University Governance

FY-10 UNIVERSITY SENATE COMMITTEES

FY-10 ACADEMIC COMPUTING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS - (ACTC)
Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Approved by University Senate

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 3/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10..

STANDING CHARGES

  1. Monitor current and proposed policy concerning security of information, intellectual property rights and responsibilities, and other matters relating to information technology.  Identify issues for which policy should be developed or revised.  Report important issues and any recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)

 

SPECIFIC CHARGES

  1. Examine the current composition and functions of the Committee to determine whether restructuring and renaming the committee and revising its responsibilities is necessary.  Report recommendations for action to SenEx by 02/02/10. 

 

  1. Determine whether the recommendation by the 2007-2008 University Senate Task Force on Research Computing to form an advisory group on research computing and IT issues that reports directly to the Provost is still necessary.   Report recommendation for action to SenEx by 11/17/09.
  1. Monitor the development of the Information Services “Initiative One” strategic program, in consultation with the office of the Vice Provost for Information Services.  Report issues or recommendations to SenEx by 3/23/10.

 

FY-10  ACADEMIC PROCEDURES AND POLICIES – (AP&P)

 Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Specific Chg #1 added 8/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.  

STANDING CHARGES
As circumstances require:

  • Communicate with the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, the University Registrar, and other administrative officials on academic matters relating to the instructional mission of the university.  Identify important issues and report recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)
  • Review academic policy issues as referred by SenEx, including issues raised by COCAO (Board of Regents Council of Chief Academic Officers) and the Council of Presidents of Regents institutions.  Report recommendations for action to SenEx as needed. (ongoing)
  • Monitor proposals for Program Restructuring and Discontinuance, hold hearings, and follow other procedures in accordance with Article VII of the University Senate Rules and Regulations.  Report important issues and any recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)

SPECIFIC CHARGES

  • Examine models for grade menus for graduate students in the wake of the changes to the Incomplete policy, as described in Dean Sara Rosen's memo dated 7/21/09 (attached). Report to SenEx by 10/6/09.

 

  1. In consultation with the International Affairs Committee, review the recommendation in the report from the Ad-Hoc Committee on English Proficiency Requirements for Undergraduate Admissions.  Report recommendations for action to SenEx by 10/06/09.
  1. Review the University of Kansas’ Financial Exigency policy found in USRR, Art VII.  It was last reviewed by AP&P in FY03 and they did not suggest any changes at that time.  USRR 7.5.1 states that “Every five years after the official acceptance of this document by the Chancellor, it shall be reviewed by the University administration and by AP&P. Either group may then suggest revisions to the document.”   Any changes to the policy would ultimately go to the University Senate for a vote. Report 11/17/09.

 

  1. Examine the consistency of the grading policies of the various professional schools and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and those policies’ effects on the academic achievement and motivation of students.  Additionally, examine the possibility of implementing a consistent +/- policy for the entire University.  Report findings to SenEx by 03/02/10.
  1. Review KU’s current withdrawal policy relative to the tuition and fees for courses dropped in the first withdrawal period. Make recommendation to Senex by 02/16/10.

FY-10 ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

Approved by SenEx:  06/01/09
Revised 6/18/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.

STANDING CHARGES
1.  Help to ensure that KU promotes and maintains academic excellence, as it pertains to athletics.

    1. Identify potential barriers to student athlete integration into curricular and extra-curricular activities, and recommend mechanisms to overcome such barriers.
    2. Recommend campus initiatives to target academic success of student athletes and to facilitate integration of co-curricular activities.
    3. Recommend educational programs and communication strategies to increase community awareness of issues such as Academic Progress Rate (APR), progress towards degree and similar regulations. 
    4. Review and advise on-going academic programs at the Hale Center for Academic Achievement.
    5. Review, summarize and disseminate Kansas Athletics, Inc.(KAI) reports identifying academic parameters including but not limited to spring and fall grades by sport, graduation rates by sport, academic progress, and academic honors and awards to student athletes.
    6. (New):  Per the recommendation in the Final Report for FY 09:  Review the Spring and Fall Student-Athlete Grade Summary, NCAA Academic Progress Rate Institutional Report, and Freshman Cohort Graduation Rates. 
  1. Help to ensure that KU provides a premiere student athlete experience.
    1. Recommend mechanisms to enable broader discussions of opportunities to improve the student athlete experience.
    2. Provide review of programs designed to ensure the academic success, personal development, and personal welfare of student athletes.
    3. Review, summarize and disseminate KAI reports identifying student wellness parameters including but not limited to drug testing practices and policies, nutrition and physical health, psychological and emotional well being, and social integration.
  1. Help to ensure that KU maintains athletic compliance excellence.
    1. Recommend educational programs and communication strategies to ensure the KU community better understands our combined responsibility for compliance.
    2. Review and summarize KAI reports identifying athletic compliance parameters including but not limited to ten-day absence policies, academic screening practices and recruiting practices.
  1. Help to ensure that KU strategic goals pertaining to athletics and Title IX goals are accomplished.
    1. Recommend educational programs and communication strategies to ensure the KU community better understands our combined responsibility for Title IX compliance.
    2. Review and summarize the use of student fee generated funds for NCAA and club sports.
    3. Recommend priorities for campus program investments to ensure future success of broad Title IX initiatives.
    4. Review, summarize and disseminate KAI reports identifying Title IX compliance parameters.
  1. Help to ensure that KU maintains a premier community experience, balancing physical and intellectual pursuits.
    1. Recommend educational programs and communication strategies to enhance the balance between academics and athletics, as well as to promulgate broad understanding of the goals and priorities of each.
    2. Recommend advertising and outreach strategies to ensure broad KU goals and ideals are well represented.
    3. Recommend mechanisms to promote and respect KU tradition.
    4. Recommend mechanisms for improved communication between KAI and faculty, staff and students.
    5. Work with KAI to avoid potentially divisive issues of personal interest to many faculty, staff and students, including ticket distribution and pricing policies, ticket transfer policies, and the communication thereof.
    6. Recommend strategies for building community and alumni relations.
  2. Coordinate with the University Senate Calendar Committee to avoid conflicts in long-term academic and athletic calendars. 
  3. Maintain regular communications with the NCAA/Big XII Faculty Representative, the Chancellor’s advisory committee on athletics, KAI, and University Governance to ensure the needs of each are being served.  Ensure that at least one member continue to participate in the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Athletics, including subcommittees, such as those on athlete well being.

SPECIFIC CHARGES

1.         Review the standing charges in regard to applicability and whether the charges should be retained. Report to Senex by 01/19/10.

2.         Coordinate with the Faculty Mentor Program (FMP), intended to increase the retention and graduation rates of student athletes, while enhancing their academic experience at KU and preparing them for long-term success in their chosen professions.  Explore, with the FMP, ways to further the social integration of student athletes by (at least partially) co-mingling athlete and non-athlete tutoring, advising, and learning communities.   Report to SenEx by
02/16/10.

3.         Develop a proposal to SenEx to support a University Dialogues Series, modeled on the series about evolution in 2006-2007, together with Athletics, the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success, HSES and other interested departments, about the role of intercollegiate sports in the university community.  The focus would be on intellectually engaging questions around athletics such as the “arms” race in athletics, sports ethics, Michael Zogry’s ritual, religion and athletics.  Report to SenEx by 11/17/09.

4.         Review NCAA third cycle recertification report with particular emphasis on academic progress, student welfare and Title IX.  Include information in final report to SenEx.

5.         Work collaboratively with Athletics’ Compliance staff to develop effective strategies for disseminating information to faculty and appropriate staff regarding compliance issues and regulations that are impacted by academic actions, decisions, etc.  Report to SenEx by 03/02/09.

6.         Monitor the pattern of athlete and non-athlete academic majors for 2006, 2007 and 2008 (OIRP report). Include information in final report to SenEx.

7.         Review questions and resulting data regarding participation in the broader campus community from the exit interviews and the questionnaires sent to all student-athletes.  The purpose of the review and data analysis is to monitor trends regarding social integration with non-athletes.  Include information in final report to SenEx.

8.         Monitor the pattern of student-athlete class absences due to travel on an annual basis.  Include information in final report to SenEx.

9.         Review the adherence of KU licensees with KU’s Labor Code of Conduct and examine the effectiveness of KU’s affiliation with the Fair Labor Association in monitoring the conditions in which KU licensed apparel is produced. Report findings to SenEx by 03/23/10.

10.        KU has numerous teams and student-athletes that compete on club teams sponsored by Student Recreational Services but are not part of the Kansas Athletics department.  Gather basic information about the KU experience of these student-athletes: number of students involved, concerns about combining athletics and academics, student safety and health, and availability of appropriate equipment and facilities. Report to SenEx by 03/23/10.


 

FY-10 CALENDAR COMMITTEE
Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.

STANDING CHARGES

  1. Monitor compliance with the requirements of University Senate Rules and Regulations 1.3.2 concerning final examinations, including:  (a) ensuring that adequate arrangements are made each semester to inform students and faculty through the Schedule of Classes and by news releases to the media about the regulations governing final examinations, and the appropriate procedures to be followed if questions arise about the application of the regulations; (b) informing the teaching faculty, via an e-mail from the chair, one week before the beginning of each semester (in August and January) of these regulations and their rationale;  and (c) considering requests for exceptions, as provided in the regulations.  Report to SenEx concerning actions taken on these matters. (ongoing)
  2. Monitor compliance with University Senate Rules and Regulations 1.4.2 concerning the scheduling of examinations outside of regular class hours. Prepare and send an informational e-mail to all deans and chairs summarizing regulations about the calendar at the earliest opportunity.  Following the committee’s established procedures, solicit and approve or disapprove applications for tests other than final examinations to be held at times other than other than regular class hours.  Requests should be solicited and acted upon in time to transmit decisions for the Spring 2009 and Fall 2010 semester to the Office of the University Registrar for inclusion in the Schedule of Classes. Report to SenEx concerning actions taken on these matters. (ongoing).
  3. Update the five-year calendar and report action to SenEx by 02/02/10.

SPECIFIC CHARGES
1.    Once BOR approves new number of instructional days, consider how the KU academic calendar should be changed to take advantage of the reduced minimum number of instructional days. Report recommended calendar(s) to SenEx by 02/02/10.


FY-10 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.

STANDING CHARGES
As circumstances require:
1.         Communicate with appropriate administrative officials and units to guide initiatives and make recommendations to governance for improving the recruitment, retention, and success of international students.  Report important issues and any recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)
2.         Communicate with the appropriate administrative officials and units to develop strategies for encouraging KU faculty, staff, and students to pursue an international experience and to review measures in place that help evaluate the effects of this experience on faculty, staff, and students.  Report important issues and any recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)
3.         Communicate with appropriate officials and units concerning the evaluation of prospective students for admission, such as in methods of assessing English language proficiency.  Report important inquiries and issues of concern and any recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)
SPECIFIC CHARGES

  • In consultation with the Academic Policies and Procedures Committee, review the recommendation in the report from the Ad-Hoc Committee on English Proficiency Requirements for Undergraduate Admissions.  Report recommendations for action to SenEx by 10/06/09.
  • Examine the current composition and functions of the Committee to determine whether restructuring the committee or revising its responsibilities is necessary or desirable to improve its effectiveness. Consider renaming the committee and broadening its function to include multicultural affairs.  Report recommendations to SenEx by 03/02/10. 

 

FY-10 LIBRARIES
Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.

STANDING CHARGES

As circumstances require:

  • Monitor the Libraries’ allocation of resources—staff, physical space, collections, digitally-based information, and equipment—in light of the needs of different academic disciplines.  Assess the adequacy of these resources to support teaching and research.  Communicate with the Dean of Libraries as appropriate and report important issues and any recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)
  • Monitor the effectiveness of communication between the Libraries and students,                    faculty, and staff, including appropriate library-based instruction into existing curricula and academic programs in support of articulated university-wide learner outcomes.   Communicate with the Dean of Libraries as appropriate and report important issues and any recommendations for action to SenEx. (ongoing)
  • Communicate with the Dean of Libraries concerning long range planning by the Libraries and methods to assess the effectiveness of library services. (ongoing).
  • In September of each year, distribute copies of the Libraries Committee’s charges and membership to the list of academic department library liaisons within the KU Libraries.

SPECIFIC CHARGES

  • In consultation with Faculty governance (FacEx) monitor the development and implementation plans for the Policy on Open Access to KU Scholarship.  Report recommendations and actions to SenEx by 4/01/10.
  • Convene an open meeting with KU Library faculty and staff in the Fall semester, 2009 (especially with the Library liasons), to foster communication between the members of the Library Committee and the constituencies it represents.  Report issues and concerns to SenEx by 11/03/09.

 

  • Convene an open forum for all faculty/staff/students each year to foster communication between members of the Library Committee and the constituencies it represents. Report to SenEx by 03/02/10.

 

FY-10 ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION - (O&A)
Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.

STANDING CHARGE

As circumstances require:

  1. Consider any proposals forwarded to the Committee from SenEx for codification into the Senate Code or the Rules and Regulations of the University and Faculty Senate and make recommendations for Senate action.

SPECIFIC CHARGES

  1. Review Initiative 2015 and monitor the consequent implementation of its objectives, to identify the impact on University organization and administration. For example, Working for Kansas Task Force Recommendation #2: Identify and support an outreach and partnership with an individual or organizational entity that will eventually coordinate and facilitate KU’s outreach activities. Include information in final report to SenEx.

 

  1. Review the composition and leadership of the University Senate and SenEx and recommend any needed changes in proportions of represented constituencies. Report recommendation to SenEx by 02/16/10.
  1. In consultation with the committee chairs, review the composition and leadership of the University Senate standing committees and recommend any needed changes in proportions of represented constituencies. Report recommendation to SenEx by 02/16/10.

 


 

FY-10 PLANNING AND RESOURCES
Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.

STANDING CHARGES
1.          Participate in the University's planning and budgetary processes by communicating with the Provost and his senior staff on matters of capital strategic planning that affect allocation of resources and by receiving information about and providing comment on budgetary decisions in all sectors of the university.  Monitor plans for future investment in institutional priorities (building infrastructure for research and instruction, IT resources, etc.) and examine how current financial circumstances (health of the state economy, current university indebtedness, etc.) influence the perceived timeline for this type of investment. Study issues related to distribution of funds from school-specific fees and charges.  Report important issues and any recommendations for action to Sen Ex. (ongoing)
2.         Provide committee representation at hearings held by the Provost and his senior staff to review planning reports and budgetary submissions made by the various units.  Report important issues and any recommendations to SenEx for consideration. (ongoing)
3.         Maintain regular communication with the Office of Institutional Research and Planning about all matters of measurement and analysis of data related to higher education. Report important issues and any recommendations to SenEx for action. (ongoing)
4.         Monitor changes in tuition plans and their effects on allocation of resources across the university, in close consultation with relevant bodies of the Student Senate.  Report recommendations to SenEx for action. (ongoing)
5.         Maintain regular communication with the Vice Provost for Scholarly Support (Don Steeples) and with senior staff from Facilities Planning and Management about immediate and long range planning for maintaining and improving the infrastructure of the University. Monitor adherence to the Campus Master Plan. These discussions should cover issues related to the teaching, research, and outreach functions of the university, and to any other activities that affect the ability of the institution to accomplish these missions.  Report recommendations to SenEx  for action. (ongoing).
SPECIFIC CHARGES

      • Monitor the activities articulated in Initiative 2015. Consult and review the existing recommendations on the Provost’s website.  Make recommendations about new actions or resources that could be implemented in response to Initiative 2015 recommendations.  Report important issues and any recommendations for action to SenEx in the final report.
      1. Provide a monthly update to the five elected governance leaders regarding the committee’s activities on its standing charges.

 

      1. Examine current university environmental policies (taking into consideration the  Climate Action Plan for the University of Kansas) and determine the following:
        1. Are current landscaping practices fiscally and environmentally sound?
        2. Can the use of native plants in campus landscaping be increased?
        3. Can a significant decrease in superfluous intercampus mail be attained?
        4. Are there other ways in which the university can find cost savings through the implementation of sustainable practices?

Report to SenEx by 03/23/10.
                                   
FY-10 RETIREES RIGHTS AND BENEFITS
Approved by SenEx: 06/01/09
Approved by University Senate:

  • Contact SenEx chair John Stratton, jstratton@ku.edu, for further information or to schedule a meeting with SenEx to discuss recommendations for action on the charges.
  • Minutes of each meeting should be e-mailed to University Governance (govern@ku.edu) as soon as they are approved.  The minutes will be posted to the Governance web site.
  • If the committee is recommending a change to university policy or rules, SenEx must officially receive that recommendation before 03/23/10 in order to meet timeline requirements for full review by Governance.
  • A final report on the committee’s actions on each of the charges, as well as the committee’s recommendations for FY11 charges and membership, should be e-mailed to the Governance Office (govern@ku.edu) by 04/01/10.

STANDING CHARGES

1.   Promote all appropriate means of communication with retirees, with special emphasis on seeking information from them about their needs and concerns.
  
2.   Consult the Department of Human Resources/Equal Opportunity and the Office of the Provost on the maintenance of an up-to-date contact list for retirees. (ongoing)
 

  1. Consult with SenEx about views and  concerns related to retirees.
  1. Seek feedback from retirees and University offices about the Retirees Handbook and work with staff to ensure that it remains current. (ongoing)

 

SPECIFIC CHARGES

  1. Work directly with staff from HR/EO to expand that office’s “Exit Survey” to include questions specifically related to retirees’ concerns.  Report recommendations or actions to SenEx by 02/02/10.