Overview of Governance Committees
The work of university governance committees is essential to the success of the University and Faculty Senates. It is through the work of the committees that governance studies issues, develops policies, and performs its oversight functions. Each governance committee has responsibility for a particular area of governance activity and policy. Within their fields of responsibility, committees perform a variety of functions, including (1) communication; (2) monitoring and oversight; (3) policy development; and (4) adjudication.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to volunteer for service on governance committees and to agree to serve if asked. Without your participation, governance committees cannot function effectively. This document is intended to assist those considering governance service by providing an overview of the different standing committees and their functions and activities. In addition to the committees listed described in this document, governance also appoints or nominates members to a number of other university committees, commissions, and boards, including the University Committee on Promotion and Tenure (UCPT), the University Committee on Sabbatical Leaves, the University Committee on Distinguished Professors (UCDP), the Parking Commission, the Judicial Board, and the Library Appeals Board.
Academic Computing and Telecommunications (ACTC): This committee works with administrative personnel and other governance bodies to support and improve the academic computing and telecommunications environment at KU and to develop policy concerning information security, intellectual property rights, and other matters relating to information technology.
Academic Policies and Procedures (AP&P): This committee reviews and develops proposals concerning academic policies at KU, including matters such as the grading system, add and withdrawal policies, and other academic matters relating to the instructional mission of the university and is responsible for holding hearings in cases of program discontinuation.
Athletic Committee: This committee serves as the link between governance and athletics programs at KU, and works with athletic corporation to promote the educational experience of student athletes, to support compliance with NCAA requirements, and to address other issues of interest to faculty, students, and staff in relation to athletic programs at KU.
Calendar: This committee is responsible for developing the university’s 5-year calendar, informing the university community about and monitoring compliance with rules concerning the scheduling of examinations and other matters, and considering or developing proposals concerning changes to the calendar.
International Affairs: This committee works to improving the international dimension of KU by expanding opportunities and monitoring success of incoming international students and by promoting, expanding, and enhancing opportunities for KU students, faculty, and staff to have international experiences.
Libraries: This committee works with KU libraries to develop long-range planning for and monitor the allocation of library resources, to promote communication with the library by students, faculty, and staff, to expand access to materials.
Organization and Administration: This committee considers and develops proposals concerning the structure and operation of university governance, reviews proposals for amendment to the University Senate Code and other documents to ensure consistency of language and format, and address particular issues relating to the structure and operation of governance as they arise.
Planning and Resources (P&R): This committee provides the governance voice and works with administration officials and other governance bodies in the planning processes of the university, including such matters as institutional strategic planning, tuition and related budgetary proposals, and the physical environment of the university campus.
Retirees Rights and Benefits: This committee works to promote communication with retirees, support their participation in the life of the university, inform retirees of their rights, and otherwise improve the experience of retirees both as an acknowledgment of valued service and as an important asset for the university.
University Senate Task Forces
Task Force on Learner Outcomes
Task Force on Employment Benefits
Task Force on Faculty Handbook
Standing Commissions and Boards of the University Senate
University Library Appeals boards
Standing Committees of the Faculty Senate
Faculty Compensation: This committee monitors issues and develop proposals surrounding the levels and distribution of faculty salaries, services and other benefits, communicates with faculty and administration concerning personnel policies affecting faculty, and coordinates with the Planning and Resources Committee concerning faculty compensation and the budgetary processes.
Faculty Rights Board, (Formally Tenure and Related Issues):This board is an adjudicatory body that hears disputes and makes recommendations concerning alleged violations of faculty rights, including academic freedom, tenure and related rights, and procedural safeguards in university processes.
Faculty Rights, Privileges & Responsibilities (FRPR):This committee monitors the implementation of policies concerning faculty rights, privileges, and responsibilities, reviews and develops policy proposals on these issues, and communicates with faculty concerning their rights, privileges, and responsibilities.
Faculty Research: This committee monitors and communicates with administration personnel and governance bodies concerning support for and policies concerning faculty research activities, including the allocation of GRF funds, the implementation of the restricted research policy, and other issues affecting the research environment at KU.
Restricted Research: Pursuant to the university’s restricted research policy (FSRR Article IX), this committee reviews and, if appropriate under that policy, approves proposals for exceptions to the university policy against engaging in research that is subject to restrictions on the transparency of data or the dissemination of results.
Standards
and Procedures for Promotion & Tenure : Under
the newly revised standards and procedures for promotion and tenure (FSRR
Article VI), this committee provides guidance for units in the development
of unit level promotion and tenure criteria and procedures and reviews
those documents for ensure compliance with university requirements.