Task Force on Faculty & Shared Governance
Task Force Bulletin Board
Task Force Bulletin Board
- Last updated on September 27, 2004 by Sarah Holloman. Copyright 1999-2004 Rice University
ISSUES UNDER DISCUSSION
Speaker of the Faculty Council or Faculty Senate
The Speaker provides leadership for the representatives of the Faculty in whatever system we have--the current Faculty Council, a reformed Faculty Council, or a new Faculty Senate. The Task Force is considering a recommendation that the Speaker be elected to a three-year term, serving as Deputy Speaker in the first year, Speaker in the second, and head of Committee on Committees in the third year. A three-year term would provide for more continuity in faculty governance.
POSTED FACULTY COMMENTS
(Posted according to date received)
Date: September 14, 2004 by Moshe Vardi <vardi@cs.rice.edu>
Yes, but it is not clear what the relationship is between Faculty Council and a Senate.
Date: September 17, 2004 by Meredith Skura <skura@rice.edu>
The three year term would ensure a more professional process. I lean toward election by the senate but am not sure and would like to hear arguments on both sides.
Date: September 22, 2004 by Gale Stokes <gstokes@rice.edu>
I think it is very important to change the term of the faculty speaker as suggested here. This is a quite normal method in the academic profession of insuring that the incoming executive (Speaker) is well informed about his/her duties, and that his/her experience remains at hand after the end of his/her term. I think this is an excellent idea. As far as election goes, direct election by the entire faculty would be best in my opinion, with all members of the senate executive committee being eligible. In other words, the senate should not be reduced to scrounging for candidates on an annual basis.
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