacuees are to wait at the gathering point for further instructions or until all clear is announced by response agencies or TBS staff. If the secondary evacuation route to the covered storage area is used, as soon as conditions appear safe, evacuees should walk to the north, around the north end of the buildings in the area, progressing west then south, returning to the parking area and the primary assembly point at the southwest corner of the parking lot. After full evacuation is verified, individuals may be allowed to wait in their personal vehicles for further instructions or the all clear is issued.

Bomb Threat

If a bomb threat is received either by phone or other means, students should consider it real and an impending threat. Call 911 and report the threat. Classes should be cancelled, students, adjunct faculty, visitors, and volunteers should quickly gather their personal belongings, visually survey their area for anything appearing unusual or unfamiliar, reporting any such issues to TBS staff, exit the building to vehicles and leave. TBS staff should move to a safe area nearby and await responding authorities.

If a bomb threat is received by phone, stay as calm as possible and attempt to gain information from the caller:

• Where is the bomb?

• What does it look like?

• When is it to detonate?

• How will it be detonated?

• Why are you doing this?

• What is your name?

• Where are you?

• Can I pray for you?

While on the call, students should listen for background noise, note the characteristics of the caller’s voice, and try to evaluate the emotional state of the caller. Note any caller ID information about the caller. Immediately following the call, write down, as completely and accurately as possible, the statements made by the caller, answers provided to any questions you were able to ask, noted circumstances of the call and caller, and all caller ID information.

If the threat is received by mail, students should immediately reduce, and avoid as much as possible, handling of the paper and envelope, preserving all materials for inspection by authorities. Write down the names of any individuals who handled the materials and write down a description of how the item was received (regular mail, express delivery, found in mailbox, etc.).

Inspections, Review, and Documentation

Inspections of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, evacuation pathways, and assembly areas are performed monthly and documented according to the TBS Facility Inspection Procedure. A written record of each fire drill and noted suggestions for improvement is to be prepared by the TBS staff member coordinating each drill.

In the event of notification of 911 or an evacuation, a written record of the circumstances surrounding the event should be prepared cooperatively by the TBS staff members, volunteers, adjunct faculty, or assisting students. Included in this record should be any identified difficulties or opportunities for improvement that are identified as a result of the event.

At least annually, the TBS President shall lead a review of any incidents, reports, and of this plan, assuring completion of any necessary refinements and corrections.

Use of Facilities

The buildings, grounds, and equipment (facilities) of The Bible Seminary (TBS) shall be confined to religious, educational, social, service, and other character-building functions. Educational activities will always have priority over outside requests. No meeting may be scheduled by any group that will conflict with any regular or special events involving the faculty, students, and administration of TBS. All classes and other events associated with TBS programs are routinely scheduled. Any additional requests for use of the facilities are to be approved and scheduled by the President and/or Vice-President of Finance and Administration.

Prohibitions

• Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia are strictly prohibited from being present or being used on or in any TBS facility. Appropriate action will be taken to safely remove anyone in possession of such materials or who may appear to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Any suspicious materials will be removed. Appropriate authorities may be contacted to assure enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

• The use of tobacco products in any form is not permitted inside any TBS facilities.

• With the exception of seeing-eye dogs or other medically-required service animals, no pets are permitted in TBS facilities.

• Sponsoring groups who violate this Building Use Policy may be subject to the loss of facility privileges and/or immediate termination of the subject activities or events.

• Concerning firearms, TBS complies with Texas Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H, Section 411.2031, in that those individuals licensed by the State of Texas to carry a handgun are not prohibited from carrying a handgun on the TBS campus. However, according to the Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46, Section 46.035 (a-1), while on the TBS campus, with the exception of law enforcement and peace officers, license holders may only carry handguns in a concealed manner (not partially or wholly visible). All other firearms are prohibited inside TBS facilities.

For additional details about use of facilities, see the “Building Use Policy” in the TBS Policy Manual.

Faculty Association

The TBS Faculty Association formed in the fall of 2018 to afford faculty members the opportunity to share in the governance of the seminary. The Faculty Association helps process the hiring of full-time faculty members and curriculum review and development. Furthermore, the Faculty Association systematically reviews policies and makes recommendations to the Board through the administration for policy changes. Likewise, the Faculty Association facilitates faculty awards and recognition and plays a role in the grievance and appeals process. Full- time faculty members comprise the Faculty Association and are eligible to serve as officers. Adjunct faculty members may also serve on the Faculty Association. The Faculty Association meets at least once per semester.

Faculty Complaints and Due Process

Faculty of The Bible Seminary with a complaint should follow the rule of Matthew 18:15-16 as their primary model and as outlined in the TBS Grievance Policy. This includes speaking directly and confidentially with the person most responsible for the situation in a timely manner (within 14 days) in attempt to resolve the problem with dialogue through calm, rational dialogue and Christ-like demeanor. If the conversation does not bring a satisfactory response, or if it is not appropriate for the faculty member to speak with the person, the faculty member should speak confidentially with the Provost, who can assist in resolving his or her informal complaint.

If this process proves unsatisfactory, a formal complaint may be filed to allow both parties due process in resolving an issue not able to be settled informally. The Provost serves as the Complaint Officer for TBS, will advise persons through the formal complaint process outlined in the next section, and keep documentation of formal academic complaints in a locked file in the Provost’s office.

Complaint Notification Process

1. It is advisable (although not required) for a faculty member to meet with his or her academic dean to discuss the matter prior to writing a complaint letter.

2. Official complaints should be submitted in writing to Provost either by e-mail or letter.

3. Complaints should clearly denote date(s), facts, person(s) involved, and specific details.

4. Except in extenuating circumstances, complaints must be signed and dated by the complaining party. Anonymous complaints, or complaints on behalf of persons not directly involved but submitted on behalf of someone else, will not be accepted or reviewed.

Complaint Review Process

1. The Provost will review the complaint and notify the appropriate person(s) for further action.

2. The appropriate person(s) will investigate the complaint and, as necessary, meet with the complainant and/or other parties to determine an appropriate course of action and response.

3. A report of the investigation and results will be submitted to the Office of the Provost, and a written response to the complainant will be provided, typically within two business weeks of receiving the complaint.

4. If the written response does not resolve the complaint, the Provost will bring the parties together for a conference where the two parties can talk face to face (or if this is not practical, over the phone) in an atmosphere of fairness and cooperative problem solving. This meeting will include the faculty member, the respondent, and the Provost. The respondent may bring an advocate if desired.

Appeal

1. Complainants desiring to appeal a decision may submit a signed statement of appeal within two business weeks of the decision to the Office of the President, The Bible Seminary, 2655 S Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450.

2. The Office of the President or designee will all documentation related to the situation and review the appeal and may choose to meet with the complainant and/or other parties.

3. The Office of the President will respond in writing concerning the disposition of the appeal within two business weeks of receiving the appeal.

4. If the issue is still not satisfactorily resolved, a final court of appeal in the form of a Judicial Panel may be appointed by the President, and consist of the President, a representative of the Faculty Association, and a member of the Board of Trustees. Their decision is final and binding.

   
   

   
   

After exhausting each procedural step of the above complaint procedures, persons still not satisfied with the outcome may file a complaint with the appropriate agency as outlined below. To the extent in which TBS has control, TBS ensures that all administrators, faculty, and staff will fully cooperate with the agencies listed below in the event of any complaint proceedings involving TBS.

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)

1. An individual may make an inquiry to the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) regarding complaint procedures or about issues and concerns that could be considered complaints at which time TRACS will direct the individual to the TRACS website at www.tracs.com with instructions on downloading the packet containing the Policies and Procedures for Complaints Against Member Institutions, the TRACS Complaint Information Sheet, and the TRACS Complaint Processing Form. However, TRACS response and its obligations to meet the specific timetables outlined in these procedures will begin only after the complainant submits all documents required in the TRACS Complaint Information Sheet.

2. A formal complaint is one that is:

• Submitted in writing using the TRACS Complaint Processing Form (including all required supporting documentation);

• Signed; and

• Sent to the attention of the President of TRACS by the complainant(s). Complaints which are not in writing, anonymous, or sent electronically or through facsimile transmission will not be considered.

3. Once the complainant has filed a complaint on the TRACS Complaint Processing Form, the following procedures will be followed for review and consideration of the complaint:

a. TRACS will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 15 working days.

b. Within 30 working days of receipt of the complaint, the TRACS staff will review the complaint and its documentation and determine:

i. Whether it is within the jurisdiction of TRACS and is related to one or more of the TRACS Standards;

ii. If there is adequate documentation in support of the allegations; and

iii. Whether the complaint raises questions regarding the institution’s compliance with the TRACS Standards sufficient to require the institution to submit information and documentation regarding the complaint.

4. By the end of the 30 working days review TRACS will inform the complainant regarding one of the following dispositions of the complaint:

a. The complaint will not be processed further because it is not within the jurisdiction of TRACS (not related to a TRACS Standard) or there is inadequate documentation to raise questions concerning the institution’s compliance with the TRACS Standards.

b. Documentation is inadequate and additional documentation may be necessary from the complainant.

c. The institution will be asked for information regarding the complaint.

5. If information is required from the institution, TRACS will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution’s President who will be asked to respond and provide all documentation to TRACS within 30 working days of receipt of the complaint.

6. Within 20 working days of receipt of the institution’s response, the President of TRACS will make one of the following determinations regarding the complaint:

a. There is insufficient evidence of significant non-compliance on the part of the institution and the complaint will not be processed further. The decision of the President of TRACS is final.

b. TRACS is unable to determine compliance at that time and the case will either be included in an upcoming scheduled visit to the institution or a special Focus Team will be sent to the institution to examine documents, interview appropriate individuals, make a determination regarding the compliance of the institution, and prepare a report with recommendations for bringing the institution into compliance.

c. No response was received from the institution or evidence suggests the institution is not in significant compliance with one or more of the TRACS Standards and what steps will be taken to correct the issues up to and including possible Adverse Action.

7. If either b. or c. above occurs, within 20 working days the President of TRACS will notify the complainant that the complaint is settled and which of those options TRACS will pursue and also notify the institution which of those options TRACS will pursue.

8. The President of TRACS will present the findings of any team report to the Commission along with a recommendation at the next scheduled meeting; at which time the Commission will make a decision regarding the disposition of any non-compliance. The decision of the Commission is final.

9. Following that meeting, the complainant and institution will be notified of the decision of the Commission.

For more information on TRACS complaint policies, a complaint information sheet, or to obtain a complaint form, visit “Resources – Publications and Information – Complaint Packet” at TRACS.org. Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), 15935 Forest Road, Forest, Virginia 24551; Phone: 434-525-9539; Fax: 434-525-9538; Email: info@tracs.org; Website: www.tracs.org.

For complaints related to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, complainants may contact the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Office of General Counsel, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, TX 78711-2788.

For complaints related to Title IX—Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1999 Bryan St., Suite 2600, Dallas, TX 75201.

For additional information about filing complaints through other governmental agencies, visit DOL.gov, EEOC.gov, or TWC.Texas.gov.

Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

This Faculty Handbook spells out the rights and responsibilities of faculty members. TBS assures faculty members fair compensation and benefits, a safe and stress-free work environment, administrative support, and due process. TBS expects faculty members to teach in accordance with the Covenantal Documents, offer students superb educational experiences, live exemplary lives which inspire ethical and academic excellence, meet administrative deadlines, respond promptly to all e-mail correspondence and phone calls, maintain reasonable accessibility to students, serve on committees as assigned, participate actively in the Faculty Association, and practice biblical conflict resolution.

Faculty Workload Requirements and Restrictions

Full-time faculty members teach an average of four graduate-level courses per semester or the equivalent thereof. Two Bible Certificate courses equal one graduate course. Teaching loads may be reduced for faculty members who are assigned significant projects. Faculty members must obtain written administrative approval to teach courses for other colleges, universities, or seminaries.

Institutional Grading System

Intellectual Property Policy and Copyright Information

TBS course(s) that faculty are paid by the seminary to develop are owned by the seminary. However, developers retain creator's right in perpetuity to course materials wherever and whenever they want without paying the seminary any royalties or fees and are free to alter the course and accompanying materials at their sole discretion.

Likewise, TBS maintains owner’s rights in perpetuity to course materials without paying the developer any additional royalties or fees beyond the original contract, and the seminary is free to alter a course and accompanying materials at any time and any way.

Any books, articles, or other materials such as PowerPoint presentations that are written or created by a faculty member during his or her employment at The Bible Seminary, and not related to employment responsibilities, belong to that faculty member in perpetuity and shall bear his or her copyright. The Bible Seminary shall own the copyright for any joint writing assignments and articles which appear in the institutional publications, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Respect copyright laws

The Bible Seminary and its faculty, staff, and students are expected to respect copyright law (Title 17 of the United States Code, http://www.copyright.gov/title17/) for both print and electronic content that is created, copied, distributed, performed, or used in our community.

Respect for copyright includes but is not limited to:

All formats of text, pictures, sound, and video including music and dramatic works Materials produced by the seminary’s faculty, staff, and students

Materials available electronically or distributed in print

Materials restricted to students in a particular class

Materials duplicated or scanned for personal research use

Considerations Before Using Copyrighted Materials

If you have not obtained permission before copying, consider the:

Purpose of the Use

Nature of the Copyrighted Material

Amount Copied

Effect on the Market for the Original

Does the cumulative weight of your choices favor fair use? Is your decision reasonable? Is fair use justified? Should you obtain permission before making copies of the work?

Copyright policy

The Bible Seminary facilities, equipment, staff, and student workers shall only be used to copy, scan, stream, record, and/or distribute materials for which:

1. Copyright fair use analysis or permission is not needed

• To link to materials that are freely available through the Web or available through a licensed database

• Materials in the public domain which are typically published prior to 1923 (see http://librarycopyright.net/resources/digitalslider/ for additional nuance) Materials offered freely under a Creative Commons license (being sure to observe the terms of the specific license). Creative Commons (a nonprofit) helps you share your creativity and knowledge - Free, easy-to-use copyright licenses provide a simple, standardized way to give the public permission to share and use your creative work. Creative Commons licenses are not an alternative to copyright. They work alongside copyright and enable you to modify your copyright terms to best suit your needs.

• Performance and display of videos and other works within the limitations of Section 110 of the Copyright Act

• Materials needed for the print-disabled when accessible copies are not readily available (as described in Section 121 of the Copyright Act)

Copyright Fair Use Analysis

When copyright is active and permission has not been obtained, the only way to use copyrighted materials is through fair use. Within the parameters of copyright law, provisions have been made for use of materials by non-copyright holders including “fair use” as codified in section 107 of the copyright law.

“...the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include:

a. the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;

b. the nature of the copyrighted work;

c. the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and

d. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.”

The Association of Research Libraries describes further applications and examples of fair use in the academic community within its Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Academic and Research Libraries (January 2012).

ORDINARY FAIR USE ANALYSIS: Fair use will generally be assumed when involving a small, appropriate quantity (single chapter, journal article, or less than 15% of the whole work), with restricted access for personal research or distributed to students in a class, and with a non-profit, educational purpose.

EXTRAORDINARY FAIR USE ANALYSIS: When not within the parameters of the simple analysis, fair use must to be demonstrated by use of the attached Copyright Fair Use Analysis Checklist in consultation with a librarian or the Academic Dean’s Office. Any duplication or electronic posting request relying upon fair use beyond the ordinary analysis above must include a completed checklist, which will be retained as added pages to the copyrighted materials.

3. Obtaining permission

When the Copyright Fair Use Analysis does not favor use, permission is required from the copyright holder. In some cases, the author, publisher, or distributor can be contacted directly or the Copyright Clearance Center (http://www.copyright.org) can usually assist in obtaining and collecting fees for the necessary authorization. Modest fees for instructional purposes may be paid for by the library.

Questions and concerns

Questions regarding these guidelines or other copyright issues should be directed to the TBS librarian or Faculty Department Chair. Concerns about or violations of this policy should be referred to the Office of the Provost.

Office Hours

Full-time faculty members maintain regular office hours a minimum of ten hours per week. Office hours appear in syllabi and are posted on the faculty member’s door. Ideally, faculty are available to students 15-20 minutes before or after class meetings, especially at remote instructional locations. Faculty should notify the Provost if they are unable to maintain their scheduled office hours. Similarly, adjunct faculty members should be available to students 15-20 minutes before and after class meetings and by appointment.

Orientation

All employees are expected to attend a departmental and/or institutional orientation session prior to beginning work. In lieu of a group session, an individual orientation in person, by phone, or e-mail may be arranged. Orientation may include, but is not limited to:

• Information on policies, requirements, and goals for the seminary as a whole and specific courses in particular, along with access to examples of past course syllabi (if available).

• Official schedule of classes, including academic calendar and time frame(s) of classes.

• Information and assistance regarding textbook(s), ancillary materials, and supplies, as well as a review of educational and professional services available to assist with course preparation, teaching, and reporting, and employee needs/requirements.

• Instructional technology orientation, including institutional email account, computer and Internet access, telephone access, and media resources and tools.

• Orientation of the teaching location and environment, as well as appropriate place(s) and parameters for meeting with students outside of class.

Procedures for the Procurement of Equipment and Supplies

Basic supplies are available without requisition in the supply cabinet in Room 263. Equipment requests should be made in writing to the Provost. If approved, all equipment requests are consolidated into a line-item request to the president as part of the annual budgetary cycle. With approval of the annual budget, the request becomes eligible for funding.

Promotion and Tenure

TBS annually considers full-time faculty members for promotion. Factors that drive promotion in rank include annual evaluations, publications, and work done above and beyond the stated job description. TBS only offers annual contracts to full-time faculty, or semester contracts to adjunct faculty, and does not offer tenure to faculty.

Provisions for Faculty Development

Faculty development is important to a healthy academic institution. TBS allocates funds to enable full- time faculty members to attend the annual meeting of the Evangelical Society and encourages all faculty to attend the typically annual Summit Prayer Retreat. Other conferences that directly impact faculty development may be funded or partially funded as well. Specific faculty development needs and opportunities are discussed as part of the annual evaluation process. For more information, see the Continuing Education Reimbursement Policy in the Policy Manual.

Student Attendance Requirements

Student attendance directly impacts student achievement. As a result, faculty members teaching graduate courses must publish and enforce an attendance policy in their syllabi. A standard attendance policy exists for Bible Certificate courses: Except in unusual circumstances, in order to receive course credit, Bible Certificate students must attend at least 75% of class sessions. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Therefore, for an eight-week course, students may miss no more than two (2) sessions, and for semester-length (13 or 14-week) courses students may miss no more than three (3) sessions. Students who expect to miss a class should notify the professor ahead of time, and all absences should include follow-up by the student to gain access to and review notes, videos, etc. from the missed class(es). Barring other factors, successfully following this policy will result in assignment of "Pass" for the course, whereas failure to adhere to this policy will result in the assignment of "Fail" and require retaking the course in order to obtain credit.

Textbook Adoption and Management

Faculty members drive the adoption and management of textbooks. Except in rare circumstances, faculty members select their own required and optional textbooks and supplemental materials for the courses they teach. From time to time, the Provost may ask for input from the Faculty Association on proposed textbooks. In conjunction with syllabus and course review processes detailed in the TBS Comprehensive Assessment Plan (CAP), copies of course textbooks scheduled for use are made available in the TBS library and may also be made digitally available. Although TBS staff work to make sure all required resources for all currently scheduled semester courses are available in the library, faculty should double check to make sure prior to the launch of the semester in which the course resources are required.

Sample Course Syllabus

(Request an actual sample syllabus for any previous course from the TBS Office.)

For more information, contact:

The Bible Seminary

2655 S Mason Road Katy, TX 77450

281-646-1109 (Phone)

Info@TheBibleSeminary.edu

TheBibleSeminary.edu

© The Bible Seminary

Faculty Handbook

Latest revision: 10/3/22Current Version:

Board-approved October 2022

Original Version: August 2013