BYLAWS OF WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STUDENT GOVERNMENT

These Bylaws establish procedures for exercising those Duties and responsibilities in the areas of faculty personnel, academic affairs, campus activities, and student life which are conferred upon the Wittenberg University Faculty by Article IV, Sections 2 and 3 of the Constitution, Article VI of the Bylaws of Wittenberg University, and the charter of Wittenberg College, Sec. 2. They were adopted in June, 1979, to become effective in September, 1980, amended numerous times between 1980 and 2003, and revised in 2003.

The Faculty shall directly exercise responsibilities in those areas herein assigned to its Board of Committees or to the Faculty as a whole, and in other areas which in the judgment of the Provost to the University, are appropriate for exclusive consideration by the Faculty.

Except where otherwise stated in these Bylaws, the faculty shall exercise its authority and make decisions in meetings of the faculty.

         MEMBERSHIP

The following shall enjoy voice and vote in all meetings of the Faculty of Wittenberg University:

members of the faculty holding or sharing full-time positions at the rank of Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, including those who hold such appointments but are working part-time as a transition to retirement;

members of the faculty holding positions at the rank of Adjunct Assistant Professor, Adjunct Associate Professor, or Adjunct Professor;

eight student senators, with the specific senators identified in the bylaws of the student senate.  The student senators do not vote in faculty elections.

 

The following shall enjoy voice but not vote in meetings of the Faculty of Wittenberg University:

student members of the faculty policy committees

members of the faculty holding visiting appointments

administrators holding the rank of Vice President or higher; and academic administrators holding he rank of Assistant Professor or higher, or the equivalent, as determined by the Provost.

other persons to whom the faculty shall extend voice privileges on a special or standing basis

Except where otherwise noted, all faculty members with vote may serve on the faculty committees and boards listed in Article VIII

OFFICERS

A tenured member of the faculty shall preside at meetings of the faculty.  The presiding officer shall be elected by the faculty to serve a two-year term that begins on August 1.  In the absence of the elected faculty officer, the chairperson of the Faculty Executive Board shall preside.

The faculty shall elect a tenured member of the faculty to serve as Secretary to the Faculty for a two-year term.  The secretary shall, with the assistance of the Provost's Office, prepare minutes of faculty meetings and distribute such minutes to all faculty members and to all student representatives to the Faculty within ten calendar days after each meeting, and maintain such records as the faculty shall determine prudent.

MEETINGS OF THE FACULTY

The faculty shall meet monthly during the academic year, and at any other times as scheduled by the Faculty Executive Board, or as determined by majority vote of the Faculty, or upon a petition to the Faculty Executive board by ten members of the voting Faculty membership.

At meetings of the faculty, a quorum shall consist of sixty voting members.

An agenda, prepared by the Faculty Executive Board, shall be distributed by the Provost of the University to all faculty members and to all student representatives to the Faculty at least seven calendar days prior to each meeting.  All standing Board and Policy Committees with the power to make recommendations to the faculty may bring business items to faculty meetings, as may any group of ten voting faculty.  In accordance with X.B below, the Faculty Executive Board in combination with the eight student senators also may place items on the agenda.

Proposals to be submitted to the Faculty for approval must be printed in the agenda. Proposed amendments should be distributed at least three days prior to the meeting; however, this shall not preclude voting upon an amended version of a proposal when, in the judgment of the presiding officer, such amendment does not substantially change the sense of meaning of the proposal. The faculty may waive either the seven-day or the three-day advance notice requirements by a two-thirds vote of those present.

When a committee, in its discretion, believes that its potential proposal to the Faculty will constitute a significant policy change, it's recommended that said committee call for and conduct an open hearing on that proposal before submitting it to the Faculty for action.

When a committee, in consultation with the Provost believes that a matter is of minor importance to the Faculty, it may submit a written report concerning the matter to the faculty without requiring a vote by the Faculty. Such reports must be included in the agenda for a faculty meeting. When the report is the next item in the order of business, the presiding officer will ask if there is any objection to the report. If there is none, the report will stand approved. If a member objects, the causes for the objection shall be stated together with a motion to open debate on the report and cause a faculty vote on it. The motion to open debate shall be undebatable and require a simple majority. If the motion to open debate fails, the report will stand approved.

Parliamentary Authority

Meetings and other business of the Faculty shall be conducted according to the latest revised edition of Robert's "Rules of Order," except as noted in Special Rules of Order adopted by a two-thirds vote of the faculty.

Boards and Committees

Nominations and Elections.  Nominations of faculty members to all elected positions on all Faculty Boards and Policy Committees will be held at the regular April meeting; vacancies in elected positions that extend beyond the end of the academic year also will be filled by election at that time.  Nomination slates shall be drawn up by the Faculty Executive Board and distributed in the agenda for this meeting. A least two nominations shall be made for each vacancy. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. Elections shall be conducted by secret electronic ballot as soon thereafter as possible, with the results reported and declared at the May faculty meeting.  In the event that an electronic ballot is not feasible, a secret mail ballot will be used.  Newly constituted Boards and Committees will meet at least once before the end of the spring semester to elect a chair, to set initial fall meeting dates, and as necessary, to organize and prepare for operations in the fall.  All terms shall begin on August 1.

Student members of the Faculty Policy and Task Committees will be selected by the Student Senate.  Except where otherwise noted in the Bylaws, both faculty and student members shall have voice and vote on the Committees on which they serve.

Ad hoc committees.  In cases where no existing Board or Committee has responsibility, or has reasonability but lacks either adequate resources or time for special projects or purposes, an ad hoc committee may be established by the Faculty on the recommendation of the Faculty Executive Board or the Board or Committee in question, or shall be established by the Board or Committee  in question.  The size, composition and manner of selection of such ad hoc committees shall be determined by the establishing agent. Normally, ad hoc committees will be temporary, serving until the assigned purpose is accomplished.

Exclusions.  No faculty member or student may serve on a total of more than two Faculty Boards and Faculty Policy Committees at the same time. Exception to this rule is the Board of Directors Liaison Committee.  No faculty member shall serve on more than one of the following at one time;  The Faculty Executive Board, the Faculty Personnel Board, the Educational Policies Committee, the Budget and Compensation Advisory Committee, the Hearing Board on Academic Freedom and Tenure.  No Board or Committee should include more than one faculty member from a single department. 

The following Boards, Policy Committees and Task Committees will be established under the authority of the Faculty.  Boards and Policy Committees will report to the faculty at its regular meetings.  Any committee not reporting business to the faculty during the year should report to the faculty in writing for the regular May meeting.

STANDING BOARD AND COMMITTEES

FACULTY BOARDS

FACULTY EXECUTIVE BOARD

Membership

1. Six faculty members, each with at least five years service at Wittenberg; two to be elected each year for three-year terms.

Duties

1. To represent the Faculty in the interim between meetings of the Faculty;
2. To initiate discussion and to recommend action on matters of Faculty interest which are not delegated to other committees, including proposed changes in the bylaws.
3. To prepare, in consultation with the Provost, an agenda for each Faculty meeting, that may be altered in the meeting by a 2/3 vote
4. To serve in an advisory capacity to the President, the Provost, and the Board of Directors.
5. To represent the Faculty within the planning process of the University;
6. To nominate candidates for Faculty Boards, and Faculty Policy Committees and to conduct the elections (to seek in all nominations and appointments broad representation of academic disciplines, variety of viewpoints, continuity in terms of service, equitable distribution of committee work load, and accommodation of individual interests and expertise);
7. To fill by appointment faculty vacancies on such Boards and Policy Committees created by resignation, leaves of absence, or other causes, for a period of time not to exceed beyond the end of an academic year
8. To propose to the faculty, on an annual basis, the calendar dates for each academic year in consultation with the Provost.   Such calendar proposals are subject to a majority vote of the faculty assembled.
9. to propose to the faculty, in consultation with the Provost and the Educational Policies Committees, changes in the basic characteristics of the academic calendar, such as total number of contact hours, daily schedule, number of weeks, days, and holidays observed.  Such proposals are subject to a majority vote of the faculty using a secret mail ballot.
10. to serve as a conference committee between faculty and students for communication and policy review regarding matters of common interest
11. to approve or refer to the faculty measures submitted to it by the faculty or by the Student Senate in accordance with X. B.  A matter submitted to the Committee must be referred to the faculty upon the petition of 10 members of the faculty.

FACULTY PERSONNEL BOARD

Membership
Six faculty members on tenure; three elected by the Faculty for three-year terms, two elected each year.

 

Duties

1. to make recommendations regarding policies and criteria for the evaluation of faculty members with respect to rank, salary and tenure; to review the annual personnel recommendations by department chairpersons and to make recommendations to the Provost and the President; to suggest changes in existing policies to the Faculty for review, discussion and endorsement.
2. to make recommendations on appointments and dismissals.
3. to make recommendations regarding sabbatical leaves and leaves of absence for faculty members.

FACULTY ENDOWMENT FUND BOARD

Membership
Six faculty members elected for three year terms; two elected each year.

Duties
to bring to the campus scholars and artists who will make a significant contribution to the intellectual and cultural life and climate of the University.

FACULTY HEARING BOARD ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND TENURE

Membership
Six faculty members; three-year term; two elected each year.

Duties

1. to serve as Hearing Committee (as provided in the University Bylaws VI, I, l) whenever a faculty member who has been notified of impending dismissal requests a hearing. The services of the board will be available to faculty members of the University.
2. to serve as a Hearing Committee in other cases which individual faculty members may bring to it.

BOARD OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Membership
Six elected faculty members, with three-year terms, two elected each year.   Ex-Officio, with voice but not vote: the Dean of Students, the Registrar, and Assistant Provost for Academic Services.

Duties

1. to monitor and recommend changes in all policies with respect to academic standards, including but not limited to:
   
   1. standards for probation and suspension,
   2. standards for academic performance (the grading system) and,
   3. the academic environment.
2. to apply the University’s standards in cases of academic suspension and dismissal
3. to serve as a first level of appeal after academic dismissal or academic suspension by the Board.  When the Board acts in its appellate capacity, the Dean of Students and Assistant Provost for Academic Services also vote.  Further appeals may be made to the Provost, as determined by policy.

HONOR COUNCIL
(created by Faculty Action, January 14, 2003)

Membership

a.  Six elected faculty members, with three-year terms, two elected each year; two administrators, one appointed by the Provost and one appointed by the Dean of Students; and ten students, with representation from each class. The students will be selected by a committee consisting of the chair and vice chair of the Honor Council, two additional volunteer members of the Honor Council ,and three students appointed by Student Senate.  Once selected, student members will serve until they graduate. 

b.  From among its membership, the Honor Council will elect a student as chair and a faculty member as vice chair, each of whom shall have served at least one year on the Council before assuming office.

c.  Honor Council Faculty Advisor.  The Provost, in consultation with the Faculty Executive Board, will appoint a faculty member as Honor Council Faculty Advisor, a position without vote except when an elected member of the Council is also named as Advisor.  The advisor will be responsible,  in cooperation with the Dean of Students, for the oversight of the Honor Council and its processes.

Duties

a.  to maintain and enforce standards of academic integrity

b.  to create and conduct educational programming designed to promote academic integrity

c.  to advise and consult with the student body, faculty members, and administrative officers on matters

     pertaining to academic integrity

d.  to designate from its members, students and faculty to serve on honor boards

e.  to consider petitions for removal of the grade of XF from University records

f.  to issue an annual report to students, faculty and staff, which would typically include a summary of

     cases and a description of  the Council's activities.

g.  to review policies and procedures of the Code of Academic Integrity and the Honor Council at least     

     on  a bi-annual basis and to recommend changes to the faculty and students

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Membership
Six elected faculty members, two elected each year. Ex-Officio member with voice but not vote: The Faculty Development Administrator.

Duties

a.  To promote effective teaching on campus through programming, workshops, course development grants and formative evaluations

b.  To approve grants for the development of teaching and the redirection/retraining of faculty.

c.  To sponsor regular events using funds from Faculty Development.

d.  To review proposals and make recommendations for the disbursement of institutional resources for faculty research, conference presentations, or professional development.

e.  To assist faculty members to deepen and broaden competence in their chosen fields and their contributions to the academic community

g.  To initiate discussion, to advocate for, and to recommend action on matters related to faculty development.

 

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR

A tenured member of the faculty nominated by the Faculty Development Board and appointed by the Provost.  Reports to Faculty Development Board and serves as ex-officio with voice but not vote on the Faculty Development Board.

 

Duties:

1. To implement and collaborate with the Faculty Development Board on programs and initiatives
2. To serve as a resource for faculty or groups on current issues related to faculty development, career development, and teaching
3. To meet with academic departments as well as special groups to determine needs for information, programming, workshops, materials, etc.
4. To organize workshops, lunches, etc., geared to faculty needs
5. To work with individual faculty members, confidentially, on improvement of their teaching as requested by the faculty members themselves
6. To develop and implement formative methods of teaching evaluation
7. To manage the Board’s faculty development program for new faculty
8. To maintain a library of information on teaching and professional opportunities for faculty

 

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Membership
Three faculty members serving three-year terms, one elected each year, and the Faculty Fulbright Representative, appointed by the Provost, two student members. Ex-Officio member with voice but not vote: Assistant Provost for First-Year Experience.

Duties

a.  To review proposals and make recommendations for the disbursement of institutional resources for student research and other scholarship opportunities.

b.  To coordinate with the Admissions and Financial Aid offices evaluation of candidates for Wittenberg competitive scholarships (e.g. Smith).

c.  To conduct interviews for Fulbright, Marshall, and Rhodes (and other national fellowships) on campus.

d.  To appoint subgroups for external funding interviews or special student opportunities, when required.

e.  To advise and advocate for student scholarship and development opportunities.

 

FACULTY POLICY COMMITTEES

COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONAL POLICIES

Membership
Six faculty members, with three-year terms, two elected each year; four student members; the Provost.  Ex Officio with voice but not vote: The Associate Provost

Duties

1. to examine periodically the overall education program of the University.
2. to recommend proposed changes in the University curriculum.
3. to be responsible for policies under which task committees operate.
4. review all proposed changes in the total number of faculty members in a department or program to determine the effect of the proposed change on the educational program and to submit recommendations as may seem appropriate.

COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY POLICY
(Duties of the Audio Visual Committee were assigned to the Committee on Library Policy by faculty action, March 19, 1996; amended March 17, 2008)

Membership
Three faculty members, with three-year terms, one elected each year; and two student members. Ex officio with voice but not vote: The Directors of Computing and of the Library

Duties

1. to act as a liaison among faculty, students and the Directors of Computing and the Library regarding the service rendered by the Libraries to the University.
2. to make recommendations to the Director of the Library, the Director of  Computing, the Provost and the President regarding the improvement of the facilities and services of the libraries.

COMMITTEE ON ATHLETIC POLICY AND RECREATION
(Amended by faculty action, March 19, 1996; December 10, 1996, January 14, 2003; March 17, 2008)

Membership
Three elected faculty members, with three-year terms, one elected each year; three student members and two faculty representatives to the North Coast Athletic Conference.  Ex Officio members with voice but not vote: The Director of Athletics and Recreation, the Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women's Administrator, and the Director of Intramurals and Recreation.

Duties

1. to recommend to the faculty general intercollegiate athletics related to the rules for eligibility, the maximum number of athletic events in each sport, the time of absence of athletic teams from campus, and the participation in events not on the regular schedule.
2. to advise, and make recommendations to, the President, athletics administrators, and Faculty Representatives to the North Coast Athletic Conference, regarding the determination of priorities in the intercollegiate athletics program, the intercollegiate sports in which the college participates, the basis for selecting intercollegiate opponents, and schedules for each sport; and to report regularly to the faculty on such advice and recommendations.
3. to recommend faculty members for appointment as the Faculty Representatives for Athletics to the North Coast Athletic Conference and the NCAA, with appointment for three years with the possibility of reappointment.
4. to encourage a strong intramural program and encourage campus-wide participation in that program.

COMMITTEE ON FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENT

Membership
four faculty members, with two-year terms, two elected each year. Four student members. Ex-officio with voice but not vote: The V.P. for Business and Finance and the Provost or designee and the Director of Plant, Safety and Environment.

Duties

1. to advise the administration on matters relating to facilities and environment.
2. to hear, discuss, and make recommendations on department matters relating to facilities and environment.

1. to hear, discuss, and make recommendations on the use of present and future buildings.

ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(by Faculty Action March 17, 2008)

 

Membership
Four faculty members, three elected with three-year terms, one elected each year, and one appointed by the Provost. Ex-officio members with voice but not vote: the Vice-President for Enrollment Management or the Director of Admissions, the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Provost for Student Success and Retention, and the Registrar. 

Duties

1. to make recommendations regarding admissions requirements
2. to make recommendations regarding financial assistance and other financial aid given to students

1. to report to the faculty upon request regarding admission standards, registration, enrollment, financial aid and grades
2. to advise the offices of the Registrar, Admissions, and Financial Aid on issues of policy, procedures, and implementation
3. to analyze and advise regarding annual reporting on retention

1. to coordinate with the School of Community Education on issues of common interest

BUDGET AND COMPENSATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Membership
Four faculty members, with four-year terms, one elected each year and four student members. Students do not participate in discussions of compensation and fringe benefits, nor will students have access to any but aggregate data concerning compensation and fringe benefits.

Duties

1. to participate with the appropriate members of the University administration and the Board of Directors in the formulation of the University budget.
2. to aid in the establishment of a salary scale and to review annually its impact upon the faculty.
3. to recommend changes in the salary scale to the faculty and the administration.
4. to review all fringe benefits and to recommend changes to the faculty and administration.
5. to work with the Provost and the V.P. for Business and Finance in administering salary and fringe benefits policy.
6. to adjudicate questions regarding salary and fringe benefits.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS LIAISONS

The faculty representatives will consist of the Chairpersons, or their designees, from the faculty boards or committees which correspond to the committees of the Board of Directors.  In addition, three faculty serving three-year terms, one elected each year, will serve as an advisory board for the Honors Committee of the Board of Directors.

Duties

1. to attend appropriate sessions of the Board of Directors meetings three times per year.
2. to serve as a channel of communication between faculty and the Board of Directors.
3. to provide advice on the choice of recipients of honorary degrees.
4. to report to the Faculty when appropriate.

COMMITTEE ON ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

(Created by Faculty Action, April 11th, 1995)

DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(by Faculty Action March 17, 2008)

Membership

Six elected faculty members, two elected each year; two students.  Ex-Officio member with voice not vote:  Director of Multicultural Student Programs.

Duties

a. To advocate for, promote, and propose diversity initiatives throughout campus.

b. To promote diversity in all areas of campus life:  student, faculty, staff, and programming.

c. To work in an advisory capacity with various campus constituencies (Enrollment Management, Admissions, Office of Multicultural Student Programs, Human Resources, Witt Series, Academic Departments and Programs, etc.) to promote a more diverse campus. 

d. To assist in special-events planning that recommends and plans activities that promote diversity on campus.*

e. To develop and sponsor a speaker series on campus which addresses issues of diversity. 

 

*Martin Luther King Committee will function as special-events subcommittee of the Diversity Advisory Committee.  Two members of Diversity Committee will serve on King Committee. 

 

Membership
Six faculty members, with three-year terms, two elected each year, and three student members.   Ex-officio members with voice but not vote:  The Provost ( or designee), The Director of General Education, the Chairperson of the Committee on Educational Policies (or designee).

 

Duties

1. to develop and implement the program for assessing student achievement of the general education goals posited in the 1995 curriculum.
2. to oversee the implementation of department and program assessment activities;
3. to review the effectiveness of University efforts to assess student achievement and to make recommendations for policy changes, as it deems appropriate, to the Faculty;
4. to review the utilization of assessment information in ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness of the University’s educational program;
5. to serve as a clearinghouse for information, and identify resource people, helpful to our ongoing assessment efforts.

 

 

GENERAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Membership
Four elected members, with three year terms; one additional member appointed annually by the EPC  from its membership to act as liaison between EPC and GEAC; two students.  Members with voice but not vote: The Director of General Education, and the Provost or designee.

Duties

1. to advise the Director of General Education in activities of advocacy for the General Education Program on such issues as budget resources, external funding, administrative support, program and course development.
2. to advise the Director of General Education on suggested changes in the General Education Program and to recommend changes in the program to the EPC when warranted.
3. to review courses proposed to help students achieve learning goals in the General Education Program, to advise faculty desiring to submit such proposals, and to make recommendations concerning proposals to EPC.
4. to work with the administration in adjudicating transfer credits to be counted toward General Education requirements.
5. to receive and act on petitions from students regarding the General Education Program.
6. to assist the Director of General Education in the compilation of yearly reports assessing the state of General Education at Wittenberg and advise the Director and other faculty committees on the assessment of the General Education Program in general.

COMMITTEE ON WRITING AND SPEAKING

Membership

Four faculty members, with four-year terms one elected each year, ; two students.  Members with voice but not vote: The Director of Speaking, the Director of Writing, and the Director of the Writing Center.

Duties

a.  to advise the Provost and related administrators in activities of advocacy for the speaking and writing programs on such issues as budget resources, external funding, administrative support, program and course development.

b.  to advise the Director of General Education on suggested changes in the General Education Program and to recommend changes in the program to the EPC when warranted.

ac.  to review and approve courses proposed to help students achieve speaking and writing learning goals in the General Education program, to advise faculty desiring to submit such proposals, and to make recommendations concerning speaking and writing to the General Education Advisory Committee.

COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC COMPUTING

Membership

Six faculty members, with three-year terms, two elected each year; and four student members.  Ex-Officio with voice but not vote: The Directors of Computing and of the Library.

Duties

a.  to act as a liaison among faculty, students and the Directors of Computing and the Library regarding the services rendered by Computing at the University

b.  to make recommendations to the Director of Computing, the Director of the Library, the Provost and the President regarding the improvement of computing facilities and services. 

     1.  regarding the improvement of academic computing facilities and services

     2. concerning significant proposed changes in academic computing policy software, or hardware

c.  to assess periodically academic computing facilities and services

 

FACULTY TASK COMMITTEES

The following make curricular proposals to the Educational Policies Committee and/or advise the faculty and/or the administration on matters under their purview. All student and faculty members of Task Committees shall have voice and vote in Committee deliberations. Administrative Members shall serve with voice and without vote.  Members will serve one-year terms, and faculty members will be appointed by the Provost, in consultation with the Faculty Executive Board.

The Provost and Faculty Executive Board, in consultation with a committee chair, may choose to leave a position temporarily vacant.  Student members will serve one year terms and be appointed by Student Senate.

 

COMMUNITY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

 

Membership
Six faculty members; four students, three of whom are SCE students.    Ex-officio member: Dean of Community Education

Duties

a.  to recommend to the Educational Policies Committee academic policies related to credited studies in the School of Community Education.

b. to advise the Dean of the School of Community Education and the Provost on matters related to the School of Community Education's programs.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

Membership

Three faculty members; three students, one of whom should be a student coordinator or a staff member of the Community Service Office.  Ex Officio: Director of Community Service, Assistant Provost for Off Campus Programs

Duties

a.  to recommend to the Educational Policies Committee  academic policies related to community service and service learning.

b.  to advise the Director of Community Service and the Assistant Provost for Off-Campus Internships on matters related to community service and service learning.

c.  to assist faculty in the development of service learning opportunities.

HONORS PROGRAM COMMITTEE

 

Membership

Six faculty members; six students.

Duties

a.  to recommend to the Educational Policies Committee academic policies related to the Honors Program

b.  to coordinate the Honors Program in conjunction with the Director of the Honors Program and the Provost

 

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE

 

Membership
Six faculty members, the Director of International Education; six students, at least 3 of whom should be international students.

Duties

a.  to advise the Administration on issues pertaining to Wittenberg's international student populations ,including recruitment, housing, orientation, programming, registration, retention, and general welfare.

b.  to advise the Provost on matters related to student participation in international programs not owned or operated by Wittenberg University.

c.  to select study aboard scholarship recipients

d.  to select the Global Awareness Award recipient.

e.  to approve non-Wittenberg study abroad programs for individual students

 

FIELD STUDY COMMITTEE

 

Membership

Four faculty members appointed by the Provost ( at least two with experience directing field study programs) and two students with experience as participants in field study programs. The Director of International Education and the Dean of the School of Community Education.

Duties

a. to oversee all Wittenberg owned or operated field study programs(including study abroad, domestic and embedded programs ) as well as to monitor domestic field studies not owned or operated by Wittenberg, whether credit-bearing or not.

- to advise program directors in planning and implementation of programs.

- to approve program proposals including review of academic, staffing and  logistical concerns

- to evaluate and assess field study programs after completion

- to oversee financial aid for field study programs

- to advise the Provost on the continued operation of field study programs in the event of political crisis or natural disaster

- to oversee safety and liability issues for field study programs.

b.  to recommend policies for field study program including domestic, foreign, and embedded programs.

Membership and duties of this committee will be reviewed by the Faculty Executive Board two years after its formation

 MATH WORKSHOP ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Membership

Four faculty members; three students.  Ex officio: Director and Associate Director of the Math Workshop, Assistant Provost for Academic Services, Registrar

Duties

a. to advise the Math Workshop and the Provost on matters pertaining to workshop programs

PRE-HEALTH PROFESSIONS COMMITTEE

Membership

Six faculty members, one of whom will be the Pre-health Professions Advisor, Ex officio -Director of Career Center.

Duties

a.  to interview  and evaluate students interested in applying to medical or dental programs that require a committee letter of evaluation.

b.  to prepare and distribute committee letters of evaluation of programs as requested by the student.

PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

Membership

Six faculty members, three elected by the faculty for three-year terms, three appointed by the Provost; four students.  Ex Officio: Wittenberg Series Coordinator, Director of Student Activities

Duties

a.  to program for and present a  distinguished speakers and artists series, the Wittenberg Series

b.  to advise the administration and the faculty in order to limit competition with events, major and minor, including the Wittenberg Series

c.  to assist in long-range planning and promotion of all major cultural and intellectual events, including their contribution to the academic program.

d.  to consult with faculty in disciplines appropriate for topical lectures of performances.

e.  to coordinate with Science and Mathematics department chairs and designated faculty or student representatives in planning the annual IBM Lecture Series.

STUDENT APPELLATE BOARD

 

Membership

Four faculty members, four students

Duties

a. to hear appeals submitted by students after a hearing with the Student Senate has been

completed and processed.

 

TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS COMMITTEE

Membership

Four faculty members; four students

Duties

a.  to recommend to the faculty and the Provost ways to promote the effectiveness of Wittenberg teaching.

b.  to evaluate periodically the standardized faculty teaching evaluation forms, and in conjunction with the Faculty Personnel Board, to make recommendations to the faculty concerning those forms. 

FACULTY TASK BOARDS/COMMITTEES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW

The following task boards and committees serve external legal requirements; as such, their composition and Duties are subject to change as determined by the President. All members will be appointed by the President or Provost in accordance with federal guidelines.  All members of these boards or committees shall have voice and vote in Committee deliberations.

 

 

 

INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE
(Created by faculty action, September 15, 1999)

 

Membership
Three faculty members for renewable two-year terms; one student member for a one-year term; one veterinarian; one community representative.  Ex Officio: Associate Provost.

Duties

a. to assure that University establishes and maintains proper measures to ensure the appropriate care and use of all nonhuman vertebrate animals used for research, research training, experimentation, biological testing, or related purposes. In a manner consistent with established University policies.

INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
(Created by faculty action, March 19, 1996)

Membership
Three faculty members.     Ex Officio : Associate Provost;  "public" members as required by funding and regulatory agencies.

Duties

a.  to approve all research involving human subjects, regardless of sponsorship, that uses Wittenberg facilities or resources or that is conducted by Wittenberg faculty members, staff, or students.

b.  to assure that the rights and welfare of participants are adequately protected, in compliance with the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, as published in the Federal Register (June 18, 1991, Vol. 56, No. 117).

SEXUAL COMPLAINT GRIEVANCE BOARD

Membership

At least four faculty and four staff, appointed by the President for three year terms; the Chief Justice of the Student Senate Hearing Board, and three other students in staggered two-year terms.  No faculty member shall serve simultaneously on the Sexual Complaint Grievance Board and on the Faculty Hearing Board on Academic Freedom and Tenure.

Duties

a.  to adjudicate formal complaints of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct.

b.  to periodically review policies related to sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, and to make

recommendations as appropriate.

      DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSONS

1. A chairperson of a department or of an area program shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Provost, who first shall consult with members of the department or program. A chairperson shall be appointed for a term of three years and may be reappointed for successive terms.
2. The chairperson shall be the administrative officer of the department but it is expected that, by means of departmental meetings and personal consultation, that staff will be involved in decision making. The chairperson may also delegate administrative Duties. Among the chairperson's responsibilities are the following:
   
   1. The Chairperson shall take the initiative in seeking to enhance the academic and scholarly vitality of the department as a whole, and shall encourage and facilitate professional growth of staff members with special attention to the needs of new members.
   2. The chairperson shall, in consultation with department members, make recommendations to the Faculty Personnel Board and the Provost relative to selection, retention, promotion, tenure, and salaries of department members.
   3. The chairperson shall, in consultation with department members, plan courses and course changes, prepare schedules, make teaching assignments, and supervise the advising of majors.
   4. The chairperson shall prepare budget requests for departmental needs and related library needs, and shall requisition budgeted items and authorize budgeted expenditures.
   5. The chairperson shall represent the department in relation to general College matters, prepare departmental statements for the catalog, conduct correspondence, and maintain such files as the welfare of the department may require.

III.           STUDENT GOVERNMENT

1. The student body of Wittenberg University shall establish a constitution governing its composition, organization, and procedure.
2. The Student Senate shall, under the authority of the University Faculty, determine policies pertaining to student social activities, student residence and disciplinary regulations, student organizations, and other aspects of student life. Any policy passed by the Student Senate shall be presented to the Faculty Executive Board or to the Faculty floor.   If the Faculty Executive Board considers it appropriate for faculty consideration, it will forward the measure to the Faculty for final disposition.
3. The Student Senate shall provide for the selection of student members to occupy those seats on Policy and Task Committees of the Faculty. These shall be selected before the end of the spring term.
4. The judiciary branches of the student government shall have the power, at the request of the involved student(s), to investigate cases regarding student disciplinary violations, and to make recommendations to the Dean of Students concerning the disposition of such cases. The Dean of Students shall determine the final disposition of all cases unless the Dean's decision is challenged by the student(s) charged. In that event, appeal may be made to the Student Appellate Board. At the request of the student(s) charged, the student members of the Student Appellate Board will be excused from participating in appellate decisions.

IV.           AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

1. Amendments to the bylaws may be proposed by a petition to the Provost by 15% of the Faculty or 15% of the student body, or a majority vote of the faculty assembled, or by the Faculty Executive Board.  Such proposed amendments must be distributed fifteen days before the faculty meeting in which they will be discussed.
2. Ratification of proposed amendments to the bylaws shall require a majority vote of the faculty assembled, followed within one month by a two-thirds vote of the faculty voting by secret electronic ballot. In the event that an electronic ballot is not feasible, a secret mail ballot will be used.
3. In cases of question, the Provost shall interpret these bylaws; the Provost's interpretation will stand, unless overruled by a two-thirds faculty vote.  If such an interpretation occurs outside a faculty meeting, it shall be reported at the next meeting of the faculty.

Rationale: 

After testing an electronic balloting system in 2006-07, the Faculty Executive Board feels that electronic balloting provides a more accurate, secure, and easy way to vote.  The balloting will take place via the Wittlink Portal function, and it allows for the FEB to get two SEPARATE reports:  one showing who voted and one showing vote counts.  Neither the computing center nor the FEB will have a list combining individual names with their votes, so as to insure confidentiality.  The FEB plans to keep the option of mail ballot for use in case of a special situation that requires a non-electronic ballot (e.g. catastrophic computer failure).

 

V.           SEPARABILITY

1. Should any Section of these governance provisions be found in conflict with the Constitution of Wittenberg University or the Bylaws of the Board of Directors, the balance of the document shall remain effect.