University Council Constitution and By-laws (Print Version)
November 6, 1995
(Last updated January 8, 2013)
Published by the University Council of Virginia Tech
BELIEVING that the fundamental goal of this land-grant university is to serve as a dynamic force in society by providing both a reservoir of knowledge and a stimulating academic atmosphere for the transmittal and application of that knowledge; and further believing that the establishment of these conditions encourages the discovery of new principles and truths and the development of an appreciation of human values; and
BELIEVING that the attainment of the objective requires mutual understanding and joint effort of the governing board, administration, faculty, staff, and students; and
BELIEVING that a university functions most effectively under orderly but flexible and adaptive processes of administration and government:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University does hereby enact a Constitution and Bylaws for the University Council with the approval of the President of the University and the Board of Visitors, by whom authority is delegated.
With the passage of Morrill Act by Congress in July, 1862 and subsequent action of the Virginia Legislature in 1864, 1872, and 1944, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University was created and has been developed as a university charged with the responsibility to serve the citizens of Virginia and the nation.
Recognizing the complexity of university governance and acknowledging the need for faculty, staff, and student participation in the conduct of university affairs, the University Council, University Commissions, University Advisory Councils, and University Standing Committees provide an organizational structure through which faculty, salaried staff, student, and administrative responsibilities are shared and fulfilled.
The University Council and the University Commissions constitute the main resident bodies for policy formulation. Their memberships include representation from Administration, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, College Faculty Associations, Administrative and Professional Faculty, Graduate Student Assembly, Student Government Association, and representatives from other interest groups where appropriate. The University Commissions formulate and recommend policies to the University Council, which in turn makes recommendations to the President of the University. Final authority rests with the President of the University and the Board of Visitors.
The Constitutions and Bylaws of the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, Graduate Student Assembly, and Student Government Association are presented in separate publications. Persons concerned with the governance of the University are encouraged to consult the constitutions and bylaws of these organizations.
The name of the council is the University Council of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
The purpose of the University Council is to assist the President of the University in formulating and implementing university policy in a manner which attempts to ensure that Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University always strives effectively toward its goals, which are:
The functions of the University Council are:
Section 1. Composition
The members of the University Council are:
Ex Officio Members:
Elected Members:
Ex officio members of the University Council may be automatically added or removed or titles revised to reflect the university’s evolving organizational structure, and thus the number of members of University Council may fluctuate slightly over time. Ex officio membership of University Commissions and Committees listed in the University Council By-laws will change automatically, as appropriate, to coincide with changes in ex officio membership of University Council.
If at the beginning of any academic year the total number of voting university administrators (deans and vice presidents) who hold ex officio positions on University Council equals or exceeds the total number of all other faculty on University Council, then the Faculty Senate may elect the additional faculty necessary to ensure that the number of faculty exceeds the number of voting ex officio university administrators by one. (Last updated June 13, 2005 & June 4, 2007 – BOV approved)
Section 2. Voting Privileges
All members of University Council, exclusive of the Chairperson, the Secretary, and the faculty and staff representatives and two student representatives to the Board of Visitors, shall have voting privileges. (Last updated June 13, 2005 and June 4, 2007 – BOV approved)
Section 3. Term of Membership
Term of membership of elected representatives on University Council is as follows: Faculty and staff representatives are elected for terms of three years and are not eligible for re-election to a consecutive term. Terms are staggered to permit election of approximately one-third each year. When additional faculty are elected at the beginning of the academic year to maintain a faculty majority over voting administrators, those faculty will serve a one-year term. Student representatives are elected for one-year terms and are not eligible to serve more than two years. The at-large faculty/staff representative elected by the Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity serves for one year. Vacancies in unexpired terms are filled by the relevant body. Persons filling an unexpired term are eligible for re-election to a full term. Elections are effective the first day of July. (Last updated on June 13, 2005 – BOV approved)
Section 4. Alternates, Substitutes, and Visitors
The University Council may permit elected alternates with voting privileges and substitute members with voting privileges, where such privileges are not limited by the constitution and bylaws of the participating assembly, association, senate, or group. Visitors may attend University Council meetings.
Section 1. Officers
The officers of the University Council are Chairperson and Secretary.
Section 2. Chairperson
The President of the University is Chairperson of the University Council. In the absence of the President, the Senior Vice President and Provost of the University acts for the President as Chairperson of the University Council.
Section 3. Secretary
The Secretary of the University Council is appointed by the President of the University.
University Commissions, University Advisory Councils, University Standing Committees, University Operational Committees, and other University committees are established according to ARTICLES VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI, respectively, to carry out certain functions and operations of governance.
A list of University Standing Committees (specifying for each its composition, its charge, and the governance body to which it reports) shall be maintained as an integral part of the Bylaws of the University Council. Current information on Operational Committees is maintained elsewhere, as specified in the Bylaws.
The University Council can recommend the creation of new Committees, the deletion of existing Committees, or changes in Committee chairpersonship, composition, or function. Should a concern arise which calls for the University Council to consider such an action, the matter shall be placed on the Council agenda (in the form of an appropriate Resolution) by one of the Commissions or Advisory Councils, the Faculty Senate, the Staff Senate, or by a University Council member.
Section 1. Organization
The University Commissions are:
Commission on Administrative and Professional Faculty Affairs
Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Commission on Faculty Affairs
Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies
Commission on Outreach and International Affairs
Commission on Research
Commission on Staff Policies and Affairs
Commission on Student Affairs
Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Commission on University Support
Section 2. Responsibilities
The Commissions report to the University Council. In addition to the functions and duties prescribed for each in Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 of this Article, the Commissions shall undertake such other functions and duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the University Council.
Section 3. Referral
It is essential (and expected) when policy is being formulated in a commission or considered in the University Council, on a matter of particular concern to any governance body represented on the Council, that the concerned body have an opportunity to study, debate, and state its position on the matter at hand, before final action is taken by the Council. To this end, the Bylaws of the University Council, Article II, shall specify formal procedures by which referrals are accomplished. These procedures must be approved by the Faculty and Staff Senates. Any amendment to Article II of the Bylaws of the University Council that effects a change in the referral procedures cannot become effective until endorsed by affirmative vote of the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate.
Section 4. Election of Chair
The chair shall be a member of the non-administrative faculty and staff members of the commission except as noted below. (Professional faculty representatives are eligible to serve as chair.) The Vice President of the Faculty Senate shall be the chair of the Commission on Faculty Affairs. The Vice President of the Staff Senate shall be the chair of the Commission on Staff Policies and Affairs. The chair of the Commission on Administrative and Professional Faculty Affairs shall be from among the elected administrative and professional faculty members. The chair of the Commission on Student Affairs shall be elected from among the commission membership.
A vice chair shall be elected from among the continuing eligible members as early as possible during the academic year, but no later than the end of October. The vice chair shall serve as needed during the current year and shall become chair of the commission during the subsequent year. Should the vice chair be unable to serve as chair in the subsequent year, the commission shall elect a chair from among eligible members. The Commissions on Faculty Affairs and Staff Affairs may elect a vice chair if desired; however, the chair positions will be held by the vice presidents of the respective Senates.
Section 5. Voting Privileges
All members of University Commissions shall have voting privileges.
Section 6. Term of Membership
Terms of membership of elected representatives on Commissions are as follows: Faculty Senators, Staff Senators, representatives of college faculty, library faculty, administrative and professional faculty, the salaried staff, and any other elected non-student commission members are elected for a term of three years. They may serve no more than two full consecutive terms on any given commission. Terms are staggered to permit election of approximately one-third of the membership each year. Deans are elected by the Council of College Deans and serve for two years. The student representatives serve for terms of one year and are not eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies in unexpired terms are filled by the relevant body. Elections are effective the first day of July.
Section 7. Alternates, Substitutes, and Visitors
The commissions may permit elected alternates with voting privileges and substitute members with voting privileges, where such privileges are not limited by the constitution and bylaws of the participating assembly, association, senate, or group. Visitors may attend commission meetings.
Section 8. Commission on Administrative and Professional Faculty Affairs
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures affecting the employment and working conditions of administrative and professional (A/P) faculty. Areas for consideration include: morale of administrative and professional faculty; procedures for appointing, evaluating, disciplining, recognizing, and promoting administrative and professional faculty; benefits, educational and personal leave, and extra-university professional activity; and matters of equity and diversity that affect the university's professional environment. The Commission is also responsible for reviewing grievances advanced to the level of the Senior Vice President and Provost or the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and to advise them prior to action.
Section 9. Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures as they relate to the university’s responsibilities for equal opportunity, affirmative action, accessibility, and compliance; diversity planning and evaluation; diversity training and education; assessment of institutional climate; and similar matters of equity and diversity that affect the university. In collaboration with other university commissions and/or units, the commission will address issues of diversity and equity as they relate to recruitment, retention, and advancement of faculty, staff, and students, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups and from international populations; student life; academic policies and support; curriculum; research, scholarship, and creative activity; and outreach.
Section 10. Commission on Faculty Affairs
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to the University Council policies and procedures affecting faculty employment and professional standing of the collegiate faculties, the library faculty, and Extension and public service faculty on continued appointment. Areas for consideration include: commencement; academic freedom and faculty morale; procedures for appointing, evaluating, disciplining, recognizing, and promoting faculty, including department heads and chairs; tenure, benefits, academic and personal leave, and extra-university professional activity; and matters of equity and diversity that affect the University's professional environment.
Section 11. Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures concerning on- and off- campus graduate academic matters. Areas for consideration include: admissions, academic progress, degree requirements, commencement; registration and scheduling; curricula, courses, advising, and instruction; teaching and research; financial assistance including assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, and tuition; library resources; and other matters affecting the graduate student academic environment.
Section 12. Commission on Outreach and International Affairs
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures concerning the engagement of the University in service, outreach, and international affairs. Areas for consideration include: Cooperative Extension, continuing and professional education, economic development including community resource and leadership development; liaison with affiliated corporations and institutes; international programs; and other matters affecting service, outreach, and international affairs. The Commission on Outreach and International Affairs will liaison with the Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies with issues regarding study abroad and international exchange programs. (Last updated June 7, 2004 – BOV approved)
Section 13. Commission on Research
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures concerning research. Areas for consideration include: sponsored programs, core programs and interdisciplinary research; intellectual properties; animal care and human subjects; indirect costs and overhead; research facilities, centers and institutes, and library resources; liaison with affiliated corporations and institutes; and other matters that affect research.
Section 14. Commission on Staff Policies and Affairs
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures affecting the working conditions of classified and university staff and to promote staff participation in the University community. Areas for consideration include: staff morale; evaluation, communication with supervisors, recognition, and career development; staff relations with administrators, faculty, and students; benefits and personal leave; extra-university professional activity; matters of equity and diversity that affect the University's professional environment; and other matters affecting the staff environment.
Section 15. Commission on Student Affairs
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures affecting graduate and undergraduate student life and morale. Areas for consideration include: student relations with peers, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, and the community; student organizations, social life, and recreation; employment, placement, and counseling; residential life, health, safety, and quality of student related services; and other matters affecting student life.
Section 16. Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures concerning on- and off-campus undergraduate academic matters. Areas for consideration include: library resources, admissions, academic progress, degree requirements, Honor Systems and study environment; In-Honors programs, curricula, courses, advising, and instruction; student honors and awards; financial aid, scheduling, registration and other matters affecting the undergraduate student academic environment.
Section 17. Commission on University Support
Charge: To study, formulate, and recommend to University Council policies and procedures related to support of the three missions of the university. Areas for consideration include: accounting, budget administration, purchasing; computing, communications and publications, physical facilities, parking and transportation, corporations and auxiliaries, Development Office, Institutional Research, liaison with the Virginia Tech Foundation, the Alumni Association, and other related matters.
Section 1. Organization
University Advisory Councils are established to carry out certain functions and operations of governance.
The University Council has established the University Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning.
Section 2. Responsibilities
The University Advisory Councils report to the University Council. In addition to the functions and duties prescribed in the Sections of this Article specific to a University Advisory Council, the University Advisory Councils shall undertake such other functions and duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the University Council.
Section 3. Voting Privileges
All members of University Advisory Councils shall have voting privileges.
Section 4. Term of Membership
Term of membership of representatives on University Advisory Councils is as follows: Faculty Senators, Staff Senators, representatives of college faculty, library faculty, administrative and professional faculty, the salaried staff, and any other elected non-student council members serve for a term of three years. They may serve no more than two full consecutive terms on any given advisory council. Terms are staggered to permit replacement of approximately one-third of the membership each year. Deans are elected by the Council of College Deans and serve for two years. The student representatives serve for terms of one year and are not eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies in unexpired terms are filled by the relevant body. Membership is effective the first day of July.
Section 5. Alternates, Substitutes, and Visitors
The advisory councils may permit alternates with voting privileges and substitute members with voting privileges, where such privileges are not limited by the constitution and bylaws of the participating assembly, association, senate, or group. Visitors may attend meetings of University Advisory Councils.
Section 6. University Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning
Charge: The Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning serves a primary advisory role for the university budgeting and planning process. It reports jointly to the President and the University Council. Areas for consideration include: monitoring the University planning and budgeting processes; participating in and advising on the development of biennial budgets, the formulation of the university plan, and the development of university capital and facilities plans, and the reconciliation of the plan and the available resources; consulting on other budget and planning matters; and addressing matters of policy relative to budget and planning and appropriate for governance consideration and, in such instances, making recommendations to the University Council.
Records and Confidentiality: When acting in its advisory and consulting role, the Advisory Council will treat information, discussions, and recommendations with discretion and, whenever requested, in confidence since there will be times in the budget and planning process when matters must be handled confidentially. When acting in its capacity as a normal part of the governance system, the Advisory Council will keep minutes and forward approved copies of such to University Council.
Section 1. Organization
University Standing Committees are those committees constituted on a continuing basis by the President on recommendation of the University Council to deal with matters of a university-wide interest. Each standing committee reports directly to at least one commission.
The President also constitutes ad hoc and special committees as may be needed for consideration of matters of a non-recurring nature.
Section 2. Committee Membership
Membership on most standing committees should include undergraduate students, graduate students, salaried staff, and faculty representatives as well as administrators. Committee membership may be determined by a variety of methods: appointment by the President, nomination by the relevant body with appointment by the President, or election at large. The host commission usually appoints a commission member to the standing committee. Standing committees may also be constituted wholly, or in majority, by members of the host commission. The method of selection shall be specified in the University Council By-Laws.
The standing committee chair shall be from among the committee members. The chair shall be appointed by the President, recommended by the host commission with appointment by the President, or elected by the committee, as specified in the By-Laws.
All standing committee members will have voting privileges.
Ad hoc and special committee members are appointed by the President of the University. The President also determines for each of these committees which of the committee members shall be chairperson.
Section 3. Term of Appointment
Terms of membership of elected representatives on University Standing Committees are as follows: Faculty Senators, Staff Senators, representatives of college faculty, library faculty, administrative and professional faculty, the salaried staff, and any other elected non-student committee members are elected for a term of three years. They may serve no more than two full consecutive terms on any given committee. Terms are staggered to permit election of approximately one-third of the membership each year. Deans are elected by the Council of College Deans and serve for two years. The student representatives serve for terms of one year and are not eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies in unexpired terms are filled by the relevant body. Elections are effective the first day of July.
Ad hoc and special committee members serve according to the terms established when the committee is constituted.
Section 4. Committee Reports
All standing committees shall prepare minutes of their meetings, as a permanent record of committee activity. Each standing committee will submit its approved minutes to the commissions to which it reports for review and approval. Committee-approved minutes will also be submitted to the chairs of the Faculty and Staff Senates, and the administrator of the Virginia Tech University Council website.
University Operational Committees are those committees constituted on a continuing basis and appointed by the President, Senior Vice President and Provost, or one of the Vice Presidents to deal with matters of university-wide interest that fall primarily within the responsibilities of the appointing officers. Unless made the subject of specific legislation to the contrary, each University Operational Committee is constituted, charged, and staffed as the appointing administrative officer deems appropriate. A record of University Operational Committee chairs and members shall be maintained by the Secretary of the University Council. Approved minutes of meetings of University Operational Committees shall be written by each committee and maintained by the administrator who established it and to whom it reports.
The University Council, University Commissions, and University Advisory Councils may request and their chairpersons may appoint special committees, boards, and ad hoc committees as needed.
Section 1. Parliamentary Procedures
The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order [Webster’s New World Robert’s Rules of Order, Simplified and Applied], subject to special rules as may be adopted by the University Council, shall govern the procedures of the University Council, University Commissions, University Advisory Councils, University Standing Committees, and other committees and boards. (Last updated June 7, 2004 – BOV approved)
Section 2. University Council Procedures
Section 3. Procedures for University Commissions and Advisory Councils
Section 4. Committee Procedures
Each University Standing Committee, University Operational Committee, special committee, ad hoc committee, and board meets as frequently as required to fulfill its responsibilities.
Section 1. Notice of Proposal
Notice of proposal to amend the Constitution shall be given in the University Council agenda and considered at no fewer than two meetings of the University Council prior to voting. The proposed amendments shall be distributed with the agenda. A two-thirds affirmative vote of all members of the Council is required for approval.
Section 2. Ratification and Approval
Except in the case where adoption of a different parliamentary authority is proposed, an amendment to the Constitution becomes effective upon ratification in the following order by the Faculty and Staff Senates and the University Council, and approval by the President of the University and the Board of Visitors. A different parliamentary authority or set of guidelines may be adopted at the University Council’s first meeting of the academic year by a two-thirds affirmative vote of all members of the Council and will stay in effect until changed. Mid-year changes are not allowed. Approvals by the Faculty and Staff Senates and the Board of Visitors are not required in this case. (Last updated June 7, 2004 – BOV approved)
Section 3. Amendments to the Bylaws
Notice of any proposal to amend the Bylaws shall be given in the agenda. An affirmative vote of the majority of all University Council members is required for adoption. (See Article VII, Section 3 regarding changes to the referral procedures.)
University Commissions are established according to the Constitution of the University Council to carry out certain functions and operations of governance. Membership of each Commission is as listed in the following sections.
A. Commission on Administrative and Professional (A/P) Faculty Affairs (CAPFA)
Membership*:
*The chair will be elected from among the nine elected administrative and professional faculty members of the commission by the commission membership. (Last updated on April 19, 2010 and June 15, 2011)
B. Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Membership*:
Community representatives shall be chosen by one of two methods. Where there is a single widely representative organization for faculty and staff, this organization would have responsibility for electing a representative. Where there is no appropriate organization (or multiple organizations), then a related office, program, or center serving related interests will be responsible for the nominations and election (or selection) of a community representative. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will be responsible for overseeing the identification of community representatives, including assuring that named organizations, programs or offices use an open process for securing nominations and interested participants if an election is not feasible or reasonable.
Women’s Center
American Indian Studies Program
University ADA Services
Cranwell International Center
Appalachian Studies Program
The at-large members will be chosen by an application process, open to faculty, staff, and students, and conducted by the commission annually for the available, undesignated slot. The commission will forward at least two nominations (so long as there are at least two) for each vacant position to the president for appointment to the commission. The commission may rank the candidates in order of preference. The at-large positions are designed to allow representation from groups not identified above as well as individuals who would make significant contributions to the work of the commission, regardless of background.
*The chair will be elected from among the non-ex officio faculty or staff members of the commission (Last updated on November 2, 2009)
C. Commission on Faculty Affairs
Membership:
D. Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies
Membership*:
*The chair will be elected from among the non-administrative faculty and staff members of the commission by the commission membership. (Last updated on May 3, 2010)
E. Commission on Outreach and International Affairs
Membership*:
Note: At least 2 faculty members on the Commission on Outreach and International Affairs will have experience in leading study abroad programs.
*The chair will be elected from among the non-administrative faculty and staff members of the commission by the commission membership. (Last updated February 21, 2005, August 24, 2012, & October 9, 2012)
F. Commission on Research
Membership*:
*The chair will be elected from among the non-administrative faculty and staff members of the commission by the commission membership.
G. Commission on Staff Policies and Affairs
Membership:
H. Commission on Student Affairs
Membership*:
*The chair will be elected from among the non-administrative faculty, staff, graduate student and undergraduate student members of the commission by the commission membership. (Last updated March 1, 2010, May 3, 2010, June 20, 2011, and May 24, 2012)
I. Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Membership*:
*The chair will be elected from among the non-administrative faculty and staff members of the commission by the commission membership.
J. Commission on University Support
Membership*:
*The chair will be elected from among the non-administrative faculty and staff members of the commission by the commission membership.
University Advisory Councils are established to carry out certain functions and operations of governance. When so established, the membership shall be as listed in the following section.
A. University Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning
Membership:
The Following are appointed by the President from among the officers of each group:
The follow are elected from among administrative and professional faculty in their respective areas:
*Faculty in colleges that do not have associations will elect two candidates for the Council and the President will select one of them to serve.
(last updated July 11, 2011)
Each of the University Committees, enumerated below, is appointed by the President of the University, as set forth in the Constitution of the University Council, Article IX.
A. Academic Support
Charge: To systematically review and provide advice on broad policy issues relating to academic support, including but not limited to the university calendar, scheduling and registration, scholarships and financial aid, classroom management, and summer school.
Reports to: Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Chairperson: The faculty representative from the Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Membership:
B. Athletics
Charge: To review and provide advice on broad policy issues relating to intercollegiate athletics.
Reports to: Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Chairperson: The President will annually appoint a chair from among its members.
Membership:
C. Building
Charge: To make recommendations concerning the physical development of the University and the planning and construction of University buildings and physical features.
Reports to: Commission on University Support
Chairperson: The President will annually appoint a chair from among its members.
Membership:
D. Commencement
Charge: To plan and implement the University's Commencement programs.
Reports to: Commission on Faculty Affairs
Chairperson: The President will appoint a chair, usually for a three-year term.
Membership:
E. Computing and Communications Resources
Charge: To make recommendations for the efficient utilization of the University's computer facilities and to recommend policies that relate to the operation, maintenance, and development of the University's communications network. The Committee's scope of concerns includes all instructional, research, extension, and administrative computing provided through the University's computing facilities, and all existing or proposed devices connected to the computing facilities.
Reports to: Commission on University Support
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: The committee shall initially elect from its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The vice-chairperson shall succeed the chairperson in the next year. Each year after the first year, a new vice-chairperson shall be elected who will succeed the present chairperson.
Membership:
F. Employee Benefits Committee
Charge: To recommend policies and to advise the University Administration in matters relating to employee benefits.
Reports to: Commission on Staff Policies and Affairs, Commission on Faculty Affairs
Chairperson: The President will appoint a chair annually from among its members.
Membership:
G. Energy and Sustainability Committee
Charge: To review and provide advice to the University Administration on broad policy issues relating to the university’s energy supply and use, and resource conservation.
Reports to: Commission on University Support
Chairperson: The President will appoint a chair annually from among members of the committee.
Membership:
*This enables students who are not part of GSA or SGA to be nominated
H. Faculty Honorifics
Charge: To review credentials and achievements of candidates or nominees for University faculty awards or for University nominations for external awards as charged by the Senior Vice President and Provost or the President (where that responsibility is not vested in other committees), and to make recommendation to the Senior Vice President and Provost or the President, as appropriate. In addition, the Committee shall review nominations for honorary degrees to be awarded by the University.
Reports to : Commission on Faculty Affairs
Chairperson: The Senior Vice President and Provost or a designee.
Membership:
I. Graduate Curriculum
Charge: To address the issues formerly under the auspices of the Course and Program Criteria Committee.
Reports to: Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies
Chairperson: Vice-chair (chair-elect) of Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies
Membership:
J. Honor System Review Board
Charge: To review recommended Honor System verdicts and penalties and to make recommendations to the President concerning same, as specified in Honor System Constitution.
Reports to: Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Chairperson: Administrative or Faculty Committee Member Appointed by the President
Membership:
K. Intellectual Property
Charge: To make policy recommendations to the Senior Vice President and Provost dealing with patents, copyrights, and related mechanisms for the protection/exploitation of intellectual properties.
Reports to: Commission on Research
Chairperson: Associate Vice President for Research Programs
Membership:
L. Library
Charge: To disseminate knowledge and make recommendations concerning policies, services, and development of the University's libraries.
Reports to: Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies; Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies; and Commission on Research
Chairperson: The President will annually appoint a chair from among its members.
Membership:
M. Transportation and Parking
Charge: To recommend policies relating to the regulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and vehicular parking on the University campus.
Reports to: Commission on University Support
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: The committee shall initially elect from its members a chairperson and vice chairperson. The vice chairperson shall succeed the chairperson in the next year. Each year after the first year, a new vice chairperson shall be elected who will succeed the present chairperson.
Membership:
N. Undergraduate Curriculum
Charge: To give leadership to the Curriculum for Liberal Education and to make final curricular recommendations to CUSP concerning the inclusion of courses in the Curriculum for Liberal Education.
Reports to: Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Chairperson: Faculty member of the committee, elected by the committee and having previously served as vice-chair of the committee
Membership:
O. University Curriculum Committee for Liberal Education
Charge: To review and make final recommendations to the Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies concerning degree requirements, courses, academic progress, standards and criteria, and other policies and procedures affecting undergraduate curriculum and instruction.
Reports to: Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Chairperson: Vice-chair (chair-elect) of Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies
Membership:
Operational Committees are created (or dissolved), appointed, and charged by the Senior Vice President and Provost or one of the Vice Presidents, not requiring but subject to University Council action, as set forth in the Constitution of the University Council, Article X.
When creating, dissolving or changing the composition or charge of an Operational Committee, the appointing officer shall inform the University Council of the action being taken.
Appointing officers shall report to the Office of the President the names of the chairpersons and members of Operational Committees, and inform that Office when new persons are appointed and old members replaced.
The Office of the President will have available upon request a current list of Operational Committees, noting for each its appointing officer, its charge, its chairperson, and its membership.