Chapter 3: Organization of the Faculty and Academic Staff

3.3 Faculty By-laws

Article I: Authority for Faculty By-laws

The authority for Faculty By-laws is found in Article VI, Section A, Items 3 and 4 of the Constitution of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Faculty (revised and approved Fall, 1974).

Article II: Operation of Committees

II - Section A

Committees are responsible to the Chancellor through the Faculty Senate unless directed to report elsewhere at the time of establishment. In their consideration of policies, problems, and programs, committees shall seek information from and the counsel of the Chancellor, faculty, and students.

Committees should keep appropriate groups and individuals (especially the Chancellor) informed of their activities and progress.

Committees, when necessary and appropriate, may establish ad hoc task forces to study specific problems and recommend action to the sponsoring committee.

II - Section B – Meetings

Committees shall meet at least once per academic term.

Committee chairs shall arrange meeting times which allow faculty, staff, and student committee members to attend the meeting.

Committee chairs will arrange for all interested faculty, staff, and students to present views and opinions on all issues being considered.

II - Section C – Methods of Reporting

Committees shall provide the Chancellor, the Chair and the Secretary of the Faculty Senate, and the President and Secretary of the Student Senate with minutes of each meeting. These minutes, unless otherwise designated in the description of the committee, shall be available on line to the faculty. After three years, minutes will be electronically archived.

Formal recommendations from committees should be prepared in triplicate, one copy each going to the Chancellor, the Faculty Senate, and the Student Senate. Upon receipt of a committee recommendation, the Faculty Senate may follow any one of three courses of action: it may (1) accept the recommendation without change or (2) accept it with modification, whereupon the committee recommendation becomes a faculty recommendation and is forwarded to the Chancellor for approval or veto, or it may (3) reject a committee recommendation.

Committees may ask, through the Senate or the Chancellor, that an issue be placed on the agenda for a faculty meeting. Such a request may grow out of the need for general discussion or information, or out of dissatisfaction with the action taken by the Senate or the Chancellor. Each committee shall prepare a written report to the faculty at least once a year, citing its activities, concerns, and accomplishments for that year. This report shall be submitted to the Secretary and the Chair of the Faculty Senate and to the Chancellor of the University.

Committees shall also provide interim reports when requested to do so.

II - Section D – General Functions of Committees

• to continuously study and review those matters over which jurisdiction has been assigned
• to formulate legislative recommendations for action by the Faculty Senate, the general faculty, or the Chancellor
• to provide University-wide leadership and stimulate creative responses in coping with problems and questions in the assigned area
• to coordinate University-wide activities and programs in the assigned area
• to implement, supervise, or coordinate University policies when authorized to do so by the Faculty Senate or by procedures established by the By-laws
• to report to the Faculty Senate and to the Chancellor their recommendations, favorable or unfavorable, on matters referred to them for study, examination, or research.

II - Section E – Appointment to Committees

Wherever practicable, committee membership shall include representation from each of the voting divisions of the faculty. Membership on the Senate shall not be a prerequisite for membership on a faculty committee. In cases where the business of a committee involves matters that are of interest and importance to students, there shall also be student membership on the faculty committee.

The Senate's Executive Committee will receive from the faculty its preferences as to committee appointments and will present to the Senate a list of nominees for existing vacancies. The Senate may propose alternative names or simply approve the Committee's slate. Final appointments to and removal from standing committees are, unless otherwise specified, made by the Faculty Senate with final approval by the Chancellor.

Unless otherwise specified within a committee’s description, the following appointment processes shall be used [FS 06/07 #68]:

• Faculty, including Fourth Division faculty, are appointed by the Faculty Senate
• Academic Staff members not identified as “faculty” are appointed by the Academic Staff Council
• Classified Staff members are appointed by the Union
• Student members are appointed by the Student Senate

The Chair of each committee will be designated annually by the Faculty Senate and shall preferably be a retained member of the committee and appointed by the same process as committee members.

Term of membership is provided for in the definition of each committee (see Article III, Bylaws); however, membership terms will be staggered so that each committee will be comprised of retained and new appointees. (Initial length of term will be determined by committee lot.) It is the intention that appointments to committees be rotated as much as possible.

A committee member who is unable to attend committee meetings may appoint a proxy for a period of time not to exceed one semester, subject to the committee's acceptance of that proxy.

Article III: Standing Committees

III - Section A – Academic Program and Policy Committee

1. Membership: Nine faculty (at least three of whom are members of the graduate faculty and who are affirmed by the Graduate Council), the Provost and Vice Chancellor or the Provost and Vice Chancellor’s designee, four students, and the Registrar or his/her designee [non-voting - FS 08/09 #22].
2. Term of office: three years for faculty, one-third to be appointed each year; one year for students.
3. Duties:

a. to establish the goals and objectives of the undergraduate curriculum of the University
b. to establish the goals and objectives of the graduate curriculum of the University in consultation with the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee
c. to examine and evaluate the overall curriculum of the University for possible improvements, to recommend revisions, and to initiate suggestions for study and action
d. to examine and recommend to the Faculty Senate proposals for new graduate degree and certificate programs, undergraduate minors and majors, education-abroad programs and any other new academic programs.  The committee will review proposals based upon their quility and the degree to which they are aligned with the strategic planning goals of the university and colleges. An academic program is defined as an organized group of college-level, credit-bearing courses, and their related experiences, designed to be used within the fulfilment of a degree or certificate.  Examples include but are not limited to majors, minors, emphases, certificates, SAE, ITC, WIS, General Education, Liberal Arts, and Foundation Courses in Agriculture. Graduate programs will be forwarded to the Academic Program and Policy Committee by the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee. [FS 03/04 #21, FS 07/08 #20] [FS 11/12 #109]
e. to examine and promote the development of new, experimental, and innovative curricular programs and offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate level
f. to examine and recommend to the Faculty Senate proposals for substantial changes in graduate degrees and certificate programs and undergraduate majors and submajors
g. if the committee rejects a proposal for a new program from a department or the Graduate Studies Curriculum committee, that body may request a vote on the proposal by the Faculty Senate. If the Faculty Senate rejects the proposal, the Senate will supply the department or Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee with a summary
h. to approve the plan for assessment of General Education submitted by the Assessment Committee. The Assessment Committee will assess General Education every ten years in conjunction with and prior to the campus visit by the re-accreditation team of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
i. to approve new or revised course designators

4. Procedure: The committee shall, in consultation with the Provost and Vice Chancellor, coordinate University-wide programs as specified under “Duties” above and require reports from faculty responsible for conducting such programs as requested.
5. Recommendations dealing with new or revised:
   a. undergraduate academic programs are approved by the department/program, college curriculum committee, college dean.  Academic Program and Policy Committee, Faculty Senate, the Provost and Vice Chancellor, in that order. [FS 06/07 #27, FS 07/08 #20]
   b. education abroad academic programs are approved by the department/program committee, International Programs Committee, Director of Global connections, Academic Program and Policy Committee, Faculty Senate, the Provost, and the Chancellor, in that order.
   c.graduate academic programs approved by the department, college curriculum committee, college dean, director of graduate studies, Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee, Academic Program and Policy Committee, Faculty Senate, the Provost and Vice Chancellor, and the Chancellor, in that order.
   

III - Section B – Academic Standards Committee

1. Membership: Six faculty; The Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics, the Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, or their designees; the Registrar; the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Compliance, and Affirmative Action (ex-officio, non-voting); and four students.
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty, one-third being appointed each year; one year for students.
3. Duties:
   a. to develop and recommend academic policies in the following areas: admission, drop-add, graduation requirements, pass-fail, probation, retention, scholastic standards, student academic load, student program changes, transfer, re-entry and withdrawal
   b. to recommend procedures for the implementation of academic policies
   c. to interpret academic policies upon the request of the Provost and Vice Chancellor and/or the Registrar
   d. to hear appeals relative to academic policy implementation
4. Procedure:
   a. The Registrar will carry out the academic policies of the University under the direction of the Provost and Vice Chancellor.
   b. Each Academic Dean shall have the prerogative within the established policy to make decisions regarding requirements in his or her own College. Appeal of the Dean’s decisions may be made to the Academic Standards Committee by students or faculty.
   c. All policy questions about University requirements shall be referred to the Academic Standards Committee
   d. Decisions of the Academic Standards Committee may be appealed by the student to the Provost and Vice Chancellor.

III - Section C – Advising Committee

1. Membership: Five faculty members: one from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, two from the College of Arts and Sciences, one from the College of Business and Economics, one from the College of Education and Professional Studies; the Director of the Academic Success Center, the Associate Director of the Academic Success Center, and two students - one appointed by Student Senate and one appointed by the Student Advisory Board of the Academic Success Center.
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty, one year for students.
3. Duties:
   a. to examine and develop innovative and/or experimental programs for advising students deemed at risk
   b. to evaluate periodically the student academic advising system and recommend changes that will increase the system's effectiveness
   c. to recommend policies for implementing new advising programs and improving current ones
   d. to serve in an advisory capacity for activities that involve academic, career, and personal counseling
   e. to encourage recognition of the importance of advising as a part of faculty responsibility and to recommend and revise procedures for evaluating faculty participation in advising

III - Section D – Affirmative Action Advisory Committee

[FS 06/07 #43]

This committee is established under the requirements of Regent Policy Document 17-4 (former 75-5) that requires, in part, that each UW institution “establish and maintain an affirmative action committee (or committees, as appropriate) composed of faculty, academic staff, classified employees, and students to advise the administration on affirmative action needs and concerns, and to assist affirmative action directors in designing and implementing programs.”

1. Membership: Five faculty (if possible, one of those 5 should hold the rank of Instructional Academic Staff), the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Director of Human Resources or designee, a member of the classified staff, and academic staff member, and a student. (Note change in title of Asst. to the Director)
   
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty and academic staff, one to two members appointed each year. One year for students.
3. Duties:
   a. to advise the University administration and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on issues, policies and programs relevant to affirmative action and equal opportunity in the retention and recruitment of all employees and applicants for employment.
   b. To communicate issues raised within the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee meetings to the appropriate group(s), e.g., University administration, academic or administrative units, governance groups, the University community at large, etc.
   c. to provide policy recommendations to University governance groups, e.g., the Faculty Senate, Academic Staff Council, and Classified Staff Advisory Council.
   

III - Section E – Assessment Committee

1. Membership: Voting members will consist of nine Faculty/Staff (appointed by Faculty Senate, with two from each College and one from the Fourth Division) and two students (appointed by Student Senate). Ex-officio, non-voting members will consist of the Provost and Vice Chancellor (or representative), the Director of Institutional Research, and one representative from each Academic Dean’s office.
2. Term of Office: Three years for each faculty, one-third to be appointed each year; one year for students.
3. Duties:
   a. to examine the University's assessment effort in light of the select mission and nature of UWRF
   b. to propose changes in the assessment effort to the Faculty Senate, when necessary
   c. to provide Faculty input into University reports on assessment
   d. to assess General Education and University requirements; the Assessment Committee will recommend instruments, methods, timetable and design for the General Education and University requirements assessment to the Academic Program and Policy (AP&P) Committee. The AP&P Committee will approve or disapprove the Assessment Committee's plan. Once the plan is approved, the Assessment Committee will coordinate the collection of data needed for the assessment. The Assessment Committee will tabulate their results and give them to the AP&P committee [FS 06/07 #81]
   e. to act as a resource on academic assessment; the Assessment Committee will work with academic programs to provide guidance on the form and structure of their assessment plans
   f. to approve the original and revised academic program assessment plans [FS 08/09 #67]
   g. to monitor assessment activities; ass part of the regular 7-year program review of
   majors, the committee will review the assessment plans, the academic assessment reports, and any program revisions based on assessment feedback [FS 08/09 #67]
   h. annual academic assessment reports will be reviewed at the time of the program's 7-year review and 3 years after the program review. [FS 08/09 #67]

III - Section F – Athletic Committee

[FS 08/09 #50]

1. Membership: Four faculty (with equal representation of women and men), the Student Senate Athletic Representative and one additional student from the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (with equal representation of women and men), the Athletic Director, the Senior Woman Athletic Administrator, the Chair of Health and Human Performance, the women’s and men’s Faculty Athletic Representatives (FAR), and the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Compliance, and Affirmative Action.
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty with one-third being appointed each year. Students should be appointed on an annual basis.
3. Duties:
4. 1. to review and remain current on the policies prescribed by the NCAA and WIAC
   2. to review budgeted funds, statements, gate receipts, and expenditures of the Athletic Department
   3. to promote athletic programs
   4. to recommend policies for the improvement of the athletic programs and facilities of the University
   5. to recommend to the Faculty Senate candidates for appointment as Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs)
   6. to identify and recommend mitigation of equity issues involving men's and women's athletics. This is to include:
   7. 1. the allocation of resources
      2. access to programs
      3. faculty/staff composition (with respect to diversity)
   7. to review the current sports module

III - Section G – Calendar Committee

[FS 06/07 #42, #84]

1. Membership: Five faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate (one from each college and the Fourth Division), the Provost (or designee), the Registrar (or designee), the Director of Outreach (or designee), and a student appointed by the Student Senate [FS 06/07 #84]
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty and academic staff, one to two members appointed each year. One year for students.
3. Duties:
   a. To provide calendar recommendations to the Faculty Senate using the following guidelines:
   1) The academic calendar shall conform in its entirety to the faculty contract period of 39 contiguous weeks per academic year, including Fall and Spring Semesters.
   2) Under the balanced calendar framework, both Fall and Spring semesters shall each consist of one week of pre-class advising, 14 weeks of classes, one week of final exams, and one week of grading, for a minimum length of 17 weeks per semester. The two semesters, plus five weeks of interims, Spring Break, and administrative weeks, shall constitute the 39-week academic year.
   3) The scheduling of a study day is required between the last day of regular classes and the first day of final exams every semester.
   4) The deadline for submission of final course grades to the Registrar’s Office shall be not less than five full working days (not including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) after the last day of final exams.
   b. To provide policy recommendations regarding both the calendar and calendar scheduling to the Faculty Senate.

Curriculum Committee – See Section T, University Curriculum Committee

III - Section H – Disability Advisory Committee

[FS 06/07 #34]

This committee is established under the requirements of Regent Policy Document 14-10 (former 96-6), Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability, which requires that each UW institution establish an advisory committee to, “provide information and recommendations responsive to the needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities.”

1. Membership: Five faculty, two students, the Coordinator of Disability Services, the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Compliance, and Affirmative Action, and the American with Disabilities Act Coordinator.
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty, one to two members appointed each year. One year for students.
3. Duties: [FS 07/08 #8]
   a. to make policy recommendations regarding disability issues to Faculty Senate
   b. to advise the Disability Services Staff on policy and procedures
   c. to review the annual Disability Services Report
   d. to review other relevant reports and information
   e. to review periodical needs assessments of students and faculty
   f. to recommend training and workshops
   g. to respond to student appeals of accommodation decisions; the committee chair will designate a hearing committee made up of three committee members

III - Section I - Diversity and Inclusivity Committee

[FS 06/07 #40]

1. Membership: Four faculty members, the University’s Inclusivity Initiative Pointperson (appointed by the Faculty Senate), an academic staff member appointed by the Academic Staff Council, the Multicultural/Disadvantaged Coordinator, the Director of the Academic Success Center (or designee), the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Compliance, and Affirmative Action, and two students.
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty and academic staff, one-third appointed each year. One year for students.
3. Diversity and diverse, for the purposes of this committee’s responsibilities, include race, national origin, religion, socio-economic status, age, culture, gender, gender identities, and sexual orientation.
4. Duties:
   a. to recommend recruitment and retention policies and programs that encourage the development of a diverse University community
   b. to seek ways to encourage faculty and academic staff development focused on diversity issues
   c. to assess reports and information on the campus climate as it relates to diversity issues and make appropriate recommendations for improvement
   d. to review the status and progress of the University's strategic diversity initiatives and make appropriate recommendations
   e. to establish and maintain communication links between the committee and relevant student organizations so that committee members stay aware of campus issues and events
   f. to provide guidance to the Faculty Senate on policy decisions related to diversity issues
   g. to seek ways to encourage infusion of diversity content into the University curriculum and courses
   h. to identify and refine pathways and strategies for eliminating inequities in educational opportunities and outcomes
   i. to provide appropriate recommendations to facilitate the professional advancement of diverse populations
   j. to represent the needs and interests of diverse campus populations to the broader community
   k. to review and recommend approval of reports related to UW-System diversity initiatives
   l. to receive reports on the Library collections and to make recommendations regarding the acquisition of materials regarding diversity [FS 06/07 #58]

III - Section J – External Relations Committee

1. Membership: Ten faculty members with at least one representative from each of the four Colleges and the Fourth Division; the Chancellor’s designee; Special Assistant to the Chancellor, or designee [FS 12/13-42] (ex officio, non voting); the Executive Director for University Advancement or designee (ex officio, non voting); the Director of Alumni Relations [FS 11/12-57] (ex officio, non voting); and two representatives from Student
   Senate.
2. Term of Office: Three-year staggered terms for faculty; two years for the Student Senate representative.
3. Duties:
   a. to increase faculty and staff awareness of important actions being proposed at the state level
   b. to advise the Special Assistant to the Chancellor on public relations
   c. to be responsible for recommending and inviting the speakers for the Fall and Spring commencement exercises and to coordinate this effort with the offices of the Registrar and the Chancellor
   d. to function as the Honorary Degree Committee (see Chapter 8.12)
   e. to advise the Executive Director for University Advancement and the Director of  Alumni Relations on activities relating to alumni. [FS 11/12-57]
   f. to seek nominations for the Distinguished Alumnus Award based on outstanding professional achievement and contributions to society; to forward a recommendation for this award to the Chancellor for final approval
   g. to seek nominations for the Outstanding Service Award and to forward recommendations for this award to the Chancellor for final approval; those eligible are persons outside of the University community who have made exemplary contributions to UW-River Falls through their support of the University’s goals and their volunteer efforts on behalf of the University

III - Section K – Faculty Compensation Committee

[FS 06/07 #85]

1. Membership: Nine faculty with at least one from each of the following: academic staff and/or the rank of lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, professor; and two students. [FS 03/04 #2] The Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Compliance, and Affirmative Action, the Provost and Vice Chancellor or the Provost and Vice Chancellor's designee, the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, and the Special Assistant to the Chancellor are all ex-officio, non-voting members.
2. Term of Office: Three years, with two or three appointed each year in accordance with the number of vacancies occurring.
3. Duties:
   a. to develop, continuously evaluate, recommend, and inform the faculty of policies and procedures relating to the following:
   1) salary and salary issues, including—but not restricted to—J-term compensation, summer session compensation, overloads, reassigned time, and compression
   2) personnel evaluation and recommendations which pertain to salary and salary increases
   3) existing and proposed changes to personnel fringe benefits, including sick leave, collegial coverage and medical plan options
   b. to provide an annual written summary to the Senate and all faculty each April
   addressing the biennial compensation plan, and any additional relevant issues
   reflected under duties: a. 1)-3) above

III - Section L – Faculty Hearing, Grievance, and Appeals Committee

1. Membership:
   a. Eight tenured faculty with each College represented and with as many ranks as possible represented; and one academic staff member. [FS 04/05 #7]
   b. If members of the Committee perceive a possible conflict of interest regarding a particular hearing or appeal, the Chair of the Committee reserves the right to request the Chair of the Faculty Senate to appoint substitute members to serve on the Committee. These substitute members will be selected from those who have served previously as members of the Faculty Hearing, Grievance, and Appeals Committee.
2. Term of Office: Three years, with one-third appointed each year.
3. Duties: To function as a hearing body to review appeals and grievances. Appeals and grievances are defined as:
   a. those allegations made by a faculty member(s) charging deprivation or invasion of academic freedom and/or a denial of equitable treatment in matters covered by the policies adopted by the faculty and administration relating to:
   1) appointments, promotions, tenure and salary
   2) teaching loads and duties, i.e., working conditions generally
   3) retention/non-retention of probationary faculty
   b. claims of violation of those standards and their application given in Wisconsin Statutes, Administrative Code, Personnel Guidelines, and other Board of Regents Rules and Regulations other than cases which fall within the province of the Termination Committee
4. The findings of fact and conclusions and/or recommendations of the Committee shall not be regarded as preventing grievants from further appeal to such professional associations as the grievants may call upon
5. To sit as a judiciary body to hear appeals of individual faculty members concerning decisions or actions in the foregoing areas. The Committee will investigate the appeal and make recommendations to the Faculty Senate and parties concerned.
6. Procedure for Appeals: In the event that the previous procedure has not resolved the grievance, grievance procedures as stated in the Faculty and Academic Staff Handbook Chapter IV, Faculty Personnel Rules sections 4.6, 4.9, and 4.10, will be followed or as designated by the Board of Regents Policy, Personnel Guidelines, or State Statute.
7. The confidentiality of the proceedings of this Committee shall be maintained. The minutes of the Committee will be forwarded to the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, the Chancellor, and to the grievant. The findings and recommendations of each grievance case shall be forwarded to the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, the Chancellor, and the grievant.

III - Section M – Faculty Welfare and Personnel Policies Committee

[FS 11/12 #18]

1. Membership: Seven faculty members with at least one each from the following provided sufficient volunteers exist: Academic staff and/or the rank of lecturer; assistant professor; associate professor; professor; and two students. The Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Compliance, and Affirmative Action, the Provost or Provost’s designee, the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance or designee, the Director of Human Resources or designee, and the Special Assistant to the Chancellor are all ex-officio, nonvoting members.
2. Term of Office: Three years, with two or three appointed each year in accordance with the number of vacancies occurring.
3. Duties:
   a.    To develop, continuously evaluate and recommend (and forward) to Faculty Senate policies and procedures, and equity issues relating to:
          1.  Appointments
          2.  Dismissal
          3.  Promotions and determination of rank
          4.  Personnel evaluations
          5.  Tenure
          6.  leaves of absence, faculty development leaves, etc.
          7.  Faculty working conditions
   b.    To consider and recommend such additional guidelines and/or policies as may be conducive to faculty welfare
   c.    To consult with the Executive Council of the Student Senate on items of mutual interest involving 1), 2), 3), and 4) under a. above
   d.    To provide to any member of the unclassified staff consultation and advice on the application of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter UWS  8, Unclassified Staff Code of Ethics
   e.    To develop policies and procedures that shall, at a minimum, provide:
          1.  Standards concerning the use of University facilities and personnel in connection with outside activities
          2.  Standards concerning absence from regular duties for the purpose of engaging in outside activities
          3.  Guidelines identifying types or categories of outside activities which may result in a material conflict of interest and
          4.  for such reports of anticipated outside activities as are necessary to insure compliance with UWS 8.04 to develop and monitor the use of and instrument to report outside interests and activities of faculty and academic staff as required under UWS 8.025
   

III - Section N – General Education and University Requirements Committee

[FS 03/04 #17, 07/08 #20]

1. Purpose: to supervise the General Education Program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
2. Membership: proportional representation of the faculty by college (determination to be based on FTE) not to exceed 10 faculty members appointed by Faculty Senate for three year terms, plus two student members appointed by the Student Senate. Each academic college must have at least one representative. Non-voting representatives will include the Assessment Coordinator and representatives from the Registrar’s Office and the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. [FS 07/08 #13]
3. Term of Office: Three years for faculty
4. Duties [FS 07/08 #20]:
   a. to promote and support the General Education program on the UWRF campus
   b. to define and review the policies for the General Education course submission procedure
   c. to approve/disapprove courses for the General Education program and communicate these decisions to the campus community
   d. to approve/disapprove courses for the American Cultural Diversity and Global Perspectives requirements and communicate these decisions to the campus community
   e. to carry out a review of General Education, American Cultural Diversity, and Global Perspectives courses on a 5-year cycle
   f. to evaluate all assessment results and provide feedback to all relevant parties
   g. to recommend changes in the General Education structure to the Faculty Senate [FS 06/07 #27]
   h. to promote opportunities for faculty development related to General Education
   i. to develop processes and procedures for removal of General Education courses from the curriculum
   j. to determine whether or not the course offerings for each General Education goal are sufficient to meet student needs

III - Section O – Technology Council

[FS 10/11 #42]

[FS12/13 #62]

The Technology Council is the primary advisory and decision- making group for information and--instructional technology at UW-River Falls.  The responsibilities of this committee are divided into three broad areas described below, each having a designated faculty lead and Division of Technology Services manager(s) who will coordinate efforts along with the chair.

When an issue comes before the Technology Council that is under the purview of a shared governance body, Technology Council will vote and make a recommendation to the appropriate governance group.

Purpose:

1. The Technology Council serves as an overall point of coordination, planning, and policy development for information and instructional technology at the University.
2. Membership (17 total voting members, plus 4 non-voting Division of Technology Services managers)
   a.  Chair of the Technology Council (Faculty Senate Appointment, recommended from existing faculty membership on committee to ensure continuity and appointed by Faculty Senate)
   b.  Vice-Chair of Technology Council (Administrative Appointment-CIO)
   c.  CEPS (1) (Faculty Senate Appointment)
   d.  CAS (2) (Faculty Senate Appointment)
   e.  CAFES (1) (Faculty Senate Appointment)
   f.  CBE (1) (Faculty Senate Appointment)
   g.  Faculty at-large (3) (Faculty Senate Appointment)
   h.  4th Division (1) (Faculty Senate Appointment)
   i.  TLT Manager (non-voting)
   j.  ISS Manager (non-voting)
   k.  Students (2) (Student Senate Appointment)
   l.  Associate Vice-Chancellor for Enrollment Services or designee (Administrative Appointment)
   m.  Associate Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee (Administrative Appointment)
   n.  Provost or designee (Administrative Appointment)
   o.  CTS Manager (non-voting) and IST Manager (non-voting)
   p.  Library Staff (Administrative Appointment)
3. Term of Office:  Faculty term is three years with one to two new appointments each year.  Student terms are one year with the option for reappointment.  Terms for administrative members are determined annually by their respective leadership.
4. Duties:
   a.  align the information technology master plan with the University strategic/operational plan
   b.  support in the implementation of the Technology Services operational plan and IT Master Plan
   c.  prioritize IT funding recommendations
   d.  assist the campus with the prioritization of technology projects and monitor the progress of such projects
   e.  review and recommend University policies related to information and instructional technology
   f.  assist in the development and implementation of the campus long range equipment and software replacement plan
   g.  assist in the development (target) review performance indicators for the Division of Technology services to support the implementation of the IT Master Plan
   h.  evaluate the effectiveness of the Technology Council and make appropriate recommendations for improvements
   i.  Discuss and act on University related IT initiatives and all issues outlined within the three lead areas corresponding to subsections I, II, III below and create short-term ad hoc task groups to address specific issues if deemed too intensive for the overall Technology council
   
5. Decision and voting:
   a.  Decision-making processes are defined in Robert's Rules of Order, revised.
   b.  Faculty governance-related issues will be forwarded to Faculty Senate, student governance related topics will be forwarded to Student Senate, and administrative related topics will be forwarded to the appropriate administrator.  The Chair will consult with governance groups regarding shared governance authority.
   

III - Section O: I – Instructional and Learning Technology Lead Issues

[FS 10/11 #42]
[FS 11/12 #20]
[FS 12/13 #62]

For issues that the Technology Council decided need more intensely focused attention, the primary responsibilities of the Instructional and Learning Technology Lead include issues related to instructional and learning technologies that fall within the purview of faculty governance.  The Instructional and Learning Technology Lead will return all such shared governance issues to the Technology Council for further action and consideration.

1. Purpose: The Instructional and Learning Technology Lead facilitates the effective use of information technology in teaching, learning and research.
2. Issues:
   a. effective use of technology in teaching, learning, and research.
   b. policies related to use of technology in teaching, learning and, research
   c. effectiveness of institutional support for technology in teaching, learning, and research technologies
   d. promoting use of instructional and learning technologies through communication, advocacy, faculty, and staff
   e. support for all users
   f. investigating emerging technologies and promoting their use as appropriate
   g. assessment of effective teaching and the achievement of intended learning outcomes for alternative course delivery systems involving technology
   h. issues including, but not limited to classroom technology, lab technology, learning management systems, distance education, emerging technologies, user support, and faculty and staff development related to instructional and learning technologies
   

III - Section O: II – Technology Services Lead Issues

[FS 10/11 #42]
[FS 11/12 #20]
[FS 12/13 #62]

1. Purpose: For issues that the Technology Council decides are in need of more intensely focused attention, the Technology Services Lead provides coordination and oversight for information, productivity, and transaction systems used and shared by the University community and also works to ensure that the campus network and basic technology support the work of the University.  The Technology Services Lead will return all such shared governance issues to the Technology Council for further action and consideration.
   
2. Issues:
   a.    effectiveness of the infrastructure that supports the University’s use of information technology
   b.    policies and plans related to security, disaster recovery, and access
   c.    basic productivity and telecommunication needs of faculty, staff, and students
   d.    advising the institution on the acquisition and use of infrastructure-related software applications (e-mail, calendar, network monitoring, patching, and so on)
   e.    effectiveness of the University’s desktop (or laptop, tablet, etc. as appropriate) replacement program
   f.    technical issues including, but  not limited to networking, wireless,   workstations, software applications, productivity tools, file services, and telephone
   g.  effectiveness of the information and transaction systems used by University faculty, staff ,and students including accessibility, usability, and functionality
   h.    needs of campus offices regarding information and transaction systems and recommended changes and additions
   i.    policies related to information and transaction systems
   j.    investigating new systems and recommending consideration for implementation
   k.    issues including, but  not limited to student information systems, web, degree audit systems, shared financial systems, reporting tools, room reservation, event management systems, point of sale, door security, document management systems, and human resources systems
   l.    disseminating information to internal and external audiences 

III - Section O: III – University Web Lead Issues

[FS 10/11 #42]
[FS 11/12 #20]
[FS 12/13 #62]

1. Purpose:  For issues that the Technology Council decides are in need on more intensely focused attention, the University Web Lead provides coordination and oversight for all content, applications, and services integrated into the university's Web site or associated with the Web site and also assures that the policies and procedures regarding the university's Web site exist, are followed, and are current. The University Web Lead will return all such shared governance issues to the Technology Council for further action and consideration.
   
2. Issues:
   a.    coordination and oversight for all content, applications, and services integrated into the University's Web site or associated with the Web site
   b.    oversight and direction in the planning and implementation of the University Web site
   c.    University Web site policies and procedures and guidelines for materials and information resources made available via the University Web site
   d.    maintaining the University Web site as an official publication of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
   

Instructional Improvement Committee

[disbanded, subsumed into Q, Learning Resources Committee, FS 06/07 #45]

III - Section P – International Programs Committee

[FS 06/07 #33]

1. Membership: Five faculty members including at least one from each college representing the University community. One representative of the Deans’ Council, one student, the Director of the Office of Global Connections, the Director of New Student and Family Programs (or designee) [FS 11/12 #78] and the Chair of the International Studies Program.
2. Term of Office: Non-student members will serve three-year terms with approximately one-third being appointed each year. Student members will serve for one year.
3. Duties:
   a. to make recommendations to the Academic Standards Committee regarding standards for International Programs
   b. to establish and maintain standards for faculty leaders and student participants in International Programs
   c. to establish strategies for institutional internationalization
   d. to establish policies and procedures to be implemented by the Office of Global Connections
   e.  To act as an advisory body to the Director of Global Connections and, to this end and in order to assist in the timely review of Education Abroad courses, to schedule bi-weekly meetings at the beginning of each semester and appoint a Vice Chair of the committee who, in the absence of the chair, could convene the committee within as expeditious a time as possible.  In its advisory capacity, the committee can be convened by the chair, or in the event of the chair's unavailability, the vice chair, at any regularly scheduled meeting or at a special meeting requested by the Director of Global Connections.  Also, in order to assist in its advisory capacity, "Global Connections Advisory Issues" shall be a running agenda item, and Director of Global Connection can suggest the chair or vice chair invite any visitor to the committee who may have special knowledge in regard to any particular advisory issue.  Such decisions shall be reported to the Faculty Senate in a timely manner. [FS 11/12 #17]
   f. to review and make recommendations to the Provost regarding study-abroad proposals
   g. to develop an assessment procedure, complete required assessments, and act as coordinator of assessment of all credit-bearing programs requiring international travel [FS 06/07 #110]

Library Committee

[disbanded, subsumed into Q, Learning Resources Committee, FS 06/07 #45]

III - Section Q – Learning Resources Committee

[FS 06/07 #45]

1. Membership: Five faculty members with at least one from each college, a representative of the Faculty/Academic Staff Development Board, the Provost (or designee), the Director of the Library (or designee), the Executive Director for Advancement (or designee), and two students.
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty and academic staff, one-third appointed each year. One year for students.
3. Duties:
   a. to initiate and conduct activities that enhance teaching and learning
   b. to work cooperatively with the Faculty/Academic Staff Development Board (e.g., helping to plan the programs for fall and spring faculty development days)
   c. to receive advance notice of significant issues and changes that may affect the mission of the Library and effectively communicate these to the faculty and staff
   d. to provide a mechanism for input regarding the Library's collections, services, faculty and student needs, etc.
   e. to receive annual summaries of the Library budget and periodic updates as significant changes are made to the budget
   f. to advocate on behalf of the development of the Library's resources and services
   g. to administer a visiting professor grant from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Foundation, using the following process (The Committee may modify this procedure as appropriate to facilitate the search and to assure fairness in the selection process):
   1) The Committee will solicit nominations from all of the academic departments of the University for potential visiting professors who have outstanding academic credentials, can remain a minimum of three days, and whose presentations may have appeal to a reasonable portion of the University community.
   2) Departments will submit their nominations with supporting background information.
   3) The Committee will select a candidate, providing preference to candidates from disciplinary areas and/or colleges not recently represented by visiting professors, and may request that the sponsoring department(s) initiate contact with the candidate to obtain a curriculum vitae and to determine the feasibility of the candidate's visit.
   4) The Committee will submit a proposal to the UWRF Foundation requesting the funds needed for travel, lodging, meals, honorarium, and so on.
   5) After the visiting professor has been selected, the academic department(s) most relevant to this person's discipline, with assistance from the Committee, should organize activities for the visit (e.g. public lectures) within a schedule designed to provide students, faculty, and staff opportunities for informal conversation and discussion with the Visiting Professor.

Multicultural Advisory Committee 

[disbanded, subsumed into I, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, FS 06/07 #40]

III - Section R – Recruitment, Admissions and Retention Committee

1. Membership: Seven faculty, with at least one each from the academic staff and/or rank of lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor; and three students. The Director of Admissions will be an ex-officio member of this committee [FS 03/04 #32]. The Director of the New Student and Family Programs shall hold an ex-officio, non-voting, position and give the committee regular updates regarding New Student and Family Programs. [FS 11/12 #93]
   
2. Term of Office: Three years for faculty, one-third being appointed each year; one year for students.
3. Duties:
   a. to examine and develop new, innovative, and/or experimental programs for the identification and recruitment of potential students and the retention of existing students
   b. to recommend policies for implementation of new recruitment and retention programs
   c. to coordinate with the External Relations Committee in the examination and recommendation of methods for making the public aware of the academic programs offered at UW-River Falls, as well as the strong commitment to teaching and academic excellence on the campus

III-Section S-Sustainability Working Group  [FS 11/12-56]

Purpose:  The Sustainability Working Group (SWG) is the primary group for promoting and coordinating sustainability values, principles, and practices at UW-River Falls. UWRF defines sustainability as our local and global responsibility to meet the needs of present and future generations, as demonstrated by an integrated set of ecologic, social, and economic values, principles, and practices that frame how we think, choose, and act in personal, professional, and community life. UWRF defines Sustainability Research as research, scholarly, and creative activity, that examines, documents, and portrays the breadth and depth of basic and applied contexts of UWRF's definition of Sustainability.  [FS 11/12 #115] SWG addresses the planning, design, implementation, and assessment of sustainable campus community programs and policies as well as documentation, such as the Sustainability Tracking and Rating System (STARS), the Climate Action Plan (CAP), and the Sustainable Campus Community Plan (SCCP). SWG is a conduit through which the campus community can recommend curricular, co-curricular, operational, financial, and other sustainable campus initiatives and policies to the appropriate faculty, student, and/or administrative governance or operational units.

Structure & Function: The SWG will consist of 11 voting members (noted below) and be chaired by a qualifying member as noted under Term Limits. There will be one ex officio, non-voting member from the River Falls community. The SWG will have no standing sub-committees. However, it will augment non-voting members as needed to address the scope of sustainability goals and initiatives.


Members:  11 + 1
    Director of Sustainability
    Four faculty members: One representative from each college
    One Instructional Academic Staff (Appointed by Faculty Senate)
    Two students: Representing the broader university (Recommended by SWG and approved by Student Senate)
    Student Affairs Representative
    Diversity & Human Resources representative
    Facilities Management representative
    River Falls community representative (Ex officio, non-voting)
    *Chair (Appointed by Faculty Senate)

Term Limits:
•    Faculty members are appointed by Faculty Senate on staggered terms of three (3) years.
•    Chair should have at least one year of experience on the SWG prior to his/her one-year appointment.
•    Instructional academic staff member is appointed by Faculty Senate each spring with option for re-appointment.
•    Two students approved by Student Senate each spring for one-year term with option for re-appointment.
•    All administrative staff or their designees are appointed or re-appointed annually at the pleasure of the Chancellor.
•    River Falls community representative appointed at the pleasure of River Falls city government.

Duties:
a)    Facilitate the continual refinement of a holistic vision for UWRF as a premier sustainable campus community model that fully and systemically integrates inclusivity, global literacy, leadership, and sustainability as a culture of learning and living.
b)    Recommend campus sustainability projects, monitor their progress, and submit budget requests on behalf of the entire campus for sustainability related projects and programs.

Recommendations requiring faculty governance decisions are forwarded to Faculty Senate. Recommendations requiring student governance decisions are forwarded to Student Senate.  All other recommendations are forwarded to Faculty Senate for informational purposes prior to implementation.
Recommendations requiring administrative decisions are forwarded to the appropriate administrator.
The Chair will consult with governance groups and administration regarding shared governance issues as necessary.

 

III - Section T – Termination Committee

1. Membership: The Termination Committee is established by the faculty, in response to the requirements of UWS 4.03 and UWS 5.11 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, as a standing committee of nine tenured, full-time faculty members, nominated and elected by the faculty. (Academic staff shall not participate in the election of this committee.)
2. Term of Office: Three years with one-third (three members) being elected each year. The term of office begins in September.
3. Election procedures:
   a. Committee members shall be nominated and elected at large.
   b. The Elections Chair [FS 11/12-53, here and everywhere else "Vice Chair" formerly appeared in Section S.3] of the Faculty Senate shall supervise both nominations and elections to the Termination Committee.
   c. All faculty members (but not academic staff) shall be eligible to nominate and vote for members of the Termination Committee.
   d. During spring semester, the Elections Chair of the Faculty Senate shall furnish each voting member with a list of all tenured members of the faculty eligible for nomination. Each faculty member may nominate one person for each vacancy that exists on the Committee.
   1) Two persons will be nominated for each vacancy. Those nominated will be faculty members receiving the largest number of votes.
   2) The Elections Chair of the Faculty Senate will contact the nominees and obtain their consent before placing their names on the election ballot. If any nominee declines, the person having the next largest number of votes shall have his or her name placed on the ballot once it is determined by the Elections Chair that he or she accepts the nomination.
   3) The Elections Chair shall inform the voting faculty of the list of nominees and conduct the election by the end of the spring semester.
   4) Election shall be by secret ballot. The persons receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected and the vote will be published.
   5) Ties will be broken by lot.
4. Internal Organization
   a. The Termination Committee shall elect a chair and other necessary officers from among its members. Such officers shall not serve beyond the beginning of the next fall semester unless re-elected.
   b. For hearings, the Chair of the Termination Committee shall select five panelists by lot from the nine elected Committee members. No one who has participated directly in the lay-off, dismissal or termination decision under consideration shall serve on that panel.
   c. If insufficient panelists are eligible from the nine standing Committee members, the chair shall select additional members by lot from the eligible faculty in order to complete the hearing panel of five members.
   d. Each committee impaneled to conduct a hearing shall elect its own chair.
   e. A panel may select an advisor to assist it in the conduct of the hearing in such ways as it directs. Such an advisor shall have no vote in the deliberations of the panel.
5. Powers and Responsibilities:
   a. Hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures stipulated in UWS 4 or UWS 5 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and any additional procedures deemed necessary to conduct business.
   b. The Termination Committee and the hearing panels are empowered to adopt such other procedures as they deem necessary for the proper conduct of their business.

III - Section U– University Curriculum Committee

1. Purpose:
   a. to provide a University-wide forum for the critical reading of and response to new course proposals and all changes to existing course proposals
   b. to facilitate the resolution of differences between colleges, departments, and programs where duplication of course content occurs
   c. to provide continuity and guidance regarding course proposal format
   d. to provide continuity and guidance regarding the amount of detail in course proposals
   e. to maintain a standardized form to be used for all course proposals and accompanying transmittal forms
2. Membership: Nine faculty (at least three of whom are members of the graduate faculty), the Provost and Vice Chancellor or his/her designee, and one student. The nine faculty members selected will include at least one representative from each of the colleges. The Registrar or designee, a representative from the Library, and a representative from the Office of Graduate Studies will sit as ex-officio, non-voting members of the Committee. [FS 06/07 #31]
3. Term of Office: Three years for faculty, approximately one-third to be appointed each year, one year for students.
4. Duties:
   a. to receive and evaluate, according to University Curriculum Committee purposes, all new and revised courses that have been approved by the appropriate college curriculum committee and/or the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee. The University Curriculum Committee will review courses and make recommendations in relation to their quality and the application of credit. The Committee will also adjudicate and make recommendations in those cases that involve University regulations or cross college overlap [FS 06/07 #31]
   b. to coordinate procedures with all college curriculum committees and/or the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee
   c. to suggest changes in format of the course proposal form and transmittal form
5. Procedure:
   a. Courses are usually generated and developed by department faculty. Course proposals must be reviewed and approved at the departmental level. Letters of acknowledgement from persons in departments that were consulted where possible curriculum overlap may occur must be forwarded with the proposal. Letters of acknowledgment are required from consulted departments whose course enrollments may be affected due to changes in or additions of course prerequisites in the proposal. The originating department must sign the accompanying transmittal form. If the proposal is either an undergraduate course or a combined undergraduate/graduate proposal, it is then sent to the college curriculum committee or other appropriate committee.  In the case of an intercollegiate course, for example, the proposal is sent to the college curriculum committee where the program is housed administratively; wheres in the case of a graduate course, it is sent to the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee.
   b. The Dean of the College approves or disapproves new courses and/or changes in course offerings by signing the accompanying transmittal form. This signature is an indication that the Dean acknowledges the impact the course may have on faculty load and financial requirements.
   c. Graduate level courses must be approved or disapproved by the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee and signed by the Director of Graduate Studies before being submitted to the University Curriculum Committee.
   d. Education-abroad courses must also obtain a letter from the Chair of the International Programs Committee.
   e. Course proposals approved by the Deans (and both the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee) are forwarded to the University Curriculum Committee (an updated electronic copy). When a course is revised or changed, copies of the old original proposal must also be sent to the University
   Curriculum Committee. A signed transmittal form must accompany all course proposals.
   f. The University Curriculum Committee Chair will publish in the committee's agenda a list of all courses to be reviewed by the University Curriculum Committee so as to inform the University faculty. Information will be published in accordance with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law requirements.
   g. At the request of the University Curriculum Committee Chair, a departmental representative must be at the meeting to represent new and revised course proposals. The representative should be prepared to provide a short verbal explanation/justification of the new or revised course proposal. The representative will serve as a liaison between the University Curriculum Committee and the department in which the proposal originated. The committee may ask the representative to clarify information and provide background material.
   h. Guidelines for review and approval of course proposals:
   1) Review for accuracy information prompts, such as year of first offering, minor/major requirements.
   2) Check for the inclusion of appropriate prerequisites.
   3) Review for adequacy of course outlines and attachments including acknowledgment letters from persons in departments that were consulted where possible curriculum content overlap may occur.  In the case of education abroad courses, a letter from the chair of the International Programs committee must also be reviewed.
   4) Adjudicate and make recommendations in those cases of overlap or other conflicts involving University regulations or intercollegiate differences.
   5) If substantive changes to the course proposal are deemed necessary for the course to be approved by the University Curriculum Committee, the proposal may be sent back to the appropriate college curriculum committee or the Graduate Studies Curriculum Committee.
   i. Guidelines for information dissemination after committee action:
   1) Minutes of all the meetings will be sent to:
   a) all committee members
   b) all college curriculum committee chairs
   c) all college Deans and the Director of Graduate Studies
   d) the chair and secretary of the Faculty Senate
   e) the President of the Student Senate
   2) The original course proposal with accompanying transmittal form will be sent to the Dean's Office of the appropriate college, or the Office of Graduate Studies (for graduate courses), for the permanent/official files. Copies, including transmittal form, will also be sent to the person who submitted the course proposal and one to the Department(s) in which the course will be taught.

Visiting Professor Committee 

[disbanded, subsumed into Q, Learning Resources Committee, FS 06/07 #45]

Administrative Committees: See Chapter 2.6 for Administrative Committees.