Faculty Handbook

Chapter 4: Organization and Administration

4.1 The University Constitution

The University Constitution provides the basic law which, subject to the authority of the Board of Regents, governs the University. The Constitution outlines the organization of the University, the functions of its various officers and units, and basic tenure policies.

4.2 The Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate is the basic legislative body of the University. Representatives are elected from and by the full-time instructors, assistant professors, associate professors and professors from each school or college. The Developmental Research School faculty elects one representative, and the Professional Staff of Librarians of the University Libraries (excluding the Law Library) elects one representative. The presiding officer of the Senate is elected by the Senate from its membership.

The Faculty Senate meets regularly each month during the academic year. All meetings are open to the members of the faculty. Any member of the faculty may request through the chairman of the Senate Steering Committee to address the Faculty Senate.

The Faculty Senate determines and defines University-wide policies on academic matters. It formulates measures for the maintenance of a comprehensive educational policy and for the maximum utilization of the intellectual resources of the University.

4.3 The Executive Council

The Executive Council is composed of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculties and Deputy Provost, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Research, Vice President for University Advancement, and the President of the Faculty Senate. The Director of Budget and Analysis is an ex officio, non-voting member. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs chairs the Council, and the Vice President for Finance and Administration is its Vice Chairperson. The Council serves as the internal operations committee guiding the day-to-day activities of the University along policy directions established by the President.

4.4 The University Council

The University Council is composed of the President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculties and Deputy Provost, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Research, Vice President for University Advancement, Director of Budget and Analysis, Assistant to the President for Human Resources, Assistant to the President for Contract Administration, Executive Assistant to the President, Assistant to the President for Oversight, University General Counsel, Director of Internal Auditing, Assistant to the President for University Relations, President of the Faculty Senate, Chairperson of the Faculty Senate Budget Advisory Committee, and President of the Student Body. The Council meets at a time scheduled by the President, who serves as chair, to discuss matters relating to University-wide concerns.

4.5 The University Budget Advisory Committee

The University Budget Advisory Committee is composed of the President (Chairperson), Provost and Vice President for Academic affairs (Vice Chairperson), Dean of the Faculties and Deputy Provost, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Research, Vice President for University Advancement, the President of the Faculty Senate, the Chairperson of the Faculty Senate Budget Advisory Committee, and three Faculty Members appointed by the President from a list provided by the Faculty Senate Steering Committee for staggered three-year terms. The Director of Budget and Analysis is an ex officio, non-voting member. The Committee advises and consults with the President on budgetary matters pertaining to the implementation of the institution's mission and priorities; serves as the official group within the University having knowledge and information about University- wide budget planning, allocation, and management; discusses and establishes budgetary policies and procedure for fulfilling the university's priorities; advises and consults with the President on the annual budget allocations for the major divisions of the University presided over by the vice presidents and reviews expenditures in relation to allocations for the divisions; and advises and consults on budgetary amendments and reserve allocations affecting major divisions.