University Faculty Senate Constitution and Bylaws

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, Ohio

Approved by UFS March 2022

Ratified by Faculty April 2022

GEAC Bylaw Revisions Approved November 2022

 
 
 
 
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Contents 
University Faculty Senate Constitution ..................................................................................... 3 
ARTICLE I: NAME, PURPOSE, SCOPE, AUTHORITY AND FREEDOM OF 
ASSOCIATION ......................................................................................................................... 3 
ARTICLE II: PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................. 5 
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICERS ................................................................... 7 
ARTICLE IV: ELECTIONS AND ELECTION DISTRICTS FOR SENATORS .............. 10 
ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS, RECALL, RESIGNATION ..................................................... 10 
ARTICLE VI: UNIVERSITY FACULTY SENATE MEETINGS ........................................ 11 
ARTICLE VII: ORDER OF BUSINESS AT MEETINGS AND PLACING OF ITEMS ON 
THE AGENDA......................................................................................................................... 12 
ARTICLE VIII: FINANCES .................................................................................................... 15 
ARTICLE IX: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS .......................................................... 15 
ARTICLE X: BYLAWS ........................................................................................................... 16 
University Faculty Senate Bylaws ........................................................................................... 16 
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHING AND TERMINATING COMMITTEES ............................ 16 
SECTION 2: GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS ...... 16 
SECTION 3: OVERSIGHT OF NON-DEPARTMENTAL DIRECTORS ........................ 17 
SECTION 4: STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE UFS .................................................. 19 
1.  UFS Executive Committee ..................................................................................... 19 
2.  Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee (EPCC) ................................. 20 
3.   The Graduate Council: Graduate Council (GC) .................................................. 21 
4.  General Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) ............................................... 22 
5.  Distance Learning Committee (DLC) .................................................................... 23 
6.  Honors Program Committee (HPC) ...................................................................... 25 
7.  Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC) ........................................................... 26 
8.  Research and Scholarly Affairs Committee (RSAC) .......................................... 27 
9.  Celebration of Scholarship Committee (COSC) ................................................. 28 
10.  Assessment and Accreditation Committee (AAC) .............................................. 29 
11.  Distinguished Lecture Series Committee (DLSC) .............................................. 30 
SECTION 5: INITIATION OF CURRICULAR PROPOSALS .......................................... 31 
SECTION 6: ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES ............................. 31 
SECTION 7: SHARED GOVERNANCE COMMITTEES ................................................. 32 
SECTION 8: ELECTRONIC MEETINGS ........................................................................... 33 
SECTION 9: BYLAW AMENDMENTS ................................................................................ 33 

University Faculty Senate Constitution

ARTICLE I: NAME, PURPOSE, SCOPE, AUTHORITY AND FREEDOM OF

ASSOCIATION

SECTION I.1: NAME - The full name of this organization shall be the University Faculty

Senate of Shawnee State University (hereafter, UFS).

SECTION I.2: PURPOSE - The purpose of the UFS is to ensure that the full diversity of

faculty viewpoints and the collective experience, knowledge and judgment

of the faculty of Shawnee State University are fully heard and given

appropriate weight by the President of the University, the Board of Trustees

and the Ohio Board of Regents on all matters of educational and academic

policy or other areas of concern that are not incorporated into an officially

recognized collective bargaining agreement. It is also the purpose of the

UFS to advance the dignity and worth of the academic profession and of

higher education.

SECTION I.3: SCOPE AND AUTHORITY OF THE UFS - The UFS, including its

standing committees and subcommittees, is the sole official voice of the

Faculty of Shawnee State University in the University governance process

for all matters not covered by any legally recognized collective bargaining

agreement. The UFS recommends courses of action with respect to

academic and educational policies and other related areas of faculty

concern to the University President; through the University President, to the

Board of Trustees; and, where relevant, to the Board of Regents of the

State of Ohio. In order for a recommended course of action that is not

covered under a recognized collective bargaining agreement to be deemed

as having been recommended by the faculty, official approval by the UFS is

a necessary condition. It is the expectation of the UFS that on matters that

significantly impact academic or educational issues that the UFS will be

viewed as the primary recommending body and that its recommendations

will be considered as the deliberate recommendations of a professional

body.

SECTION I.4: RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE - The UFS

recognizes the existing collective bargaining agreement as currently

protecting the academic freedom of the faculty of SSU. In the event this

contract should be rendered null and void by a competent legal authority

with jurisdiction to do so, the following provision will apply: No Officer of the

Senate, no Senator, and no faculty member may be discriminated against

with respect to terms and conditions of employment on the basis of their

participation in UFS affairs, or the affairs of its committees, or the

governance process of the University in general unless one’s conduct in

such matters is shown through established disciplinary procedures to

constitute misconduct. Where University Service is defined as a criterion for

promotion or retention, that service shall be evaluated in accordance with

the established retention and promotion guidelines.

SECTION I.5: AFFIRMATION OF THE WORTH, STATUS AND DIGNITY OF THE

PROFESSION - The UFS affirms its commitment to the concepts of

academic freedom, academic due process, shared governance, and the

status and worth of faculty as these concepts have historically been defined

and understood by professional associations of college and university

faculty, including the American Association of University Professors, the

National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers.

SECTION I.6: AFFIRMATION OF THE RIGHT OF FREE ASSOCIATION - The UFS

affirms the rights of faculty to freely associate; to band together for mutual

aid and support; to advance the interests, status and dignity of college and

university faculty; and to advance the interests of higher education in

general. The UFS also recognizes the rights of faculty to choose to reject

any such affiliation or membership. The UFS recognizes the National

Education Association, its state affiliate (The Ohio Education Association),

and its local affiliate (The Shawnee Education Association) to be the sole

representative of faculty for matters pertaining to salaries and working

conditions under current Ohio Law. In the event that any existing Collective

Bargaining Agreement is deemed to be invalid by an appropriate legal

authority with jurisdiction to so rule, the UFS shall immediately create a

committee whose purpose shall be to recommend to the UFS the best way

to defend the status and dignity of the faculty of Shawnee State University.

This committee shall have the right to receive technical and legal advice

from any source, including, but not limited to, professional organizations that

represent college and university faculty in collective bargaining agreements

or that advocate collective bargaining for college and university faculty.

Faculty shall not be discriminated against with respect to their conditions of

employment by virtue of any such association or activity, or by virtue of their

choice not to so associate and participate.

SECTION I.7: RELATION OF THE UFS TO THE UNIVERSITY - The UFS recognizes

the role of governance and other university-wide committees or

subcommittees that are not directly incorporated as UFS committees or

subcommittees. Similarly, the UFS recognizes the importance of all

constituency groups being heard in the governance process. However, any

recommendation on their part that has the potential to significantly impact

matters under the purview of the UFS must be voted on and approved by

the UFS prior to their being viewed as recommendations by the Faculty. A

matter shall be deemed to be under the purview of the UFS if it has the

potential to significantly impact academic quality or the overall status of

faculty in areas not covered by collective bargaining agreement.

SECTION I.8: RIGHT OF THE FACULTY TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVES TO

GOVERNANCE OR OTHER UNIVERSITY-WIDE COMMITTEES - The UFS

shall elect faculty representatives to Governance, University-Wide

Committees, and Search Committees in which faculty participate in

accordance with the procedures set forth in the UFS Bylaws. The President

of the University shall have the right to request that the UFS Executive

Committee reconsider any faculty member elected to serve on such

committees. If after considering the information presented by the President,

the UFS Executive Committee deems its choice to have been appropriate,

that recommendation shall stand. The President may choose not to accept

any such recommendation but a decision to do so shall constitute grounds

for a motion of disapproval by the UFS.

ARTICLE II: PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

SECTION II.1: RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACADEMIC PROGRAMS NOT REQUIRING

PRESIDENTIAL OR BOARD APPROVAL - Recommendations with respect

to any and all academic programs will be placed on the UFS agenda upon

approval by the Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee (EPCC),

Graduate Council (GC), or Distance Learning Committee (DLC). All such

matters will be decided by majority vote of the UFS at a duly constituted

meeting. Upon approval of the UFS, the President of the UFS will approve

the proposals through Curriculog, which will forward the proposal to the

Provost. The UFS President’s approval of proposals in Curriculog will be

deemed to constitute the recommendation of the UFS. Except in cases

where such recommendations require the approval of the President of the

University, the Board of Trustees or the Board of Regents, the Provost will

review the recommendation.

SECTION II.1.1: If the Provost approves the recommendation, then the

recommendation shall become effective.

SECTION II.1.2: If the Provost does not approve the recommendation, the Provost will

request the faculty to reconsider and provide a written explanation for this

request.

SECTION II.2: OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

SECTION II.2.1: When a recommendation requires approval beyond the level of the

Provost, the President of the UFS shall inform the President of the

University in writing of the recommendation of the UFS. If the President

approves, the President will pass the recommendation on to the appropriate

authorities for review and approval. If the President or any other body does

not approve or accept the proposal, then the procedures below with respect

to recommendations of non-curricular matters will apply.

SECTION II.2.2: Upon receipt of the recommendation of an official recommendation by

the UFS, the President of the University will make a decision regarding the

recommendation within thirty (30) working days. If the recommendation is

passed at the last UFS meeting of the academic year, the President may

elect to inform the UFS of his or her decision within seven (7) working days

of the commencement of fall semester classes. In acting upon a

recommendation of the UFS, the President may:

SECTION II.2.2.A: Accept the recommendation and forward it to the Board of Trustees

where required.

SECTION II.2.2.B: Return the recommendation to the UFS with a specific request to

reconsider all or some of the recommendation. In making this request, the

President of the University may choose to communicate his or her reasons

officially in writing, or may elect to discuss the matter informally with the

President of the UFS, or with the President of the UFS and the UFS

Executive Committee. Only resolutions that receive approval by the UFS in

accordance with its rules and Bylaws at an official UFS meeting shall be

considered as an official recommendation of the UFS. If the President of the

UFS, or the Executive Committee believe a compromise may be reached,

they shall inform the UFS of the nature of the compromise and provide the

UFS with a chance to vote. Such matters may be approved by acclamation.

However, an objection by one Senator shall require a formal vote by the

Senate.

SECTION II.2.2.C: If, after the above process is complete, the President of the

University still does not accept the official recommendation of the UFS, the

President of the University shall inform the President of the UFS in writing of

his or her reason(s) for the disagreement. The President of the UFS will be

afforded an opportunity to state the basis for the UFS’s disagreement with

the President of the University both in writing and in person before the

Board of Trustees, per the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees. In formulating

his or her response, the President of the UFS will consult with the UFS

Executive Committee and provide the Executive Committee the opportunity

to vote on the official response, if the UFS Executive Committee views this

as necessary. The UFS Executive Committee shall also have the right to

place the matter before the UFS as a collective body if in its judgment the

situation warrants. In such matters, the UFS will decide by majority vote.

SECTION II.2.2.D: If the Board of Trustees takes an action contrary to the

recommendation of the UFS, the President of the UFS shall convey this

message to the UFS at its next officially scheduled meeting. The UFS may

then choose to officially communicate its displeasure to the Board of

Trustees, following the same procedure as in SECTION II.2.2.C above.

SECTION II.3: RELATIONSHIP OF UFS TO THE UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE

SECTION II.3.1: The UFS President shall work with University administration to ensure

that appropriate personnel, information, and other appropriate resources are

available to assist and support the Senate in the conduct of its business.

SECTION II.3.2: Upon receipt of Board of Trustee meeting agenda and materials, the

UFS President shall determine whether there are matters therein that

should be presented to the UFS Executive Committee.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICERS

SECTION III.1: MEMBERSHIP - All tenure-track and tenured faculty, Full-Time

Faculty with Continuing Contracts, and Full-Time Instructors/Non-

Tenure Track (FTIs/NTTs) employed by the University shall be

deemed a member of UFS and shall have the right to vote in

elections for UFS Senators and Officers, to serve on UFS or other

governance committees, and to serve as a Senator in the UFS.

Faculty Directors or Coordinators of programs on release time with

rights of return to faculty shall be deemed faculty for the purposes of

this document. With the exception of Administrative Department

Chairs or Assistant/Associate Deans, such as in the Department of

Nursing, School of Business, or the School of Education, all

Department Chairs shall also be deemed faculty for the purposes of

this document.

SECTION III.2: PERMANENT INVITED GUESTS - The President of the

University, Provost, Deans of any college, The General Education

Program Director, the Honors Program Director, the Teaching and

Learning Center Coordinator, the Center for International Programs

and Activities (CIPA) Director, the Women’s and Gender Equity

Center Director or any other similar director not indicated in this

document shall have the status of permanent invited guest. Invited

guests may speak to motions with the same rights and privileges as

Senators and shall have the right and responsibility to inform the UFS

of significant developments in their respective areas. During a UFS

meeting’s normal course of business, invited guests are not permitted

to make motions. However, at his or her discretion, the President of

the UFS may allow invited guests to make motions when doing so

will improve the flow of business. Invited guests lack voting rights in

the UFS, even if the UFS President allows a guest to propose a

motion.

SECTION III.3: OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - The Officers and

Executive Committee of the UFS shall consist of:

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

University at-Large Senator

Only faculty holding tenure or a continuing contract may serve as

officers of the UFS. Each officer shall be elected by the popular vote

of the majority of votes cast by UFS members and shall serve for a

term of two years, unless that officer resigns or is recalled during the

officer’s term. Wherever possible, the terms of officers shall be

staggered so that no more than three officers will be up for re-

election each year. It shall be the responsibility of each officer of the

UFS to be an advocate for faculty to the University administration, the

Board of Trustees and the public at large.

SECTION III.3.1: PRESIDENT - The UFS President shall:

1. Serve as spokesperson for the UFS on all matters officially approved by

the UFS (but may appoint the Vice President as spokesperson as needed);

2. Serve as Chair of the UFS Executive Committee;

3. Set the meeting agenda for UFS meetings and conduct UFS and

Executive Committee meetings;

4. Ensure that the UFS meeting agenda is distributed electronically at least

five (5) working days prior to each UFS meeting;

5. Sign official documents, approve proposals through Curriculog after

passage by the UFS at an official meeting, and forward the UFS policy

recommendations to the President of the University;

6. Monitor the performance of the UFS and make recommendations to the

UFS or its committees for the better ordering of the body;

7. Report to the UFS any matters that he or she or other senators deem of

importance to that body, including the status of UFS recommendations to

the President of the University;

8. Promote University-wide knowledge of UFS workings;

9. Serve as one representative of the UFS to the Ohio Faculty Council;

10. Coordinate with the UFS Secretary and the Provost’s Office (or other

appropriate administrators) to ensure the smooth functioning of the UFS and

timely posting of minutes on the UFS web page;

11. Receive a nine (9) credit hour reduction in teaching load in order to be

able to effectively discharge his or her duties as UFS President. No more

than six (6) credit hours may be taken in any one semester, save at the sole

discretion of the University Provost.

SECTION III.3.2: VICE PRESIDENT - The UFS Vice President shall:

1. Chair the Educational Policies and Procedures Committee;

2. Preside over/or chair meetings of the UFS and/or Executive Committee in

the absence of the UFS President;

3. Serve as second voting representative to the Ohio Faculty Council;

4. Serve on the Executive Committee;

5. Coordinate with the UFS Secretary and Provost’s Office (or other

appropriate administrative office) to ensure timely posting of EPCC minutes

on the UFS web page;

6. Receive a six (6) credit hour reduction in teaching load in order to be able

to effectively discharge his or her duties as UFS Vice President.

SECTION III.3.3: SECRETARY - The secretary shall:

1. Take roll and record minutes of UFS meetings and Executive Committee

Meetings when necessary;

2. Provide electronic copies of the minutes for the previous UFS meeting to

all Senators five (5) working days prior to each UFS meeting;

3. Coordinate with the UFS President and the Provost’s office to ensure full

and accurate posting of approved UFS and EPCC minutes on the UFS web

page and maintain Senate records and the UFS website;

SECTION III.3.4: TREASURER - The UFS Treasurer shall administer the funds/budget

of the UFS, keep current records of receipts and disbursements, and submit

reports at each UFS meeting and an annual financial report to the UFS.

SECTION III.3.5: AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE - The at-large representative serves

on the Executive Committee and serves as alternate representative to the

Ohio Faculty Council.

SECTION III.3.6: PARLIAMENTARIAN - The UFS President may appoint, at his or her

discretion, any full-service faculty member to serve as UFS Parliamentarian.

The role of the Parliamentarian is to provide non-binding advice to the UFS

President on the appropriate interpretation of Robert’s Rules of Order. If a

Parliamentarian is appointed, the Parliamentarian shall be a non-voting

member of the Executive Committee and of the UFS.

ARTICLE IV: ELECTIONS AND ELECTION DISTRICTS FOR SENATORS

SECTION IV.1: RESPONSIBILITIES OF SENATORS - Senators shall seek input from

their constituents on matters before the UFS and shall seek to ensure that

the concerns of their constituents receive due consideration before the UFS.

It is the responsibility of Senators to attend UFS meetings and to inform

their constituents and the UFS President of their absence and the reasons

for that absence from any UFS meeting.

SECTION IV.2: ELECTION DISTRICTS

SECTION IV.2.1: Each academic department or school within the College of Arts &

Sciences (CAS) and the College of Professional Studies (CPS) shall have

the right to elect ONE Senator by majority vote of the UFS membership of

each department.

SECTION IV.2.2: Officers: The entire faculty will be the election district of all officers.

SECTION IV.2.3: UFS members with appointments in the CPS shall have the

right to elect TWO Senators-at-Large by majority vote of the UFS

membership in the CPS.

SECTION IV.2.: UFS members with appointments in the CAS shall have the right

to elect TWO Senators-at-Large by majority vote of the UFS

membership in the CAS.

ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS, RECALL, RESIGNATION

SECTION V.1: ELECTIONS OF SENATORS AND OFFICERS - Elections of Senators

and Officers shall be conducted annually. All Officers and Senators shall

serve for a term of two years, but the terms shall be staggered so that no

more than one half of the Senate shall stand for election in any given year.

The election shall not take place sooner than two months prior to the last

day of classes of the end of the Spring semester and no later than ten (10)

working days prior to the last day of classes of the Spring semester. Thirty

days prior to the officially announced date of the UFS election, the UFS

President will establish, in consultation with the Executive Committee, an

Election Committee composed of three faculty members to oversee the

Election. The Election Committee shall select a Chair and the Chair shall

solicit nominations for all open UFS Senatorial and Officer seats. The Chair

shall issue a second call for nominations fifteen (15) days prior to the

election and a third call seven (7) days prior to the election. Nominations

shall be officially closed five (5) days prior to the election. The Election

Committee shall then formulate a ballot and distribute it to faculty in a

fashion that the Committee deems to be reasonably not susceptible to

fraud. All elections shall be by secret ballot. The Committee shall tabulate

votes and announce the winner. Vote totals shall be released in all

competitive elections. Write-in candidates will be permitted as may “no”

votes when a candidate is unopposed. If any candidate receives more “no”

votes than affirmative votes, another election will be held for that seat until a

candidate receives at least a majority affirmation. No person seeking any

seat may supervise the elections. The Election Committee Chair shall

announce the results of the election within seven (7) calendar days of the

close of the election.

SECTION V.2: RECALL OR RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS AND SENATORS –

Officers and Senators of the UFS may be recalled for misfeasance,

malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office. Officers and Senators may

also resign at any time by informing the President of the UFS in

writing of their resignation. If the President of the UFS resigns, the

President will inform the Vice President of the UFS. Recall

proceedings can be initiated by a petition signed by 20% of the UFS

members represented by the Senator or Officer and presented to the

UFS Executive Committee. Upon receipt of such a petition, or in the

case of a resignation, the President of the UFS shall appoint an

Election Committee as required above in the section on elections. If

the recall is against the President, the Vice President shall appoint

the Election Committee. A majority vote of all UFS members of an

officers’/senators’ constituency against an officer/senator shall result

in a recall. Upon a successful recall, or in the event of a resignation

by an Officer or Senator, a special election shall be held to elect a

replacement who shall finish the term of the Officer or Senator who

has been recalled or resigned. Special Elections for Officers shall be

carried out by a UFS Elections Committee; Special Elections for

Senators shall be carried out by the chair of the Senator’s academic

department in accordance with their departmental by-laws.

ARTICLE VI: UNIVERSITY FACULTY SENATE MEETINGS

SECTION VI.1: MEETINGS – All meetings of the UFS shall be open to attendance by

all interested parties unless the UFS votes to go into executive session.

SECTION VI.2: REGULAR MEETINGS – The UFS shall meet each month of the

academic year, normally at 4:00 p.m. on the final Monday of each month.

Dates and times of the meeting may be changed at the discretion of the

UFS President in consultation with members of the UFS Executive

Committee.

SECTION VI.3: CANCELLATION OF MEETINGS – Regularly scheduled meetings of

the UFS may be canceled by the UFS President with the consent of the

majority of the UFS Executive Committee. In the event of such a

cancellation, the UFS President shall convey a reason for cancellation along

with the notice to the University community. If the President of the University

or a duly appointed representative of the President of the University cancels

classes or closes the University during a time when the UFS is scheduled to

meet, the UFS meeting will be considered canceled and the UFS President

will consult with the UFS Executive Committee regarding whether to

reschedule the meeting or postpone consideration of the agenda until the

next regularly scheduled UFS meeting.

SECTION VI.4: During meetings, the UFS President may only participate in the

discussion in an effort to influence the outcome when the Senate has

agreed to work informally as a committee of the whole. The UFS President

may, however, ask any person participating in the discussion to clarify the

intent of their speech or suggest motions that would be in order as a means

of facilitating the smooth flow of business.

SECTION VI.5: The UFS President may vote only when there is a tie or when casting

his vote would influence the outcome as established by Robert’s Rules of

Order. For example, if a motion requires a 2/3 majority to pass, and the

Senate is one vote short, the UFS President may vote yea or nay on the

motion. Similarly, the UFS President may cast a vote when doing so would

prevent the motion from passing by a 2/3 majority. Interpretation of this

article will be in strict accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

SECTION VI.6: When in the judgment of the UFS President a person has engaged in

speech or behavior that is contrary to the Rules of Order as set forth in this

document or in Robert’s Rules of Order, the President will caution that

person. If after two successive cautions in the same meeting, the disruptive

speech or behavior continues, the President may rule that person “out of

order” and request that person to leave the meeting. As in all rulings by the

UFS President, the Senate may overrule the President by a 2/3 majority.

ARTICLE VII: ORDER OF BUSINESS AT MEETINGS AND PLACING OF ITEMS ON

THE AGENDA

SECTION VII.1: ORDER OF BUSINESS – At regular meetings, the order of business

shall be:

Call to Order

Roll Taking

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Agenda

Announcements and Remarks from the Senate President

Treasurer’s Report

Administration Reports

Announcements from the Senate Floor

Committee and Director Reports

Unfinished Business

New Business

Adjournment

SECTION VII.2: SENATE MATTERS – Matters for consideration by the UFS may be

referred to the UFS by any member of the University community. Academic

policies, resolutions to be put before UFS, and curricular proposals must be

submitted through Curriculog. Curricular proposals must follow the

curriculum approval processes described in the UFS Bylaws. All other

requests must be in writing and may be made to the UFS Executive

Committee or to any other UFS Committee. The Executive Committee shall

direct requests to the appropriate committee. Any member of the University

community will be recognized at the discretion of the President of the UFS

or by any UFS Committee Chair to speak at any regularly scheduled

meeting. Such recognition will be granted unless there are clear and

compelling reasons to not grant such recognition. Such reasons shall be

limited to a clear and compelling reason to believe that the person intends to

materially disrupt, delay or otherwise hinder the duly established order of

business of the UFS or the relevant committee. Any matter that is

appropriately referred to the UFS out of committee shall be placed on the

agenda of the next UFS meeting and shall be considered to have been

moved and seconded. Committees may, at their discretion, choose to

automatically “bundle” motions. However, such motions shall be unbundled

if even one Senator requests such an action. The motion will still be

considered moved and seconded.

Any Senator may request that an item be placed on the UFS agenda by

writing to the UFS Executive Committee. Such items shall automatically be

placed on the agenda by the UFS President and be considered as “moved.”

Such motions will, however, require a second from the floor of the UFS. The

President of the UFS will only refuse such motions when clear and

compelling reasons exist to believe such a motion is “out of order.” When

the UFS President makes such a determination, he or she shall inform the

UFS of his or her ruling and the clear reasons for such a ruling. The UFS

may overrule the UFS President by 2/3 majority vote.

Any Senator may “object to consideration” of any item on the agenda. Such

a motion shall require a second and requires 2/3 majority to pass.

The President of the SEA, or any recognized faculty collective bargaining

agent, shall be given a copy of the agenda for each UFS meeting. If upon

review of the agenda, the President of the SEA has reason to believe such

a matter is better addressed by the SEA or is already addressed by the

CBA, the President of the SEA will request in writing to the Executive

Committee of the UFS that the motion be withdrawn. If the Executive

Committee disagrees with this request, it will request a meeting with the

President of the SEA in an effort to clarify the matter. Alternatively, the

President of the UFS and the President of the SEA may make an effort to

settle the matter through informal consultation. A reasonable belief by any

Senator or Officer that a proposed motion interferes with the CBA may be

the basis for a motion to “object to consideration.” Any motion passed by the

UFS that is determined to conflict with one or more provisions of any

recognized Collective Bargaining Agreement or any law of the state of Ohio

or the U.S. shall be considered null and void.

SECTION VII.3: UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ADDRESSES TO THE FACULTY SENATE

– The President of the University shall have a standing invitation to address

the UFS. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the President shall limit his or

her remarks to 15 minutes. The President of the UFS may extend this time

frame at his or her discretion.

SECTION VII.4: EXECUTIVE SESSION – Any Senator or Officer of the UFS, other than

the UFS President, may make a motion for Executive Session. The

President of the UFS may ask if any Senator wishes to move for Executive

Session. If such a motion is seconded, and receives 2/3 majority vote, the

President of the UFS will request all non-voting members, guests and

members of the public to leave. Minutes from Executive Session shall be

kept and shared in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order. Though the

UFS cannot legally compel any person to leave, in the event that a Dean,

Provost or President of the University shall remain, the UFS may deem this

action as sufficient grounds for a formal motion of censure.

SECTION VII.5: RIGHT OF THE SENATE TO VOTE ON NON-BINDING SANCTIONS

OF SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS – For the purposes of this

section, “senior administrative official” shall be deemed to include the

President of the University, The Provost, any Associate Provost with

significant academic responsibility, or any Dean with significant

responsibility for overseeing faculty or curricula. When any Senator or

officer of the UFS, other than the UFS President, believes any officer of the

University has acted in a fashion that is contrary to the academic mission of

the University or the principles of shared governance and academic

freedom, such a person may make any of the following motions. Such

motions must receive a second and must be approved by 2/3 majority vote

of the UFS:

SECTION VII.5.1: MOTION OF DISPLEASURE – Such a motion is simply intended to

communicate to the specific party a statement that the UFS is officially

displeased with a specific action taken or not taken. When such a motion is

made, the affected party shall be given an opportunity to defend themselves

before the UFS.

SECTION VII.5.2: MOTION OF CENSURE – Such a motion is intended to communicate

to the specific party that the UFS finds an action taken or not taken to be

contrary to the academic mission of the University, academic freedom,

shared governance, or all three, and deems that action to be censurable.

Prior to any such vote, the person affected shall be afforded the opportunity

to defend their actions before the UFS.

SECTION VII.5.3: MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE – A motion of no confidence means

that the faculty as a collective body rejects the leadership of the individual in

question and regards that individual as unfit to fulfill their duties and

maintain the good faith and confidence of the faculty. Such a motion may be

made only upon a majority vote of the Executive Committee and shall be

placed on the agenda at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the next UFS

meeting, and only after a motion of censure has been passed and the party

to which it is directed has continued on the same course of action or

initiated new, similar actions. Such motions shall be made only under grave

circumstances and only after fully and completely giving due consideration

to the gravity of such a motion. Before undertaking such a course of action,

the initiator of such an action and the UFS as a whole should carefully

weigh the potential impact of such an action on the overall health of the

University. When such a motion is made, the person affected shall be

informed in writing of the charges and the basis for the charges at least

thirty (30) calendar days in advance, afforded an opportunity to defend

themselves before the UFS. If such a motion passes, the President of the

UFS shall communicate the result to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The UFS recognizes the non-binding nature of such resolutions and

acknowledges the legal authority of the Board of Trustees to enter into and

terminate contracts with the above officials.

SECTION VII.6: WORKING DAYS – “Working days” refers to Mondays through Fridays

when regular classes are scheduled at SSU. Holidays and breaks between

academic semesters are not “working days” for such purposes.

ARTICLE VIII: FINANCES

SECTION VIII.1: MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS – The UFS may accept monetary

contributions and authorize disbursement as deemed appropriate by

majority vote of the UFS.

SECTION VIII.2: REIMBURSEMENT OF UFS OFFICERS FOR TRAVEL ON OFFICIAL

UFS BUSINESS – Where an annual budget for the UFS has been

established in consultation with the Provost, bona fide expenses occurred

by UFS Officers or any Senator who travels on official UFS business shall

be fully reimbursed to that person from the UFS budget. Where an annual

budget does not exist, or in circumstances where there are bona fide

reasons to exceed the budget, the President and Treasurer of the UFS shall

coordinate with the Provost’s office, in accordance with University travel

policies, to establish reasonable conditions for reimbursement.

ARTICLE IX: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

The following procedures will apply to the proposal and ratification of the UFS

constitution.

SECTION IX.1: PROPOSING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS – Amendments to

this Constitution shall be proposed by a 2/3 vote by the UFS at a regularly

scheduled meeting. Any Senator or Officer may place a proposed

amendment on the agenda. The UFS may create an ad hoc Constitution

Revision Committee to draft and recommend constitutional amendments to

the UFS.

SECTION IX.2: NOTIFICATION OF MEMBERS – The proposed amendment and notice

of the UFS meeting at which the matter is to be discussed shall be

distributed by the UFS secretary to all UFS members and ex officio

members at least seven (7) working days prior to the meeting. Any UFS

member may attend the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be

discussed and may address the issue.

SECTION IX.3: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT RATIFICATION – Ratification of

amendments to this Constitution shall require approval by secret ballot of

the majority of the votes cast. Only UFS Member Faculty as defined by this

document may vote. The UFS Election Committee shall conduct the vote no

sooner than two weeks after the proposed amendment passes the Senate

and no later than thirty (30) calendar days within. Such amendments shall

be submitted for public comment and discussion during this period.

ARTICLE X: BYLAWS

SECTION X.1: PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF BYLAWS – The UFS Bylaws describe

processes and procedures relevant to the creation, operation, and staffing

of ad-hoc or standing committees that report to the UFS and the oversight of

non-departmental directors assigned to a committee. The Bylaws shall also

include approved processes and procedures relevant to the operation of ad-

hoc or standing committees, including processes, procedures, and bylaws

adopted prior to the passage and ratification of this article.

University Faculty Senate Bylaws

SECTION 1: ESTABLISHING AND TERMINATING COMMITTEES

The UFS shall establish committees to carry out its business by 2/3 majority vote of the

UFS. Alternatively, the UFS may terminate committees by 2/3 majority vote of the UFS.

SECTION 2: GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS

Responsibilities of each standing UFS committee shall include but not be limited to:

1. Initiating study of new issues and/or initiating review of existing policies as

deemed necessary on matters related to its charge;

2. Recommending to the UFS as a whole the appointment of sub-

committees as defined below for the purpose of dealing with specific

matters relating to the charge of the committee;

3. Receiving and considering matters referred to it by the Executive

Committee;

4. Receiving matters referred to it by members of the University community

and forwarding them to the Executive Committee for inclusion on the UFS

agenda when appropriate;

5. Informing the UFS of ongoing business;

6. Meeting on a regular basis, which shall normally be once a month.

Committees may meet more or less often as circumstances require.

Committees shall appoint a secretary to record their meeting minutes. The

committee chair may not serve as secretary; and meeting minutes shall be

made available to the full senate upon request of the UFS President. UFS

committees may also seek advice, input and expertise as necessary from

other constituencies of the University and shall collaborate with other

constituency groups in fulfilling their tasks.

Chairs of committees will be responsible for coordinating the overall work of

the Committees and for making timely reports to the UFS. Such reports shall

be made as requested by the UFS President or any other officer or senator.

In cases where there is a minority report, or where a majority of the

Committee disagrees with the Committee Chair, those members who

disagree with the majority report or with the majority and the Committee Chair

shall have the right to issue a minority report to the UFS

SECTION 3: OVERSIGHT OF NON-DEPARTMENTAL DIRECTORS

Those UFS standing committees that have been charged with oversight of Non-

Departmental Directors shall conduct annual performance reviews of their

assigned non-departmental directors and make recommendations to the Provost

and the UFS Executive Committee on the appointment or re-appointment of

directors, as outlined in the following:

1. Non-Departmental Directors shall have the ability to serve

multiple, consecutive terms;

2. Directors shall receive their appointment before the end of

Spring semester;

3. Non-Departmental Directors shall receive course release time or

a stipend for their service, as set by the Office of the Provost;

4. Associated oversight committees, when asked by the Office of

the Provost, the Director, or the UFS President will review and

recommend changes to the Director’s assigned duties;

5. There shall be annual performance reviews of Directors

completed during the spring semester;

6. The Office of the Provost shall solicit annual performance

reviews from associated oversight committee members and the

UFS Executive Committee via a standard form (as

recommended by the UFS); and shall share results with the

Director, the associated oversight committee, and the UFS

Executive Committee;

7. Upon expiration of term, resignation, or removal of a Director,

the Provost or his/her designee will solicit nominations for the

directorship from all qualified UFS members;

8. Provost or his/her designee will submit all nominations

(including self-nominations) to the associated oversight

committee for comment and recommendation; the committee’s

recommendation shall be forwarded to the full Senate for a final

recommendation that will be submitted to the Provost;

9. Before appointing a director, the Provost or his/her designee will

consult with UFS President regarding the Senate’s

recommendation;

10. In case of an immediate vacancy, the Provost, in consultation

with the UFS President, shall appoint an Interim Director until a

permanent one can be appointed according to these

procedures.

SECTION 4: STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE UFS

For the smooth functioning of the UFS, the following Standing Committees shall be

established: 1. UFS Executive Committee; 2. Educational Policies and Curriculum

Committee (EPCC); 3. Graduate Council (GC); 4. General Education Advisory

Committee (GEAC); 5. Distance Learning Committee (DLC); 6. Honors Program

Committee (HPC); 7. Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC); 8 Research and

Scholarly Activity Committee (RSAC); 9. Celebration of Scholarship Committee

(COSC); 10 Assessment and Accreditation Committee (AAC); and 11. Distinguished

Lecture Series Committee (DLSC).

1. UFS Executive Committee

The UFS Executive Committee shall consist of the five officers of

the UFS, who shall be voting members, and, where relevant, a

Parliamentarian, who shall be a non-voting member of the

Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall be

responsible for:

• coordinating the business of the University Faculty Senate;

• overseeing the staffing of UFS committees;

• appointing all faculty representatives to shared-governance

or other university-wide committees, task forces, etc.;

• maintaining a pool of faculty volunteers from which they can

draw nominations and make appointments;

• assigning matters brought before it to the appropriate

committee for investigation, reporting, and

recommendations.

The UFS Executive Committee shall meet at least once a

semester and otherwise as necessary. The Executive Committee

may conduct routine business by e-mail. The President of the

UFS shall be the Chair of the Executive Committee.

2. Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee (EPCC)

The UFS Vice President shall Chair the EPCC and shall be a

voting member of EPCC. The EPCC shall have the responsibility

of overseeing all matters pertaining to undergraduate educational

policies and curricula, as well as all other university-wide

academic policies, with the exception of those that concern

graduate programs and curricula, which shall be overseen by the

Graduate Council.

All curricular and academic policy proposals must be approved by

a majority vote of EPCC before being referred to the UFS. Any

proposed change in existing programs or proposals for new

programs shall be properly vetted by the appropriate academic

department or, where relevant, the General Education Advisory

Committee prior to coming before EPCC.

It shall be the responsibility of each academic department to

establish rules and procedures by which to recommend curricular

and program changes to the EPCC.

All business before the EPCC will be made available for comment

and criticism by the campus community via a five-working-day

open hearing process. A digest of the five-day open hearing

comments along with the agendas and minutes of previous

meetings will be made available to the campus community by the

Chair of the EPCC.

Upon EPCC approval, the Chair of EPCC will forward the course

to the DLC (if necessary) or to UFS via Curriculog. Upon UFS

approval, the President of UFS will forward the course to the

Provost who will ensure the registrar and other necessary parties

receive notification.

If any person or department is dissatisfied with a decision by

EPCC, that person may resubmit the proposal to EPCC through

the curricular processes required in Curriculog.

The University administration shall select one senior administrator

to be the primary administrative representative to the EPCC. That

person shall be a non-voting member of the EPCC. Other

administrators as well as all faculty may attend and participate in

EPCC deliberations as necessary.

3. The Graduate Council: Graduate Council (GC)

Each graduate program shall have the right to elect two

representatives to the GC by popular, majority vote of UFS

graduate faculty members in each program. Elections shall be

conducted by the program’s Department Chair or Graduate

Director, according to their departmental or school bylaws.

Representatives shall serve for a term of two years. The GC shall

have a faculty chair, serving a two-year term, elected by the GC

at its first meeting of the new academic year. The GC chair shall

be a voting member of the committee.

The GC shall have the responsibility for overseeing all matters

pertaining to graduate educational policies and curricula. Any

proposed change in existing programs, or proposals for new

programs shall be properly vetted by the appropriate academic

program, prior to coming before the GC. All curricular proposals

must be approved by a majority vote of the GC before being

referred to the UFS.

The Graduate Council will be responsible for establishing rules

and procedures by which to recommend curricular and program

changes to the GC.

All business before the GC will be made available for comment

and criticism by the campus community via a five-working-day

open hearing process. A digest of the five-day open hearing

comments along with the agendas and minutes of previous

meetings will be made available to the campus community by the

Chair of the GC.

Upon GC approval, the Chair of GC will forward the course to the

DLC (if necessary) or to UFS via Curriculog. Upon UFS approval,

the President of UFS will forward the course to the Provost who

will ensure the registrar and other necessary parties receive

notification.

If any person or department is dissatisfied with a decision by GC,

that person may resubmit the proposal to GC through the

curricular processes required in Curriculog.

The University Administration shall select one senior administrator

to be the primary administrative representative to the GC. That

person shall be a non-voting member of the GC. Other

administrators as well as all faculty may attend and participate in

the Council’s deliberations as necessary.

4. General Education Advisory Committee (GEAC)

The General Education Program (GEP) Director shall be the Chair of

GEAC and is a voting member. The GEP Director shall be appointed to

a three-year term by the Provost, following consultation with GEAC and

the UFS Executive Committee. The GEP Director shall be a tenured or

continuing contract faculty member.

GEAC shall oversee all areas of relevance to the University’s GEP. The

GEP Director, with the assistance of GEAC members, shall oversee the

annual assessment of the program’s student learning outcomes,

recommending any needed changes to course offerings and program

requirements to the EPCC. GEAC members shall assist the GEP

Director in the collection of assessment artifacts and liaise with

department faculty developing assessment plans and instruments.

GEAC will review and evaluate all proposals related to the GEP. All

course proposals received by GEAC will be evaluated to ensure that the

course meets the learning outcomes for its respective category in the

GEP and aligns with the assessment plans for its GEP Cluster,

regardless of whether the proposal is for a new course to add to the

GEP or the modification of an existing GEP course. Each department

and school will establish its own rules and procedures through which

proposals that impact the GEP may be brought before GEAC.

All business before GEAC will be made available for comment and

criticism by the campus community via a five-day open hearing process.

All motions from GEAC must be subsequently approved by EPCC before

being referred to UFS. Upon GEAC approval, the GEP Director will

forward the course to EPCC via Curriculog.

If any person or department is dissatisfied with a decision by GEAC, that

person may resubmit the proposal to GEAC through the curricular

processes required in Curriculog.

The University administration shall select one senior administrator to be

the primary administrative representative to GEAC. That person shall be

a non-voting member of GEAC. Other administrators as well as all

faculty may attend and participate in GEAC deliberations as necessary.

5. Distance Learning Committee (DLC)

The Distance Learning Director shall be appointed to a three-year

term by the Provost following consultation with the DLC and the

UFS Executive Committee. The Director shall be a tenured,

tenure-track, or continuing contract faculty member. UFS

members who are categorized as FTIs/NTTs cannot serve as

Distance Learning Director. The Director shall be a voting

member of the DLC and serve as its Chair.

The DLC shall oversee all areas of relevance to the University’s

distance and on-line curriculum and program offerings as

described below. All business before DLC will be made available

for comment and criticism by the campus community via a five-

day open hearing process. Administrators as well as all faculty

may attend and participate in the Committee’s deliberations as

necessary.

Any faculty member wishing to convert a course to an online/

hybrid format or develop a new course in an online/ hybrid format

shall successfully complete training in distance learning from an

appropriate institution such as Online Learning Consortium,

Quality Matters, or Wiley Educational Services. Additionally, any

faculty, FTI or adjunct wishing to teach an online/ hybrid course

shall successfully complete training in distance learning from an

appropriate institution such as Online Learning Consortium,

Quality Matters, or Wiley Educational Services.

New courses in an online/hybrid format must be submitted

through Curriculog. The proposal must include the following

materials:

• A course syllabus using the DLC syllabus template

(available from the DLC);

• One course module outline using the DLC outline template

(available from the DLC);

• One functioning online module made available for review on

Blackboard (the faculty member developing the course shall

request that the SSU Blackboard office add DLC members

as guests to the course).

The course must proceed through the appropriate governance process for

all new courses. Following departmental approval, general education

courses must proceed to GEAC and then EPCC; graduate-level courses

must proceed to GC; and all other courses must proceed to EPCC. If

approved by GC or EPCC, the course then proceeds to DLC.

Existing courses that are converted to an online/hybrid format must be

submitted through Curriculog. The proposal must include the following

materials:

• A course syllabus using the DLC syllabus template

(available from the DLC);

• One course module outline using the DLC outline template

(available from the DLC);

• One functioning online module made available for review on

Blackboard (the faculty member developing the course shall

request that the SSU Blackboard office add DLC members

as guests to the course).

Following departmental approval, the course will bypass GEAC, GC,

and/or EPCC, proceeding directly to DLC.

The DLC will conduct a full review of new online/hybrid courses and

courses converted to an online/hybrid format using the Quality Matters

Rubric. The proposer or knowledgeable representative must be present at

the DLC meeting to demonstrate the functioning online module and

answer questions. Upon DLC approval, the Distance Learning Director will

forward the course to UFS via Curriculog. Upon UFS approval, the

President of UFS will forward the course to the Provost who will ensure

the registrar and other necessary parties receive notification.

Any faculty member wishing to pilot a conversion of an existing course to

a hybrid or 100% online format will consult with the Distance Learning

Director and submit directly to the Distance Learning Director a course

syllabus utilizing the DLC Syllabus Template and one (1) course module

outline utilizing the DLC Outline Template.

If a new or existing course is to be developed for online delivery in

conjunction with Wiley Educational Services, the course must be

submitted as a proposal through Curriculog and must proceed through the

appropriate committees as described above. However, courses developed

in conjunction with Wiley Educational Services may bypass DLC and

proceed directly to UFS for approval. This exception to DLC approval

requirements reflects the 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement,

Article 20, Section 3, Part A.

If any person or department is dissatisfied with a decision by DLC, that

person may resubmit the proposal to DLCC through the curricular

processes required in Curriculog.

6. Honors Program Committee (HPC)

The Honors Program Director shall be appointed to a three-year

term by the Provost following consultation with the HPC and the

UFS Executive Committee. The Director shall be a tenured,

tenure-track, or continuing contract faculty member. UFS

members who are categorized as FTIs/NTTs cannot serve as

Honors Program Director. The Director shall be a voting member

of the HPC and serve as its Chair.

The HPC shall oversee all areas of relevance to the University’s

Honors Program. Members of the committee shall:

• assist the Honors Program Director in identifying and

discussing programmatic issues;

• provide guidance concerning the curricular and programming

needs of the Honors program;

• consider and make decisions regarding proposed revisions

to program components and requirements;

• provide feedback on proposed Honors conferences and

experiential learning; and

• help promote the Honors Program within their colleges and

departments/schools.

The HPC meets at least once per semester with additional

meetings as needed.

7. Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC)

The TLC shall oversee all matters of relevance to the University’s

Teaching and Learning Center.

The Director of the Teaching and Learning Center will be

appointed to a three-year term by the Provost, following

consultation with the TLC and the UFS Executive Committee. The

Director shall have voting rights and serve as an ex officio

member of the committee.

The TLC shall meet at least three times an academic year to

assist the Director in identifying and discussing issues, providing

guidance, and making decisions that pertain to the programming

needs of the Teaching and Learning Center.

8. Research and Scholarly Affairs Committee (RSAC)

The RSAC shall consider and recommend policies affecting the

faculty with regard to research and scholarly activities of the

University.

The RSAC shall be responsible for:

• soliciting nominations and recommending annual awards

recognizing faculty excellence;

• reviewing faculty proposals for sabbatical (leave with pay

and/or support) and leaves without pay.

The RSAC shall make timely recommendations on such matters

to the UFS and University administration in accordance with UFS

and University policy and procedures.

The RSAC shall have a faculty chair, elected by the committee at

its first meeting of the academic year. The RSAC shall have a

standing sub-committee, known as the Celebration of Scholarship

Committee (COSC).

9. Celebration of Scholarship Committee (COSC)

The COSC shall be a subcommittee of the RSAC. The Chair of

the COSC shall be the Director of the Celebration of Scholarship

Conference. The Director shall be appointed to a one-year term

by the Provost following consultation with the COSC and the UFS

Executive Committee. The Director shall be a tenured, tenure-

track, or continuing contract faculty member. UFS members who

are categorized as FTIs/NTTs cannot serve as SOSC Director or

as Chair.

The COSC shall have responsibility for overseeing the annual

Celebration of Scholarship Conference and its membership shall

be appointed by RSAC in consultation with the COSC Director.

10. Assessment and Accreditation Committee (AAC)

The AAC shall oversee and coordinate all matters related to

assessment of academic programs and curriculum. The

committee shall be responsible for:

• Promoting awareness and understanding of university-wide

accreditation processes;

• Organizing faculty involvement in the University

accreditation process;

• Coordinating with other UFS Committees, other university-

wide shared governance bodies and/or academic

departments to ensure that:

o faculty input on assessment is given appropriate

weight;

o assessment of academic programs is carried out in

a consistent and effective fashion;

o faculty are informed of university-wide accreditation

matters.

• Making recommendations regarding changes to University

assessment policies and procedures;

• Providing feedback, when requested, on assessment plans

created by University departments and programs.

The AAC shall have a faculty chair, elected by the committee at

its first meeting of the academic year. UFS members who are

categorized as FTIs/NTTs cannot serve as Committee Chair.

The Director of Assessment and Accreditation is a non-voting

member of the AAC and may attend and participate in AAC

deliberations as necessary. The Director may request the

committee’s input on matters related to accreditation and

assessment, such as University policies, accreditation activities,

and assessment plans from specific programs or departments.

Other administrators may also attend and participate in AAC

deliberations as necessary.

11. Distinguished Lecture Series Committee (DLSC)

The purpose of the DLSC is primarily to promote academic discussion,

including where appropriate, legitimate academic debate and

controversy.

The DLSC shall be responsible for:

• soliciting nominations for the annual Distinguished Lecture Series,

and;

• selecting speakers in accordance with the annual budget for the

Distinguished Lecture Series.

Speakers shall generally be individuals with established and significant

academic reputations who have made original contributions in areas of

interest to faculty and the larger University community. Where relevant,

speakers may be selected who have made significant contributions

outside of academia to areas of general academic or public interest.

The chair of the DLSC will coordinate scheduling of DLSC events with

other annual campus lecture programs in accordance with established

committee and University procedures.

The DLSC shall have a faculty chair, elected by the committee at its first

meeting of the academic year. UFS members who are categorized as

FTIs/NTTs cannot serve as Committee Chair.

SECTION 5: INITIATION OF CURRICULAR PROPOSALS

All curriculum proposals other than those specified below must be initiated by a current

tenure-track or tenured faculty member. Graduate curriculum proposals must be

initiated by a current tenure-track or tenured graduate faculty member.

The initiator will be responsible for authorship of all necessary documents, although

collaboration with other colleagues may be noted through acknowledgements. The

initiator will also be responsible for overseeing the movement of the proposal through all

aspects of the approval process. The initiator is not, however, required to be the faculty

member who implements proposed curricular changes or teaches proposed course(s).

All proposals must get approval from the voting members of the department in which the

courses will be offered. If courses are not offered through an established department,

then they must get approval through the proposing faculty member’s department.

Graduate curriculum will be voted on by graduate program faculty.

Program discontinuation (warehousing) proposals not leading to retrenchment may be

initiated by the Provost in accordance with the Program Closure Process adopted in

April 2021.

SECTION 6: ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

Each academic department and school of the College of Arts & Sciences and the

College of Professional Studies shall have the right to elect one representative to

the EPCC, the GEAC, and the DLC by popular, majority vote of the UFS

members in each department. Annual elections shall be conducted by the end of

Spring Semester by department chairs, according to their departmental by-laws.

Representatives to the EPCC, the GEAC, and the DLC shall serve for a term of

two years and may stand for re-election at the end of their term.

The AAC, DLSC, RSAC, HPC, and TLC shall be staffed as follows: When an

opening for a committee position occurs, the President of the UFS shall call for

nominations. If only one person is nominated that person shall automatically be

appointed to the committee. When more than one person is nominated, the

President of the UFS will forward the names to the Executive Committee for a

vote. The AAC, DLSC, RSAC, and TLC shall each consist of five members. Two

of those members will be appointed from the College of Arts and Sciences, two

will be appointed from the College of Professional Studies and the fifth member

will be appointed from the faculty at large. When the Executive Committee

appoints members to open seats a reasonable effort shall be made to stagger

the terms of the members and ensure that representation is shared among each

college’s departments and programs. All faculty representatives shall serve for a

period of two years and may stand for re-appointment at the end of their term.

Each graduate program shall have the right to elect two representatives to the

Graduate Council by popular, majority vote of UFS graduate faculty members in

each program. Elections shall be conducted by the program’s department chair

or program director according to their departmental or school by-laws. GC

representatives shall serve for a term of two years and may stand for re-election

at the end of their term.

Wherever possible, all UFS Committees will have at least one Senator or UFS

Officer serve on that committee. If the committee chair is not a Senator, either

the committee chair or the Senator may provide official reports to the UFS, but

the Senator shall have the responsibility of keeping the UFS informed of the

committee’s progress.

SUBCOMMITTEES AND AD HOC COMMITTEES - Standing Committees may create

sub-committees to report back to the Standing Committee as necessary to

better carry out their tasks. The UFS may create ad hoc Committees for a

definite term and specific, limited charge to address specific issues that

arise and are not addressed by the existing committee structure by a 2/3

majority vote at a duly constituted UFS meeting.

MID-TERM VACANCIES - In the event of a resignation or vacancy, an election shall be

held to fill said vacancy within thirty (30) working days.

COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE - Unless otherwise ordered by the UFS, the

EPCC, the GC, the GEAC, the HPC, the DLC, and the UFS shall meet

according to the following regular schedule: 1st Monday of the month

(GEAC); 2nd Monday of the month (EPCC); 2nd Wednesday of the month

(GC); 3rd Monday of the month (DLC); last Monday of the month (UFS); all

other UFS committees shall attempt to meet at times conducive to a quorum

of their members. Special meetings of all UFS committees can be called by

the Committee Chair or upon written request of three committee members.

The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call, which shall be sent in

a timely manner to all members of the committee.

SECTION 7: SHARED GOVERNANCE COMMITTEES

In order to ensure a vital University shared-governance committee structure that

includes the university-wide constituencies, representatives of the UFS and the other

constituency groups of the University will collaborate through the “Committee Structure

Agreement” in accordance with established University Procedures. The UFS will vote on

changes to the Committee Structure Agreement, beyond minor ones, following the

guidelines for establishment and termination of other UFS committees (SECTION IX.1).

Staffing of these committees by full-service faculty will also be carried out in the same

manner as other UFS committees (see Section 5 of UFS Bylaws).

SECTION 8: ELECTRONIC MEETINGS

To ensure that the business of University shared-governance can occur, electronic

meetings are permissible. It is expected that shared-governance committees should

meet in-person when feasible.

Meetings may be held in-person or electronically at the discretion of the committee

chair, who must announce their intention to hold an electronic meeting at least fifteen

(15) working days before the committee meets. Committees that are covered by this

bylaw include, UFS, UFS Executive Committee, EPCC, GC, GEAC, DLC, HPC, TLC,

RSAC, COSC, AAC, DLSC, and any ad-hoc committees of those committees.

Any member of the aforementioned committees can object to an electronic meeting if

the committee chair calls for one. Objections must be made no later than five (5)

working days following the chair’s announcement of the electronic meeting. If a

committee member objects to an electronic meeting a vote will be conducted over email

of the committee’s membership to determine if the meeting will be electronic or in-

person. A majority vote of the membership is required. The results of the vote must be

shared at least five (5) working days before the committee meets. Links and instructions

for access to the electronic meeting must be distributed at least twenty-four (24) hours

before the scheduled meeting time to all prospective attendees.

If electronic meetings occur, they must be conducted using synchronous video

conferencing software (e.g. Collaborate, Teams, Zoom). Voting in electronic meetings

should occur using a roll call unless the video conferencing software allows for clear

voting to take place.

SECTION 9: BYLAW AMENDMENTS

The following procedures will apply to the proposal and approval of UFS Bylaws.

PROPOSING AND AMENDING BYLAWS – Proposals for establishing a new Bylaw or

amending an existing Bylaw can be made by any Senator or Officer. Changes to Bylaw

language specific to a UFS Standing Committee may be proposed by the Committee

Chair after approval by the Standing Committee in question and consultation with the

UFS Executive Committee. Bylaw proposals shall be submitted using Curriculog and

will be made available for comment and criticism by the campus community via a five-

working-day open hearing process prior to deliberation by the committee in question

and/or the UFS. The proposal of a new Bylaw or a proposal to amend an existing Bylaw

can be approved by a majority vote of the UFS at a regularly scheduled meeting.