JMU uses the SACSCOC Faculty Credentials Guidelines as a basis when reviewing faculty qualifications.  Documentation of content expertise must be specific to each course a faculty member is teaching. Faculty teaching in cross-listed courses must demonstrate qualifications in all cross-listed areas. 

New faculty are required to submit transcripts prior to the start of their first semester of teaching. For more information on submitting official transcripts, view our guide.

In certain subject areas and emerging disciplines, limited graduate degrees and courses are available. In these cases, Academic Unit Heads should provide a written justification that addresses how the individual’s accomplishments constitute a level of preparation for the teaching assignment comparable to that of a person holding a graduate degree in the teaching field. Necessary documentation will vary depending on the applicant’s background and the courses they will teach. While documentation can outline accomplishments across a career, recent work will hold more weight. For help determining what documentation will be sufficient, contact Kathryn Brown at facultycredentials@jmu.edu.

• Reference letters to document previous work experience or clinical/professional practice:
  • The reference must come from a former employer. The former employer’s position and the name of the organization need to be included in the letter.
  • The letter must be on agency/institution letterhead.
  • The letter needs to include the following information about the applicant:
    • Position title(s) and responsibilities (especially those related specifically to the job for which the individual is being hired)
    • Length of time in position(s)
    • Job performance, including performance strengths and weaknesses
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Relationships with and evaluations by students (if applicable)
• Professional licensure and certifications
  • include title/name, issuing agency
  • date earned and expiration date
• Relevant peer-reviewed research/publications
  • Must include a full bibliographic citation
  • publication tables of contents or first/title page may be requested
• CEUs from workshops attended
• Creative achievements, performances, and/or artistic accomplishments
  • Must include portfolios, copies of programs, and/or critical reviews
• Relevant grants
  • documented by the official award notification
• Honors and awards
  • documented by copies of the awards with the date conferred and awarding agency/institution.
• Continuous documented excellence in teaching
  • copies of evaluations, peer review, or the supervisor’s summative reporting of the evaluative/review process.

• The TA should have a master’s in the teaching discipline or 18 graduate credit hours in the teaching discipline for all courses for which the TA is the instructor of record. Fewer credit hours may be acceptable for the TA when they serve as in-class supervisors for supplemental sessions, i.e., labs
• Ensure direct supervision of the TA by a faculty member experienced in the teaching discipline
• Conduct regular in-service training for teaching assistants, as well as planned and periodic evaluations

Contact Kathryn Brown, Academic Accreditation Coordinator, at facultycredentials@jmu.edu.