Resources, Policies & Forms
Faculty Handbook
The 四虎影视 Faculty Handbook contains information relevant to faculty and academic administrators
at the 四虎影视. The handbook serves as a helpful collection of
many policies, processes, procedures, and resources you will encounter related to
your role as a faculty member.
The 四虎影视 Faculty Handbook is comprised of sections ranging
from university information, policies and procedures, and relevant resources.
This handbook is not intended to address all aspects of university life and specific
circumstances that faculty members may encounter. Readers may find some overlap in
coverage because certain topics are pertinent to inclusion in various chapters. The
branch campuses of 四虎影视, as well as 四虎影视 Health, may have supplemental materials that
contain information specific to their locations.
NOTICE: The language used in the 四虎影视 Faculty Handbook does not constitute legal terms and conditions of employment, and if any policy or
practice described herein is inconsistent with federal law, state law, or existing
Collective Bargaining Agreement, such policy or practice is superseded by the applicable
law or agreement.
Last Updated 鈥 August 2025
1. About the 四虎影视
The 四虎影视 is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and 四虎影视 Health. 四虎影视 is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the 四虎影视 Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide.
四虎影视 is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, 四虎影视 uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. 鲍厂贵鈥檚 Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at
1.1 Mission
Mission
Led by outstanding faculty and professional staff, the 四虎影视 conducts innovative scholarship, creative activity and basic and translational research, and delivers a world-class educational experience promoting the success of our talented undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. As a public metropolitan research university, 四虎影视, in partnership with our communities, serves the people of Florida, the nation, and the world by fostering intellectual inquiry and outcomes that positively shape the future - regionally, nationally and globally.
1.2 Faculty Success at 四虎影视
Faculty success is a cornerstone of 鲍厂贵鈥檚 advancement and the lifelong success of our students. The university鈥檚 strategic holistic approach to Faculty Success is designed to foster personal and professional development with point-in-time resources for early-career, mid-career, and senior faculty with an emphasis on equal access and excellence across all three campuses. The Faculty Success website provides a variety of faculty resources.
1.3 General Information about 四虎影视
Overall university information is available on the 鈥About 四虎影视鈥 page.
The provides information on a variety of topics regarding resources and services at the
university; explore a complete list of administrative units and offices.
2. Organization and Administration of the University
2.1 Board of Governors
The was established in 2002 and has authority to establish missions for each Florida
State University System (SUS) university and its articulation with free public schools
and Florida community colleges, and to provide coordination in the operation of the
SUS institutions.
The Board of Governors consists of 14 citizens (appointed by the governor and confirmed
by the senate for staggered seven-year terms), the Commissioner of Education, the
chair of the state-wide advisory council of SUS faculty senates, and the president
of the Florida Student Association. The BOG appoints a Chancellor who serves as the
chief executive officer for the Board, and is its official spokesperson in relations
with various external constituencies, especially the State Legislature and the Office
of the Governor, as well as presidents, trustees, students and other organizations.
2.2 Board of Trustees
Each SUS university is governed by a The duties and powers of these Boards are determined by Florida Statute () and by the BOG. Among their chief responsibilities are selection of a president
and the determination of institutional rules. Where a collective bargaining agreement
exists, such as 四虎影视, these rules may not conflict with the terms of a ratified contract.
Each BOT is composed of six members chosen by the Governor and five members selected
by the BOG; these 11 members serve staggered five-year terms. In addition, the heads
of the university faculty senate and the student body are members of the BOT.
2.3 President
The president is the chief executive officer of the state university, is the corporate
secretary of the university board of trustees, and is responsible for the operation
and administration of the university. The president is the person ultimately accountable
for every aspect of the university; the president or designees are the only ones who
may enter into contracts on behalf of the university, determine whether the university
should be closed for an emergency, or speak as official representatives of the university.
The president has line authority over the major academic and administrative officers
of the university, as well as the regional chancellors of St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee
campuses.
2.4 Academic Organization
Academic Affairs
The deans of the colleges and the chairs/directors of academic support and enhancement units report to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and are responsible for administering academic programs and services. The provost receives academic guidance primarily from two groups: the Council of Deans and the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.
Council of Deans
The Council of Deans serves as the primary advisory group to the provost on all issues involving academic programs and how the university can best meet its academic mission in the state and region. The Council of Deans is composed of all academic deans.
Faculty Senate Executive Committee
The Faculty Senate Executive Committee is composed of the leadership of the Faculty Senate and meets regularly with the provost to receive information and to advise on matters related to faculty issues.
四虎影视 Health
The deans of the colleges are responsible to the executive vice president for 四虎影视 Health for the administration of academic programs and services within 四虎影视 Health. Two principal groups advise the executive vice president for 四虎影视 Health on academic issues: the Executive Leadership Team and the 四虎影视 Health Academic Council.
Executive Leadership Team
The Executive Leadership Team serves as an advisory group to the executive vice president for 四虎影视 Health on all matters involving any of the three missions of 四虎影视 Health, teaching, research and clinical. The Executive Leadership Team is composed of all 四虎影视 Health college deans and vice deans and 四虎影视 Health assistant and associate vice presidents.
四虎影视 Health Academic Council
The 四虎影视 Health Academic Council serves as the primary advisory group to the Executive Vice President for 四虎影视 Health on all matters related to academic programs. The 四虎影视 Health Academic Council is composed of all 四虎影视 Health deans, assistant and associate deans of education, research, and the vice president IT/CIO of 四虎影视. The director of Shimberg Library, and the CEO of CAMLS are also members.
2.5 Colleges
The college is the degree-granting unit of the university and is responsible for the advising, retention, and graduation of students in its degree-granting programs. Each college is administered by a dean, who is responsible for carrying out educational policy established by the faculty and for overseeing the fiscal and administrative requirements of the college. 四虎影视 has 14 colleges that offer more than 180 undergraduate majors, graduate, specialist, and doctoral-level degree programs.
2.6 Departments/Schools
The department (or school) is the basic academic unit reporting to the dean. Generally, schools are synonymous with departments and usually represent large professional programs or multidisciplinary units. Schools are headed by directors; departments are headed by chairs. Departments and schools are organized under colleges, but not all colleges have individual departments or schools.
2.7 Academic Affairs Colleges
The colleges that follow, with their respective departments/schools shown, are overseen by a dean who reports to the provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs.
- Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
- Muma College of Business
- College of Design, Art & Performance
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- Judy Genshaft Honors College
- Patel College of Global Sustainability
- College of Marine Science
2.8 四虎影视 Health Colleges
2.9 Other University Academic Offices
3. University Governance
3.1 Faculty Senate
The Faculty Senate is the primary body representing the faculty of the university. The Faculty Senate
is the principal faculty advisory body to the president, the provost, and the executive
vice president for 四虎影视 Health, and has the responsibility to review and make recommendations
to them concerning decisions on matters pertaining to the welfare of the university,
particularly those of special interest to the academic mission of the university.
Additional information about the role and scope of the Faculty Senate are available
on the Faculty Senate website: www.usf.edu/faculty-senate. All meetings of the Faculty Senate are open to the university community.
3.2 College and Departmental Governance
As an educational and administrative unit composed of departments and programs with common educational interests, the college is the central academic home for faculty. The college is governed in its internal administration by the faculty, chairs and directors, and the dean, who is an agent of the college faculty for the execution of college educational policy.
Each college establishes its own governance structure and generally includes one or more advisory bodies to the dean, tenure and promotion committee, one or more academic and curriculum committee(s), and other standing or ad hoc committees as deemed necessary for the attainment of the college鈥檚 educational mission. Faculty should consult their college website for a copy of their governance document.
In most colleges, the department/school is the primary educational and administrative unit. Like other larger academic units, the faculty and the chair/director work in an atmosphere of shared governance. As the agent of the faculty for implementation of departmental policy, the chair/director consults with advisory and other committees to carry out the educational and administrative obligations of the unit. Each faculty member should be familiar with the governance structure of their department/school.
4. University Policies and Procedures
四虎影视 has established 四虎影视 Rules, Regulations, and Policies and Procedures on a variety of topics that provide valuable guidance to members of the university community. The Office of the General Counsel maintains an Index of Current 四虎影视 Regulations and University Policies. This site may be searched by name or by number of the regulation or policy. This site changes regularly, so it is the most accurate, current source of all official information. It also contains a listing of policies that are currently being considered for amendment, as well as new policies that are being proposed.
5. Privacy and Public Access to Information
5.1 Open Meetings
The Florida 鈥淪unshine Law鈥 provides that any gathering of two or more members of any board or commission at any state agency to discuss some matter that will foreseeably come before that board for action must be open to the public at all times. It is important to note that the Sunshine Law鈥檚 requirements apply to search (hiring) committees.
At 四虎影视, committees and councils are generally only advisory, and official 四虎影视 action is taken by the university president who is a single person rather than a board, commission or other group. Nonetheless, in cases where the president delegates authority to take official acts or make decisions to a group, the Sunshine Law will apply.
5.2 Privacy and Public Records Law
Pertinent exemptions to the Florida Public Records Law include:
Faculty Academic Evaluations
Academic evaluations that include information about performance are confidential (except
to the employee) under , Florida Statutes.
Student Records
Under Section , Florida Statutes and , education records include files, documents, and other materials which contain information
directly related to a student and which are maintained by an educational agency or
institution or by a person acting for such agency or institution, subject to certain
exceptions.
Research Records
Materials and documentation that relate to methods of manufacture or production, or
to potential or actual trade secrets, received, generated, ascertained or discovered
during the course of research conducted within the university are confidential and
exempt from the public records law, except that the Office of Sponsored Research shall
make available upon request the title and description of a research project, the name
of the researcher, and the amount and source of funding provided for such project.
5.3 Disposal of Public Records
The disposal of public records must comply with the provisions of the Florida Public Records law. Administrative offices wishing to destroy records must comply with the records retention schedule that takes into consideration the legal, fiscal, historical, and administrative value of the record. Requests must be approved before actual disposition is carried out, even if a film or electronic copy will be maintained. Complete and submit the Records Disposition Request form.
6. Instructional Policies
At any university, instructional policies and procedures, issues of academic responsibility for students and faculty, and related issues are vibrant and rapidly evolving. Please consult the appropriate official websites for all definitive information, particularly the policies and procedures provided by the Office of the General Counsel under the heading of Regulations and Policies.
You can review the 四虎影视 policies and procedures related to teaching, learning, and classroom activities here.
As you prepare for a new semester, the following are essential compliance-related items around course planning and preparation:
- Textbook Orders and Attestation
- 四虎影视 Regulation 3.029 indicates that textbook orders must be submitted to the 四虎影视 Bookstore at least 52 days before the first day of classes. The website updates these dates annually.
- Faculty attestations of course materials have also been incorporated into the regulation and attestations occur at the same time as book orders.
- Syllabus Information and Posting
- 四虎影视 Policy 11-008 outlines dates for syllabi posting, general education course syllabi must be posted via 45 days prior to the first day of the semester.
- All other course syllabi must be posted in Canvas 7 days before the start of the semester.
- Syllabus requirements and a downable template are available here.
- First Day Attendance
- All instructors teaching undergraduate and graduate courses are required to take attendance on the first day of class and to drop students who do not attend the first day of class .
7. Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) is responsible for the management of administrative and academic computing, support of department and university-wide business systems. In addition, IT acts as an advocate in establishing the computing environment appropriate for 鲍厂贵鈥檚 academic community and operates and supports the facilities required to generate this environment. For a full list of services please visit IT鈥檚 Service Catalog.
7.1 Support Services
IT Help Desk
The Information Technology Help Desk is your first point of contact for computing issues. Help Desk technicians provide support to students, faculty, and staff for computer accounts, accounts, 四虎影视- owned computers, My四虎影视 portal issues, as well as work orders. The IT Help Desk is available by phone, email, and live online support.
Special Needs
In accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following special telecommunications assistance is available for sensory-impaired persons: auxiliary aids such as amplified and hearing compatible handsets, special access telephone lines to accommodate Telecommunications Teletype (TDD/TTY) devices, and re-positioning telephones to provide better access to facilities by physically impaired individuals.
NetID
The is your user ID at the university. Students, faculty, and staff are automatically eligible to obtain a NetID. With its associated password, the NetID allows you a variety of online services offered at the entire university system. For more information regarding the 四虎影视 NetID, visit the .
7.2 Important Services
My四虎影视
is the portal that allows students, faculty, and staff to access Canvas, OracleHR, FAST, and OASIS all in one click. The portal also provides virtual workspaces for departments and individual workgroups to share and collaborate on various projects. Students and faculty can access Canvas via the portal, which is a collection of online services and includes automatic electronic course space for every section of class, customized distribution of licensed software, as well as real-time information regarding available seats in our Open Use Computer Labs. Email can also be accessed from . You will need your NetID to login.
Students, faculty and staff employees are automatically provisioned a mailbox in 鲍厂贵鈥檚 Office 365 environment which can be accessed from the . Faculty can use the many messaging features of Canvas to send and moderate communications to their entire course in a single action.
Microsoft Teams
四虎影视 is using Microsoft Teams to provide synchronous virtual learning experiences for faculty to use. Microsoft Teams is not replacing Canvas, but instead allows students to connect with professors during class time or in smaller groups in a virtual remote session. Here are some helpful training websites related to Microsoft Teams that include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Microsoft Teams Essentials
- Meetings & Communications
- Breakout Rooms & Collaboration
- Recordings & Captioning
Canvas
IT administers and supports an integrated academic toolkit for hosting web-based courses
called Canvas. This course-delivery tool suite includes easy features for uploading of course materials
and assignments, chat rooms, threaded discussions, quiz/survey design, and grading.
Accessed via the , Canvas is a Learning Management System (LMS). It鈥檚 a set of tools to help you deliver your
entire course online or to augment your traditional face-to-face classes. Our goal
with Canvas is to make teaching and learning online easier for you.
Canvas is exclusively for 四虎影视 faculty, staff and students with a valid NetID and password.
Canvas courses are automatically created for each of your teaching appointments, and your
students are added to their course within minutes of registration. Select administration
tasks of taking first day attendance, midterm grades, and end-of-semester grades are
also completed via your Canvas course sites.
Computer Labs
IT supports the computer labs at the Tampa campus. Classroom computer labs are available by reservation only. If
a class requires special software, be sure to discuss the needs with the lab manager
before the beginning of the semester to assure the software is installed in the labs.
Open-use labs are available to all 四虎影视 students, faculty, and staff. Printing in these
labs are available via the Bull Buck$ system and the Free Printing program.
Remote Teaching
In case of an emergency, faculty may be authorized to perform some of their normal duties and responsibilities using computers or telecommunications at sites other than campus. The Academic Continuity Faculty Toolkit provides you with the information and resources necessary to support your online course delivery including frequently asked questions and technical assistance.
8. 四虎影视 Research & Innovation
This section is designed as an introduction and summary of the 鲍厂贵鈥檚 research administration services, incentives, policies, and procedures. For details, please consult the official 四虎影视 policies and procedures provided by the Office of the General Counsel under the heading Research & Innovation and various other documents available from 四虎影视 Research & Innovation.
四虎影视 Research & Innovation (四虎影视RI) coordinates and facilitates university research initiatives and provides administrative and regulatory support, as well as infrastructure services, for research programs within 四虎影视. 四虎影视RI provides administrative direction and oversight of research policies and procedures, regulatory assurances, investment and budgetary matters, and central services for the division鈥檚 departments/units. The Vice President for Research & Innovation oversees:
- Sponsored Research
- Research Integrity & Compliance
- Comparative Medicine
- Technology Transfer Office
- 四虎影视 Research Foundation
The assists faculty with applications and nominations to distinguished recognition programs. 四虎影视RI also serves as home to the , the Institute for Advanced Discovery & Innovation, and the . 四虎影视RI coordinates and curates initiatives at the university and has a national social media presence on X, Facebook and Instagram @四虎影视Research.
8.1 Departments in 四虎影视 Research & Innovation
- Sponsored Research
- Research Integrity & Compliance
- Biosafety
- Conflict of Interest
- DEA-Controlled Substances/Research
- Export Controls
- Human Research Protections (IRB)
- Institutional Animal Care (IACUC)
- Investigational New Drug/Device
- Quality Assurance & Improvement
- Radiation/Laser Safety & Ethyl Alcohol
- Research Security
- Responsible Conduct of Research
- Scientific Diving & Boating Safety
- Technology Transfer Office
- Protecting Confidential Information and Transferred Materials
- 四虎影视 Research Foundation, Inc.
- Tampa Bay Technology Incubator
- Florida High Tech Corridor Council Matching Grants Research Program
- Research Council
- Internal Awards Program
- 四虎影视 Strategic Investment Pool (SIP) Awards
8.2 四虎影视 Policies Pertaining to Research & Research Grants
四虎影视 policies, procedures and guidelines related to Research are provided in . In addition, a number of CCHIPs (Change or Clarification in Procedure) have been developed to provide a means to distribute procedural updates or reminders relative to the fiscal management of research awards and are available on the Sponsored Research website.
8.3 Eligibility to Serve as a Principal Investigator
Essential to a university鈥檚 success as a research institution is the collective, creative ability of its Principal Investigators to define new problems and avenues of research, with the goal of creating and sharing new knowledge. The ability of Principal Investigators to secure external funding to support their research is essential to achieve this success.
Within the 四虎影视, the management of research projects is a collective responsibility. The Principal Investigator is responsible for the appropriate scientific conduct and overall management of a sponsored project. The university is responsible for providing an environment that fosters creativity and innovation within an infrastructure for the administrative and financial oversight required to manage externally funded programs.
Submission of a grant or contract to an agency or organization by 四虎影视 is a commitment for the term of a funded award for the space and facilities with which to complete the research. For this reason, a principal investigator must be an individual to whom the university is willing to commit these resources as a member of the 四虎影视 community.
To assist in the identification of the specific ranks and appointments that are entitled to this privilege, guidelines to determine who can serve as a Principal Investigator within 四虎影视 have been established.
8.4 Misconduct in Research
四虎影视 expects that all research conducted by its faculty, students, or other associates will comply with generally accepted ethical and legal standards for research. Research misconduct is defined as the fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from commonly accepted practices in proposing, carrying out, or reporting research. Research misconduct does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data. Any person who has reason to believe that an individual has engaged in an act of research misconduct within 四虎影视 should report that act via email to ResearchMisconduct@usf.edu. The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) will conduct a preliminary and informal inquiry into the allegation. A full description of the research misconduct process is outlined in .
8.5 Individual and Institutional Conflicts of Interest in 四虎影视 Research Projects
- (Individual conflicts of interest in research)
- (Institutional conflicts of interest in research)
Any 四虎影视 investigator who is responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of a sponsored research project that is conducted under the auspices of 四虎影视 must disclose financial or other interests that are or may be perceived to be related to the project (including interests of spouses and dependent children). If 四虎影视 determines that such interests may affect the design, conduct, or reporting of the project, steps will be taken to manage or eliminate the conflict. Such disclosure of financial interests must be made in the system. 四虎影视 requires the disclosure of significant financial interests prior to submission of research proposals to federal agencies, at the time when a Significant Financial Interest changes, and annually, if awarded. Conflicts of interest that arise during the conduct of a funded project must be reported through ARC for review by the 四虎影视 Conflict of Interest (COI) Program. If the Conflict of Interest Program determines that a conflict exists, a management plan will be prepared and forwarded to the investigator. If the project qualifies for administrative approval pursuant to Conflict of Interest Program guidelines, the management plan may be administratively approved. If the project does not qualify for administrative approval, the management plan will be reviewed by the convened committee. The committee may rule that the project may not proceed or may impose certain conditions or restrictions. If the university determines that financial interests of the institution or of its covered officials may affect the design, conduct, or reporting of the project, steps will be taken to manage or eliminate the conflict. Potential institutional conflicts of interest are also disclosed in the ARC system. Faculty who are conducting research should consult the Individual Conflicts of Interest in 四虎影视 Research Projects and Institutional Conflicts of Interest in 四虎影视 Research Projects.
Failure to file disclosures for significant financial interests or relationships for a sponsored research project will be grounds for disciplinary action under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 16.1. In addition, failure to comply with requirements to file a complete and accurate disclosure may result in the termination of current awards and/or the Investigator becoming ineligible to receive future awards.
8.6 Matters of Nepotism in Research
, ,
Nepotism occurs when an employee has influence or decision-making authority over the employment of a relative. This includes relatives who are hired on sponsored research grants. In that case, and 四虎影视 Policies and apply. Relatives are defined in the policies as persons related to each other in the following ways: husband; wife; parent; child; brother; sister; spouse of a child, brother, sister or parent; or parent, child brother or sister of spouse; grandparent; grandchild; aunt, uncle, first cousin, niece or nephew. Related person also includes a person who is engaged to be married to an employee or otherwise holds themself out as or is generally known as the person whom the employee intends to marry or with whom the employee intends to form a household, or any other person having the same legal residence as the 四虎影视 employee. Faculty who would like to hire relatives to work on a sponsored project must first receive written permission to do so from the department chair, dean (who will provide a copy of the approval to the provost), and/or the Office of Faculty Affairs for 四虎影视 Health, as appropriate. The approval must be attached to their Sponsored Research Internal Form at the time of proposal submission. Upon receipt of a notice of award, the related persons must each complete and submit a Conflict of Interest disclosure in ARC and notify the funding agency of the relationship and indicate that the potential conflict will be managed in accordance with university policies and procedures.
8.7 Use of Human Subjects in Research
四虎影视 requires from faculty, staff, and students the responsible conduct of research and the ethical treatment of human subjects in research. 四虎影视 has a systematic and comprehensive Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) that is designed to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of human subjects who participate in the research programs at 四虎影视 and its affiliated institutions. The program is based on the ethical principles outlined in the Nuremberg Code, the Declaration of Helsinki, and the Belmont Report. No human subject research may be initiated and no ongoing human subject research may continue in the absence of approval by the 四虎影视 Institutional Review Board. For a complete description of guidelines for research involving human subjects, contact Research Integrity & Compliance.
8.8 Use of Animal Subjects in Research
四虎影视 affirms that respect for all forms of life is an inherent characteristic of scientists who conduct research involving animals; that the respectful treatment, care, and use of animals involved in research is an ethical and scientific necessity; and that the use of animals in research and teaching contributes to the advancement of knowledge and understanding. Accordingly, 四虎影视 has established and provides resources for an Animal Care and Use Program that is managed in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, Subchapter A, 鈥淎nimal Welfare,鈥 Parts 1-3, and the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. All research and teaching activities involving vertebrate animals must be conducted in accordance with 四虎影视 Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Principles and Procedures for Animal Care and Use. For a complete description of guidelines for research involving animal subjects, contact the Research Integrity & Compliance, IACUC team.
8.9 Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI)
The Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement (QA/QI) Program assists 四虎影视, its affiliate partners, and 四虎影视 researchers in performing human subject research of the highest ethical standards and promoting confidence in the integrity of human subject research at 四虎影视. In addition to routine and for-cause audits, the QA/QI Program provides training and education to researchers and their study teams and provides them with . Additionally, the QA/QI Program is responsible for monitoring ClinicalTrials.gov compliance.
8.10 Radiation Safety, Laser Safety, and Tax-Free Ethyl Alcohol Programs
The 四虎影视 (四虎影视) is committed to the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) concept for working with ionizing radiation. 四虎影视 maintains a radiation safety program with the objective of maintaining all exposures to ionizing radiation ALARA. 四虎影视 also has an approved Industrial Alcohol Permit from the U.S. Tobacco Trade Bureau [TTB], (formerly known as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms), to purchase alcohol, free of the Federal Alcohol Tax.
8.11 Tuition Payment Guidelines for Sponsored Research Projects
Faculty members within 四虎影视 are required to include funding for graduate student tuition payments in grant proposal and award budgets whenever permitted by the sponsoring agency. For details, refer to the Tuition Payment Guidelines.
8.12 Inventions and Works
Inventions include any discovery, invention, process, instructional technology material, composition of matter, article of manufacture, know-how, design, model, technological development, strain, variety, culture of an organism, or portion, modification, translation or extension of these items, and any mark used in connection with these items.
An employee shall fully disclose to the Technology Transfer Office all inventions developed or discovered while an employee of 四虎影视. A determination will be made whether 四虎影视 wishes to assert any interest in the invention and negotiations will be carried out regarding distribution of any proceeds from the invention. For information on inventions created under a sponsored research contract or grant, or issues related to patents, see rules and guidelines.
Works are defined as any copyrightable material such as printed material, software, databases, audio and visual material, circuit diagrams, architectural and engineering drawings, choreographic works, lectures, and musical, dramatic, pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works.
If a work is made in the course of independent efforts without use of 四虎影视 resources, facilities, or property, the work is the property of the employee. However, if the work was made with the use of 四虎影视 resources, facilities, or property, the work is the property of 四虎影视, and the employee shall share in any proceeds from that work. Exceptions include books, articles and similar works intended for the dissemination of research and scholarship or works developed without the use of appreciable 四虎影视 support and used solely for the purpose of assisting or enhancing the employee鈥檚 instructional assignment.
If a work falls under that designated as property of 四虎影视, the employee must disclose the work and the circumstances of its creation to the Technology Transfer Office. Within a reasonable time, not to exceed 60 days following the date of receipt of a complete disclosure, the Technology Transfer Office shall give written notice to the author as to whether 四虎影视 wishes to assert its interest in the work.
8.13 Copyright Policy
Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.) to the authors of 鈥渙riginal works of authorship,鈥 including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available for both published and unpublished works.
Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:
- To reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords
- To prepare derivative works based upon the work
- To distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending
- To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works
- To display the copyrighted work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work
- In the case of sound recordings, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission
Assistance with copyright issues may be obtained from the .
8.14 Additional Compensation on Contracts and Grants
See 鈥淔aculty Extra Compensation Guidelines for Research,鈥 鈥淔aculty Extra Compensation,鈥 and 鈥淔aculty Extra State Compensation Procedures鈥 at Research & Innovation Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines.
8.15 四虎影视 Guidance on Disclosing Foreign Relationships
As a globally engaged institution, 四虎影视 is mindful of the federal government鈥檚 heightened concerns regarding the influence of foreign governments and entities on federally funded research. As such, disclosures of Outside Activity, Other Support and Significant Financial Interests must be made completely and timely. Full transparency is expected by federal agencies and 四虎影视.
四虎影视 Research & Innovation鈥檚 Foreign Influence website provides details on communications from federal entities, programs and policies in place at 四虎影视 to protect you and your research, FAQs and examples of problematic situations and contracts provided by the U.S. Senate.
9. Faculty Employment and Related Issues
As is the case for other sections of the Faculty Handbook, this chapter is designed only as an overview of various aspects concerning faculty employment at 四虎影视, and the descriptions that follow are not intended to constitute contractual terms and/or conditions of employment. For specific details and for changes that may have occurred, please consult the current 四虎影视-UFF Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) (in-unit faculty) and/or 四虎影视 policies and regulations (out-of-unit faculty; see Chapter 4).
9.1 Academic Freedom and Responsibility
四虎影视 is committed to the fundamental principles of academic freedom and believes that
only within an environment of free inquiry, free expression, intellectual honesty,
and respect of human dignity can the University fulfill its mission. Academic freedom
applies to teaching, research/creative activity, and public service and is a right
of both faculty and student. Faculty members have the freedom to present and discuss
their own academic subjects frankly and forthrightly without fear of censorship, to
conduct and present their research freely, and to select instructional materials and
determine grades in accordance with University and BOT policies. The administration
of 四虎影视 is expected to imply a commitment to foster within the University a climate
favorable to the exercise of freedom by adherence to principles of shared governance
and ensuring recognition of the importance of professional judgments of employees
in the development of academic policies and processes.
At the same time, academic responsibility implies the honest and responsible performance
of academic duties and obligations, the commitment to support the exercise of freedom
by others, and the candor to make it clear that faculty members may be freely identified
as 四虎影视 employees, but that they are not speaking as a representative of 四虎影视. As well,
faculty members have a responsibility to ensure that students learn in an atmosphere
that welcomes intellectual inquiry and rational discussion.
9.2 Expectations of 四虎影视 Faculty Members
The roles and responsibilities of academic faculty are complex and often involve regulations with which faculty are not intuitively familiar. Although by no means exhaustive, the list below represents some expectations that faculty members are advised to be aware of. Several of these are issues touched on in various portions of this handbook, but you are encouraged to consult with your department for specific information if you are unfamiliar with these areas of responsibility:
- Carefully construct and adhere closely to the terms and conditions specified in your syllabus, treating it as a contractual arrangement.
- Avoid personal involvement with students; those whom you perceive as struggling with nonacademic issues should be referred to the Counseling Center, or with issues related to sexual and/or physical violence, the Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention.
- Relatedly, adhere to Title IX and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) responsibilities that have been assigned by federal mandate to faculty.
- Be aware of, and adhere to, federal regulations concerning students鈥 privacy regarding their coursework (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act [FERPA]) and medical information (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPPA]).
- Cooperate with Student Accessibility Services in providing approved accommodations to students with documented disabilities.
- Order textbooks by state-mandated dates for each semester (currently, 45 days in advance of the first day of class).
- Be aware that as a public employee, your communications, with limited exceptions, are subject to public disclosure, and you can be required to produce them. This requirement stems from Florida鈥檚 Public Records laws, also known as the state鈥檚 鈥淪unshine Laws鈥.
- Submit travel authorization and reimbursement forms in a timely fashion, especially any involving international travel.
- Complete and submit Faculty Activity Reports (FAR) in a timely fashion.
- Complete and submit materials for your annual reviews by the requested deadlines.
- In compliance with state law, seek approval of outside activities through the eDisclose system in advance of the activity.
- Submit all student grades by the established deadlines.
- Report sick/annual leave appropriately and in a timely fashion.
- Be familiar with and adhere to federal copyright statutes.
- Do not present yourself as a representative of 四虎影视 in matters not related to performance of your job duties.
- When appropriately representing yourself as an employee of 四虎影视, coordinate communications with an elected local, state, or federal official with the Office of Government Relations (see ). This includes writing to elected officials using 四虎影视 letterhead.
- If participating as a faculty member in activities involving minors (e.g., summer camps), be sure you have obtained the proper level of background clearance.
- Practice informed 鈥渃yber hygiene鈥 in the use of university technology, especially
the 四虎影视 computing system (see www.usf.edu/it/documentation/data-security.aspx).
- Note: Faculty are advised not to use their 四虎影视-issued computers for private business.
9.3 Collective Bargaining
The , is the exclusive representative of all employees in the bargaining unit for purposes of collective bargaining. Appendix A of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) lists all position titles that are considered 鈥渋n-unit鈥, although there may be some exclusions for those with administrative responsibilities. Membership in the United Faculty of Florida is voluntary, and discrimination based on membership or non-membership is not permitted.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a legal contract, and only state and federal laws and regulations supersede the provisions of the agreement. Because the CBA covers all faculty employees in the bargaining unit, whether a dues-paying member or not, faculty members should be familiar with the agreement.
The agreement addresses such principles as academic freedom, nondiscrimination, assignment of responsibilities, evaluations, promotion and tenure, salaries, fringe benefits, sabbaticals and leaves, termination, and other employee rights, such as the formal grievance procedures available to an in-unit employee when the employee and the University are unable to reach a resolution on a problem. Detailed information for all of these items is included in the CBA.
Additionally, Weingarten rights allows employees to have union representation at investigatory interviews.
9.4 Post-Retirement Employment
There are statutory and local restrictions on the re-employment of employees who have retired from Florida agencies or institutions as participants in one of the existing retirement options. See for details.
10. University Services and Resources
Bookstores
The operates on all three campuses, and the university partners with Follett to manage each store.
In addition to traditional and digital textbooks, the Bookstore can work with faculty to produce coursepacks. Custom-made coursepacks can include professor鈥檚 notes, textbook chapters, short stories, journal articles, and magazine articles. The Bookstore can assist in the process from permissions to production, and all custom published course materials are shelved with other textbooks for the course.
Bull Runner 鈥 Shuttle Services
Parking & Transportation Services operates the campus Bull Runner (Shuttle Service) which is available to all 四虎影视 faculty, staff, students, and visitors on the Tampa campus.
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation & Wellness is one of the programs and services coordinated under the Division of Student Success. A wide variety of services and activities are provided. Memberships are available for faculty members and their families at rates very competitive with those of community recreational facilities.
Communications and Marketing
provides services to the university community in shaping the institution鈥檚 brand identity, and is the media鈥檚 primary source of news and timely information about 四虎影视. Please see the website to review the full range of services, activities, and guidelines that are provided.
四虎影视 Computer Store
The 四虎影视 Computer Store provides personal and institutional computer sales and service for the 四虎影视 community. Information Technology also provides several software licenses for the benefit of the 四虎影视 community. Free software is available to be locally downloaded from the IT Website, while several software licenses are also available at a reduced price through the 四虎影视 Computer Store.
Center for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
鲍厂贵鈥檚 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a service program designed to assist employees with personal, family, or workplace concerns/issues.
Employee Perks & Discounts Program
四虎影视 has arranged for faculty members to receive discounts on goods and services from a variety of vendors across the Tampa Bay metropolitan region. Human Resources has created a perks & discounts website that describes the program and provides several lists of participating businesses.
HR Learning and Talent Development
International Services
The Office of International Services at 四虎影视, a division of 四虎影视 World, is the main administrative and immigration advising office for more than 1,400 international students and 200 research scholars from over 130 countries.
Office of the General Counsel
The Office of the General Counsel provides professional legal advice, representation, and counsel to 四虎影视 including 四虎影视 Health and campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee.
Office of University Community Partnerships
The Office of University Community Partnerships will play a critical role in advancing the university's mission of creating positive and lasting community impact through collaborative initiatives.
Ombuds Office
The 四虎影视 Ombuds Office directly supports all valued faculty, staff, and administrators across the 四虎影视.
Parking & Transportation Services
Textbook Affordability Project (TAP)
The purpose of the Textbook Affordability Project (TAP) is to promote awareness of textbook affordability issues create solutions that ensure all students have access to course materials that are affordable, up-to-date, and satisfy academic needs.
The has information regarding options for students to gain access to their needed course materials and information for faculty to provide affordable materials.
四虎影视Card
The 四虎影视Card, a multi-functional identification card with a digitized photo, provides electronic identification and validation for a variety of university services and functions such as library services. All faculty and staff must obtain and carry the 四虎影视Card while on campus.
四虎影视 Federal Credit Union
is a full-service financial institution not-for-profit cooperative, owned by member-owners.
From Tampa to Orlando to Sarasota, there are convenient branch facilities (several on or near the 四虎影视 campus, including the Marshall Student Center) as well as access to accounts at more than 5,000 shared branches and 30,000 fee-free ATMs across the country. Members can conveniently manage all of their finances 24/7 through online banking.
W四虎影视 Public Media
W四虎影视 89.7 and Classical WSMR 89.1 & 103.9 are the licensed to 四虎影视. is W鲍厂贵鈥檚 production center, and serves university and community clients with full video production services.