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Religious Holy Days

Faculty. A regular faculty member shall, without deduction in salary, be entitled to absence for observance of Religious Holy Days subject to the following conditions:

• "Religious Holy Day" means a holy day observed by religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tex. Tax Code Ann§11.20 (Vernon 2001).
• A faculty member who is absent from work for the observance of a religious holy day and gives proper notice of that absence shall not be discriminated against or penalized.
• Proper notice shall be provided by the faculty member to the chairperson of the department before the observance. This notice shall consist of a listing of religious holy days to be observed during the semester.
• Notice shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered to the chairperson of the department, receipt therefore being acknowledged and dated by the chairperson, or by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the chairperson.
• The chairperson will attempt to provide class coverage from among regular faculty of the department or area.
• Advance written notice, if needed, shall be provided in advance to all students whose class would be canceled due to the faculty member's absence (OP 32.12).

Students. A student shall be allowed to observe Religious Holy Days without penalty, subject to the following conditions:

• "Religious Holy Day" means a holy day observed by religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Vernon's Texas Codes Annotated, Tax Code.
• A student may be excused from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused for this purpose may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused.

Salary Payment

Faculty members on nine-month contracts receive four and one-half months' salary for each semester. Faculty members have the option of receiving nine equal payments beginning on the first working day of October or of receiving the same amount divided into 12 equal monthly payments.

Salary checks are issued monthly, on the first working day of each month. These may be picked up at the Payroll Department or, if requested, payments will be electronically deposited in the faculty member's bank account.

Salary for summer sessions is likewise paid at the first of the month. For the first term, a check for a full month's salary will be received on the first working day of July; a check for a half month's salary will be received on the first working day of August. For the second term, there will be a check on the first working day of August for a half month's salary; a check for a full month's salary will be received on the first working day of September.

Hourly employees are paid biweekly with checks ready for distribution every other Wednesday.

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Security Control of Keys

All key issues will be made by the university lockshop, 110 Physical Plant Building. A valid Key Issue Request form approved by the appropriate official should be submitted to the lockshop by campus mail or in person between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. A minimum of 24 hours should be allowed for locksmiths to complete the request. When keys are ready for issue, lockshop personnel will notify the department. Since a signature is required on the Key Issue Request form, the person to whom the keys are issued will need to pick them up personally. Making or duplicating keys is prohibited.

Small Classes

Small organized classes may be taught only within certain limitations. Ordinarily, undergraduate courses taught as organized classes must include at least ten undergraduate students, and graduate classes must include at least five students as of the 12th class day.

The Provost will approve or disapprove the proposed offering of small classes according to conditions stated in the policy, will monitor the offerings, and will provide reports in accordance with state requirements (OP 36.07).

Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Environment

To provide for the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, the university has enacted a policy designed to assure a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment in all academic and administrative facilities. In the interest of providing such an environment, smoking and use of other tobacco products is prohibited in all campus academic, administrative, and athletic facilities. OP 60.15, Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Environment, details exceptions and procedures of this policy.

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Student Disability Services

See Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the Faculty Affairs section.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services is a primary care clinic staffed with licensed physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, health educators, and support staff that provide care for illnesses and injuries, as well as mental health issues. Student Health Services is located in the Student Wellness Center at the corner of Main and Flint on the west side of the campus. The faculty and staff clinic, providing similar services, is also available at the Wellness Center. Appointment hours for the Wellness Center are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

Students generally pay a medical services fee that entitles them to access clinic and pharmacy services. A valid Texas Tech ID is required to access the clinic services. A student who is unsure about a medical issue or problem may call 806.743.2860 and speak confidentially to the triage nurse. If all appointments are filled for the day, the triage nurse will advise on care until the student can be seen. Students experiencing a lengthy illness that may affect their academic performance may consult their Student Health Services physician about obtaining a letter explaining the situation.

In accordance with state law, a student's medical information is kept completely confidential and cannot be released to anyone, including parents and/or guardians, without the student's written permission unless otherwise authorized by law. Student Health Services brochures are available in several locations on campus.

For students, contact: 806.743.2860, www.depts.ttu.edu/studenthealth.

For faculty, contact: 806.743.2345, https://www.texastechphysicians.com/lubbock/faculty-staff-clinic/.

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Student Organization Advisors

Organizational and personal leadership development are central objectives to the university's co-curricular student activities programs, which subsequently promote and cultivate academic excellence. To facilitate this educational process and to ensure the responsible functioning of registered student organizations, the university requires each organization to have a full-time faculty or staff advisor.

The organization selects an advisor who then serves in that capacity for as long as is mutually agreeable. The advisor is encouraged to attend meetings and events to ensure adherence to guidelines for registered student organizations, including university policies and procedures as stated in the Student Affairs Handbook.

In addition to serving as a knowledgeable campus and community referral and resource, the advisor assists in organizational development, including membership recruitment, programmatic planning and implementation, and monitoring and authorizing financial accounts.

Throughout the year, programs will be offered dealing with advisors' roles and responsibilities; however, questions or concerns may be directed to the Center for Campus Life in the Student Union, Suite 201, 806.742.5433.

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Summer Appointments

With rare exceptions, faculty are appointed on a nine-month basis, September through May. Summer appointments, when available, are based upon summer instructional needs as determined by the department chair and/or college dean. Summer employment is considered a supplemental appointment and is not guaranteed.

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Faculty Handbook Contents

Introduction

General Information

Role of the Faculty

Facilities and Services

Office of the Provost

Research

Faculty Affairs

Benefits and Services

Emergency Procedures

Financial Exigency Plan

Faculty Directory

Operating Policies