Faculty and Contract Staff Handbook
(2) Faculty Governance Structure
(2A) CONSTITUTION OF THE FACULTY ORGANIZATION
(2B) UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COUNCIL BYLAWS
(2C) UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COUNCIL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
(2E) STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY
For a summary of recent changes to this chapter, see Chapter 9A: Summary of Recent Revisions to this Handbook.
Contents of this page:
University Committees (Academic Integrity; Admissions, Scholarships, and Financial Aid; Advising and Registration; Board of Campus Publications; Bookstore Operations; Committee to Review University Compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act; Diversity Committee; Employee Benefits; Information Technology; Lecturers and Visiting Scholars; Library Activities; Safety, Security, and Health; Student Finance Board; Teaching and Learning; Traffic and Parking; University Court; University Honorary Degrees; University Standards; Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA) )
Faculty Committees (Faculty Development Committee; University Distinguished Professorship Committee; The Faculty Grievance Committee; The Committee for the Evaluation of Courses and Faculty; The Piper Professor Committee; Mitchell Visiting Professor Committee)
Elected Faculty Governance Bodies and Committees (Faculty Constitution) (Faculty Senate; University Curriculum Council; Commission on Promotion and Tenure; The Investigating Committee; The Hearing Committee)
Administrative Committees (Animal Research; Institutional Biological Safety; Institutional Review Board; Commencement and Convocation; Major Scholarships and Fellowships; Intercollegiate Athletics; Faculty Handbook; Faculty Gold Room Oversight)
Academic Programs and Advising Committees (Academic Standing; International Programs; Council on Teacher Education; Health Professions Advisory Committee; Interdisciplinary Study Committees; Prelaw Advisory Committee)
Other Organizations and Committees (Honor Societies; University Club; Trinity University Women’s Club)
I. OVERVIEW
In the establishment, organization, and composition of standing committees of the University, the President, the Faculty Senate, the Association of Student Representatives, and the executive committee and council of the Graduate Student Association have participated in accordance with provisions of, respectively, Chapter 2A: Constitution of the Faculty Organization at Trinity University, Chapter 6A: Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students Section IV.C, the Constitution of the Association of Student Representatives, and the Constitution of the Graduate Student Association.
The standing committees are divided into categories which reflect differences in the organizations and/or individuals that are responsible for establishing the committees and to whom the committees are expected to report. University committees represent the interests of the faculty, administration, and students; they are established by and report to the Faculty Senate, the President of the University (or his/her designee), and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association. Faculty Committees primarily represent the interests of the faculty; they are established by and report to the Faculty Senate. Administrative Committees primarily represent administrative interests and they are established by and report to the President of the University (or his/her designee). Student Committees represent student interests; they are established by and report to the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association.
A. Membership
Faculty membership on any standing committee shall ordinarily be for three-year terms, arranged so that one-third of the terms expire annually. Members are eligible for reappointment, but due consideration should be given both to the principle of rotation of membership and to the principle of continuity.
Ordinarily, no standing committee should have more than one faculty member from any one academic department, nor should any faculty member serve as a voting member of more than one standing committee. Nominations or appointments to committees should preferably not include members of the Faculty Senate.
Student representatives on standing committees are nominated and/or appointed by the governing bodies of the Association of Student Representatives and the Graduate Student Association. When the Association of Student Representatives or the Graduate Student Association makes a final appointment to a standing committee without a nomination going through the Office of the President of the University or through the Faculty Senate, a written statement of appointment, signed by the chief executive of the appointing organization, will be sent immediately to the committee Chair, and this statement will include the appointee’s local or campus mailing address and telephone number or extension. Whenever possible, student members of standing committees should be named by the end of the spring semester. Faculty and administration appointments should be completed by June 15.
Specific guidelines for the determination of membership are listed separately for each of the major categories of committees.
B. Rules of Procedure
All members of committees are voting members except those specifically designated as nonvoting. The President of the University and the Vice President for Academic Affairs are ex officio, nonvoting members of standing committees.
Committees shall be called to meet during the first month of the fall semester by the Chair of that committee for the previous academic year. That past Chair, or a designated convener if past Chair is not available, shall preside over the election of the Chair, vice Chair, and secretary. The committee executive, if there is one, is not eligible to serve as an elected Chair, vice Chair, or secretary. The Chair elected by each committee shall report this election to the organizations and/or individuals responsible for establishing the committees and to whom the committees are expected to report not later than September 30.
The Chair shall preside at meetings of the committee and shall perform the duties usually expected of a presiding officer. The Chair shall consult frequently with the appointed executive, if there is one, the vice Chair, the secretary, and with members of the committee about the operation of the affairs of the committee. The Chair shall appoint, with the approval of the committee, such sub-committees as deemed necessary to carry out the affairs of the committee. The Chair shall immediately ascertain the times during the week when committee members are available for meetings. The Chair shall approve drafts of minutes before distribution.
The vice Chair shall aid the Chair where possible and, in the absence of the Chair, perform his/her duties.
The secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings. Within 10 days after each meeting the secretary shall send copies of the minutes (with pertinent reports) to all members of the committee, to the organizations and/or individuals that are responsible for establishing the committees and to whom the committees are expected to report, and to the University Archivist.
A tentative calendar of meetings shall be agreed upon by the committee at its first meeting, or the officers and the executive may formulate a calendar of meetings to be approved by the committee no later than November 1. Additional meetings of the committee may be called by the Chair, the executive, or by petition of a number of members equal to at least 20 percent of the committee. A proposed docket established by the officers and the executive shall be distributed to the members of the committee at least forty-eight hours prior to each meeting. Items submitted by the committee members must appear on the proposed docket. This docket is subject to the approval of the membership at meeting time.
The executive, or, if there is no executive the Chair, shall be responsible for submitting catalog and handbook material. Such material must have committee approval prior to its being submitted.
A proposed budget may be drawn up by the elected officers and the executive to be submitted, upon committee approval, through normal budget channels.
Unless the committee by majority vote decides otherwise, the meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order (latest edition).
The preceding provisions for procedure shall serve as a minimal set for each committee. However, each committee may at its own discretion adopt additional rules of procedure.
Each standing committee will prepare an annual report at the end of the academic year. That annual report should be sent to the University Archivist and to each of the organizations or individuals who are responsible for establishing the committee and to whom the committee is to report. In preparing the annual report, the committee members should review the purposes, intended and actual accomplishments, and structure of the committee. In cases where the annual report indicates that the committee accomplished very little or experienced difficulties in carrying out its charge, the annual report should contain recommendations for change. Recommendations could include a proposal for eliminating the committee, a request for changing the size or structure or membership of the committee, a request for a more specific charge from organizations and/or individuals that are responsible for establishing the committee and to whom the committee is to report, or any other changes deemed appropriate by the committee. Such a recommendation should, when necessary, be accompanied by a proposed amendment to any policy statement or other chapter found within this Handbook that creates the committee and defines its function and its membership.
In addition to recommendations contained in annual reports, suggestions are always in order for improvements in committee structure and functioning. Such suggestions, as approved by committee action, should go immediately to the organizations and/or individuals that are responsible for establishing the committee and to whom the committee is to report. For University Committees, recommendations for change must be approved by the Faculty Senate, the President of the University (or his/her designee), and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association.
The minutes and annual report, as well as actions taken in approving committee recommendations for changes in structure or function, will be filed with the University Archivist. These committee records will be available for review by committee members and members of organizations that are responsible for establishing the committee and to whom the committee is to report. Minutes, the annual report and recommendations for changes in committee function, structure, or size should be sent to the organizations and/or individuals that are responsible for establishing the committee and to whom the committee is to report: for University Committees, to the Faculty Senate’s Committee on University Administration and Governance, the President of the University (or his/her designee), and to the executive officers of the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association; for Faculty Committees, to the Faculty Senate’s Committee on University Administration and Governance; for Administrative Committees, to the President of the University (or his/her designee); and for Student Committees, to the executive officers of the Association of Student Representatives and/or Graduate Student Association.
II. UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
Standing University Committees have responsibilities assigned to them which relate to important aspects of University affairs. University Committees have members representing at least two of three general constituencies (faculty, administration, students). A majority of these committees have representatives from the administration, the faculty, and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association.
The number of members and the ratio of membership for each committee are determined in negotiation among the administration, the Faculty Senate, and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association. Faculty members are appointed by the President of the University as recommended by the Faculty Senate; student members are appointed by the President of the University as recommended by the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association; administrative members are appointed by the President of the University (or his/her designee) An alternative basis for membership must be approved by the Faculty Senate, the President (or his/her designee), and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association.
A. Academic Integrity
The Committee on Academic Integrity is formed to serve as an appeal board when a student wishes to contest a faculty member’s decision. The committee is composed of five members (three faculty nominated by the Senate and appointed by the President of the University, and two undergraduate students nominated by the Student Association and appointed by the President of the University). Graduate students nominated by the Graduate Student Association and appointed by the President of the University will serve on the committee in place of the undergraduate students when cases brought to the committee involve graduate students. One alternate from each body will be nominated and appointed in like fashion to serve in case of vacancy or challenge during the process. The committee is Chaired by the most senior faculty member (based on rank and date of hire within rank). The Vice President for Academic Affairs will function as an ex officio nonvoting member of the committee.
B. Admissions,
Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Revised
description circulated to the faculty by the Faculty Senate on
2/27/05 and approved by the faculty on April 29, 2005.
The Admissions, Scholarships, and Financial Aid Committee serves as an advisory committee to the Offices of Admission and Financial Aid. The committee meets at least once each semester to discuss enrollment goals, recruitment strategies, decision-making, admission statistics, and financial aid budget awarding policies. Committee members introduce concerns and issues that influence the admissions process and the awarding of financial aid and may make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Membership consists of six faculty with three-year staggered terms; four students, to include on graduate student, with one-year terms; and ex officio, the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, the second in Admissions, the Director of Financial Aid, the Vice President for Student Affairs or his or her designee, and a staff member from the Business Office. The Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid convenes the committee meetings; a faculty member serves as chair.
C. Advising and Registration
The Advising and Registration Committee is formed to review the academic advising and registration process. The Committee is composed of six members: three faculty nominated by the senate, two undergraduate students nominated by the Association of Student Representatives, and the Registrar. The Committee shall assess the advising and registration process, including first-year advising, to suggest possible improvements. The Committee shall facilitate the exchange of information necessary to promote effective advising and registration. This Committee will report to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Curriculum and Student Issues.
D. Board of Campus Publications
The Board operates in accordance with provisions of Chapter 6A: Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students Section IV.D (revised in 1985 and in 1990), including the stipulation that the Board be composed of “an equal number of students and faculty/staff representatives.” The Board will consist of three faculty members, one administrative representative, and four students. The Coordinator of Student Activities for Student-Edited Publications serves as member ex officio. The Board has general supervision and direction of the Trinitonian and other student-edited publications, including approval of annual budgets for submission to the Student Finance Board and general responsibility for financial stability, election of (and for proper and stated causes, by orderly procedures, the removal of) editors and major staff members, and determination of advertising policies. All contracts must be approved by the Business Office after recommendation by the Board. A faculty or staff business advisor may be appointed by the Board.
E. Bookstore Operations
The Committee on Bookstore Operations recommends general policies related to the operation of the University Bookstore and expresses faculty, staff, and student concerns, views and ideas related to the Bookstore. The Director of the Bookstore serves on the committee and consults it on ways to improve Bookstore operations and services. The committee is composed of four faculty members, five administrators, two undergraduate students, and one graduate student.
F. Committee to Review University Compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
(Committee description is forthcoming.)
In spirit with Trinity University's Institutional mission, the primary function of the Committee is to promote diversity in the university as it is essential to the health of an academic community. The committee may propose, advocate, and assist in the implementation of policies and programs designed to celebrate and increase diversity in every aspect of University Life. In consultation with appropriate groups, the Committee may annually choose to focus on issues such as, but not limited to, student admissions and retention, faculty and staff recruitment and retention, professional development, campus environment, and invited distinguished speakers. The Committee is composed of four faculty members recommended by the Faculty Senate to serve staggered two-year renewable appointments, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Coordinator for Diversity and Service Programming, and one student recommended by ASR. The four faculty members will in turn elect from amongst themselves a chair and a convener for the committee.
H. Employee Benefits
The committee has the responsibility to review fringe benefits and benefits policies and make recommendations to the President regarding employee benefits. The committee will determine what types of coverage employees want and are willing to contribute to with regard to fringe benefits offered by the Trinity University Flexible Benefits Plan (further described by the Summary of Benefits) and recommend proposed changes to the President. The committee is composed of four faculty members, three contract staff, and four classified staff. The committee consults with the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs (who is an ex officio member of the committee) and reports directly to the President of the University.
I. Information Technology
This committee monitors and advises on University computing and information technology issues. The committee is to function as a body of problem-identifiers and strategic brokers. The committee in its problem identification mode will appoint ad hoc problem-solving subcommittees, drawing on available expertise beyond the committee’s membership. These subcommittees will report their findings to the committee which will then form its recommendation. The committee reports to the President, to the Faculty Senate, and to the Association of Student Representatives. The membership of the committee is: a representative of the Faculty Senate, three additional faculty members, the Chair of the Department of Computer Science or designee, the Director of Information Technology Services or designee, the University Librarian or designee, the Vice President for Information Resources and Administrative Affairs or designee, the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs or designee, the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee, the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee, the Vice President for Advancement or designee, a representative from the University Curriculum Council, the registrar, two representatives of the Association of Student Representatives.
J. Lecturers and Visiting Scholars
This committee has the responsibility for the administration of funds budgeted by the University or from other sources to help departments and groups of departments bring in outside speakers. It shall give due consideration to the interests of students, faculty, and the community and will work within the accepted speaker policy. The committee is composed of six faculty members, two administrative representatives, four undergraduate students, and one graduate student.
K. Library Activities
This committee has as its purpose the recommendation of general policies related to library and audiovisual activities and the expression of faculty and student concerns related to those activities. The University Librarian serves as the executive of this committee and consults it on ways of improving library services, and other appropriate matters. The committee assists the University Librarian in securing faculty and student support for library activities, and in bringing to the attention of the administration any special needs for growth and expansion of library funds and facilities. The committee may report recommendations directly to the Vice President for Information Resources and Administrative Affairs as well as to the University Librarian. The committee is made up of nine Faculty members, one administrative representative, four undergraduate students, and two graduate students.
L. Safety, Security, and Health
The committee reviews and recommends policies to enhance the safety and welfare of University employees, students and visitors. This includes the development and evaluation of comprehensive plans, regulations, procedures and programs to provide for the personal health and safety of persons and the security of property and records in accordance with federal, state and local codes and university policies. The committee's areas of concern include but are not limited to security, health, injuries, facilities, vehicles, air quality and fire safety.
The Director of Campus Safety shall coordinate the activities of the committee. The committee consists of three faculty members, administrative and staff members appointed by the President, and two undergraduate representatives.
M. Student Finance Board
The Student Finance Board allocates a portion of the Student Activity Fee income to sponsored student organizations as well as to Recreational Sports and Outdoor Recreation, in accordance with established procedures required by the constitution and bylaws of the Board. The Board provides oversight for spending by recipient organizations. The Board annually recommends to the University President the amount of the Student Activity Fee two years hence. Membership is composed of the five students nominated to the University President by the Association of Student Representatives, one administrator each from the offices of Fiscal Affairs and Student Affairs, and three members of the faculty nominated to the University President by the Faculty Senate.
N. Teaching and Learning
The Teaching and Learning Committee shall be the organ of the Faculty for assessing the general status and needs of teaching and learning, and be a coordinating body for facilitating the enhancement of instruction in the University. Specific activities of this committee shall include, but not be limited to, new faculty orientation, facilitating discussion among faculty members and also between faculty and students on the subject of teaching and learning, by means of workshops, seminars, documents, etc., and acting as a conduit or clearing house for new and existing educational methodologies and materials. The Committee shall report to the Faculty Senate. The Committee shall consist of the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee, six members of the faculty including a representative from the Library, and two students recommended annually by the Association of Student Representatives. Faculty members shall serve for three years in three classes of two, and will be recommended by the Faculty Senate after the usual process of nomination by the faculty Representation and Elections Committee of the Senate. One of the faculty members shall be the Chair of the Committee. The Committee shall not be involved in evaluation of specific courses or programs, or in evaluation of the teaching of individual faculty members.
O. Traffic and Parking
This committee serves as an appeal route for persons receiving traffic or parking violation citations, and to assure adequate counsel in the establishment of the University traffic and parking regulations. The committee consults with the Director of Campus Safety and may report recommendations to the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs. The committee has three faculty members, three administrative representatives and three student members.
P. University Court
The University Court, established by Chapter 6A: Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students Section VI.D, serves as a court of equity and has appellate jurisdiction over all cases involving suspension, expulsion, or withholding of readmission of students. Three members of the faculty recommended by the Faculty Senate and appointed by the President of the University and three members of the student body recommended by the Association of Student Representatives and appointed by the President of the University compose the University Court. The senior member of the faculty (in point of continuous service at Trinity) serves as presiding judge and chief administrative officer of the University Court.
Q. University Honorary Degrees
[NOTE: the committee has no members, and has been recommended for elimination by the Faculty Senate, with concurrence of the University President; however, pending amendment of Chapter 2A: Constitution of the Faculty Organization Article IV.G.6, the elimination of this committee has not yet taken effect]
R. University Standards
This committee, established by Chapter 6A: Joint Statement On Rights and Freedoms Of Students Section VI.A, exists to review and to formulate major standards of student conduct, the violation of which may lead to suspension or expulsion of a student from the University. The Committee is composed of the Vice President for Student Affairs (as Chair), another Student Affairs staff member, three faculty members nominated by the Faculty Senate and appointed by the President of the University, and three undergraduate students nominated by the Association of Student Representatives and appointed by the President of the University. The Committee meets at least once a semester to ensure that necessary corrections or additions are made in the Student Handbook so that it constantly meets the needs of the University community.
S. Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA)
This committee, separate from the Employee Benefits Committee, will be responsible for the operations of the Trinity University Voluntary Employee Benefits Association. The committee is composed of six voting members: two faculty members, two classified staff members, the Director of Human Resources (a permanent member), and the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs who serves as the permanent Chair of the committee. The four nonpermanent member will serve, except for the initial appointment, staggered four-year terms.
III. FACULTY COMMITTEES
The number of members and the ratio of membership (for faculty, students and administrative representatives) for each committee is determined by the Faculty Senate in consultation with the administration and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association. Unless an alternative basis for membership has been approved by the Faculty Senate, faculty members will be appointed by the Faculty Senate; administrative and student members will be appointed by the Faculty Senate upon nomination by the President of the University (or his/her designee) and by the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association. Unless an ongoing charge is specified in the committee description, the Faculty Senate will be responsible for providing the committee with a specific annual charge. These committees are described elsewhere in this handbook as noted.
A. Faculty Development Committee. See Chapter 4A: Statement on Faculty Development.
B. University Distinguished Professorship Committee. See Chapter 3D: Distinguished Professorships. [NOTE: the committee has no members, and has been recommended for elimination by the Faculty Senate, with concurrence of the University President; however, pending amendment of Chapter 3D: Distinguished Professorships, the elimination of this committee has not yet taken effect]
C. The Faculty Grievance Committee. See Chapter 3A Article IX: Grievance Procedures.
D. The
Committee
for the Evaluation of Courses and Faculty
Revised and circulated to the faculty on October 2, 2004, and
approved by the faculty on November 5, 2004; revised and
circulated to the faculty on September 18, 2007, and approved by the faculty on
October 19, 2007.
This committee consists of six faculty members, distributed according to the University's disciplinary groups and appointed by the Faculty Senate. The committee exists to oversee and coordinate with the Vice President for Academic Affairs the processes and mechanics of administering student evaluation of courses and faculty. The committee will also act as a repository for established custom course/instructor evaluation questions, questions used by departments, and descriptions of non-student evaluation methods used by various departments.
E. The Piper Professor Committee
This committee consists of six faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate including two former recipients of the Piper Professor Award. It is the committee’s responsibility to select Trinity University’s nominee for the annual Piper Professor Award.
F. Mitchell Visiting Professor Committee
This committee consists of faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate, with particular attention to the representation of any areas most likely to be the actual locations of the appointment, and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Budget and Research. It is the committee’s responsibility to recommend appointments to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the President of the University. See Chapter 3D: Distinguished Professorships Section I.B.3.
IV. ELECTED FACULTY GOVERNANCE BODIES AND COMMITTEES (FACULTY CONSTITUTION)
A. Faculty Senate. See Chapter 2A Article IV: The Faculty Senate, and Chapter 2D: Faculty Senate Bylaws.
B. University Curriculum Council. See Chapter 2A Article III: The University Curriculum Council, and Chapter 2B: University Curriculum Council Bylaws.
C. Commission on Promotion and Tenure. See Chapter 2A Article V: The Commission on Promotion and Tenure.
D. The Investigating Committee. See Chapter 2A Article IV.G.6.a, and Chapter 3A Article VI.B.2.c.i.
E. The Hearing Committee. See Chapter 2A Article IV.G.6.a and Chapter 3A Article VI.B.1.c.
V. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES
The number of members and the ratio of membership (for faculty, student, and administrative representatives) for each committee are determined by the President of the University (or his/her designee) in consultation with the Faculty Senate and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association. Unless an alternative basis for membership has been approved by the President (or his/her designee), administrative members will be appointed by the President; faculty and student members will be appointed by the President upon nomination by the Faculty Senate and the Association of Student Representatives and/or the Graduate Student Association.
The President of the University (or his/her designee) will be responsible for providing the committee with a specific annual charge, unless an ongoing charge has been specified in the committee description.
A. Animal Research
The Animal Research Committee is responsible for overseeing and evaluating the use, husbandry, and disposal of vertebrate animals at Trinity University according to the guidelines established in the Animal Welfare Act (P. L. 89-544, as amended by P. L. 91-579 and P. L. 94-279) and by Public Health Service policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (OPRR, Health Research Extension Act, 1985, P. L. 99-185, Revised September, 1986). The committee employs as a basis of evaluation the standards published in Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, N.I.H., No. 85-23, revised 1985). Individuals desiring to house vertebrate animals for teaching, research or any other purpose either in the designated animal facility or elsewhere within the University must have the explicit permission of the Animal Research Committee. Petitioners who request to house animals in facilities other than the designated facility must provide evidence that the animals will be properly cared for and that adequate records of their use and disposal will be kept. In accordance with Federal Guidelines, the Chair and members of the Animal Research Committee are appointed annually by the President of the University. The Committee is composed of a nonscientist, a person having no affiliation with Trinity University, a licensed veterinarian, and not more than three faculty from any one department. The person officially and legally responsible for the humane care and use of animals at Trinity University is the Institutional Official, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Budget and Research.
B. Institutional Biological Safety
The Institutional Biological Safety Committee has responsibility for the establishment and continuity of scientific procedures to insure that research at Trinity University will be conducted safely. It will assure compliance with the intent and requirements of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Office of Recombinant DNA Activities regulations, and the concordant National Science Foundation procedures. In order to fulfill these commitments, the Committee will be guided by both ethical and scientific principles and procedures in monitoring research sponsored by HHS-NIH, NSF and all other scientific experimentation in assessing potential hazards, and establishing and implementing safety procedures. Faculty whose projects have been determined by departmental Chairs to be potentially hazardous shall notify the Institutional Biological Safety Chair (IBSC) of the necessity for committee consideration when proposals are submitted to NIH, NSF or any other sponsor. Forms for application for IBSC review are available in the Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Budget and Research. Subsequent reviews of procedures are required when awards are received, and when modifications of experimentation are made. The membership of the IBSC includes three sciences faculty members, at least two persons not affiliated with Trinity University, at least one member from the laboratory technical staff, and a Biological Safety Officer. The committee may also include consultants who are particularly knowledgeable about institutional commitments and policies, applicable law, standards of professional conduct and practice, and the environmental concerns.
C. Institutional Review Board
This Board, established in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services regulations, reviews research projects and activities to determine the extent of the risks to human subjects and to assure that safeguards are present to protect the subjects’ rights and welfare. A research project involving the use of human subjects must have the approval of this Board. For information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs; also see Chapter 5C: Use of Human Subjects in Research. This Board is appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and consists of five faculty members, one undergraduate student, and two persons from the community with no affiliation with Trinity University. A representative of the Office of Academic Affairs serves as the Human Subjects Administrator. The Human Subjects Administrator is responsible for maintenance of Board records and documentation, coordination of Board activities, and monitoring compliance with regulations approved by the Board.
D. Commencement and Convocation
This committee is responsible for the scheduling and handling of all commencement exercises and convocations. The Faculty Senate nominates the three Faculty members of the committee, the Association of Student Representatives nominates three graduating seniors, and the Graduate Student Association nominates the graduate student representative to the President of the University. The President appoints all committee members. After consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the President appoints the four administrative members of the committee. The President of the University delivers a charge to the committee each September at the initial meeting of the committee and serves as Chair of the committee.
E. Major Scholarships and Fellowships
This committee consists of faculty who have responsibility for each of the external major scholarships and fellowships for which students from Trinity University routinely compete. The committee deals with issues pertaining to the selection and preparation of students for these competitions. The committee is Chaired by the Vice President for Academic Affairs (or a designee). Current membership consists of faculty who have responsibility for the Marshall, Rhodes, Mellon, Truman, Goldwater, and Fulbright awards.
F. Intercollegiate Athletics
This committee is set up under its own bylaws, approved by the Board of Trustees, which also approves appointments. The committee is designed to fulfill all the functions assigned to such a faculty committee by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Subject to the established policy and budgetary provisions of the Board of Trustees, the committee is responsible for the supervision and development of the total program of intercollegiate athletics. The committee consists of six faculty members, three administrative representatives, and three students.
G. Faculty Handbook
The Faculty Handbook Committee is responsible for maintaining and revising the Faculty and Contract Staff Handbook. The committee consists of three faculty members and two representatives from the Office of Academic Affairs.
H. Faculty Gold Room Oversight Committee
This committee consists of three faculty members and one administrator from the Office of Academic Affairs. The Faculty Gold Room Oversight Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Faculty Gold Room. These duties include overseeing the scheduling of the room as carried out by the appropriate person in the Office of the Registrar, monitoring and evaluating use of the facility, collecting and responding to suggestions regarding the space, and developing and maintaining policies for its use.
VI. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND ADVISING COMMITTEES
For Academic Programs and Advising Committees, a subcategory of Standing Administrative Committees, the committees are established by and report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Members will normally be appointed either by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or by a person designated by the Vice President.
A. Academic Standing
This committee is charged with reviewing the status of undergraduate students who are liable for academic suspensions and/or dismissal and recommends to the Vice President for Academic Affairs any student who should remain on academic probation. In addition, the committee reviews the record of any undergraduate student applying for readmission to the University and recommends action on the application. The committee consists of nine faculty members, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Registrar, and the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Curriculum and Student Issues.
B. International Programs
The Committee on International Programs is generally responsible for policy relating to Trinity University students studying abroad under the auspices of other institutions. The committee is also responsible for hearing appeals from students with respect to decisions of the Director of Study Abroad regarding the disapproval of credit for specific programs or courses. The committee is appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Its membership should include at least one faculty member from the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and at least one from the International Studies Program. The membership should include faculty with interest in each world area (Europe, Latin America, Asia) in which quality study abroad programs are readily available. The Director of Study Abroad serves ex officio on the committee.
C. Council on Teacher Education
The Council on Teacher Education is established as the body charged with primary review of all items related to teacher education. The membership consists of twelve faculty members appointed by the person designated head of teacher education, after consultation with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Faculty Recruitment and Development; the Director of Teacher Certification and Placement, Department of Education; and two faculty members from the Department of Education. Other than the general responsibility for teacher education at Trinity University, specifically the Council on Teacher Education is involved with the following: (1) approval of candidates for teacher education at Trinity University; (2) approval of candidates for teaching certificates and/or endorsements; (3) approval of standards for admission and certification; (4) recommendation of new education degree and certification programs at Trinity University; (5) advice to the Department of Education regarding matters related to teacher education and certification; and (6) liaison between the Department of Education and the other departments and offices throughout the University.
D. Health Professions Advisory Committee
The Health Professions Advisory Committee provides close liaison between Trinity University and professional schools in the health care area. It is concerned with maintaining proper undergraduate programs, giving counsel and academic guidance, and recommending students for admission to medical, nursing, dental, veterinary science, and other schools in related fields. The committee reports to the Office of Academic Affairs.
E. Interdisciplinary Study Committees
These committees administer the interdisciplinary programs of study in the areas named in the committee titles. Current committees are African American Studies, American Intercultural Studies, Cognitive Science, Communication Management, Comparative Literature, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, International Studies, Linguistics, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Neuroscience, New Media, Scientific Computing, Urban Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies.
F. Prelaw Advisory Committee
The responsibility of the committee is to advise undergraduate students seeking to prepare themselves for law careers while attending Trinity University. The committee works with the Admissions Office recruiting prelaw students, and also reviews curricular programs to enhance prelaw training. The committee reports to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Curriculum and Student Issues. The committee is appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Its membership includes eleven faculty members appointed from academic departments that have an interest or programs related to legal studies. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Curriculum and Student Issues serves as an ex officio member of this committee.
VII. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES
A. Honor Societies
A number of honor societies, both national and local, exist in symbiotic relation to the University. Various members of the faculty, administration, and student body participate in these organizations and their selection processes. Descriptions of these and other organizations are in the Student Handbook.
B. University Club
The University Club is a social organization of eligible faculty, administrators, contract staff, and classified staff, and operates under its own bylaws. Purposes served by the club include acknowledging significant incidents in the lives of members and their families, honoring retired faculty, and hosting occasional social events. The clubroom is maintained for members as a place to relax and to engage in professional reading and conversation. Light refreshments are offered. Guests may accompany members; however, Trinity University personnel who are not members should not be regularly invited. Dues are deducted from the salary of each member. Faculty, administrators, or staff who wish to become members or to withdraw should contact the Office of Human Resources. A governing Committee of six University Club members is elected by the membership for three-year terms. The University Club Committee elects its own officers in the Fall.
C. Trinity University Women’s Club
The purpose of this organization includes: providing services to Trinity University and providing opportunities for forming friendships. Among the services provided is the maintenance of a scholarship fund for worthy women students. Through meetings, lectures, luncheons, and participation in various special interest groups, members get to know each other and become part of the Trinity University family. Membership is open to all women whose husbands are currently affiliated with Trinity University, or who themselves are currently affiliated with Trinity University as full-time or part-time faculty, as administrators, or as administrative or classified staff. Membership is also extended to retirees and wives or widows of retirees from full-time faculty or administrative positions.
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