RPC Subcommittee on Governance
Proposed Committee Structure
April 2006

The Review and Planning Committee is proposing a substantial restructuring of the faculty committee structure, that is, those committees mandated by the College’s Faculty Manual. RPC requests approval of the faculty to move forward with this process.

RPC will present a draft of the new committee structure late in the fall of 2006 for discussion and review. RPC will then present a green sheet of a proposed new committee structure at a spring faculty meeting. If approved, the remainder of spring 2007 will be used to address transitional issues, which will enable the new structure to be implemented in September 2007.

Rationale

I. Guiding PrinciplesThe ultimate aim is to create a structure in which faculty participate more effectively in the governance of the College. We seek a more efficient committee structure that will encourage communication among the committees, between faculty and the administration, and between the faculty and the Board of Regents.

  1. Committee charges will be focused on work that is the responsibility of the faculty.
  2. Committees will have increased authority to act on behalf of the faculty.
  3. Committees will be encouraged to exercise their authority to appoint ad hoc subcommittees when deemed appropriate. These subcommittees will have specific charges and fixed lifetimes.
  4. Membership will include representation from each Faculty plus at-large members. We assume some committees will be larger to accommodate an increase in responsibilities.
  5. RPC will appoint an ad hoc subcommittee to review the charge of a student life committee.
  6. The issue of service to the College will be reviewed. Since fewer total faculty will be serving on committees, there will be reduced opportunities for tenure-track faculty.
  7. The conduct of the monthly faculty meeting will be reviewed to increase faculty input and discussion.

II) Proposed Timetable

  1. RPC will ask the faculty to review the proposed restructuring of committees and endorse the process formally at the April 2006 Faculty Meeting.
  2. During the 2006-07 academic year, RPC and the members of the current committees will work together to define the appropriate responsibilities for each of the new committees and to develop strategies to manage the transitions and membership for the new committees.
  3. RPC will create a green sheet to be voted on by the faculty in spring 2007.

III) Possible Committee Structure

RPC envisions 3 major committees will assume the bulk of the committee work of the faculty: Curriculum; Governance and Planning; and Faculty Life. We will also explore a Student Life committee focused on areas of mutual concern to students and faculty.

Curriculum Committee

General purpose is to maintain oversight and provide leadership of the College’s curricular program. The committee will have primary responsibility for all courses, majors, and programs of the College. The committee will also review and propose new curricular initiatives. It is expected to work closely with both the Dean of the College and the Registrar.

General areas of attention:

  • Curricular offerings and design, including general education, majors, and international and domestic off-campus academic programs
  • Degree requirements
  • Academic policies
  • Academic calendar

Possible Personnel:

  • 8-10 representatives; one member elected from each of the five Faculties and 3-5 at-large members
  • The Provost and Dean of the College
  • The Registrar
  • Student representation
  • Other ex-officio members as needed

Governance and Planning Committee

General purpose is to consider, propose, and review plans and policies pertaining to college governance; faculty compensation and workload; general faculty employment conditions; and long-range planning of issues of importance to the faculty. The committee shall make recommendations for such matters to the Dean of the College and the President. It will have responsibility for the maintenance of the Faculty Manual. The committee will provide a way by which, on a regular basis, representatives of the Board of Regents and the faculty may discuss together matters of mutual concern regarding the College. The Governance Committee will be charged with assembling a Grievance Subcommittee as needed.

General areas of attention:

  • Make recommendations on college governance
  • Propose salary distribution formulas and fringe benefit plans
  • Recommend policies on promotion, tenure, and leaves
  • Review and participate in short- and long-range planning and development of the College
  • Provide a means of direct communication with the administration and Board on issues that are of importance to the faculty.

Possible Personnel:

  • 8-10 representatives; one member elected from each of the five Faculties and 3-5 at-large members
  • The Provost and Dean of the College
  • The President
  • The Treasurer
  • Student representation
  • Other ex-officio members as needed
Faculty Life Committee

General purpose is to foster a vibrant culture of ongoing professional development for college faculty. The committee has the responsibility to recommend action to the Dean of the College on promotion and tenure. It will also oversee and provide leadership in the awarding of specific faculty development grants.

General Areas of Attention:

  • Review candidates for tenure and promotion and recommend action to the Dean of the College.
  • Review sabbatical leave proposals.
  • Recommend policies and procedures on tenure, promotion, and leaves.
  • Oversee policies on pre- and post-tenure reviews.
  • Provide leadership for and administer faculty development at the college.

Possible Personnel:

  • 8-10 representatives; one member elected from each of the five Faculties and 3-5 at-large members
  • Tenure and Promotion sub-committee members must be tenured and Associate or Full professors
  • The Assistant Provost
  • Other ex-officio members as needed (e.g. Directors of CILA and Government Foundation Relations)
Student Life Committee

General purpose is to review and make recommendations on major college policies that order and regulate those portions of student life that directly affect academic quality and integrity on campus. The committee will assist the Dean of Student Life staff in providing leadership and advocacy for faculty involvement in non-academic student life activities.

General areas of attention:

  • Provide leadership for issues related to academic integrity and work with the Dean of Students and Honor Council.
  • Provide assistance and leadership for first-year student orientation program.
  • Provide input to the Dean of Student Life and the Vice President and Dean of Enrollment on areas that are of importance to the faculty.
  • Oversee co- and extra-curricular portions of activities such as athletics and music that are of importance to the faculty.
  • One faculty member of this committee will be designated as the Faculty Athletic representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Possible Personnel:

  • 5 representatives
  • The Associate Dean of Student Life (currently a faculty member)
  • The Vice President of Enrollment
  • The Dean of Student Life
  • The Athletic Director
  • The Dean of Community Life and Diversity
  • Student representation