Overview

1. Introduction

As faculty in the College of Health Science (CHS), we have special opportunities and benefits. As educators and scholars, we prepare students for success as clinicians and care providers, but in a larger sense we also prepare them to lead rich and fulfilling lives, what George Pepperdine called "a life of usefulness." To see students realize their God-given potential is the purest of pleasures. We educate in beautiful surroundings and enjoy a community of talented and gracious scholars, medical providers, and servants as colleagues. We are also an integral part of a University that has a "will to excellence, an ever-expanding reputation for distinction, and a sense of optimism for the future." Of course, our quest for truth and perfection is always elusive, but in our role as faculty we find significant meaning in the search rather than in the attainment of ultimate goals.

This first edition of the CHS Faculty Handbook is intended to serve as a ready reference for the faculty on important areas of college and Pepperdine University policy. The handbook reflects official policy on the matters covered, but it is not meant to be comprehensive.Other important documents such as accreditation standards, internal procedural statements, program-specific, and University-wide policies, and standards of legality are sources of college and University policy as well.

It is imperative that faculty members, especially new faculty members, read this Handbook. Along with the faculty contract and supplemental policy and procedure statements, this handbook will largely determine faculty privileges and duties with respect to the University, CHS, and students. The definition of policies and procedures should provide guidance and avoid misunderstandings. Acceptance of a faculty appointment constitutes an agreement by the faculty member to abide by the policies and procedures of the University, including all amendments thereto. The provisions of this handbook are subject to change through normal CHS and University processes.

This first-edition of the handbook was compiled by the Founding Dean of the CHS and modified with the help of the school deans. It is likely to evolve and expand during the 2024-2025 academic year as the CHS prepares for launch in August 2025. After the initial 2025-2026 edition of the handbook is codified, all future editions of the handbook will be updated and revised regularly using a collaborative process with CHS faculty in accordance with the standards and expectations for shared governance of the college and University. Once the college has updated and revised the handbook, a committee of CHS faculty will have the ability to review and propose revisions to the changes. Special formatting will be used to identify revised or updated content throughout the handbook.