Task Force on Faculty & Shared Governance
Task Force Charge

Charge :   Examine the structure, policies, and procedures of faculty and shared governance at Rice.   In order to improve faculty and shared governance, propose changes that will enhance the quality, consistency, and timeliness of decisions, simplify and strengthen the committee structure, and empower faculty.

Timetable :   Proposals to be submitted by November 2004.

Commissioning agent :   The Faculty Council, to whose representative, the Speaker of Faculty Council, these proposals should be presented.

Anticipated result :   Faculty Council will study the report, meet with the Task Force, and present the proposals to the general faculty in the spring of 2005.   When appropriate throughout this process, proposals will be discussed with senior University administrators.

Resources :   Sarah Holloman, Executive Assistant to Faculty Council, will assist in establishing a website on which all existing documents can be displayed, along with an interactive site for comments and a field for posting the minutes of each task force meeting.   If requested, FC can supply money to cover incidental expenses.

Background :

            1.   A transmittal letter from Robert L. Patten, Chair of the FC subcommittee on governance.

            2.   The summary report on faculty governance at comparable schools, prepared by John Ambler.

            3.   A summary of issues regarding faculty governance at Rice, prepared by Carl Caldwell and Caroline Quenemoen.

            4.   Appendix I to that summary outlining possible configurations of a Faculty Senate.

            5.   Power-point summary of Brown University governance reforms.

Approved in principle by Faculty Council, 22 April 2004

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