Texas State Technical College Harlingen defines and publishes policies regarding appointment and employment of faculty and staff. TSTC Harlingen's policies regarding Employment Contracts, SOS HR 2.1.9,[Ref 1] and Employment, COP 5.36, [Ref 2] describe hiring procedures for faculty and staff.

The TSTC Harlingen Human Resources Department [Ref 3] develops, implements, communicates, and interprets all employment policies related to faculty and staff and is responsible for the administration of all employment practices.

Hiring procedures are adhered to for any vacant position not filled by promotion or transfer within the hiring unit. Faculty is employed by term contracts not to exceed one year. Presidents are delegated the authority to offer contracts up to one year in length to faculty at their college [Ref 4]. Full-time and part-time faculty members comply with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) credential requirements, as described in COP 3.72 [Ref 5].

Employment policies and procedures are communicated to faculty and staff in a variety of ways. The primary source of information is the Human Resources Department's web site, which hosts the most current electronic version of the Faculty and Staff Handbook [Ref 6]. Policies are also posted on TSTC Harlingen's official College Policies web site [Ref 7]. New Employee Orientation Packages [Ref 8] are also available in the Human Resources office.

In addition, TSTC Harlingen Human Resources Department offers a New Employee Orientation [Ref 9] for all new hires within the first month of their employment. At these orientations, new hires are informed about and provided copies of information regarding general personnel policies, compensation and classification, attendance and leave, benefits, safety/risk management, payroll, affirmative action, and equal opportunity. Representatives from the respective departments are present to assist new hires in answering any questions or concerns. New hires are also provided departmental contact information should they have any questions at a later date. Additionally, a special orientation is held specifically for part-time faculty early each fall and spring semester. A Part-time Faculty Orientation Handbook is provided at the orientation meeting [Ref 10].

Employee Probation Periods policy, SOS HR 2.2.7 [Ref 11] clearly outlines the probationary period for all new employees in all positions. New exempt, administrative, executive, professional employees and classified non-exempt employees serve a probationary period of six months, and new members of the faculty serve a probationary period of twelve months.

The Human Resources Department continually updates faculty and staff as to current employment policies. Changes are communicated to employees via electronic notices, departmental meetings, strategically located bulletin boards throughout campus, and the monthly employee newsletter.