Faculty Council Bylaws

Section 1

The voting members of the Faculty Council are as follows:

• Chair,

• Chair-Elect,

• Past Chair, and

• Two elected representatives from each department of the College.

Section 2

The officers of the Faculty Council will be Chair, Chair-Elect, and Past Chair. These three officers constitute the Executive Committee.

Section 3

The duties of officers are as follows: 

1. The Chair will be the presiding officer of the Faculty Council and will have the authority to convene the Council and create the agenda, in consultation with the Council. The Chair will serve as mentor to the Chair-Elect with the support of the Past Chair.

2. The Past Chair will assume the duties of the Chair in their absence. The Past Chair will serve as mentor to the Chair and Chair-Elect.

3. The Chair-Elect will take minutes at the Council meetings, including the official roll, and perform other duties appropriate to the office.

Section 4

The duties of Department Representatives include the following: 

1. Serving as liaison between their department faculty and the Faculty Council. Responsible for (1) sharing Faculty Council discussions with department faculty, and (2) soliciting questions and feedback from department faculty for sharing with Faculty Council.

2. Serving on at least one Faculty Council committee, including both standing and special committees.

3. Attending and participating actively in Faculty Council meetings (required). In the event a department representative cannot attend a scheduled Faculty Council meeting, another faculty member from the same department should provide representation on their behalf. 

Section 1

The College’s General Elections are the responsibility of the Faculty Council Executive Committee, with the assistance of the Executive Secretary. The Executive Committee, or a designated representative (e.g., Executive Secretary), will issue a call for nominations to the College faculty for the following positions and committees:  Chair-Elect, Faculty Senators, University Graduate Council Representatives, Ombudsperson, College Promotion and Tenure Committee, and College Non-Tenure Line Promotion Committee. General Elections are held January through March and will be held by secret ballot. 

For purposes of continuity in committees’ work, faculty who will be taking sabbatical leave during the upcoming academic year are asked not to appear on the ballot for elected positions on College committees. Those who are elected should make every effort to arrange their teaching schedules so as not to conflict with regularly scheduled meetings. If unavoidable, the faculty member should be replaced with a duly elected alternate for that semester.

Section 2

Special Elections

In the event a faculty member steps down from a College-elected position prior to the end of their term, when possible, the replacement will be the person who received the next highest vote tally from the election year of the resigning individual. If no alternate can be identified, a special election will be held to fill the remaining term of the vacated position. Special elections can occur at any time of the year.

Section 3

Elections for Faculty Council Roles

1. Faculty Council Department Representatives are elected by their departments, rather than by the College. All faculty in the College of Education holding an academic rank as described in Policy AC 21 are eligible to seek a position on the Faculty Council. Of the two department representatives, one must be tenured. Elected representatives will serve a two-year term. Ideally, one-half (1/2) of the total number of elected faculty members of the Council will be elected each year. A faculty member will not be eligible for election to membership for more than two (2) consecutive terms. A new member filling in for a resigned Faculty Council member (whether the new member is appointed or elected) will not have this service count as one of the two (2) consecutive terms.

   1. The Chair-Elect of Faculty Council will be elected through a general election held each year. Nominations are made by members of the College faculty. Any College faculty member holding an academic rank with tenure in the College at the time of election is eligible to appear on the ballot. The newly elected Chair-Elect will serve on the Council’s Executive Committee and be a voting member of the Council for three years: Year 1 as Chair-Elect; Year 2 as Chair; and Year 3 as Past-Chair. If a current departmental representative to the Council is elected Chair-Elect, the member’s department will elect a replacement for the remainder of the vacated term. 

Section 4

Elections for Other College Roles and Committees 

1. The Ombudspersons perform the following functions: ombudspersons are: Clarification of misunderstandings; Advising faculty and administrators as to appropriate courses of action; Assisting in the informal resolution of differences; Assuring that appropriate department, college and/or campus procedures are exhausted before referring the case to higher levels;  Informing the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and appropriate college or campus officials if a matter cannot be resolved at the lower level and the case is to be referred to the Committee on Faculty Rights and Responsibilities.  

   Three Ombudspersons will serve two-year terms (with the initial cohort working together to determine how to stagger their terms going forward). Nominees must be a current or emeritus faculty member from two different departments across the college. It is highly recommended that faculty nominees for the role are tenured. Article II of the Senate constitution defines University faculty as “all persons who hold full-time academic appointments, including instructors and all professorial ranks and equivalent ranks as defined in University Policy AC21.” 

   The Ombudspersons and an Alternate Ombudsperson will be elected by the College faculty. The three Ombudsperson and the elected alternate will serve two-year terms. The Ombudsperson cannot simultaneously hold another position in the College that may compromise independence (e.g., as a member of a promotion committee). 

2. The College Promotion and Tenure Committee will be constituted in its entirety prior to the elections of department level promotion and tenure committees. All tenure-line faculty in the College may nominate potential members of this Committee. All tenured faculty are eligible to be nominated. From the nominees, five (5) of the seven members of this committee are elected by the tenure-line members of the College faculty. At least three of the five members must hold the rank of Professor. Elected members are those with the highest number of votes in the election. If the election results in more than two members from one department, the selection will move to the candidate with the next highest number of votes. No more than two members from a single department may be on the committee at one time. Two (2) additional tenured members are appointed by the Dean of the College, making sure that no more than two Committee members come from any one department. Administrators may not serve on this Committee. Elected members will serve 3-year terms. Members appointed by the Dean may serve variable terms ranging from 1 to 3 years. Committee members are eligible to serve again after one year from the end of their term. Exceptions may be possible with the approval of the dean prior to elections. No member may serve on the Committee during the academic year in which they are being reviewed for promotion or taking a sabbatical leave. No member may serve on more than one promotion and tenure committee (i.e., department level, College level, University level) at the same time. If a member of the Committee must resign from the Committee during the academic year, a short-term appointment may be made by the Dean or a Dean's representative to complete the year, as appropriate. If needed, a special election will be held to reconstitute the committee for the next year(s). If a member is unable to complete their full term of service on the Committee, a special election will be held.

3. The College Non-Tenure Line Promotion Committee will be constituted prior to the elections of department level non-tenure line promotion committees. Non-tenure line faculty in the College may nominate potential members of this Committee. All non-tenure line faculty holding a rank higher than Instructors/Lecturers (for faculty without terminal degrees) and Assistant Teaching Professors (for those with terminal degrees) are eligible to be nominated. From the nominees, the five (5) members of this committee are elected by the non-tenure line members of the College faculty. No more than two members from a single department may be on the committee at one time. At least three (3) of the five (5) elected members must hold the rank of Teaching Professor (for those holding a terminal degree) or Associate Teaching Professor (for those not holding a terminal degree). Members will serve 2-year staggered terms. Committee members are eligible to serve again after one year from the end of their term. Exceptions may be possible with the approval of the dean prior to elections. If a member is unable to complete their full term of service on the Committee, a special election will be held. No member may serve concurrently on more than one committee dealing with non-tenure line promotions (i.e., department and College level committees). No member may serve on the Committee during the academic year in which they are being reviewed for a promotion.

Section 5

College Elections for Other Representative Bodies in the University

1. The University Faculty Senate determines the number of Senators each college may have based on the ratio of full-time faculty in each unit to the total of all full-time faculty. Seats will be allocated based on the Senate census preceding the election. Each year, the Faculty Senate Office will communicate to the College the number of Senators permitted and how many Senators need to be elected. Senator terms are four (4) years. All faculty who hold full-time academic appointments, including instructors and all professorial ranks and equivalent ranks as defined in University Policy AC21 are eligible, with the exception of academic deans and those holding affiliate academic appointments with the College.

2. According to the Bylaws of the University Graduate Council, members of the Graduate Faculty within the College must elect representatives to serve as members of the Graduate Council each year. The number of representatives is proportionate to the total number of Graduate Faculty. University Graduate Council members serve a two-year term beginning in July of the elected year.

Section 1 

The Faculty Council, in order to maintain its legislative, forensic, advisory, and consultative responsibilities, shall determine any ad-hoc committee structure and composition. The Faculty Council may include any University personnel or any student of the University to serve as members within any ad-hoc committee. 

1. All members of standing committees who are not members of the Faculty Council shall have non-voting privileges of the floor when the subject of discussion pertains specifically to the work of their respective committee.
2. Direct consultation between the Faculty Council, its committees, members of the administration, faculty, and the student body of the College is encouraged as appropriate.
3. Any report approved by a committee at the last meeting on one academic year shall be presented to the Council and, if approved for the agenda, shall be presented to the Faculty Council at the beginning of the next academic year without review by the new committee.
4. The Faculty Council and its committees shall consider business presented to the Council within two meetings after submission.
5. All committees will keep minutes of their meetings and communicate them to the Faculty Council within two (2) weeks of the meeting.
6. The Faculty Council has full authority to decide which Committee has responsibility for considering any item that may overlap the responsibilities of more than one Committee. The Chair may speak on behalf of the Faculty of the College on items specifically delegated in their charge in the Standing Rules.
7. Each committee elects a chairperson annually from among the voting members on the committee. The Chair will be the committee’s presiding officer and will have the authority to convene the committee and create the agenda, in consultation with the Committee and the Associate Dean, the ex officio officer for the committee. 

Standing Committees

The structure and composition of all Faculty Council Standing Committees, except the Executive Committee, will be approved by the Council with only the following stipulations: All personnel and students in the College of Education (except where otherwise stipulated) are eligible for appointment to Standing Committees of the Council, and a Faculty Council member will represent the Council on all Standing Committees. Student representatives will coordinate with their Council to identify students to serve on standing and special committees that require student representation. 

Concerns about procedures occurring within these standing committees should be brought to the attention of the Executive Committee by anyone in the College. They can also be raised by the Faculty Council representative of the committee during the Forensic session or by other members of the council representing concerned faculty. 

1. Committee on Curricular Affairs

Membership consists of a member from each department (typically the Directors of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies/Curriculum from each department) and one elected Faculty Council member. Department and College staff members supporting the curriculum process, the College representative to the University Senate Committee on Curricular Affairs, and the College representative to the Graduate Council Subcommittee on New and Revised Programs and Courses will be ex-officio members without voting privileges and will participate in Committee meetings and discussions. As appropriate, other faculty members, academic administrators, and staff members may participate in Committee meetings without voting privileges. A Dean’s representative (typically an associate dean) attends and participates in all committee meetings. 

The Committee on Curricular Affairs reviews and evaluates all proposals for undergraduate and graduate courses and programs submitted by the departments. The Committee’s review occurs after a positive review by a department curricular affairs committee and prior to review by Faculty Senate or Graduate Council. It will study the existing curriculum of the College, make recommendations for changes when they appear justified, and report annually to the Council. It will maintain such liaison with the Dean's Office, the University Senate, and the Graduate Council as may be necessary to gain acceptance for its recommendations. The Chairperson is elected annually from among the faculty members on the committee by the members of the committee. 

2. Committee on Graduate Studies

All members, including the Faculty Council representative, must be tenured Category R members of the Graduate Faculty. Membership consists of one member from each department. The committee will include one elected Faculty Council member, with other members appointed by department heads in consultation with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. Two-year terms of service will be staggered to ensure continuity. The Committee provides coordinating and advisory functions for matters concerning graduate studies and graduate faculty membership (see Policy GCAC-101). The Committee makes recommendations in response to nominations for special graduate assistantships, fellowships, and student research proposals. It will make recommendations regarding graduate studies and graduate faculty to Council as needed. The Chairperson is elected annually from among the faculty members on the committee by the members of the committee. 

3. Professional Development Committee

Membership consist of a faculty member from each department, one faculty selected from the non-tenure line promotion committee and a graduate student representative. The Chairperson elected annually from among the members on the committee and include in its duties the responsibilities of communicating to the council regularly regarding the non-confidential business of the committee. The Chairperson is elected annually from among the members on the committee and includes in its duties the responsibility of communicating to the Council regularly regarding the non-confidential business of the committee. 

The committee will contribute to the ongoing development of the College faculty, including new and experienced members, as they progress through their careers by recommending programs and practices that will promote an open and inclusive culture of professional learning and community building. The committee will work collaboratively with College leadership to identify professional development needs related to improving and regenerating faculty interest and expertise in equity-minded teaching and advising, research and scholarly activity, and extension and outreach. The committee’s recommendations and participation may be directed to such efforts as new faculty orientation activities, promotion and tenure workshops , and invited speakers and special event across the academic year. The committee will also assist in identifying mentoring opportunities in the College, ensuring access to library and technology resources for faculty, and advocating for new resources and programs that might benefit faculty.

4. Nominating Committee

The committee shall also serve as the nominating committee for the Council, meaning that it will collaborate with department heads and the administration of the college ot identify and fill all vacancies on Faculty Council, and the committees listed in the bylaws, including affiliated committees when appropriate. The Committee will also insist with any additional hoc selection of faculty members to special committees at the College level.

The committee will issue an annual written call to the faculty for preferences for College service. The Committee will draw from, but not be limited to, the results for the preference call, and will then prepare a preliminary slate and will consult with the department heads and administrators. The final slate will include at least one and a half times as many nominees as seats to be filed.

Except whether otherwise specified, the miniating committee is responsible for supervising all College elections. The committee will oversee the elections for those positions in the University and College committees and develop written policies governing voting procedures. The Committee will ensure that each eligible voter is approved with a ballot, and that the voting bill be unanimous. 

5. Sabbatical Review Committee

The Sabbatical Review Committee includes one member from each department, appointed by the department head in consultation with the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs per Policy AC-17). Members must be tenured College faculty who have recently completed a sabbatical leave. Members typically serve staggered 2-year terms. The Chair of this Committee will be elected from among its membership. This committee reviews college applications for sabbatical leaves and make recommendations to the Dean according to University policies and procedures. 

6. College Promotion and Tenure Committee

Membership of the College Promotion and Tenure Committee is determined by election and appointment by the Dean, as specified in Article II. Elections. This Committee reviews candidates for promotion and tenure and reports its recommendations to the Dean. Procedures for the election and operation of the Committee will agree with established University Policies and Procedures. The Committee may also be called upon to address Immediate Tenure Reviews for newly hired faculty members during the summer months. The Chairperson is elected annually from among the members on the committee and includes in its duties the responsibility of communicating to the Council regularly regarding non-confidential business of the committee. 

7. The College Non-Tenure Line Promotion Committee

Membership of the College Non-Tenure Line Promotion Committee is determined by election and appointment by the Dean, as specified in Article II. Elections. This Committee reviews candidates for promotion and tenure and reports its recommendations to the Dean. Procedures for the election and operation of the Committee will agree with established University Policies and Procedures. The Chairperson is elected annually from among the members on the committee and includes in its duties the responsibility of communicating to the Council regularly regarding non-confidential business of the committee. 

Section 2

Special Committees

Special committees are appointed to consider subjects not already assigned to Standing Committees of the Faculty Council. A member of the Faculty Council may suggest the creation of a special committee to the Executive Committee or the Dean, who will consult on its formation. Membership on special committees will be determined by the Executive Committee in consultation with the Dean, or a Dean’s representative, and the parties requesting the formation of the Special Committee. Typically, Special Committees will be terminated at the end of the Faculty Council year. 

Section 3

Other Committees of the College

Other committees of the College perform essential functions that relate directly to the concerns of faculty but are not required to include representation from the Council in their membership. The Council will consult with other committees as circumstances indicate and can make formal recommendations to these committees for consideration; and other committees will bring matters of concern to the Council for consultation.  

1. Equity Coalition

The Equity Coalition is a network of organizations that aim to raise, address, and respond to critical issues of educational equity and social justice in the College and beyond. These bodies of College faculty, staff, and students include but are not limited to the Equity Team, Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee, BIPOC Council, and associated learning communities. The organizations that comprise the College Equity Coalition should be expected to evolve over time as their activities and impacts advance.

2. Research Advisory  Committee

The Research Advisory Committee includes one member from each department of the College, appointed by the department heads in consultation with the Associate Dean for Research. This Committee reviews College-level grant proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Associate Dean for Research, reviews and makes recommendations for College-level proposals for limited submission grant programs and provides advice about research policy and strategic planning. 

3. Faculty, Student and Staff Award

Faculty, Student and Staff Awards. Membership consists of one elected Faculty Council member and additional faculty members, one representing each department and appointed by Department Heads. One College staff representative, selected from and by the Staff Advisory Council, will also serve. Two student representatives, one selected from the College Undergraduate Student Council and one from Graduate Student Council, will also serve. All faculty appointments to this committee should be made before the start of fall semester. Student selection will occur in early fall. The Committee establishes review procedures for College-level faculty, staff, and student awards, reviews nomination materials, and identifies recipients for College-level faculty, staff, and student awards. The Committee may also suggest potential candidates for University-level faculty, staff, and student awards to department heads. 

4. College Academic Integrity Committee

The Academic Integrity Committee is responsible for action on cases of academic dishonesty, grade mediation, and other faculty/student academic problems. While concerned with policy recommendations, The Committee may act as an advisory group to the Dean or Associate Dean on matters related to academic standards and student affairs. The faculty representative includes in its duties the responsibility of communicating to the Council regularly regarding the non-confidential business of the committee. 

Section 1

Regular meetings of the Faculty Council will be held once each month, from September to April. A meeting during the summer session will be considered a special meeting. The calendar for regular meetings of the Council will be prepared by the Executive Committee and published in a timely manner.

Section 2

Upon the request of the Dean of the College, the Chair will convene the Faculty Council for the purpose of receiving information about the state of the College, special requests for advice, and recommendations for Council action.

Section 3

Upon receiving a written petition signed by at least twenty (20) members of the College faculty, the Chair will convene the Faculty Council to consider the proposals of the petitioners, provided their written petition contains (1) a statement of the purpose of the petition, and (2) the names of three College faculty members whom the petitioners have designated to meet with the Executive Committee and act on their behalf.

Section 4

The Chair of the Faculty Council may at any time convene other special meetings of the Council for such purposes that are deemed necessary for the effective discharge of the business of the Council.

Section 5

The date of any subsequent meeting of the Faculty Council may be changed by a majority vote of the members present at any meeting.

Section 6

Each year, the Chair of the Faculty Council shall call at least one overall meeting of the College Faculty. These meetings shall follow the procedures stated in Standing Rules, Article I. In addition, at least three (3) weeks prior to the meeting, The Chair of the Faculty Council shall make public the date, time, and place of the meeting and call for agenda items from the chairs of the standing committees, members of the Faculty Council and the College Faculty. The agenda for the meeting shall be published one (1) week in advance of the meeting by the Council Chair.

In addition, all College faculty are invited to attend meetings of the Council. College faculty will be kept informed of Council actions and plans, and other matters that may be of faculty interest. Agendas, meeting minutes, and related documents are accessible to all College faculty members.

A quorum for the transaction of business will consist of at least one half (fifty percent) of the total number of voting members of the Faculty Council.

The Council may conduct referenda of the College faculty.

The Council will establish its rules of procedure.

Amendments to the BYLAWS may be adopted at any meeting of the Faculty Council by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present, provided that the amendments were presented in writing at the preceding regular meeting. Successful amendments will be communicated to the Executive Director of the University Faculty Senate. An amendment will take effect upon approval by the University Faculty Senate.