Cadre Structure

Service Rules and Regulations for faculty in an engineering college outline the expectations, responsibilities, and conduct of academic staff members. These rules are designed to maintain academic excellence, ensure professionalism, and provide clarity regarding faculty duties, rights, and obligations. Here are the typical categories included in such rules and regulations:

1. Appointment and Recruitment:

• Eligibility Criteria: Faculty members must meet the prescribed educational qualifications (such as a master’s degree or PhD in the relevant discipline), teaching experience, and other criteria set by the college or university.
• Selection Process: Includes written tests, interviews, and demonstrations (for teaching ability) to assess the faculty’s qualifications, experience, and expertise.
• Probation Period: Newly appointed faculty members may be on probation for a certain period (typically 1 year), during which their performance is evaluated.

2. Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teaching Responsibilities:
  • Conducting scheduled classes, lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions as per the timetable.
  • Preparing course materials, assignments, and conducting assessments/exams.
  • Ensuring that the curriculum is covered as per the syllabus and academic calendar.
  • Maintaining regular communication with students, mentoring them, and addressing academic concerns.
• Research and Development:
  • Encouraging research activities, publishing papers in journals or conferences, and seeking research funding.
  • Supervising student projects, especially at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  • Engaging in collaborative research within the academic community or industry.
• Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Participating in departmental meetings, committees, and college activities.
  • Assisting with accreditation processes and curriculum development.
• Evaluation and Grading:
  • Assessing student performance through exams, quizzes, assignments, and presentations.
  • Ensuring fair and transparent grading processes.

3. Work Hours and Leave Policy:

• Working Hours: Faculty members are expected to adhere to the college's working hours and are required to maintain office hours for consultation with students.
• Leave Policy:
  • Casual Leave (CL): A certain number of days of leave granted for personal reasons.
  • Sick Leave (SL): Leave granted in case of illness, typically with a medical certificate.
  • Earned Leave (EL): Accumulated leave that can be taken for personal reasons or vacations.
  • Maternity Leave (if applicable): For female faculty members, maternity leave in accordance with the labor laws or institutional policies.
  • Other Leaves: Leave for attending conferences, workshops, or seminars, subject to approval.

4. Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics:

• Respectful Behavior: Faculty members must maintain a respectful, ethical, and professional demeanor with students, staff, and colleagues.
• Academic Integrity: Faculty members must avoid plagiarism, maintain transparency in research and publications, and refrain from engaging in any form of academic dishonesty.
• Non-Discrimination: Faculty must ensure a fair and unbiased approach to teaching, avoiding favoritism or discrimination based on race, gender, caste, or religion.
• Confidentiality: Faculty should maintain the confidentiality of student records, examination papers, and institutional matters.

5. Faculty Development:

• Continuous Learning: Faculty members are encouraged to participate in workshops, seminars, conferences, and other professional development activities.
• Research and Publications: Faculty are encouraged to conduct research, publish papers, and collaborate with industry to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
• Training and Workshops: Faculty may be required to undergo periodic training on pedagogy, technology integration in teaching, and other related areas.

6. Disciplinary Actions and Penalties:

• Minor Offenses: Includes arriving late to classes, neglecting administrative duties, or unprofessional behavior.
• Major Offenses: Serious misconduct such as harassment, abuse of power, academic dishonesty, or unethical behavior.
• Punishments: The college may impose penalties ranging from warnings, salary deductions, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity of the offense.

7. Performance Appraisal and Evaluation:

• Self-Assessment: Faculty members may be required to submit annual self-assessment reports detailing their achievements, teaching effectiveness, research output, and professional development.
• Peer Review: Performance reviews may include feedback from colleagues and students.
• Annual Evaluation: The faculty’s performance is evaluated annually based on teaching, research, administrative contributions, and overall involvement in the academic community.
• Promotion Criteria: Based on performance appraisals, faculty members may be eligible for promotions or tenure.

8. Promotion and Career Growth:

• Promotion Policy: Faculty members may be promoted based on performance, qualifications (such as earning higher degrees), and contributions to research, teaching, and service to the institution.
• Tenure: Some colleges have a tenure system for faculty, where they receive permanent status after meeting specific criteria and evaluations.
• Incentives and Recognition: Recognition in the form of awards, increments, or sabbaticals for outstanding contributions to teaching and research.

9. Research and Industry Collaboration:

• Encouragement of Industry Collaboration: Faculty members are expected to establish collaborations with the industry, participate in consulting projects, or guide students for industry-based projects.
• Patent Filing and Innovation: Faculty members are encouraged to file patents, contribute to new technological developments, and establish start-ups based on their research.

10. Health and Safety:

• Workplace Safety: Faculty members are expected to adhere to all safety protocols, especially in laboratories or workshops.
• Health Insurance and Benefits: Institutions may provide health insurance benefits, wellness programs, or counseling services to faculty members.

11. Ethical Use of Technology:

• Use of Digital Tools: Faculty members should follow ethical guidelines when using online teaching platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and digital resources.
• Data Privacy: Faculty must adhere to institutional policies regarding student data privacy, especially with digital grading systems and online submissions.

12. Resignation, Retirement, and Termination:

• Resignation Process: Faculty wishing to resign must follow the formal process by giving prior notice (typically 3-6 months).
• Retirement Policy: Faculty members may retire after a specified number of years (usually 60 years of age), and the institution may provide post-retirement benefits or consultancy opportunities.
• Termination Conditions: Faculty may be terminated for misconduct, poor performance, or violations of institutional policies.

13. Leave and Travel Allowance (TA)/Duty Leave (DL):

• Travel Allowance: Faculty may be entitled to TA for attending conferences, seminars, or workshops.
• Duty Leave: Faculty may be granted duty leave for attending or participating in academic activities, meetings, and external collaborations.