University Council
The
responsibility and authority for the operation of the University is vested in
the Office of the President, as delegated to the President by the Board of Trustees. The
effectiveness of the President's leadership rests upon knowledge of
the needs and concerns of the University community, an ability to
make the wisest decisions within the range of feasible options, and an ability to
elicit the confidence and support of various constituencies of the
University in implementing these decisions. This document aims to
establish a pattern of consultation among the President, faculty, staff, and
students through a representative structure. The President’s
consultation with
University Council does not preclude decision-making and
action by the President in the course of executing the responsibilities of the
Office of the President.
University Council serves as a
representative and consultative committee
of faculty, staff, and students that serve at the pleasure of the President. On policy decisions
regarding matters affecting the operation of the University, the University
Council will serve as a
confidential advisory body to the President. Responsibilities of the
University Council will include advice in the determination of general
plans and goals for the University. It is assumed that the deliberation of the
University Council would be aided by appropriate knowledge of financial
constraints, budget distribution, admissions policy, and other relevant
information.
The
composition of the University Council will be:
- The President of the University, who is presiding
officer of the Council.
- Up
to four individuals, including the Provost, selected by the President from the senior
administration of
the University.
- The
Faculty Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Faculty Senate.
- Six
faculty members chosen by the Faculty Senate, including both tenured and
untenured members of the faculty and members of various schools of the
University. Such members shall not serve for more than three consecutive
one-year terms.
- Two staff members appointed by the
President
in consultation with the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and
the Staff Advisory Committee, ordinarily appointed for staggered two-year
terms.
- Two graduate student representatives to be
selected by the Graduate Student Association. No representative shall serve
for more than two years.
- Two undergraduate student representatives to be selected by the Student Association. No representative shall serve
for more than two years.
Approved 5/4/2005 by University Council