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Chapter 4: Faculty Roles in Governance

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4.E Central Faculty Governance Committees

The Senate Assembly established several kinds of standing committees to carry out its responsibilities for oversight and advice on areas of University policies and operations. These committees report to the Senate Assembly on a regular basis and, as needed, propose actions to the Assembly. One kind of Senate Assembly committee advises and consults with the vice presidents, vice provosts, and executive officers of the Ann Arbor campus on matters within the areas of their respective responsibilities; these committees also advise SACUA and the Assembly in these areas. The other main kind of Senate Assembly committee advises other University officials and/or assists SACUA and the Assembly in carrying out their responsibilities. From time to time, special Senate Assembly committees are created to assist the Assembly with its work.

The members of all Senate Assembly committees are nominated by SACUA and approved by the Senate Assembly. Some of these committees also have student members, appointed by appropriate units of student governments. SACUA also appoints or nominates faculty members to a number of other University committees that are not committees of the Senate Assembly.

All members of the University Senate are solicited on an annual basis to nominate themselves or their colleagues for these various kinds of committees. All faculty are encouraged to participate in this nomination procedure. For further information about these committees, check the central faculty governance website or email the specific committee at the address listed in handbook sections 4.E.1 Senate Assembly Committees Advising Executive Officers and Vice Presidents and 4.E.2 Other Senate Assembly Standing and Special Faculty Committees.

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4.E.1 Senate Assembly Committees Advising Executive Officers and Vice Presidents

The following committees advise Executive Officers and Vice Presidents.

Academic Affairs Advisory Committee (AAAC): advises and consults with the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs on policy and procedure issues of University concern. The Committee’s input shall be sought and given in a timely manner so that faculty interests and input may be considered during the decision-making process. For more information, email the committee at [email protected].

Communications Advisory Committee: advises and consults with the Vice President for Communications concerning communications-related topics of interest.

Financial Affairs Advisory Committee: advises and consults with the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concerning topics of interest related to University finance and infrastructure. For more information, email the committee at [email protected].

General Counsel’s Advisory Committee: advises and consults with the Vice President and General Counsel concerning topics of interest related to University litigation and other legal matters of University concern. For more information, email the committee at [email protected]

Medical Affairs Advisory Committee (MAAC): advises and consults with the Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs concerning topics with relevance to the medical enterprise at the University. For more information, email the committee at [email protected].

Research Advisory Committee (RAC): advises and consults with the Vice President for Research concerning topics of interest with relevance to the research enterprise at the University.

Secretary of the University Advisory Committee (SAC): advises and consults with the Vice President and Secretary of the University concerning topics of interest with relevance to the University Regents and operations. For more information, email the committee at: SA-[email protected].

Student Relations Advisory Committee (SRAC): advises and consults with the Vice President of Student Life concerning topics of interest at the intersection of faculty and student concern. For more information, email the committee at [email protected].

4.E.2 Senate Assembly Standing and Special Faculty Committees

Administration Evaluation Committee (AEC): supports the evaluation of administrators by the faculty by the regular administration of a survey.

Committee on Anti-Racism (CAR): addresses the structural, procedural, cultural, and climate-related issues that contribute to systemic racism and racism experienced by faculty of color on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses.

Committee on the Economic and Social Well-Being of the Faculty (CESWF): considers topics such as campus climate and social well-being and other faculty-life issues.

Committee for Fairness, Equity, and Inclusion (CFEI): considers issues of inclusion for all populations on the three campuses including Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint.

Committee on Oversight of Administrative Action (COAA): considers issues related to the Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX Office (ECRT) [now the Office of Institutional Equity], including the grievance process and implementation of sanctions.

Davis, Markert, and Nickerson Academic Freedom Lecture Committee (DMN): identifies speakers and facilitates logistics for the annual DMN lecture.

Rules, Practice and Policies Committee: At the request of the Senate, Senate Assembly, SACUA, or another committee of Senate Assembly, the Rules Committee reviews and suggests modifications, if appropriate, in the “Rules of the University Senate, the Senate Assembly, and the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs” or other Senate Assembly legislation. For more information, email the committee at [email protected]<.

Tenure, Promotions, and Professional Development Committee (TPP): advises Senate Assembly on questions regarding tenure policy; initiates studies of tenure questions; reports findings and recommendations to SACUA and Senate Assembly (not populated for 2021-2022), For more information, email the committee at [email protected].

Last updated July 2020.

Chapter 4: Faculty Roles in Governance

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4.D The Structure of Central Faculty Governance (Bylaws 4.01-4.08)

The Senate Assembly established several kinds of standing committees to carry out its responsibilities for oversight and advice on areas of University policies and operations. These committees report to the Senate Assembly on a regular basis and, as needed, propose actions to the Assembly. One kind of Senate Assembly committee advises and consults with the vice presidents, vice provosts, and executive officers of the Ann Arbor campus on matters within the areas of their respective responsibilities; these committees also advise SACUA and the Assembly in these areas. The other main kind of Senate Assembly committee advises other University officials and/or assists SACUA and the Assembly in carrying out their responsibilities. From time to time, special Senate Assembly committees are created to assist the Assembly with its work.

The members of all Senate Assembly committees are nominated by SACUA and approved by the Senate Assembly. Some of these committees also have student members, appointed by appropriate units of student governments. SACUA also appoints or nominates faculty members to a number of other University committees that are not committees of the Senate Assembly.

All members of the University Senate are solicited on an annual basis to nominate themselves or their colleagues for these various kinds of committees. All faculty are encouraged to participate in this nomination procedure. For further information about these committees, check the central faculty governance website or email the specific committee at the address listed in handbook sections 4.E.1 Senate Assembly Committees Advising Executive Officers and Vice Presidents and 4.E.2 Other Senate Assembly Standing and Special Faculty Committees.

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4.D.1 Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate consists of all members of the professorial staff, the executive officers of the University, the deans of the schools and colleges, and those members of the research and library staff designated in accordance with standards and procedures approved by the Senate Assembly (Chapter IV. The University Senate, bylaw 4.01). The Senate may adopt rules concerning its own government and procedure and concerning its officers and committees (Chapter IV. The University Senate, bylaw 4.02). The Senate is authorized to consider any subject pertaining to the interests of the University and to make recommendations to the executive officers and to the Board of Regents. Decisions of the Senate with respect to matters within its jurisdiction constitute the binding action of the University faculties.

Generally, jurisdiction over academic policies resides in the faculties of the various schools and colleges. However, when actions by the several faculties affect University policy as a whole, or schools and colleges other than the one in which they originate, the Faculty Senate has jurisdiction. The Senate meets at least once a year.

4.D.2 Senate Assembly

The Senate Assembly is a central forum for representatives from all schools and colleges. It consists of members elected by the various schools and colleges on the Ann Arbor campus and the UM- Dearborn and UM-Flint campuses, apportioned according to the number of Faculty Senate members in each unit (Chapter IV. The University Senate, bylaws 4.03 and 4.05).

The Senate Assembly serves as the legislative arm of the Faculty Senate. It considers important, central, and controversial issues of general interest to the University community. The Assembly has power to consider and advise regarding all matters within the jurisdiction of the Faculty Senate that affect the functioning of the University as an institution of higher education, that concern its obligations to the community at large, and that relate to its internal organization and involve general questions of educational policy (Chapter IV. The University Senate, bylaw 4.04). The Assembly meets eight times a year on a monthly basis. Its meetings are open to all faculty members.

4.D.3 Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA)

The Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA) is the executive arm of the Faculty Senate and of the Senate Assembly. SACUA meets on a weekly basis and consists of nine members elected by the Senate Assembly for staggered three-year terms. On behalf of the Assembly, SACUA advises and consults with the president, the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and the executive officers of the University on matters of University policy. SACUA also coordinates and initiates governance activities and serves as an instrument for implementing the actions of the Faculty Senate and the Senate Assembly (Chapter IV. The University Senate, bylaws 4.06, 4.07 and 4.08).

The Chair of SACUA is also the Chair of the Senate Assembly and the presiding officer of the Faculty Senate. In addition to responsibility as leader of the faculty, the Chair of SACUA meets regularly with the executive officers and serves as the faculty representative in their deliberations. Other SACUA members provide additional leadership for faculty governance activities and serve as liaisons with the various Senate Assembly committees. Under the provisions of bylaw 5.09 in Chapter V. The Faculties and Academic Staff, SACUA, together with the Faculty Judicial Committee (Standing), exercises certain designated responsibilities in cases of dismissal, demotion, or terminal appointment of tenured and tenure- track members of the faculty.

Last updated July 2020.

Chapter 4: Faculty Roles in Governance

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4.C Unit-Level Faculty Governance Structures

The Senate Assembly established several kinds of standing committees to carry out its responsibilities for oversight and advice on areas of University policies and operations. These committees report to the Senate Assembly on a regular basis and, as needed, propose actions to the Assembly. One kind of Senate Assembly committee advises and consults with the vice presidents, vice provosts, and executive officers of the Ann Arbor campus on matters within the areas of their respective responsibilities; these committees also advise SACUA and the Assembly in these areas. The other main kind of Senate Assembly committee advises other University officials and/or assists SACUA and the Assembly in carrying out their responsibilities. From time to time, special Senate Assembly committees are created to assist the Assembly with its work.

The members of all Senate Assembly committees are nominated by SACUA and approved by the Senate Assembly. Some of these committees also have student members, appointed by appropriate units of student governments. SACUA also appoints or nominates faculty members to a number of other University committees that are not committees of the Senate Assembly.

All members of the University Senate are solicited on an annual basis to nominate themselves or their colleagues for these various kinds of committees. All faculty are encouraged to participate in this nomination procedure. For further information about these committees, check the central faculty governance website or email the specific committee at the address listed in handbook sections 4.E.1 Senate Assembly Committees Advising Executive Officers and Vice Presidents and 4.E.2 Other Senate Assembly Standing and Special Faculty Committees.

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The most immediate way by which faculty participate in the governance of the University is within appointment units. Faculty involvement in departmental, school, or college governance activities is essential to the University’s teaching, research, and service missions.

In degree-granting units, the governing faculty is in charge of the affairs of that unit, except as delegated to executive committees, if any. The governing faculty, subject to the ultimate authority of the Regents, determines the unit’s organizational structure and major operating procedures, such as departmental organization and committee structure, requirements for admission and graduation, and other educational matters, including grading regulations and class attendance. See Regents bylaws in Chapter V: The Faculties and Academic Staff, 5.01, 5.02, 5.03.

Each unit has somewhat different procedures for its operations and vehicles for faculty participation, although the same principles of faculty participation in governance apply to all academic units. Consult the departmental chair, dean, or unit head for information about that unit’s written rules and procedures for its governance and about participation opportunities. For further information about governing faculties, deans, and executive committees, see Chapter 3 “Administrative Structure.”

Chapter 4: Faculty Roles in Governance

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4.B Principles of Faculty Involvement in Institutional and Academic Unit Governance at the University of Michigan Second Edition (2008)

The Senate Assembly established several kinds of standing committees to carry out its responsibilities for oversight and advice on areas of University policies and operations. These committees report to the Senate Assembly on a regular basis and, as needed, propose actions to the Assembly. One kind of Senate Assembly committee advises and consults with the vice presidents, vice provosts, and executive officers of the Ann Arbor campus on matters within the areas of their respective responsibilities; these committees also advise SACUA and the Assembly in these areas. The other main kind of Senate Assembly committee advises other University officials and/or assists SACUA and the Assembly in carrying out their responsibilities. From time to time, special Senate Assembly committees are created to assist the Assembly with its work.

The members of all Senate Assembly committees are nominated by SACUA and approved by the Senate Assembly. Some of these committees also have student members, appointed by appropriate units of student governments. SACUA also appoints or nominates faculty members to a number of other University committees that are not committees of the Senate Assembly.

All members of the University Senate are solicited on an annual basis to nominate themselves or their colleagues for these various kinds of committees. All faculty are encouraged to participate in this nomination procedure. For further information about these committees, check the central faculty governance website or email the specific committee at the address listed in handbook sections 4.E.1 Senate Assembly Committees Advising Executive Officers and Vice Presidents and 4.E.2 Other Senate Assembly Standing and Special Faculty Committees.

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A set of guidelines that describe and discuss the roles and responsibilities of the faculty in University governance, as based upon Regental Bylaws at the time, was generated through a joint effort of the University Shared Governance Task Force of the Senate Assembly and the Office of the Provost. The final report was accepted by the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA) and endorsed by the Senate Assembly on March 17, 2008. Faculty members are encouraged to use this report as a basis for ensuring their effective participation in governance at all levels

Chapter 4: Faculty Roles in Governance

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4.A General Principles

The Senate Assembly established several kinds of standing committees to carry out its responsibilities for oversight and advice on areas of University policies and operations. These committees report to the Senate Assembly on a regular basis and, as needed, propose actions to the Assembly. One kind of Senate Assembly committee advises and consults with the vice presidents, vice provosts, and executive officers of the Ann Arbor campus on matters within the areas of their respective responsibilities; these committees also advise SACUA and the Assembly in these areas. The other main kind of Senate Assembly committee advises other University officials and/or assists SACUA and the Assembly in carrying out their responsibilities. From time to time, special Senate Assembly committees are created to assist the Assembly with its work.

The members of all Senate Assembly committees are nominated by SACUA and approved by the Senate Assembly. Some of these committees also have student members, appointed by appropriate units of student governments. SACUA also appoints or nominates faculty members to a number of other University committees that are not committees of the Senate Assembly.

All members of the University Senate are solicited on an annual basis to nominate themselves or their colleagues for these various kinds of committees. All faculty are encouraged to participate in this nomination procedure. For further information about these committees, check the central faculty governance website or email the specific committee at the address listed in handbook sections 4.E.1 Senate Assembly Committees Advising Executive Officers and Vice Presidents and 4.E.2 Other Senate Assembly Standing and Special Faculty Committees.

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Faculty participation in governance promotes and encourages diversity of ideas, a sense of shared responsibility, collaboration, collegiality, and institutional excellence, and is essential to the well-being of the University. This chapter sets forth the principles for faculty governance at the University of Michigan and provides information about participation at both the unit and central levels. For further information on unit-level faculty governance, check with the departmental or collegiate unit. See the Faculty Senate website for further details on central faculty governance, which includes the University Senate, Senate Assembly, and the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA).