The Faculty Constitution of Dillard University

Article I. Purpose

The purpose of this Constitution is to set forth the means by which the faculty of Dillard University shall carry out its institutional role. This Constitution establishes the faculty government, along with the rules and structures by which it shall function.

Article II. Organization

The organization for faculty government shall consist of three components:

1. The General Assembly
2. The Faculty Senate
3. The University Standing Committees

Article III. The General Assembly

The General Assembly serves as the voting body of the faculty. This body deliberates on matters of curriculum, faculty welfare, faculty and administration relations, and any other matters that relate to the accomplishment of the mission of the University. Based on its deliberations, it submits recommendations to the Faculty Senate for submission to the administration.

Section 1. Membership

All full-time employees with a faculty appointment are voting members of the General Assembly. Part-time and adjunct faculty members are invited to attend the meetings of the General Assembly, although they cannot vote.

Section 2. Officers

The presiding officer of the General Assembly is the President of the Faculty Senate. Other officers include the Vice-President of the Faculty Senate, Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian.

Section 3. Meetings

The General Assembly shall meet regularly and at least four times a year, customarily at the beginning and the end of each semester. Any special meeting of the faculty may be called by a signed petition of one-fourth of the members of the General Assembly. The presence of one-fourth of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.

The meeting agenda of the General Assembly is determined by the Faculty Senate. A faculty member may vote by voice, a raise of hand, or secret ballot upon request of 10% of quorum present.

Vote by proxy is allowed, but proxies must be signed and submitted to the Secretary prior to the meeting being called to order. Proxies do not count toward a quorum. Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the conduct of the meetings of the General Assembly.

Section 4. Jurisdiction, Authority, and Duties

The General Assembly is properly concerned with, and should actively participate in decisions made about matters that may affect the educational policies for which it is primarily responsible. Therefore, under the jurisdiction of the faculty fall such matters as:

1. The curriculum of the University.
2. The facilitation of teaching effectiveness and research.
3. Standards for admission and retention of students.
4. Requirements for granting of academic degrees.
5. Faculty standards, conduct, and discipline.
6. Faculty appointment, retention, tenure, and promotion.
7. Freedom of expression and academic freedom.
8. Faculty governance.

The General Assembly is properly concerned with, and should actively participate in decisions made about other matters that may affect the educational policies for which it is primarily responsible, but that require joint consideration by other sectors of the University. In the spirit of shared governance, the Faculty shall advise the administration on matters of institutional policy dealing with:

1. Principal administrative appointments and organizational structure,
2. University budgets and budgeting planning processes,
3. Faculty benefits, including salaries, insurance, and leaves,
4. The strategic plan and the planning processes,
5. The academic calendar,
6. The scheduling of classes,
7. The catalog,
8. Aspects of student life which relate directly to the educational process,
9. Campus facilities directly involving faculty, such as offices, classrooms, and laboratories,
10. Academic support services, and
11. Policies relating to student conduct and discipline.

In support of shared governance, it is the responsibility of the appropriate administrative offices to inform and/or consult the Faculty Senate on such matters in advance.

Section 5. Faculty Veto

The General Assembly shall have the power to veto any action of the Faculty Senate. The procedure shall be as follows:

1. A General Assembly meeting shall be called by petition, as provided in Article III, Section 3, for the purpose of discussing the Faculty Senate action in question.
2. The voting procedure outlined in Article III, Section 3 shall be followed to determine the will of the General Assembly. Providing there is a quorum, a two-thirds vote is required to override a Faculty Senate action.

Article IV. The Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate shall oversee and execute the business of the faculty as described in this Constitution. The Faculty Senate shall have its own budget and working office on campus.

Section 1. Membership

Members of the Faculty Senate shall be elected from the General Assembly of the faculty. Senate members consist of full-time employees with a faculty appointment with at least one year of academic service to the University and the Provost/SVPAA. Only faculty members with 50% of instructional responsibility are eligible for membership.

Section 2. Officers and Election of Officers

Officers

The Faculty Senate shall have the following officers: President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. All officers must be members of the Senate.

Election of Officers

Except for the parliamentarian who is appointed by the Faculty Senate President, the election of officers for the ensuing year shall be the first item of business at the last meeting of the Faculty Senate each academic year. The term of new officers starts after the last meeting in the Faculty Senate of each academic year. Elections are chaired by the most recent willing and able former President of the Faculty Senate.

Term of Office

The term of office for all officers shall be one year. Each officer shall be eligible for election to a second consecutive term only; however, he or she will again become eligible to serve as an officer after a one-year hiatus as an officer. If, for any reason, the President of the Faculty Senate should not be able to serve his or her entire term in office, the Vice-President of the Senate shall become President for the unexpired term and shall remain eligible to serve in his or her own term as President. Upon such succession, at its next meeting, the Senate shall elect a new Vice-President. Likewise, should any other officer be unable to complete his or her term in office, an election to fill that office should be held at the next meeting of the Faculty Senate. No officer may simultaneously hold more than one of the offices in the Senate.

Section 3. Meetings

Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the Faculty Senate shall be held once a month during the academic year. The dates for these meetings shall be established at a time likely to be convenient for the membership. A calendar for the year’s meetings shall be disseminated to the entire University community.

Any member of the Faculty, Student Government Association, or administration can petition the President of the Faculty Senate to make a presentation of a maximum of five minutes at a Senate meeting. Petitions to address the Senate must be made at least two weeks (14 days) prior to a scheduled meeting of the Senate and must clearly state the topic of the presentation. Such a petition can be denied only under unusual and compelling circumstances, and the petitioner is to be informed of those circumstances in writing.

Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Faculty Senate can be called when requested by the President of the Faculty Senate or 25% of the Senate.

Attendance of Members

Any member who fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings shall relinquish his or her position on the Senate. The procedure for replacement of vacant positions is outlined in Article IV, Section 1.

Non-member’s Presence at Meetings

All meetings shall be open to faculty. Guests at the Senate meetings shall be seated separately from the Senate members while the business of the Senate is being conducted, and these guests shall be listeners only, except when invited by the presiding officer to participate.

Executive Session

An executive session may be called through a proper motion, seconded and duly voted upon by a majority. All decisions made in executive session shall be ratified in an open meeting.

Conduct of Meetings

All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with parliamentary procedure. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the final authority except where it may contradict any provision of this Constitution. The Senate shall adopt the agenda by more than 50% of present senators. Such bylaws may be necessary and proper to govern Senate procedure and expedite the business of the Faculty Senate.

Parliamentarian

The President of the Senate shall appoint a Parliamentarian among the Senators to oversee the conduct of business at Senate meetings. This person shall also serve as Parliamentarian at meetings of the General Assembly.

Minutes

Detailed minutes of the proceedings and content of the debates shall be taken and distributed by the Secretary. Copies of the approved minutes shall be made available to all faculty. One copy will be distributed to the Library representative who has the responsibility of archiving the minutes in the Library. Additionally, one copy shall be filed at the Office of Academic Affairs.

Section 4. Jurisdiction, Authority, and Duties

Duties of the President of the Faculty Senate

The President of the Senate shall preside at all meetings of the Senate and of the General Assembly. He or she is empowered to call special meetings as provided for in this Constitution. The Senate President is an ex-officio member of all University Standing Committees. The President of the Senate is entitled to receive a release time equal to 25% percent of his/her teaching duties.

Duties of the Vice-President of the Faculty Senate

The Vice-President shall perform all duties of the President when he or she is absent or incapable of doing so. The Vice-President shall succeed to the Office of President should that office become vacant. The President may designate to the Vice-President his or her seat on any of the University Standing Committees.

Duties of the Secretary of the Faculty Senate

The Secretary shall see that accurate and approved minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Faculty Senate and the General Assembly are recorded and made available to the faculty. The Secretary conducts necessary correspondence, keeps accurate lists of membership of the Faculty Senate, keeps an accurate record of attendance, informs the President when a seat becomes vacant, and performs such other appropriate duties as directed by the Senate.

Duties of the Treasurer of the Faculty Senate

The Treasurer shall manage the fiscal affairs of the Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate should have an operating budget.

Article V. Standing Committees

The Standing Committees of the Faculty Senate shall be the primary vehicles by which the Faculty Senate shall carry out its role as the main legislative authority of the General Assembly.

Section 1. The University Standing Committees of the Faculty Senate

1. Committee on Recruitment, Admissions, and Retention of Students

Duties

In conjunction with the appropriate Academic Departments and Colleges, and the Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, this committee shall recommend policies and procedures for setting and maintaining academic standards for the admission and retention of students and for the awarding of earned degrees and certificates, honorary degrees, and academic honors.

Members

This committee shall consist of seven members: one faculty member from and elected by each Academic College, two students appointed by the Student Government Association, the Vice-President for Student Success, the Dean of Student Success for Enrollment Management, Dean of Student Success for Financial Aid and Scholarship, and the Dean of Honors.

2. Academic Responsibilities, Grievance, and Ethic Committee

Duties

This committee shall oversee faculty conduct, academic freedom, and faculty grievances. Therefore, it shall be expected to do the following:

1. Develop policies regarding ethics, academic responsibility, and privilege;
2. Make recommendations to the Provost/SVPAA regarding needed revisions of the Faculty Handbook;
3. Make recommendations to the Provost/SVPAA in matters regarding academic freedom, complaints against faculty, and faculty grievances
4. Establish professional standards for the faculty; and
5. Hold closed door hearings about issues related to faculty ethical misconduct.

The committee is free to accept or refuse to hear cases.

Members

This committee shall consist of five members: three members from and elected by the General Assembly, one member from the General Assembly appointed by the University President, and one member from the General Assembly appointed by the Provost/SVPAA.

3. The Curriculum Committee

Duties

This committee shall recommend policies and procedures related to all aspects of curricular design and implementation. Though it will be especially concerned with reviewing curricular changes proposed by the Academic Colleges for uniformity with established policies and procedures, it can also systematically review existing programs and make recommendations for changes it deems necessary to create uniformity and articulation among Academic Colleges, coherence in the curriculum and consistent with accreditation standards. This committee should also review the University Catalog prior to publication.

Members

This committee shall consist of one faculty member from and elected by each Academic College, three members from and elected by the General Assembly, one ex officio representative from the Office of Academic Affairs, and two ex officio students from the Student Government Association, and the University Registrar, as ex officio. As stated in Robert’s Rules of Order, ex officio members may vote and are counted in the constitution of a quorum.

4. Promotion and Tenure Committee

Duties

This committee shall develop policies and procedures regarding the appointment, retention, merit pay, tenure, and promotion of the faculty and shall act as the body that considers faculty applications in these areas and makes appropriate recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the President. This committee also shall formulate policies and make recommendations to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs in matters pertaining to leaves of absence and earned sabbaticals.

Members

This committee shall consist of five members: three tenured members from and elected by the General Assembly, one tenured member from the General Assembly appointed by the Senate President, and one tenured faculty member from the General Assembly appointed by the Provost/SVPAA.

5. The Faculty/Trustee Representatives

6. Intercollegiate Athletics Committee

Duties

The committee recommends policies pertaining to intercollegiate athletics, regulates the number of athletic events scheduled during the academic year, and recommends the athletics budget. Policies must conform to University regulations regarding athletics as well as those prescribed by the regional and national conferences in which the University athletics programs hold membership.

Members

This committee shall consist of at least eight members: two members from and elected by the General Assembly, Athletic Director, the coach of any approved sport, Dean of Success for Campus Life, V.P. for Business and Finance, and two ex-officio students appointed by the Student Government Association.

7. Lyceum Committee

Duties

This committee, composed of faculty and students, works to provide a series of cultural events during the academic year, including concerts, recitals, art exhibits, and special lectures.

Members

Members include: one elected faculty representative from each Academic College, one member appointed by the Senate President, one member appointed by the Provost/SVPAA, and two ex officio students appointed by the Student Government

Section 2. General Rules Governing Standing Committees Membership

Voting members of the General Assembly shall be eligible to occupy positions on the University Standing Committees. A standing committee member shall serve a two-year term with the possibility of a single re-appointment.

Meetings

A quorum of the meeting of any standing committee shall be a majority (more than 50%) of the committee’s voting members.

The Secretary of each committee shall submit approved minutes of each meeting to the Senate President and to the Office of Academic Affairs. He or she shall be responsible for filing reports when necessary as well as submit an annual report before the end of the academic year to the Senate President.

Selection Procedures

The Senate President shall organize as early as possible at the start of an academic year elections and appointments, so that by the October General Assembly meeting all standing committees are formed. When a standing committee is without a chair, the Senate President shall call the first meeting of any standing committee so that they will elect their chair and secretary.

Article VI. Special Committees

The Faculty Senate may for special purposes and for determinate periods create Special Committees to investigate and make recommendations on any matter falling under the primary or advisory authority of the University Faculty. The Faculty Senate may respectively appoint or discharge members of such Special Committees.

Article VII. New Faculty, Academic Deans, and Department/Schools Chairs

New Faculty

When a new or replacement prospective faculty member is being considered for appointment, he or she shall be selected through a search committee process as described in Section 2.1.3 - 2.1.5.

Academic Deans

Academic Deans are selected by a Search Committee appointed by the Provost/SVPAA. Only in extraordinary circumstances shall such an appointment be made against the wishes of the Departmental Chairs. In such circumstances, Department Chairs shall be informed in writing concerning the reasons for the decision. As part of their duties, Academic Deans must teach one course per semester.

School/Department Chairs

School/Department Chairs are appointed from the school/Department’s existing faculty members or recruited by the Deans, following consultation with members of the school/department search committee. The Dean reviews the candidates and informs the Provost/SVPAA of his/her ranked selections. The Provost/SVPAA will determine whether an offer of employment will be made to the recommended candidate. In general, at least twenty-five percent of release time of the teaching load of School/Department Chairs is dedicated to their new responsibilities as Chair. Depending upon other select factors (number of faculty supervised, number of majors and program coordinators, joint appointment of chair and program coordinator, accreditation status, semester hour generation, number of majors, etc.), including the budget and the needs of the University, a stipend may be offered along with the release time and or the release time can be increased to accommodate the mentioned factors. The Chair is a member of the Faculty.

Program Coordinators

Program Coordinators are selected according to their credentials by the Chair or recruited according to 2.1 Faculty Recruitment in the Faculty Handbook. The Chairs inform the Dean, who informs the Provost/SVPAA of the selection. The Provost/SVPAA will determine whether an offer of employment will be made to the recommended candidate. Depending upon other select factors (number of majors and program coordinators, joint appointment of chair and program coordinator, accreditation status, number of labs, etc.), including the budget and the needs of the University, a stipend will be offered accordingly, but no release time will be granted. This act of service will count towards annual service for faculty evaluation. The Program Coordinator is a member of the Faculty.

Article VIII. Amendments to the Constitution and Adoption of Bylaws

Section 1. Amendments

This Constitution may be amended through a proposal in the Faculty Senate, and, upon approval by two-thirds vote of the senators present, the proposal shall be distributed within fourteen days to the voting members of the General Assembly. This amendment shall be ratified when accepted by a majority vote of the entire faculty. Amendments so adopted must be submitted to the Provost/SVPAA and the President for appropriate review and approval. When approved by the Provost/SVPAA and the President, the document shall be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for appropriate review and approval. The Amendment is effective immediately upon the approval of the Board of Trustees.

The procedure for resolving administrative disapproval outlined in Article IV, Section 3, shall be followed.

Section 2. Bylaws

The Faculty Senate shall establish whatever bylaws deemed necessary. The initial adoption of bylaws, as well as amendments or deletions of existing bylaws, shall require a vote of two-thirds of senators present and voting at a regular or special meeting at which a quorum is required. Previous notice must be given at the preceding meeting of the Faculty Senate of the intended change of the Faculty Senate bylaws.

Article IX. Ratification

This Constitution is ratified when accepted by a majority vote of the entire General Assembly. The Constitution shall then be submitted to the Provost/SVPAA and the President for appropriate review and approval. When approved by the Provost/SVPAA and the President, the document shall be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for appropriate review and approval. The Constitution is effective immediately upon the approval of the Board of Trustees.