Faculty Handbook - version 8/09
Handbook for contracts dated prior to 7/1/03 (PDF)
Index | Faculty Senate | UNCA

10.0 COMMITTEES AND SERVICE APPOINTMENTS

10.1 Governance

The faculty have a tradition of influence and involvement in governance and decision making at UNCA. The structures through which faculty participate in decision making include: the UNCA Faculty Senate; the University Planning Council; the Position Allocation Committee; elected committees; appointed standing committees; and other appointments/assignments. All full-time faculty can expect to serve on one or more of these bodies. Faculty are encouraged to register their professional judgments through these groups as the task of delivering educational services to our students and managing the institution is a joint effort of faculty, administration, staff and students.

10.1.1 University Planning Council (UPC) (SD8407S)

The University Planning Council, recreated in the spring of 2007, functioned, in a previous form, as an advisory committee to the Chancellor and the Faculty Senate for over two decades after it was first constituted in 1980-81.

Purpose

The University Planning Council provides a context for sharing information and making recommendations to the Chancellor as requested by the Chancellor or the campus community with respect to matters of budget, programs, planning, state administration, mission, and campus life.

Duties 

  1. Assist in the development, communication, and implementation of University planning.
  2. Participate in the annual setting and communicating of University budget priorities.
  3. Review periodically the University mission, goals, values, and strategic plan, and progress towards realizing these.
  4. Provide advice to the Chancellor about monitoring institutional effectiveness.
  5. Help respond to UNC System initiatives and directives.
  6. Meet periodically with the Board of Trustees as appropriate to discuss these or similar issues.

 Membership

Appointments will be made by the end of the spring semester and, where possible, for two-year staggered terms.  Unexpected openings will be filled by consultation of the Chair and the Vice Chair.

Chair

The Chancellor will serve as Chair and the Chair of the Institutional Development Committee will serve as the Vice Chair.

10.1.2  Position Allocation Committee (SD8508S) (SD1904S)

The Position Allocation Committee is the primary means by which faculty can have input into the allocation process whenever a new faculty line is available or whenever an existing line becomes open (through retirement, resignation, or non-renewal of contract).

Structure:
 The Committee consists of:

      Two persons from the same department should never serve on this committee at the same time. 

Implementation:  
In September 2008 department chairs and the program directors will select their four faculty representatives.  The four faculty members selected will draw lots to determine which two representatives will serve 2-year terms and which two will serve 1-year terms.  The Faculty Senate will select its representative in September 2008.  The Provost will convene the Position Allocation Committee in October 2008. 

Duties:

Rules for Voting:
A member may not vote for a proposal from his or her department or program of appointment.

(For the purposes of this document, a "Chair" is any Department Chair or Program Director that directly evaluates faculty for merit, reappointment, tenure, and promotion.)

10.1.3 Faculty Senate (see also Section 10.2.2)

The UNCA Faculty Senate is empowered to act as the legislative body of the faculty. See Section 14.1 for the complete text of the Constitution of the Faculty Senate. Senate Committees include: Executive, Academic Policies, Institutional Development, Faculty Welfare and Development. Senate action is reported to the faculty and forwarded to the Chancellor or the VCAA. The Chancellor must approve all policy proposals and new programs from the Faculty Senate and the VCAA approves all course proposals. Faculty may discuss, amend, endorse or veto any Senate action as prescribed in Article II, Section 1, of the Senate Constitution.

10.1.3.1 Requirement for Two Readings of All Matters of Policy (SD0288F)

Motions involving matters of policy shall be proposed in writing to the Faculty Senate one meeting in advance of their consideration. A two-thirds vote of the members present will be required in order to propose and consider a motion regarding a matter of policy during a single meeting.

10.1.3.2 Computerized Senate Document System

Senate documents and minutes are available on the web at: http://www.unca.edu/facultysenate/ then clicking on Minutes and Documents.  The official documents remain the originals with the signatures of the Senate Chair and VCAA or Chancellor. Documents and minutes beginning with the 1977-1978 academic year have been entered into the system. Documents from earlier years will be entered as time allows.

10.2 Committees Elected by the Faculty

As directed by The Code, UNCA Tenure Policies and Regulations, various policy statements, and terms of specific gifts to UNCA the faculty annually elects members to the committees described in this section.

10.2.1 Election Procedures

The names of faculty who have accepted the nomination by another faculty member for an elected faculty committee or who have self-nominated will have their interests noted on the ballot.  Nominations and self-nominations must be submitted to a designated FWDC member no less than two (2) weeks prior to the election date. (SD6305S)

A ballot shall be made up of persons eligible at the time the ballot is set. The only exceptions shall be retirements, resignations and temporary assignments. The VCAA shall inform the Secretary of the Senate of retirements, resignations, faculty leaves, exchanges, or off-campus scholarly assignments formally accepted or approved as of February 1 of the year elections are to be held. Those faculty who shall be absent for part or all of the next academic year shall be removed from the ballot. Faculty members returning from leave, exchanges, or off-campus scholarly assignments for the beginning of the next academic year shall be placed on the ballot. Faculty members who have had temporary non-teaching assignments and shall be resuming primary teaching responsibilities in the Fall of the next academic year shall also be placed on the ballot. Any questions of eligibility shall be resolved by the Executive Committee of the Senate.
Continuing Hearings Committee members shall not be eligible for the Tenure Committee.
Faculty serving full terms on the Tenure Committee or Hearings Committee or Grievance Committee cannot be re-elected in the final year of their term. Members serving less than a full-term will be eligible for re-election.
If a vacancy should occur on the Tenure Committee, Hearing Committee, or any other elected committee, the vacancy shall be filled by the faculty member who was runner-up in the appropriate category.

Addition from SD0889F

  1. Members of standing committees elected by the Senate shall be elected at the organization meeting of the new Faculty Senate at the end of the academic year. Committees included in this policy are the University Research Council, University Teaching Council, and other standing committees for which Senate elects members.  To facilitate this policy, a committee preference form should be completed by each faculty member in the spring to assist in determining faculty preferences for election or appointment to standing committees.

    Additions from SD2682

  2. If an error is discovered on a circulated ballot, such error must be called to the attention of the Executive Committee prior to the official announcement of the election results. The Executive Committee shall judge whether or not the error is of sufficient magnitude to require the distribution of a new ballot. Once announced, the result of the election is final.
  3. The members of the Faculty Welfare Committee shall serve as Tellers in all elections. At least two members shall be present to count and sign the tally sheet.
  4. The signed tally sheets shall be a permanent part of the Senate's records.
  5. Tally sheets may be inspected upon request by any member of the Faculty.
  6. Write-in candidates are not allowed.
  7. A ballot marked for fewer than the maximum number of allowable votes shall be valid.

    Added by SD2682,  Revised by SD1000F

  8. In order to conform to the Tenure Policies and Practices of the University, the Committee of the Tenured Faculty, the Post-Tenure Review Committee, the Faculty Committee on Hearings, and the Faculty Grievance Committee shall be elected in said order. These elections shall be completed not later than April 15 of each year.

    Additions from SD1401S

  9. The ballot for each election will be a web page accessible to faculty for a one week voting time period. Access to this web page will require authentication.
  10. No records will kept linking individuals to their specific vote.
  11. Access to the computer files used to tally and administrate the elections will be restricted to members of FWDC and Administrative Computing. These files will not be viewed during the voting period unless there are extenuating circumstances. In such a case, the Senate Executive Committee will be notified.
  12. Election software and web pages will be maintained by Administrative Computing in cooperation with the FWDC.
  13. FWDC will announce the elections using the official UNCA faculty email address, once prior to the voting period and twice during each voting period.
  14. After the closing of the voting period, a copy of the tally file will be printed, signed by two FWDC members, and kept by the Secretary of the Faculty Senate.
  15. After the closing of the voting period, a record will be kept containing information on anyone who has viewed the tally file during the voting period. All entries on this file will be investigated by FWDC and reported to the Senate Executive Committee.
  16. A member of FWDC will be designated to trouble shoot problems during each election period. This FWDC member's name, phone number, and email address will be listed on the election web page.

10.2.2 Faculty Senate (SD0204F)

The Senate consists of eighteen faculty members, each serving a three year term, with six new members elected each year to replace those whose terms are expiring. The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs shall serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Senate. The Senators shall hold three year terms of office from May 5 through May 5 of each succeeding year. At its organization meeting in the late spring of each year, the Senate shall elect from its members, a Senate Chair and a Chair for each of its standing committees. Remaining Senate members will be appointed to these standing committees by the Senate Executive Committee. See Section 14.1 for the Faculty Senate Constitution. See also current Standing Rules and Rules of Order.

10.2.2.1 Executive Committee (EC)

The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers of the Senate and shall be chaired by the Chair of the Senate. The Executive Committee shall be concerned with the Senate agenda, the assignment of tasks to the appropriate standing committees, and the yearly review of Senate Standing Rules and Rules of Order.

As the elected leadership of the Senate, the Executive Committee will consult as appropriate with members of the faculty, with Senate boards and committees, with ad hoc committees appointed by the Chancellor, or the office of Provost, and with officers and officials of the University, including the Chancellor, Provost and the various Vice Chancellors. The Executive Committee, the Chancellor and the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will consult with one another in the appointment of members of ad hoc committees and task forces.  In addition, the the Chancellor consults with the EC on the selection of honorary degree recipients (SD0600F). 

10.2.2.2 Academic Policies Committee (APC)

The Academic Policies Committee shall be composed of six voting members: the First Vice Chair of the Senate, who shall chair the Committee, and five members appointed by the Executive Committee.  The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs or designee and the Registrar or designee are included as non-voting ex officio members.  The Committee shall have the responsibility for developing institutional policy and procedure in academic matters as specified in Article II, Section 1.2, and shall be available for discussion and consultation with appropriate student groups, as well as with members of the faculty, about academic policy and curricular changes.

10.2.2.3 Institutional Development Committee (IDC)

The Institutional Development Committee shall be composed of six members: the Second Vice Chair of the Senate, who shall chair the committee, and five Senate members appointed by the Executive Committee. The committee shall have concern for all policy, planning, resource use and allocation and initiatives in the area of institutional development as specified in Article II, Section 1.2. This committee shall advise and consult with the Chancellor, the Provost and the various Vice-Chancellors on university planning and use of university resources. The committee shall be responsible for reporting planning activities to the Faculty Senate, with the Senate responding through Senate action where appropriate. 

10.2.2.3.1 Institutional Effectiveness Committee (revised by SD4002S; SD4301S)

The Institutional Effectiveness Committee serves as an advisory group for UNCA's Institutional Effectiveness process.

Duties

  • The periodic review and, if necessary, revision of the Institutional Effectiveness process, procedures and reporting format.
  • Providing advisory services on assessment and planning to any administrative or academic unit.
  • Providing a forum for the sharing of assessment techniques and practices.
  • Providing assessment information, as appropriate, to the University Planning Council for its use in reviewing institutional-level goals.
  • Raising campus consciousness about the importance of assessment.

Though the department self-study process has been replaced with the Departmental Effectiveness reports, departments that wish to conduct a comprehensive self-study, make major changes in curriculum or organization, and use external consultants, can conduct these activities on a voluntary basis. IEC may recommend to UPC that a department conduct a comprehensive self-study.

Membership

The committee will be composed of six members, one of whom will be permanent based upon his/her regular duties and connection to assessment efforts. The members are as follows:

  • Director of Institutional Research (Chair)
  • Administrative representative appointed by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
  • Administrative representative appointed by Vice Chancellor for Administration and Financial Affairs
  • Administrative representative appointed by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
  • Administrative representative appointed by Vice Chancellor for University Relations
  • One member of the Faculty Senate Institutional Development Committee

Membership Terms

The Director of Institutional Research is a permanent member. Administrative representatives are appointed for staggered three-year terms and should be directly involved with the effectiveness process in their Vice Chancellor area. The Faculty Senate member is appointed annually by the Institutional Development Committee.

10.2.2.4 Faculty Welfare and Development Committee (FWDC)

The Faculty Welfare and Development Committee shall be composed of five members: the Third Vice Chair of the Senate, who shall chair the committee, and four Senate members appointed by the Executive Committee.  The Committee shall study, on an on-going basis, the campus policies affecting faculty welfare as specified in Article II, Section 1.2. It shall initiate changes and/or entertain suggestions and concerns regarding these matters from individuals and groups of faculty members. It shall also draft policy changes and resolutions on issues of faculty welfare for Senate consideration.

10.2.3 Committee of the Tenured Faculty (CTF) (revised by SD4191S)

Purpose

The CTF's mission is to consult with the VCAA, on call, in cases requiring decision on reappointment, promotion, and the conferral of permanent tenure.

Membership

CTF elects its own Chair. CTF shall be composed of two tenured full or associate professors from each of the areas of Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences; no more than one member may come from any subject-matter department. Members of the Faculty Committee on Hearings and members of the Faculty Grievance Committee may not serve on the CTF. Election to the committee shall be for a term of two years. Members may not succeed themselves. New members formally replace outgoing members on the date of the first faculty meeting of the school year.

Election to this committee is specified by Section VIII-A of UNCA Tenure Policies and Regulations (see Section 14.2).

Recommendations to:   the VCAA

10.2.4 Faculty Committee on Hearings (FCH)  (revised by SD4191S)

Purpose

The committee's mission is to conduct hearings as specified in Chapter Six of The Code. (see Section 13.1.1)

Membership

Two tenured faculty members from each of the areas of Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences; only one member may come from any subject-matter department. Members of the Committee of the Tenured Faculty and members of the Faculty Grievance Committee may not serve on this committee. Election to the committee shall be for a term of two years. Members may not succeed themselves. New members formally replace outgoing members as of the date of the first faculty meeting of the school year.

This committee is to be elected as specified by Section VIII-B of UNCA Tenure Policies and Regulations (see Section 14.2).

10.2.5 Faculty Grievance Committee (FGC)

Purpose

FGC's mission, as specified in Section 607 of The Code, is to hear, mediate, and advise with respect to the adjustment of grievances of members of the faculty. "Grievances" within the province of the committee's power shall include matters directly related to a faculty member's employment status and institutional relationships within this institution. However, no grievance that grows out of or involves matters related to a formal proceeding for the suspension, discharge, termination of a faculty member, or that is within the jurisdiction of another standing faculty committee, may be considered by this committee. The committee may hear a grievance relative to appropriate procedures in reappointment and tenure decisions. See Section 3.6 for Grievance Committee Procedure.

The committee's power shall be solely to hear representations by the persons directly involved in a grievance, to mediate voluntary adjustment by the parties, and to advise adjustment by the administration when appropriate. Advise for adjustment in favor of an aggrieved faculty member may be sent to the Chancellor only after the department Chair or other administrative official most directly empowered to adjust the matter has been given similar advise and has not acted upon it within a reasonable time.

If any faculty member feels that he has a grievance, he may petition the Faculty Grievance Committee for redress. The petition shall be written and shall set forth in detail the nature of the grievance and against whom the grievance is directed. The petition shall contain any information that the petitioner considers pertinent to his case. The committee shall decide whether the facts merit a detailed investigation so that submission of a petition shall not result automatically in an investigation or detailed consideration of the petition.

Procedure
See Section 3.6

Membership

Two faculty members at the professor rank, two members at the associate professor rank, and two members at the assistant professor rank. Only one member may come from any subject-matter department. No officer of administration shall serve on the committee. For purposes of this section, officers of administration shall be deemed to include department chairs. Members of the Committee of the Tenured Faculty and members of the Faculty Committee on Hearings may not serve on this committee.

This committee is to be elected as specified by Section VIII-C of UNCA Tenure Policies and Regulations (see Section 14.2).

10.2.6 Post-Tenure Review Committee (revised by SD1000F)

Purpose

The Post-Tenure Review Committee (PTRC) is an elected faculty committee charged with the responsibility of carrying out the intent and purpose of Post-Tenure Review as articulated in Section 3.7. The functions of the PTRC are to ensure continuing quality of performance and professional growth of senior faculty (defined as tenured faculty at any rank who teach at least one-half time); to provide constructive feedback to senior faculty regarding professional growth; to serve in an advisory capacity to the VCAA in matters pertaining to actions taken as specified in the policy on Post Tenure Review.

Membership

The PTRC will consist of four eligible faculty members (see next section for eligibility criteria), one selected from each of the university's three divisions, and a fourth member who holds the highest number of votes after the first three members are selected. Members will serve two-year terms. Members may not succeed themselves. No more than one member may come from any one academic department. New members formally replace outgoing members on the date of the first faculty meeting of the academic year.

Each year the Faculty Senate will conduct an election by which the voting faculty shall elect two new members to replace outgoing committee members. Members will first be elected from any division lacking a representative. If an opening remains after all divisions are represented, the remaining highest vote-getter will be elected.

The Post-Tenure Review Committee elects its own Chair. The Chair is responsible for maintaining committee records and passing those records to the next duly elected Chair of the PTRC. The permanent file for PTRC records is maintained in the Office of Academic Affairs.

A member of his or her own department may not review a person coming up for Post Tenure Review. A member of the PTRC who is from the same department as a person under review will be excused from discussions and will not participate in the review of a departmental colleague.

Eligibility

To be eligible to serve on the PTRC a person must:
1. be a current, tenured full-time member of the UNCA faculty,
2. have served as a full-time member of the UNCA faculty for at least five years, and
3. not be a member of either the Committee of the Tenured Faculty, the Faculty Committee on Hearings, or the Faculty Grievance Committee.

Faculty who are scheduled to be reviewed within the next two years will be removed from the PTRC ballot.  (SD1098F)

Challenge

If a person scheduled for Post Tenure review feels there is a conflict of interest between themselves and a member of the PTRC, he or she may submit a written petition to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for a ruling on the challenge. The VCAA is to respond to the petition within three weeks from the date of receipt of the petition. The VCAA's decision is binding.

Recommendations to:  the VCAA

10.2.7 Academic Appeals Board (AAB) (amended by SD1990S) 

Purpose

The Academic Appeals Board hears unresolved grievances filed by students who feel he/she has been treated unfairly or improperly in an academic matter by a faculty member of this University.

Procedure

The Faculty Conciliator is the person a student must contact in order to file a grievance (see Section 10.3.3). A quorum of AAB shall consist of five members, including no fewer than two students and three faculty members. AAB members are necessarily excluded from deliberations in which:
1. the Board member is related to one of the two principals,
2. the Board member is a departmental colleague of one of the principals,
3. the Board member is currently enrolled in a course taught by one of the principals,
4. the Board member is one of the two principals involved.

All questions of scheduling and satisfying deadlines shall be adjudicated by the Chair of the AAB. All records of the AAB's deliberations shall be kept in a file maintained and preserved by the Chair of the AAB.

Membership

The four faculty elected to AAB by the faculty shall serve a two year staggered term; they may be elected to serve a second term; they may not be elected to a third term until they have been off the Board for at least two years. An effort should be made to provide for representation from the three academic divisions. Alternates shall serve a one year term and a new alternate elected each year. Student members of the AAB and the Faculty Conciliator shall each serve a term of one year. The Faculty Conciliator may not serve more than three consecutive terms.

A Chair and a secretary of the AAB shall be elected from and by the faculty members on AAB. The AAB shall be chosen in the spring and will serve from the beginning of the fall semester through the following summer.

10.2.8 UNC Faculty Assembly  (SD3991S)

Purpose

The Assembly holds four regular meetings each academic year plus special meetings which may be called by the Chair or the President of the University. The Assembly advises the President on matters such as Academic Programs, Planning, Budgets, Faculty Welfare and Development and other matters which may come before the Assembly from the various campuses or the President and his staff.

Membership and Terms

A faculty assembly representative may be recalled by a simple majority vote of the Faculty Senate if he or she fails to attend more than two meetings in one academic year or if he or she fails to suitably attempt to arrange for a replacement for more than one meeting that he or she cannot attend during the term of service.

If a Representative fails to complete a term, the replacement is that representative's designated alternate; the designated alternate shall finish the representative's term. The new designated alternate will be the person who received the third most votes in the original election. If there was a tie for the third most votes, then the new alternate shall be determined by a coin flip at the next Faculty Senate meeting.

10.3 Committees Whose Members Are Elected by Faculty Senate

10.3.1 Distinguished Scholars Committee (revised by SD5500S) (SD0708F)

Purpose

1. To consult with the Chancellor on selection of candidates for Honorary Degrees
2. To select the Highsmith Distinguished Visiting Scholar and to arrange for the residency
 3. To make a nomination to the Chancellor annually or when advisable for a recipient of the Oliver Max Gardner Award, a distinction granted yearly by the Board of Governors to that faculty member on one of the sixteen campuses who has "made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race" during the year
4. To consider sponsorship of other scholars who may from time to time be available for temporary university duties

Membership

·    four full professors elected by Faculty Senate from the faculty at large

·   three faculty members drawn from the full-time teaching faculty, one from each division, appointed by the Chancellor.

Terms of office are for two years. Service on the committee begins at the first faculty meeting of the fall semester and runs to the same time of the following year.

 Reporting

The committee shall report to the Senate and the VCAA annually, and shall deposit copies of any minutes in the Senate files.

 Recommendations to:    Chancellor

10.3.2 Minority Affairs Commission (revised by SD4606S) (SD5000S)

Purpose

1. To formulate goals, policies and immediate actions which directly and effectively improve the quality of minority life on the UNCA campus for both faculty and students.

2. To develop and to monitor policies which seek a steady growth in the proportion of minority students and faculty.

3. To develop the mechanisms which ensure equal opportunities and recognition for achievement among minority faculty and students.

4. To develop policies which ensure that minority students are monitored and advised to promote academic success.

5. To provide assistance to faculty search committees to enable such committees to aggressively recruit minority faculty.

6. To provide information to chairmen and to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs concerning the evaluation of the professional activities of minority faculty.

7. To develop plans and immediate actions which ensure more effective and productive involvement of UNCA with the Asheville minority community.

8. To otherwise address areas of concern to minority faculty and students.

9. To advise and consult with the Affirmative Action Officer in all matters relating to Affirmative Action.

10. To report annually to the University community on the status of minorities at UNCA.

          Membership

Structure

1.  All member officers of the Minority Affairs Commission and the director    of Admissions and Financial Aid will routinely report to the Commission at its regular meetings any activities related to minority and diversity affairs.

2. The chair will be elected by the Commission from the minority faculty representation.  The chair's duties include calling meetings and setting the agenda for meetings.

3. The secretary will be elected by the Commission from any voting member of the Commission.  The secretary's duties will include keeping minutes and distributing them prior to the meeting.  If he/she is unable to attend the meeting the chair must designate someone to fulfill this responsibility.

4. Members of the Commission will be selected prior to April 15 of each year for terms beginning with the next academic year. 

Recommendations to:

1. Legislative requests are reported directly to the executive committee of the Faculty Senate. As a matter of courtesy, these requests are also sent to the VCAA.
2. Administrative requests are reported to the VCAA for action. As a matter of courtesy, these requests are also sent to the Chair of the Faculty Senate.

Reports to:   the VCAA

10.3.3 Faculty Conciliator and Alternate (SD2695S)

Selection

The Faculty Conciliator is chosen by SGA from a list of four full-time faculty members submitted by the Faculty Senate. SGA selects one of the nominees as Alternate Conciliator should the circumstances of a specific situation make the involvement of the Conciliator impractical. Because of the personal nature of some of the grievances and the potential for injured feelings and hostility, only tenured faculty are eligible to have their names submitted to SGA for the position.

Both the conciliator and the alternate serve one year terms with the alternate assuming the position of conciliator in the subsequent year. A new alternate is chosen at the end of each spring semester; accepting the nomination as Alternate Conciliator means a two-year commitment to the process. Terms of service begin at the start of the fall semester continue through the following summer. The Faculty Conciliator is an ex officio non-voting member of the Academic Appeals Board.

Purpose

The job of the Faculty Conciliator is to hear student grievances, to try to resolve them at the earliest stage consistent with fairness to all parties, and to guide the student through the later stages of the grievance procedure if conciliation proves impossible. Consistent with justice, it should be the aim of the Conciliator to resolve as many cases as possible without going to the Academic Appeals Board.

Procedures

To accomplish this, the Conciliator may need to investigate the facts of a grievance presented by a student. Also, in the normal course of the grievance procedure, the Conciliator will need to meet with the faculty member against whom the grievance is brought, and in some cases, with that member's departmental chair or program director. The Conciliator has the right and responsibility to determine the sequence of and extent to which student, faculty member, and department chair are consulted prior to initiating the formal sequence of events which lead to an Academic Appeals Board hearing. This does not relieve the Conciliator of following the requirements of the formal grievance procedure but does allow the flexibility required to attempt to resolve the conflict prior to that final step. Since appropriate conciliation will require discussing issues that would normally fall under the protection of student confidentiality, students must be apprised of this fact at the beginning of the process and must sign a waiver stating they understand the responsibilities of the Conciliator regarding their rights to confidentiality. (This waiver will also point out that information  pertaining to the grievance will be held in confidentiality on a need to know basis, and the circle of those who "need to know" may broaden.) 

In all of these events, the Conciliator is not acting as an advocate for the student or the faculty member, but as a presenter of the student's case, and a seeker of a fair and acceptable outcome for all parties without having to resort to a formal Academic Appeals Board hearing.

Procedural Guidelines for the Conciliator

A. Confidentiality is essential in grievance procedures but is difficult to achieve when many parties are involved. The Conciliator should not divulge the names of students who bring a grievance nor of the faculty members against whom the grievance is brought nor the nature of the grievance, except insofar as is required to aid in the resolution of the grievance. Both the student and the faculty member are expected to function under the same restrictions.

B. Because of the time restrictions on the grievance procedures, the Conciliator should make immediate notes on the date of the first contact with the student and during any follow-up contacts. This log of events during the process should include only the date and the action taken on that date. These notes may become critical in determining whether or not procedural guidelines were followed. They will also serve as the basis for the required annual report to the VCAA.

C. The Alternate Conciliator may be called to serve in the event of the Conciliator's unavailability or if a conflict of interest occurs. The Alternate should be brought into the conciliation process early in the semester, at least to the point of periodic consultations about the generalities of case problems, procedures and any cases that might be expected to carry over into the Alternate's term of duty as Conciliator.

D. The student has 15 class days after the start of the new semester to bring to the Conciliator grievances about grades and 15 class days after an event to bring grievances about faculty behavior. The Conciliator then has 10 class days to attempt to resolve the dispute before initiating a formal Academic Appeals Board hearing. In extraordinary circumstances, the Conciliator shall have the right to request that the Academic Appeals Board hold a hearing to override the existing time guidelines in order to effectively deal with a problem. The Academic Appeals Board will determine if a time extension is appropriate.

E. The Conciliator provides an annual report to the VCAA of all cases heard and the names of the parties involved. This is important as a means to identify possible patterns of abuse or repetitive patterns of misconduct either by a faculty member against students or by a particular student towards various faculty members. The VCAA will have the discretion to decide if this information should be available for tenure, promotion, and reappointment decisions for faculty and student judicial hearings for students.

Reports to:   the VCAA

10.3.4 Faculty Scholarship and Service Awards Committee (SD7708S)

Purpose

1.  Select two of the ranked full-time faculty members for receipt of the Ruth and Leon Feldman Professorship Fund prize. This award will honor those faculty who have excelled in one or both of the following fields:

    A.  Demonstrated competence in the areas of teaching, research and published writings, and
    B.  Service to the community and to UNCA.

2.  Select one of the ranked full-time faculty members to receive the annual award for distinguished scholarship.

3.  Select one of the ranked full-time faculty members to receive the annual award for distinguished service. 

Membership

Six full-time faculty serving two year staggered terms that run from September 1 to August 3.  Three new members shall be selected each year: one from Faculty Welfare and Development Committee, one from University Research Council, and one from University Service Council.  Chairs of these respective committees shall consult to assure all the broad academic areas are represented. Members of the review committee shall elect their own Chair. In making its decision, the review committee shall be free to consult with students, community people, or others who may assist the committee in making its decision.

Procedures

The faculty shall be invited by the Senate to submit written and signed nominations by March 1 specifying the past accomplishments which recommend an individual's nomination for any of the three awards.  These nominations shall be in keeping with the terms of the respective awards criteria. 

Nominations shall be reviewed by the Faculty Scholarship and Service Awards Committee.  In making its decision, the review committee shall be free to consult with students, community people, or others who may assist the committee in making its decision. In addition, nominations received during previous years as well as candidates from within the committee deliberations may be included in the review.

After its decision, which shall be kept confidential until the public announcement, the review committee, no later than May 1, shall inform the VCAA, who shall make arrangements for bestowing the award at the final spring faculty meeting. Recipients of the award will be listed in the UNCA catalog in a section describing the Ruth & Leon Feldman Professorship Fund, Distinguished Scholarship Award and Distinguished Service Award. 

Reports to:   the Provost

10.3.5 University Research Council (URC) (Revised by SD7808S) (SD3006S) (SD0981F) (SD1209S)

Purpose

1. To encourage and facilitate faculty participation in academic research, scholarship, and creative projects, and professional communication of that work.

2. To advise the administration on matters relevant to the encouragement and support of university research.

3.  To award available intramural funds for faculty’s scholarly activities. 

4. To appoint two members who will sit on the Faculty Scholarship and Service Awards Committee that determines the recipient of the Distinguished Scholarship Award.  

5.  To appoint two members to the committee that will review applications for Professional Development Leaves. See Faculty Handbook 4.1.4.3.

Membership

Five members of URC shall be faculty, with one representative from each of the following: (i) the arts, (ii) professional programs (management and accounting, education, physical education), (iii) the humanities, (iv) mathematics and the sciences, and (v) the social sciences. These members shall be recommended by the Chair of the Faculty Senate subject to the approval of the Senate. The term of appointment shall be for two years.

[The sixth member shall be an administrator recommended by the Provost and will be ex officio. URC will elect a chair each year.]

Two members of the URC who are beginning the second year of their two-year terms will sit on the committee that reviews applications for Professional Development Leave. If there are fewer than two returning members, the chair will appoint one of the new members to this position.

Members of URC submitting grant proposals

[No members actively serving on URC may submit a proposal for funding during the designated submission period.]

Reports to:   the Provost

10.3.6 University Teaching Council (UTC) (SD7503S) (SD1309S)

The University Teaching Council (UTC) serves the relevant needs of the institution with respect to teaching. UTC is an institutional committee composed of faculty members and an administrator.

Purpose

1.  To encourage and facilitate improvements in methods and techniques of teaching on the part of all members of the UNCA faculty.

2.  To develop criteria and processes for the awarding of intramural funds, as they become available, for the support of teaching.

3.  To advise the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning on matters relevant to the encouragement and support of improved teaching, including: developing seminars, workshops, and other activities, both intramural and extramural, for the exchange of ideas concerning pedagogy; and identifying and pursuing sources of funds for programs that enhance teaching and student learning.

4. To appoint two members to the committee that will review applications for Professional Development Leaves.  See Faculty Handbook 4.1.4.3.

Membership:

The members shall be recommended by FWDC and approved by the Faculty Senate.
The term of appointment shall be for two years.
The faculty committee members will elect the Committee Chair on an annual basis.
Two members of the UTC who are beginning the second year of their two-year terms will sit on the committee that reviews applications for Professional Development Leave.  If there are fewer than two returning members, the chair will appoint one of the new members to this position.  

Recommendations and Reports to:  the VCAA

10.3.7 University Service Council (Revised by SD7908S) (SD5204S)

Purpose

Because faculty service is integral to every aspect of our campus operations, and because it complements teaching and research in the overall development of individual faculty members and the faculty as a whole, the University Service Council (USC) will promote an appreciation of service appropriate to the mission of the university.

USC will support and facilitate faculty, staff, administration, and student service activities on and off campus.  The Council will assess the role and effectiveness of service appropriate for the institution.  The Council will annually select members of the faculty, the university staff or administration who will receive grants to support either domestic or international service. Priority will be placed on faculty service activities, particularly those that clearly enhance student learning. The Council will serve to advise, develop, and review policy with regard to service activities and the appropriate role of service in professional portfolios as well as student learning experiences.

Membership

  • Eight members, three of whom will be full time faculty members representing the three academic divisions (Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Natural Sciences). These division representatives will serve three-year staggered terms and will be elected by the Faculty Senate. 
  • One administrator appointed by the Provost to serve a two-year term
  • Two students (one resident and one commuter) appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to serve one-year terms. 
  • One staff person appointed by the Chancellor’s Staff Advisory Committee (CSAC) to serve a two-year term
  • Director of the Key Service Learning Center, ex officio, voting member.

Duties:

1.  The Council will serve as the institution’s policy, assessment, and facilitating voice in matters relating to service on and off campus.

2.  The Council will review the institutional committee structure and periodically make recommendations with regard to number, purpose, and function of all institutional committees.

3.  The Council will assume responsibility for recommending policy with regard to the role of service in the professional life and portfolio of faculty, administration, and staff.

4.  The council will assume responsibility for recommending policy with regard to the role of service in the student’s academic and non-academic experience(s) while at the University.

5.  Each year the Council will select recipients of grants to support appropriate service activities.  These grants will be $250 to $1,000 for formal service activities approved by the Key Center for either service on or off campus including international service.  Emphasis will be placed on service that contributes to student learning and the professional development of the recipients.

6.  Two members of the Council will sit on the Faculty Scholarship and Service Awards Committee that determines the recipient of the annual Distinguished Service Award.  The recipient will receive a certificate and $1,000.  This award is to go to a person who has demonstrated exceptional service in support of the institution’s mission within the most recent five years.

7.  The council will consult with the appropriate office(s) to ensure that every five years (beginning in AY 2008-2009) a summary of significant service activities by faculty will be published and on file in the Library.

8.  The council will be consulted in the annual selection of the Reynolds and the William and Ida Friday service awards given to deserving graduating seniors.

Budget
 The Service Council will have an operating budget equivalent to those received by the University Research Council (URC) and the University Teaching Council (UTC) for purposes of funding grants in the amount of no less than $250 to a maximum of $1000 to faculty, staff, or administration who meet criteria set by the council.  Priority will be given to faculty led off campus projects which clearly enhance student learning or professional development.  These funds will not compete with the grant associated with the Annual Distinguished Service Award.

Recommendations and reports to:   FWDC and the Provost.
At the end of each year the Council will also give an annual report on the Sate of Service for the Institution to the Chair of the Faculty Senate and to the Chancellor.

10.3.8 Faculty ILS Oversight Committee (ILSOC) SD8307S  SD0703F  SD0304F SD0105F SD6309S

Both the review of our existing General Education program, arising out of the SACS Self-Study, and the development of proposed revisions in General Education, approved by the Senate on April 24, 2003 in Senate Document 7203S as the Integrative Liberal Studies program have been faculty driven. In order to ensure continued faculty ownership and faculty-driven evolution of the ILS program, and to encourage wide faculty participation in ILS, it is important that there be established a Faculty ILS Oversight Committee which works with both the Academic Policies Committee and the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Programs. In addition, to broaden faculty participation and oversight, we believe that four distinct subcommittees be established to advise ILSOC, one for each of the Intensive categories. Both the ILSOC and the Intensive Subcommittees will have both an evaluative and a formative role in the ILS program, collaborating with faculty in generating courses which conform to ILS program charges.

Structure:
The Faculty ILS Oversight committee is composed of:

    * Six voting faculty members.
    * One member of APC, chosen by APC (ex officio, without vote)
    * Associate Provost for University Programs (APUP) or designate (ex officio, without vote)

The voting members of the committee will be the chairs of the six subcommittees and will be elected for one-year, renewable terms by the members of the ILSOC subcommittees from among the members of those subcommittees.

One voting member will be chosen as chair of each subcommittee at the first meeting of the academic year; one voting member of ILSOC will be chosen as chair at the first meeting of the academic year.

Each subcommittee will be responsible for coordinating a particular area of the ILS: Liberal Studies Colloquia; Topical Clusters; Diversity Intensives; Writing Intensives; Quantitative Intensives; and Information Literacy Intensives.

Members of intensive subcommittees are appointed by Faculty Senate, upon nomination from the FWDC.  Subcommittees will consist of a maximum of five members, except for the Writing Intensive subcommittee, which will have eight appointed members in addition to the Director of the University Writing Center who will serve ex officio, without vote.  Members will serve staggered, non-consecutive four-year terms. In choosing subcommittee members the Senate should give consideration to candidates’ experience and/or interest in the particular intensive area of the subcommittee.

RATIONALE and PROCEDURES FOR TRANSITION:
 The FWDC believes that having the ILS Oversight Committee elected from among the members of the various subcommittees serves the need of assuring knowledge and competence on ILSOC. With this change it is no longer desirable to have the Oversight committee continue to choose members of the subcommittees; instead, having those persons nominated and appointed by FWDC and the Senate provides needed representativeness and input from the faculty at large.  The FWDC is mindful of the desirability that members of the subcommittees be knowledgeable about the intensives they are to oversee; but recognizes also that faculty who do not teach in one of the intensives may also have relevant knowledge and interest.

Current members of the intensive subcommittees will serve their current terms and replacement members, or additional members as may be needed to fill out subcommittee memberships, will be appointed as provided in this document. Election of members of ILSOC from the six subcommittees will begin (as existing members rotate off) in Fall, 2009.

Duties:

1) The ILS Oversight Committee will determine whether courses and clusters proposed by faculty members to fulfill ILS requirements conform to the charge for the relevant component(s), as approved by the Faculty Senate. APC is responsible for changes in component charges and criteria, while the DUP is responsible for staffing, faculty development, and course development related to the ILS program. Once clusters and courses are approved, the ILS Oversight Committee notifies the Registrar and the DUP.

 In all component areas, ILSOC has both a formative and an evaluative function. If proposals are not satisfactory, ILSOC and/or the Intensive Subcommittee must explain its decision and provide guidance to faculty on ways to bring the proposed course in line with the charge for that area. Decisions may be appealed to the APC who may uphold the decision, reverse the decision, or send it back for further consideration. The submission and approval process for courses for each ILS component is as follows:

 a) ILS Topical Clusters: Faculty members propose a cluster of courses to the committee. One faculty member is indicated as coordinator of the cluster. The proposal must (1) describe the topic of the cluster, (2) indicate the faculty member who will coordinate the cluster, and (3) clearly articulate the ways in which each course is appropriate for the proposed cluster.

The ILS Oversight Committee determines whether the connections among these courses are sufficient to justify designation as a cluster for the ILS program and whether the proposed cluster meets the criteria established for ILS clusters. ILSOC also determines whether cluster courses proposed for ILSN, ILSS, or ILSA designation satisfy their criteria.

Proposals to modify clusters by addition or deletion of courses must also be presented to the ILS Oversight committee with explanation. Course additions must be justified using the same criteria as the creation of new clusters. A complete description of cluster requirements may be found in the ILS Implementation Document which provides the charge for ILS topical clusters.

b) Intensive Courses: Faculty members apply for D, W, Q, or I designation for their courses by providing a sample syllabus of their course with attached explanation to the appropriate subcommittee. A course may carry no more than two intensive designations. The subcommittee will review each application and issue a recommendation to ILSOC. Based on their recommendation, the ILS Oversight Committee determines whether the course fulfills the requirements of the relevant Intensive category.

c) Colloquia: The ILS Colloquia Coordinator is responsible for receiving and reviewing LSIC colloquium proposals and for ensuring that each section meets relevant colloquium requirements. This faculty member will work with the DUP in securing sufficient numbers of sections of Colloquia as well as on faculty and content development. While the LSSC is in development, the DUP will oversee this component of the program.

d) Learning Foundations: Faculty who wish to propose additional courses for fulfilling the Writing, Natural Science Lab or Foreign Language requirements may make a proposal to ILSOC, which will, in consultation with appropriate departments, determine whether the course fulfills the criteria established for these courses.

e) Arts: Faculty members who wish for one of their courses to receive ILSA designation for a studio/workshop course or a topical cluster course must provide a sample syllabus of their course with attached explanation to the Arts and Ideas Program Director (aka ILS Arts Coordinator). This individual evaluates these proposals and provides a list of approved courses to ILSOC, which determines whether this list of courses fulfills ILSA requirements.

f) Humanities Cluster: Faculty development and participation in the Humanities cluster is administered by the Director of the Humanities Program, who will inform and consult with the DUP and ILSOC in the event of significant proposed changes to the program.

2) The ILSOC will receive annual reports from the Arts and Ideas and the Humanities Program Directors which detail any changes in course offerings, core content, and areas of concern. ILSOC will use this information in constructing its annual report to APC.

3) The Chair of the ILS Oversight Committee will report to APC at the end of each semester, providing information about decisions made by the committee during that semester, with rationale if necessary. In this report, the chair may also identify areas of concern with regard to clarity and specificity of component charges, proposals for ILS courses, availability of ILS sections, or any other issues.  The Chair of the ILS Oversight Committee will also report to APC at the end of each academic year, to outline broader developments, goals for the following year, issues and concerns.

10.3.9 Graduate Council  (SD3908S) SD0292F)

Purpose   

The UNCA Graduate Council is responsible for advising and assisting the MLA Program Director in the overall administration and functioning of the Master of Liberal Arts Program. These responsibilities include advising and assisting the Director in:

1. Overall planning for the academic curriculum of the program including: course development; faculty recruitment; and revision and development of program design. The council will advise and assist the Director in maintaining the academic excellence of the program and in effectively administering it.

2. Establishing and implementing specific procedures of on-going program and curriculum evaluation.

3. Overseeing the academic advising system. Members who have served at least one semester on the Council will be assigned by the director as graduate student advisors as appropriate.

4. Implementing, and where necessary developing, admissions procedures and policies. Council members will assist the Director in interviewing and making admissions decisions on all applicants for the MLA program.

5. Creating an energetic program of grant and funding solicitation from foundations, government agencies, and private industry.

6. Proposing and initiating new educational services, auxiliary to the MLA degree program, which serve the needs and interests of the non-traditional student.

7. Planning and implementing an imaginative program of student recruitment.

8. Interpreting institutional requirements and regulations to MLA students and faculty.

9. Interpreting the nature and role of the MLA in the institutional setting and to society at large. Assuring coordination between the MLA Program and the Humanities program, other interdisciplinary programs and the undergraduate curriculum in general.

10. Approving MLA courses and instructors.

11.  The MLA Director will submit an annual report to the Graduate Council that will cover enrollment trends, capstone projects completed, new classes offered, new faculty participation, and use of the Program’s state and non-state budgets. 

Membership     (SD3908S) (SD3090S)

The Graduate Council will be composed of seven members:

  • Director of the MLA Program, ex officio, voting
  • Associate Director of MLA, ex officio, voting
  • Director of the Humanities Program, ex officio, voting
  • Director of the Asheville Graduate Center, ex officio, non-voting
  • Three faculty members with MLA teaching experience, one from each of the program areas: Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Faculty terms will be for three years, with one faculty member rotating off each year. The faculty members will be elected by the Senate, and one will serve as Chair of the Graduate Council.

Recommendations to:   Director of MLA Program
Reports to:   the VCAA

10.3.10 University Relations Faculty Advisory Committee (revised by SD5407S) (SD0790F)             

Purpose

                    1.  To serve in an advisory capacity to the Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Development and the University Relations staff on external affairs, including but not limited to the UNCA Foundation, Development, Public Information, Publications, Graphics, Alumni Programming, Owen Conference Center, and Family Business Forum.

                    2.  To act as a liaison between Alumni and Development, the faculty and students.

                    3.  To advise the Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Development and assist in presenting an annual report to the University community.

                    4.  To obtain, on a regular basis, information from faculty, students, staff and the community at large on public relations and other matters which should be addressed by the Office.

                    NOTE:  Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Development is to present to the Faculty Senate an update of the current plans and activities of the Office in the Fall Semester.  This report should include information on the investment management advisor and the fees paid for their service.  The Vice Chancellor will schedule this meeting through the Faculty Senate Chair.  No more than three weeks prior to the meeting, the Vice Chancellor will submit, to the Faculty Senate Chair, a brief (1-2 page) written report that will be distributed to senators. The purpose of the Vice Chancellor's meeting with the Senators will be to discuss the report and respond to questions (SD3290S, SD3390S, SD0203F, SD0790S.)

Membership

 Recommendations to:  Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Development

10.3.11 Intellectual Property Committee  (See Section 9.4.)

10.3.12 UNCA Foundation Board

Purpose

The UNCA Foundation is a tax-exempt organization separate from the University whose fundamental purpose is to actively promote, both locally and at large, public understanding of and external support for the University and its program. Faculty representatives serve on the Board to: 

1. Provide faculty voice in Foundation activities,
2. Provide a mechanism for informing the faculty about Foundation activities.

Membership and terms

10.3.13 Student Affairs Faculty Advisory Committee (SD0507F)

Purpose

This committee serves as an advisory body to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and other leaders in the Division of Student Affairs.  Responsibilities include providing information, feedback and advice on current student issues including, but not limited to:

  • Student learning opportunities outside of the classroom
  • Student issues that are presenting themselves in the classroom
  • What students are saying to faculty about Student Affairs programs and services and the overall quality of student life at UNC Asheville
  • Strategies for enhancing the quality of student life

 The committee also serves as a communicating bridge between the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the faculty.  The Vice Chancellor will use the committee as a quick faculty feedback group on visions, plans and new initiatives in the Division of Student Affairs.

 Membership

  • Three faculty appointed by the Faculty Senate (recommended by FWDC after consultation with the VCSA), serving three-year staggered terms, one from each division
  • Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
  • Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
  • Dean of Students

 Each year the Faculty Senate will appoint one new member.

 Recommendations to:  Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

 Reports to:  Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

 The Vice Chancellor will convene the committee at least four times each academic year.

10.3.14 Textbook Committee (SD3508S)

Purpose

  • To ensure articulation of UNCA Bookstore policies and procedures with General Administration requirements.

  • To review annually UNCA Bookstore policies and procedures regarding sale and repurchase of instructional materials.

  • To communicate regularly with UNCA faculty and students regarding policies and procedures regarding instructional materials.

Membership

The Chair will convene the committee at least twice each semester. 
Initially two faculty members will serve 2008-2010 and two faculty members will serve 2008-2009. 

    Recommendations to: Provost 
    Reports to:  Provost

10.4 Committees Whose Members Are Appointed (Standing Committees)

Much of the ongoing faculty involvement in institutional decision-making occurs through a system of standing committees primarily staffed by faculty.

10.4.1 General Information on Standing Committees

10.4.1.1 How Standing Committees Are Created (SD0694F)

Committees which seek the status of Standing University Committee must follow the following procedure:

1. Petition the VCAA in writing for the status of Standing University Committee, giving a rationale for the request and suggesting the composition of the committee.

2. After consulting with the Faculty Welfare & Development Committee, the VCAA may either deny or approve the request. 
     a. If the petition is denied by the VCAA, the procedure is terminated or the petition may be revised and resubmitted to the VCAA.
     b. If the petition is approved by the VCAA, it is sent to the Faculty Senate for ratification.

3. The Faculty Senate will consider petitions approved by the VCAA.
     a. If the Faculty Senate fails to ratify the petition, the procedure is terminated or the petition may be revised and resubmitted to the VCAA.
     b. If the Faculty Senate does ratify the petition, a Standing University Committee is created.

10.4.1.2 How Standing Committees Operate

After the Office of Academic Affairs distributes the list of committee members, an organization meeting should be called by either the designated coordinator or staff person, or the faculty member whose name appears first on the list. At the first committee meeting business such as electing a Chair and a secretary and setting future meeting dates as appropriate should be done.

10.4.1.3 Required Reporting of Committee Activity (SD1490S)

All chairs of standing and ad hoc committees of the faculty shall submit a summary report of their significant activities for the year to the VCAA and the Chairs of the Senate and FWDC by May 30 of each academic year. This report should list uncompleted projects and other recommended activities for the next academic year, and any proposed changes in the committee structure, membership or focus. These reports should be made available to new committee chairs to aid in accomplishing committee objectives.

10.4.1.4 Alphabetized List of Standing Committees

The following table lists the current standing committees in alphabetical order.  Each committee title is followed by its location.

Aesthetics Advisory 10.4.26
Africana Studies Advisory Council 10.4.27
Animal Care and Use Committee 10.4.18
Campus Commission on the Allocation of Student Services Funds 10.4.2
Cultural and Special Events Committee 10.4.5
Enrollment Services 10.4.7
Graduate Council 10.3.9
Honors and Degree Programs 10.4.10
Honors Program Advisory Committee 10.4.9
Institutional Review Board 10.4.20
Intercollegiate Athletics Committee 10.4.11
International Programs Advisory Committee 10.4.12
Library, Information Resources and Technology Committee 10.4.4
Position Allocation Committee 10.4.3
Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee 10.4.21
Radiation Safety Committee 10.4.32
Safety and Health Committee 10.4.13
Scholarship and Financial Aid 10.4.16
Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee 10.4.28
Student Affairs Faculty Advisory Committee 10.3.13
Sustainability Committee 10.4.14
Teaching Awards Committee 10.4.29
Teaching Fellows Advisory Council 10.4.30
Textbook Committee 10.3.14
Transportation Committee 10.4.15
Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Council 10.4.23
University School Teacher Education Council 10.4.8

 

10.4.2 Campus Commission on the Allocation of Student Services Funds (SD4806S)

Purpose

The committee is responsible for the allocation of student services funds for the purpose of programming sponsored by student organizations.  In addition, it is responsible for the accountability of the utilization of these funds.

Membership

Recommendations to and Reports to:
Provost and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs

10.4.3 Position Allocation Committee (Revised by SD8508S) (SD1904S)

The Position Allocation Committee (PAC) is the primary means by which faculty can have input into the allocation process whenever a new faculty line is available or whenever an existing line becomes open (through retirement, resignation, or non-renewal of contract).

Structure:

The Committee consists of:

  • Provost

  • Dean for Natural Sciences

  • Dean for Social Sciences

  • Dean for Humanities

  • Associate Provost and Dean of University Programs

  • 3 Department Chairs, serving staggered 2-year terms
         One from each academic division, chosen by the chairs in that academic division.
        No person may be reappointed for consecutive terms. 
        No department may be represented by its chair in consecutive terms.

  • 1 Program Director, serving 2-year term
            Chosen by the program directors. 
        No program may be represented by its director in consecutive terms.

  •  1 Faculty Senate representative, serving 2-year term
        Appointed by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. 

Two persons from the same department should never serve on this committee at the same time. 

Duties:

  • To make recommendations to the Provost regarding the allocation of faculty lines to academic departments and programs according to a three-year allocation plan that the committee is to develop and continually update. 
  • To develop and annually revise faculty hiring guidelines.
  • To consider which responsibilities originally delegated to the Council of Chairs could be profitably assumed by the Position Allocation Committee. 
  • To report annually to the Faculty Senate the three-year allocation plan, changes in hiring guidelines and suggestions as to how the Position Allocation Committee can be a more effective faculty voice. 

Implementation:  
In September 2008 department chairs and the program directors will select their four faculty representatives.  The four faculty members selected will draw lots to determine which two representatives will serve 2-year terms and which two will serve 1-year terms.  The Faculty Senate will select its representative in September 2008.  The Provost will convene the Position Allocation Committee in October 2008. 

Rules for Voting:

A member may not vote for a proposal from his or her department or program of appointment.

10.4.4 Library, Information Resources and Technology Committee (Revised by SD5507S  (SD0706F)

Purpose

The Committee engages in short and long-range planning for the establishment of facilities,  services, and information content to meet the learning, research, and administrative needs of UNC Asheville.  The Committee will seek campus input by means of fixed-term “study teams” charged to explore topics of immediate interest and coordinated by a member of the Committee.  Analyses produced by the study teams are expected to produce policy and/or resource allocation recommendations for consideration by the Committee and further recommendation for action to the Chancellor’s Senior Staff.  In addition, the Committee will recommend to the Senior Staff, Chancellor, and Board of Trustees, a Library, Information Resources, and Technology Strategic Plan and will biennially recommend changes to the adopted plan.  The Committee will be convened by the Chief Information Officer who will make an annual report on the status of information resources and technology to the Faculty Senate and the Provost.

Membership

Appointed by the Faculty Senate* for staggered 3 year terms:
            (2)  Members of the Humanities faculty
            (2)  Members of the Social Sciences faculty
            (2)  Members of the Natural Sciences faculty

*The Faculty Senate should attempt to balance the membership between tenured and non-tenured faculty.

Students
            (1)  SGA residential senator
            (1)  SGA commuter senator
            (1)  UNCA student to be appointed by the Student Government Association

 Ex Officio, voting
            Registrar
            Chief Information Officer, convener
            Associate University Librarian for Public Services

 Ex Officio, nonvoting
            Associate University Librarian for Technical Services & Sytems
            Director ITS Administrative Information Systems
            Director ITS Systems, Networks and Security
            Director, Center for Teaching & Learning
            Director ITS User Services
            Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance or designee
            Vice Chancellor for Development or designee
            Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee
            Web manager

Recommendations & Reports to:
    Chancellor’s Senior Staff, Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Faculty Senate

10.4.5 Cultural and Special Events Committee (SD7003S)

Purpose

1. To choose performing arts and events for the campus community and the community-at-large and to assist in many aspects of actual event presentation.

2. To assist in developing collaborations between Cultural and Special Events Committee and various academic and student affairs departments on campus, as well as other presenting venues and arts presenters in the region. Committee members will work together to choose collaborations that directly extend and enhance current academic and co-curricular experiences of students.

3. Assist other campus groups and departments with programming their own cultural and/or performing arts events each year by allocating a portion of each yearly budget towards these activities.

Membership

Service

Service on the committee will begin three weeks prior to the first event sponsored by Cultural and Special Events each academic year and will continue to the same time the following year. Committee membership requires attendance at regular meetings, serving on sub-committees, and assisting in events production.

Recommendation To:  Assistant Director of Student Life/Cultural Programming
Reports To:     the VCAA or his/her designee

10.4.6 Energy and Safety Committee (Replaced by Safety and Health Committee - 10.4.13)

10.4.7 Enrollment Services Advisory (SD1898S)

Purpose

The committee makes recommendations and hears appeals for the Admissions and Registrar's offices. The committee:

1. hears student appeals relative to admission decisions,  academic actions (i.e., suspension and dismissal), and scholarships, 

2. reviews fraudulent credentials and makes recommendations,

3. makes recommendations to APC regarding university academic regulations, and

4. reviews and makes recommendations for policies and procedures in Admissions, Advising, and the Registrar's offices.

Membership

Recommendations to -- Assistant VC for Enrollment Services
Reports to:  the VCAA

10.4.8 University School Teacher Education Council (formerly FACTE) (SD4401S)

In 1997, the NC General Assembly appropriated money for the creation of partnerships between UNC system departments of education and public schools. UNCA was granted funding to begin such a partnership. Members of the Education Department, public school teachers, administrators, and arts & science faculty created a new structure, USTEP, to coordinate partnership activities. Because of the overlap in purpose and membership between USTEP and the Faculty Advisory Committee on Teacher Education, the two have been merged into a single entity called the University School Teacher Education Council (USTEC)

Purpose

1. Provide coordination and articulation between the academic departments, the Education Department, and the LEAs in following the state's guidelines for the preparation of teachers within UNCA's liberal arts model for teacher certification;

2. Develop the goals, objectives, and strategic plan for guiding the work of USTEC;

3. Make recommendations to the Education Department Chairperson based on reports from the 3 Subcommittees: Initial Preparation of Teachers, Induction (initially licensed teachers), and Professional Development. Each subcommittee chair will serve as a member of the USTEC University Standing Committee; and

4. Encourage all members of USTEC to participate in the work of one of the 3 USTEP subcommittees.

Membership

A total of 25 people including:

The Administrative Committee will include the Education Department Chair, USTEC Director, and the Outreach Coordinator.

The Chair of the Education Department, the VCAA, and superintendents are permanent members. The USTEP director is appointed annually by the Education Department Chair. All other members serve a staggered 2 year term. Committee and partnership members from the 2000-2001 academic year are expected to continue on or rotate off based on their current terms, whichever constitutes the end of their 2nd full year.

Recommendations to:   Chair, Dept. of Education
Reports to:  the VCAA

10.4.9 Honors Program Advisory Committee (SD7903S)

Purpose

The Honors Program Advisory Committee exists to provide ongoing oversight of the University Honors Program, advice to the Director of the program, and advice regarding the Program to the University administration.

Responsibilities:

Members of the Honors Program Advisory Committee will

Membership

The Director and Associate Director may invite student members of the Honors Student Advisory Committee to meet with the Honors Program Advisory Committee on a non-voting basis as desired.

Recommendations to: VCAA or designee
Reports to: VCAA or designee

10.4.10 Honors and Degree Programs (SD3197S)

Purpose

1. Recommends who among the graduating class is to receive what level of University-wide Honors.

2. Recommends policy concerning the granting of University-wide Honors as well as approves policy for granting departmental or program distinction.

3. Recommends a recipient for the annual Manly E. Wright Scholarship Award to the graduating senior judged first in scholarship.

4. Reviews and approves requests from students who wish to develop and pursue a program of Independent Study leading to either the BA or BS. The committee must approve the proposed program curriculum before the student may formally pursue their desired course of study. The committee's decision is forwarded to the registrar.

Membership

Recommendations to:  the Faculty body
Reports to:  the VCAA

10.4.11 Intercollegiate Athletic Committee (SD7703S)

Purpose

The Intercollegiate Athletic Committee is required by the NCAA. The responsibilities include:

  1. Oversight of the Athletic Department budget
  2. Monitoring of the academic progress of the student athletes
  3. Advice to the Athletic Director on issues of importance

Membership:

The voting members of the IAC are the three faculty appointed by FWDC and the two students appointed by the VCSA.

Recommendations and reports to:   the Chancellor

10.4.12 International Programs Advisory Committee (Revised by SD0305F) (SD6803S)

Purpose

Advisory to the International Studies Director and Director of Study Abroad in curriculum development, study abroad program development, annual and long-rang program planning, budgeting and publicity.

Membership

Recommendations to: Directors of International Studies and Study Abroad
Reports to: the VCAA or his/her designee

10.4.13 Safety and Health Committee SD8007S (formerly Energy & Safety)

    Purpose:

    To ensure that UNCA, as a state agency, implements a safety and health committee structure that provides
    management and non-managerial involvement in the on-going responsibility of providing a safe work environment. The
    safety committee will also provide insight into safety planning and training

    Duties

    1. Review all safety and health policies and procedures established by UNCA.

    2. Review incidents involving work-related fatalities, injuries, illnesses or near-misses.

    3. Review employee complaints regarding safety and health hazards.

    4. Analyze the agency’s work injury and illness statistical records.

    5. Conduct inspections of worksites at least annually and in response to complaints regarding safety or health hazards.

    6. Conduct interviews with employees in conjunction with inspections of the workplace.

    7. Review agency’s training records to ensure compliance with regulatory training requirements

    8. Conduct meetings at least once every three months. Maintain written minutes of such meetings and send copies to
        each committee member. Copy of minutes shall be posted in the appropriate workplace.

    9. Designate Employee Safety and Health Representative(s) to accompany representatives from regulatory agencies
        (i.e. NCOSHA, NC Department of Insurance, NC Division of Environment and Natural Resources) during safety
        and health inspections of the workplace.

    10. Make written recommendations on behalf of the committee to the next highest safety and health committee and/or
         agency head.

     Membership

  • Four faculty, each serving a two year term (staggered); appointed by FWDC

  • Radiology Officer

  • OSHA Officer

  • Director of Public Safety

    Recommendations to:  the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Operations
     Reports to:  the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations

    Rationale: 
    Each state agency is required to create safety and health committees to perform workplace inspections, review injury and
    requirements Program for Safety and Health.  Each agency should structure their committees to ensure employee involvement
    at all levels within the organization. 

10.4.14  Sustainability Committee SD7907S

              Purpose

    Facilitate increased energy and environmental resource conservation in our campus community through collaboration of
    the faculty, staff and students on issues of day-to-day campus operations, strategic planning, renovation, and new
    construction.

     Membership

  • Two faculty and two alternates appointed by the Faculty Senate, each serving a two year staggered term

  • Landscape Architect

  • Two Office of Design and Construction staff members appointed by the AVC of Campus Operations

  • One Student Government Association representative

  • One student demonstrating interest in energy and environmental concerns appointed by the Student Government Association.

    Recommendations and reports to:   Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Operations

10.4.15 Transportation Committee (SD3106S)

Purpose

This committee will review and make recommendations concerning all parking and transportation issues (includes parking, mass transit, bicycle facilities, pedestrian resources, carpooling etc.). In addition, it will be the final arbitrator for parking citations hearing Appeals to Parking Petitions.

Membership

Note:  Persons with delinquent parking or traffic fines or persons who have received multiple citations for parking or moving traffic violations shall not be eligible for appointment to the Committee

Ex Officio:
 UNCA Transportation Planner

Recommendations and reports to:   Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Operations.

10.4.16 Scholarship and Financial Aid (SD1998S)

Purpose

1. Determines final awards for University Laurels, the university merit scholarships, based on faculty and student input from campus interviews and folder evaluations.

2. Approves recommendations of awards for university need-merit and/or other special scholarships.

3. Approves recommendations of departmental scholarship awards.

4. Determines policies and procedures for the awarding of university scholarships.

5. Reviews and makes recommendations for Financial Aid policies and procedures.

Membership

Recommendations to:   Assist. VC for Enrollment Services
Reports to:  the VCAA

10.4.17 Adjunct Faculty Committee (SD0500F) [Committee Eliminated SD0608F]

10.4.18 Animal Care And Use Committee (SD7303S)

Purpose

The Animal Care and Use Committee is charged with the task of reviewing and monitoring projects which utilize live animals to insure compliance with relevant legislation, to meet the University's moral and ethical obligations to other living organisms, to provide assurances for granting agencies, to address public concerns about the humane treatment of experimental animals, and to protect investigators and students from unsubstantiated or unwarranted allegations of improper procedures. (The definition of live animals is directed by federal law, i.e. Public Health Services Act (Public Law 99-158), Laboratory Animal Welfare Act (PL 99-198), and 1985 Health Research Extension Act.)

Duties

  1. Review the Application for Animal Use required of any project by an investigator of UNCA (faculty or student) or any teaching procedure which requires the use of live animals.
  2. Review all grant applications by UNCA investigators which require the use of live animals.
  3. Conduct semi-annual site visits to all live animal housing facilities on campus.
  4. The Chair should send out a yearly reminder about the appropriate use of animals.

Membership

Faculty are appointed for two year terms. Non-university and veterinary members are solicited through the Assistant to the Chancellor and serve two year terms. Individuals may be reappointed to successive terms.

Recommendations to: the URC for policy and procedural changes
Reports to: the VCAA

10.4.19  First Year Experience Advisory (integrated into ILSOC)

10.4.20 Institutional Review Board (formerly Human Subjects, 10.5.6) (SD0393F)

Purpose

The UNCA Institutional Review Board (IRB) is charged with the responsibility of reviewing all research proposals involving human subjects, according to the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46, June 18, 1991.) These regulations require IRB approval for federally-funded research on human subjects and also require that the Institution have a policy on such studies "regardless of whether the research is subject to federal regulation." (#46.103 (b)(1).) This policy allows departments to adopt their own, more restrictive review procedures. The UNCA policy on human subjects applies not only to the research of individual faculty and staff members but also to the research projects assigned to students. Since most of UNCA's research has in the past involved minimal risk to human subjects, the review procedure for most projects is also minimal.

Membership

Membership of the IRB conforms to federal guidelines (46.107).

Recommendations and reports to:   the VCAA

10.4.21 Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee (SD7803S)

Purpose

The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee is responsible for coordinating advising and writing a committee letter of recommendation for students interested in seeking an advanced degree at a Health Professional School (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, etc).

Membership:

The committee will be composed of seven members, three of whom will be permanent based upon their regular duties. The members are as follows:

Recommendations to:  Director of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee.
Reports to:  The VCAA

10.4.22  (integrated into another section)

10.4.23 Undergraduate Research Programs Advisory Council (SD6903S)

Purpose

The Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Council is needed to provide consistent faculty, student and staff input into the Undergraduate Research Program.

Responsibilities

  1. Offer direction for the program.
  2. Establish policies and guidelines for grants and activities.
  3. Evaluate grant proposals from students
    - Regular semester grants
    - Summer grants
    - NCUR grants
    - Travel grants
  4. Approve recognition of students as University Research Scholars or as Departmental Research Scholars
  5. Seek ways of enhancing the program through increasing financial resources and addressing ways for the program to be recognized on and off campus.
  6. Assist in planning, reviewing and critiquing the ongoing activities
    - Fall symposium
    - Spring symposium
    - UNCA Undergraduate Research Journal.

Membership

Faculty and library staff members will serve two-year, staggered, terms, renewable for two additional terms. Students will serve one-year terms, renewable for one year.

Recommendations to: Director of Undergraduate Research
Reports to: VCAA or his/her designee.

10.4.24  Women's Studies Advisory Committee (Women's Studies is now a major)

10.4.25 Asheville Institute Advisory Committee (AIAC) (SD1205S) [Committee Eliminated] (SD0508F)

10.4.26 Aesthetics Advisory Committee (SD0297F)

Purpose

To advise the Chancellor on matters related to campus aesthetics.

Membership

All members serve two year staggered terms.

Recommendations to:   the Chancellor
Reports to:  the VCAA

10.4.27 Africana Studies Advisory Council  (Revised by SD1605F  (SD1794S)

Purpose

This body will advise the Director in matters of program planning and delivery, curriculum development, resource acquisition, and outreach as well as

Membership

Recommendations to: Director of Africana Studies
Reports to: the AVCAA for University Programs

10.4.28 Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee (Revised by SD5707S) (SD8103S)

Purpose

The Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee (SHAC), an oversight committee, will: review the sexual harassment policy currently in place; serve as an educational and support resource for the campus on these issues; serve in a fact-finding role for harassment cases; identify and select sexual harassment advisors and ensure their training.

Membership

At least two of the SHAC members must be trained sexual harassment advisors.

Reports to: VCAA
Recommendations to: the Chancellor

10.4.29 Teaching Awards Committee (SD4906S)

Purpose

To select the annual recipients of UNCA’s various teaching awards.

Membership

The most recent recipient of the UNCA Distinguished Teacher Award serves as committee chair.

Recommendations and reports to: 
Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs

10.4.30 Teaching Fellows Advisory Council  (Revised by SD1705F) (SD8303S)

Purpose:

The Teaching Fellows Advisory Council is to act as the core of the campus Teaching Fellows Program by advising and making recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs concerning every phase of the program.

Membership

Recommendations and Reports to:   the VCAA

10.4.31 Violence Prevention  (reassigned to Public Safety and Student Affairs)

10.4.32 Radiation Safety Committee (SD8003S)

Purpose

The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) manages UNCA's radiation-emitting materials and radiation-producing equipment, such as the Mössbauer spectrometers, X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, biological radiation sources, and the powder X-ray diffractometer.

Membership

Membership is mandatory and permanent.

Recommendations to: UNCA Energy and Safety Committee
Reports to:  VCAA

10.5 Individual Service Appointments

For information about reassigned time associated with these appointments, see Section 3.1.4.1.5.

10.5.1 Faculty Handbook Editor (SD2005S)

The Senate Secretary shall act as the Faculty Handbook Editor. The editor is responsible for maintaining the Handbook through annual revisions and reports to the Chair of the Faculty Senate.

10.5.2 Humanities Director

Duties: 

The Director of Humanities is responsible for scheduling all sections of Humanities courses each term, supervising faculty who teach only within Humanities (e.g., adjuncts), and supervising the coordinators of the four Humanities courses.

Appointed by:   the VCAA

Term of Appointment:  3 years, renewable

10.5.3 Arts and Ideas Director

Duties: 

The Arts and Ideas Director is responsible for recruiting faculty to teach in the Arts and Ideas program, working with participating faculty to develop the ARTS 310 course, and scheduling multiple sections of ARTS 310 and the ARTS workshops.

Appointed by:  the VCAA

Term of Appointment:  3 years, renewable

10.5.4 Director of the Honors Program

Duties: 

The Director's responsibilities include planning the Honors program, both academic and co-curricular; appointment of faculty members to teach Honors classes (in consultation with other department and program heads); selection of students as members of the program; maintaining and implementing Honors policies; supervising the process of naming graduating seniors for Distinction as University Scholars; arranging assessment for Honors classes and other activities; organizing the non-classroom activities of the program including study abroad, service learning, post-graduate opportunities, and co-curricular events; representing the program to the University, the community, and prospective students; assisting with admissions, recruitment, and scholarship decisions; and providing liaison with the Undergraduate Research program. (See Section 11.3 for program information)

Appointed by:   the VCAA

Term of Appointment:  3 years, renewable

10.5.5 Director of the Undergraduate Research Program

Duties: 

The responsibilities of the Director of the Program include:
1. cooperating with the University Laurels Merit Scholarship Program, to recruit and retain talented students;

2. serving as an information conduit for students and faculty who want to learn more about undergraduate research;

3. providing information about funding opportunities for students through academic year and summer research and presentation grants;

4. coordinating the interaction of undergraduate research students with external groups (e.g. NCUR, Research at the Capital, SOARS);

5. arranging for public presentation of the work of undergraduate research students for the UNCA community;

6. overseeing the publication of the UNCA Journal on Undergraduate Research;

7. collecting information on students and faculty who participate in undergraduate research for institutional awards;

8. interacting with the national undergraduate research community.

UNCA's Undergraduate Research Program offers a range of opportunities specifically aimed at assisting faculty and students with collaborative efforts in research. The Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Council (URPAC) assists the director in setting policy, assessment of the effectiveness of the program, and making changes necessary to improve the overall quality of the program.  (See Section 11.4 for program information).

Appointed by:  the VCAA in consultation with representatives from the Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Council (URPAC).

Term of Appointment:  3 years, renewable

10.5.6 Director of Teaching and Learning

Duties:

The Director of Teaching and Learning supervises all activities of the Center for Teaching and Learning (see Section 11.9 for center information). The Director works to create an environment in which faculty across the university are energized to pursue professional improvement with maximum efficiency.  The Director is responsible for

1. working with faculty and the Office of Academic Affairs regarding faculty development needs and plans, and communicating with faculty concerning administrative suggestions and decisions related to these.

2. facilitating communications among those working on, or interested in working on, teaching and learning projects.

3. encouraging faculty's development of professional knowledge, recognition and expertise through such activities as grant proposal writing, research, teaching exchanges and attendance at summer seminars and professional conferences.

4. maintaining communication with offices across campus to gather and/or assure dissemination of information pertinent to effective faculty development in teaching and learning.

5. representing UNCA off campus, communicating and consulting with those in similar offices on other campuses and with appropriate state and national professional organization.

6. managing the budget allocated to the Center.

7. supervising and evaluating Center staff.

Appointed by:  the VCAA in consultation with representatives from the UTC and FWDC.

Term of Appointment:  3 years, renewable

10.5.7 Director of the Key Center for Service Learning

Duties: 

The Key Center Director oversees all Center activities, including those of the assoc. director; the director also is primarily responsible for encouraging faculty to use service-learning in their classes, and for assisting them to make this a successful addition to student learning. (See Section 11.6 for center information.)

Appointed by:   the VCAA in consultation with the Key Center advisory board.

Term of Appointment:  3 years, renewable

10.5.8 Director of Interdisciplinary Studies

Duties:

The Director of Interdisciplinary Studies leads UNCA's newest degree program, consisting of two concentrations: the Individual Degree concentration, for students developing their own interdisciplinary degree program, and the Ethics and Social Institutions concentration. (See Section 11.6 for program information.) The coordination function includes:

1. Course management: Scheduling and evaluating courses carrying the IST designation.

2. Program development: Evaluating requests for new IST courses and programs.

3. Program management: Supervising the degree concentrations including all aspects of the Individual Degree concentration (i.e., evaluating/approving applications, monitoring student progress and assessing student learning).

4. Budget oversight.

5. Publicity of IST options among faculty and students.

Appointed by:  the VCAA in consultation with Council of Chairs and Directors

Term of Appointment:  3 years, renewable

10.5.9 Director of International Programs

Duties:

The Director of International Programs supervises all aspects of international programming:  overseeing the study abroad program, coordinating the International Studies minor, sponsoring and promoting a variety of co-curricular events with an international focus, and organizing faculty development projects that will lead to both new International Studies courses and the infusion of international content across the curriculum.  Activities within the study abroad program are coordinated by the Director of Study Abroad who is responsible for the day-by-day functioning of the Office of Study Abroad. (See Section 11.5 for program information.)

Appointed by:  the VCAA 

Term of Appointment:   3 years, renewable

10.5.10 CSAC Faculty Liaison

Duties:

A non-voting faculty member appointed annually to the Chancellor's Staff Advisory Committee (CSAC).  Functions as a liaison between the faculty and staff, sharing information about issues of importance to faculty, staff and the university.

Appointed by:  the Faculty Senate

Term of Appointment:  1 year

10.5.11 Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) 

The University Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big South Athletic Conference is appointed by the Chancellor for a three year period; a second reappointment may be made. No faculty member will serve for more than six consecutive years. Appointment procedures are outlined in the responsibilities of the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee (IAC). Since the Department of Athletics operates on a twelve month schedule, the FAR or a designated representative of the IAC must be available during the summer months.

The FAR's role is not one of advocating the Athletic Department; the FAR is an advocate of the student athlete and monitors the Athletic Department's activities to insure compliance with NCAA regulations. Specific duties include keeping the Chancellor and VCAA apprised of alleged irregularities within UNCA's athletic program, representing UNCA as the voting delegate at the Annual NCAA Convention, Chairing the IAC, conducting the required NCAA exit interviews, certifying eligibility and squad lists in coordination with the Registrar, monitoring graduation rates and academic progress, and monitoring that both scholarship and participation opportunities reflect the University gender ratio.

10.5.12 Faculty Mentoring Program Coordinators (SD8108S)

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Contacting new faculty members in spring/summer

·         Recruiting faculty mentors in spring/summer

·         Develop a calendar of events for the academic year spring/summer (including three gatherings throughout year and at least two cultural event outings)

·         Attend new faculty orientation session to describe mentoring program in fall

·         Complete mentor/mentee assignments by beginning of fall semester

·         Maintain contact with mentees between mentoring events

·         Administer end-of-year evaluation to both mentors and mentees to assess program

 Membership

The Faculty Senate will elect two coordinators from two different program areas for staggered, renewable, two year terms. There should be one male and one female coordinator, one a junior faculty member (at least 3 years at UNCA) and the other a senior faculty member. These appointments will be made in April of the preceding academic year to empower the coordinators to seek out volunteer mentors and plan initial activities well in advance of the arrival of new faculty. 

Because coordinating this program is time-consuming, it is suggested that faculty who serve as coordinators be protected from other significant service assignments.

Recommendations to:  Provost

Reports to:  Provost

Rationale
 As our colleague Tucker Cooke noted many years ago, the success of new faculty rests not only on their ability to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Their ability to develop connections and relationships with colleagues is a third critical factor.  A Faculty Mentoring Program is an important component of UNC Asheville’s other faculty development activities (e.g. new faculty/new chair orientation, professional development programs through the Center for Teaching and Learning).  A successful mentoring program requires identified coordinators who are committed to providing this important experience. The logical way to ensure this success is by appointing program coordinators through the Faculty Senate.

Initially, one coordinator will serve a three-year term and the other will serve a two-year term.

10.6   Time-Limited Committees (revised by SD2202S)

When special issues arise, UNCA establishes additional committees to work on specific time-limited projects. Most of these committees contain faculty representatives as a mechanism for providing faculty input. Members may be appointed by the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Faculty Senate, the University Planning Council or Department Chairs/Program Directors. Those who appoint members to these committees specify both the term of appointment and the mission/charge to the group, including to whom and at what time the group must report.

For the Faculty Senate to be aware of ad hoc committees and task forces in the campus community, each university-wide committee/task force must follow the procedure below

  1. On formation of the committee/task force, the chair of that entity must notify the FWDC of the Faculty Senate of the objectives, membership and anticipated length of service of the group.
  2. At the time of its formation, the committee/task force must identify a finite time limit.
  3. If the committee/task force exists beyond a two year limit, it must convert to a standing committee or disband.

10.6.1 Academic Department/Program Committees

Department Chairs or Program Directors may appoint members of their faculty to departmental or program committees. These committees serve a variety of functions (e.g., search committees, curriculum committees, self-study committees) and report to the Department Chair or Program Director as appropriate.

10.6.2 Institutional Self Study/Accreditation

UNCA periodically creates task forces to work on an institutional self-study (e.g., review of the General Education curriculum) or an institutional accreditation (e.g., SACS, NCATE, NCAA).  Faculty typically are appointed to these committees by the VCAA in consultation with the Faculty Senate.

10.6.3 Administrator Search Committees (see Section 2.4 for faculty searches)

Faculty serve on the search committees for the position of Chancellor and the various Vice Chancellor positions. Faculty typically are appointed to these committees by the VCAA or the Chancellor in consultation with the Faculty Senate.

10.6.4 Other Ad Hoc Committees and Task Forces

Whenever necessary, UNCA may create additional ad hoc committees of task forces to explore issues of current importance (e.g., retention, diversity). (See Section 10.6 above)

10.7 FORMS for Section 10.0

No forms for this section.

Faculty Handbook - version 8/09
Handbook for contracts dated prior to 7/1/03 (PDF)
Index | Faculty Senate | UNCA