Shikoku University Faculty Exchange Program: Policies and Procedures
Purpose
The purpose of the SVSU Shikoku University Faculty Exchange Program is to:
- Provide the opportunity for Shikoku University to host a faculty member from a SVSU to teach courses in English (and typically a course on American Culture to members of the Shikoku campus community).
- Provide the opportunity for SVSU to host a faculty or staff member from Shikoku University for teaching one or two courses on Japanese culture and/or language during the spring and/or summer semester.
- Enrich the campus academic and social environments of SVSU and Shikoku University.
- Contribute to the diversity of instructional personnel, course offerings, and campus life
- Bring new ideas, insights, approaches, and methods to the classrooms of SVSU
- Participate in research activities
- Provide SVSU with campus speakers, guest lectures, and other academic activities that would otherwise not be available
- Introduce new academic materials to SVSU, such as print media (books, journals, monographs) prepared by scholars representing the involved institutions and countries
The VPAA may approve exceptions to any clause in this policy and in the addendum.
The SVSU Shikoku University Faculty Exchange Program is to be distinguished as separate from standing international faculty exchange contracts and from Fulbright Scholar policies. Each exchange policy stands on its own based on the particular formal agreements between SVSU and the involved foreign university.
Background of the Shikoku University Faculty Exchange Program
Established more than 20 years ago under the direction of Dr. Robert Yien, former SVSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, this exchange program is designed to provide one Shikoku University faculty member and one SVSU faculty member per year with an international exchange experience. The Program operates each summer, usually from April 1 to August 31 (reflecting the Shikoku semester schedule). SVSU sends one faculty member to Shikoku University to teach courses in English (and typically a course on American Culture to members of the Shikoku campus community). During a similar period, Shikoku University sends one faculty member to teach at SVSU, usually a course or two on Japanese culture and/or language during the spring and/or summer semester. These arrangements may also involve research assignments, in addition to the teaching, if approved by the host institution.
Provisions for Shikoku University Faculty Exchange Program
1. In early November, the Deans announce to the full-time tenure-track and tenured faculty in their respective colleges that this opportunity is available. The Dean must recommend the faculty member in writing to the VPAA using departmental/university service as a major criterion, and the VPAA has final approval authority. The VPAA may request input and suggestions from the International Programs Committee concerning this decision.
2. Only one outbound SVSU faculty member can participate in an academic year and the opportunity is open only to faculty members who have not previously participated in this program.
3. Eligible faculty members will have successfully completed their first and second year evaluations prior to the academic year in which the faculty exchange will take place. Faculty members that are interested in participating shall submit this request in writing to their Dean by December 5.
4. The Dean then refers the faculty member(s) to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs where details on the Program are provided. It is important that a list of faculty members who are interested for the current or for future years be developed and maintained by the VPAA's Office, as we have had last minute cancellations in the past. If we have a few faculty members (or more than a few) listed as interested, SVSU's participation in the exchange is virtually assured in any given year. The list of interested and eligible faculty members may be held over from year to year as names are added to assure that there is always a pool of interested faculty members.
5. Once the designated SVSU faculty member confers with family members and confirms that she or he is committed to teaching English at Shikoku, a meeting is held in the VPAA's Office with this out-bound faculty member and at least one of the previous faculty participants to provide details about teaching conditions, language issues, culture, etc. It should be noted that most of the members of the Shikoku campus community and citizens of Tokushima do not speak English. However, some members of the Shikoku campus community, especially students of English and some staff members, do speak English.
6. The SVSU faculty member receives a stipend for the equivalent pay of $12,000 U.S. dollars and SVSU benefits are not interrupted, though some coordination with the SVSU Human Resources Office is necessary. SVSU will pay for the out-bound airfare. This amount may change and the VPAA's Office will provide updated information to prospective SVSU faculty candidates as available.
7. The SVSU faculty member may bring family members and SVSU will pay for half of the spouse's airfare on request; neither institution pays airfare for other family members.
Other provisions from the International Guest Scholar Program that may apply.