Purpose and scope
This Faculty Development Policy sets the institution's commitment to the professional, pedagogical, and spiritual development of academic staff. It applies to all teaching staff, full-time and part-time faculty, and adjunct instructors who deliver theological education programmes under the institution's governance. The policy supports improved student learning, faculty wellbeing, and continual enhancement of teaching, assessment and scholarly practice.
Principles
- Student-centred improvement: Faculty development aims to enhance student learning and formation through improved teaching and supervision.
- Integration of faith and learning: Training reflects the institution's theological convictions and pedagogical approach.
- Quality & accountability: Development aligns with the institution's quality-assurance framework and ITAA standards.
Key policy elements (template)
Use the following clauses as a baseline; edit to reflect local governance and legal requirements.
- Policy statement: The institution commits to resourcing regular faculty development in teaching, assessment, research, supervision, and spiritual formation.
- Objectives: Clear outcomes (improved pedagogy, assessment literacy, curriculum alignment, research engagement, pastoral care skills, and digital delivery competence).
- Responsibilities: Academic leadership ensures planning and budget; individual faculty are accountable for participating and maintaining professional records.
- Activities: Induction, peer-observation, workshops, mentoring, scholarship grants, conference support, online training, and research leave provisions.
- Funding & incentives: Procedures for allocating development funds, sabbaticals, and recognition of development in appraisal processes.
- Monitoring & review: Annual reporting to academic governance, integration with programme review, and evidence-based appraisal.
- Compliance: The policy requires alignment with all applicable legal, regulatory and registration obligations in the institution's jurisdiction.
Implementation checklist
- Adopt a written annual faculty development plan tied to learning outcomes.
- Assign a named lead (e.g., Director of Academic Development).
- Set measurable indicators (participation rates, peer-review reports, student feedback changes).
- Maintain individual development records within staff files.
- Include development costs in the annual budget and report on expenditure.
Sample governance clause
The Academic Board is responsible for approving the Faculty Development Policy and the annual development plan. Progress is reported to the governing body as part of the institution's quality-assurance cycle and included in submissions to external reviewers where required.
Legal and regulatory note
Institutions must ensure the policy and its implementation comply with all applicable national, regional and local laws, registration requirements and qualifications regulations. ITAA accreditation is an independent theological accreditation; it does not replace governmental recognition, statutory degree-awarding powers, or local registration obligations. Institutions remain solely responsible for legal compliance and accurate public statements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a faculty development policy mandatory for ITAA accreditation?
ITAA expects coherent systems for staff development as part of institutional quality assurance; a formal policy facilitates compliance with standards.
Can small institutions adapt the template?
Yes. The template is scalable: small institutions should document achievable activities and monitoring proportional to size.
ITAA accreditation replaces government registration or degree-awarding powers.
ITAA accreditation is non-governmental accreditation and never replaces governmental registration or statutory degree-awarding authority.
ITAA’s Role
International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) provides independent theological accreditation focused on institutional quality, transparency and student protection. ITAA standards encourage coherent faculty development as part of an institutions quality-assurance framework but do not confer governmental recognition or statutory degree powers. Institutions must comply with all applicable laws and maintain truthful public information. Read Important Accreditation Information for full details.