Articles of Faculty Organization

PREAMBLE

We, the faculty of The University of Montana-Missoula, in order to improve the organization and define the duties, authority, and the responsibility of the faculty, in accord with the Constitution and Laws of Montana and the Administration/ University Faculty Association (UFA) contract in force, adopt these Articles of Faculty Organization providing for the establishment of a Faculty Senate and necessary faculty committees.

ARTICLES

Section 1.

The faculty includes the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, other Vice Presidents, all administrative officers holding academic rank, and all teaching and/or research staff with academic rank. Each faculty member is entitled to one vote on matters arising in meetings of the faculty and in the filling of elective faculty offices. The Provost and President, or his or her designee, presides at meetings of the faculty. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is Vice Chair, and the Registrar is Recorder of the faculty. A faculty parliamentarian may be designated by the presiding officer.

Section 2.

The President has general direction, management, and control of the University, subject to the authority of the Board of Regents of Higher Education. The faculty possess those prerogatives concerning the establishment of the curriculum, the granting of degrees, and other related matters which it exercises subject to the reserved powers of the Board of Regents of Higher Education and the President. The faculty holds the further prerogative of thorough and timely before-the-fact consultation with the administration in the development of policy, the administration of the University, and the selection of academic administrators. It is the purpose of these articles to provide the means by which the faculty may exercise its prerogatives and promote the welfare of The University of Montana-Missoula in consultation and cooperation with the President.

Section 3.

The faculty shall meet as often as necessary to hear and consider reports from its representatives, or for other purposes.

Section 4.

Meetings of the faculty (including those already provided for above) may be called by the President, by majority vote of the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate (ECOS), by majority vote of the Senate, by ECOS upon receipt of a petition and accompanying agenda signed by 40 or more faculty, or by the Chair of the Senate. Such call, and the agenda of the meeting, shall be published prior to the date of the meeting. The Senate Chair, or his or her designee, shall chair the meetings of the faculty called under this provision.

Section 5.

A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the faculty. If requested by one member of the faculty, voting at a meeting of the faculty shall be by secret ballot.

Section 1.

There is hereby established a Senate, to which the faculty delegates the authority and power of action it has possessed and exercised, subject to the limitations herein specified.

Section 2.

The following are members of the Senate without vote: The President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice Presidents, the Associate Provosts, the Registrar, and other administrative officers selected by the President, and two student members appointed by ASUM.

Section 3. Membership

The Senate shall consist of faculty members elected to represent the 11 voting groups of the faculty.

  1. The voting groups of the faculty are defined in the Bylaws and shall elect their respective quota of Senate members.
  2. Each voting group shall be entitled to proportional representation in the Senate based upon the relative numerical strength of each group. Each voting group shall elect one representative for each 10 total FTE faculty within the voting group (or remaining majority portion thereof).
  3. 1. No more than three voting members of the Senate at any one time shall be from the faculty of any one department or school. Any department whose faculty is unrepresented among the voting membership of the Senate, may at its discretion, elect one of its members who shall be entitled to speak on the floor of the Senate, but without vote, in matters affecting that particular department or school.
    2. No member of the faculty shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive full terms in the Faculty Senate. No member shall serve more than eight consecutive academic years without being absent from Senate membership for a full academic year. 
  4. 1. Members of the Senate shall be elected for three-year staggered terms, the terms of approximately one-third of the members expiring each year.

    2. In the event of changes in the number of faculty represented within each voting group, adjustments in the number of representatives to be elected for three-year terms shall be made yearly as necessary. No adjustments shall be made for the remaining one and two-year terms so that all Senators may expect to complete their elected terms of office, except in cases where changes in their academic appointments move them out of the voting groups from which they were originally elected.
    3. The term of any Senator whose academic appointment changes out of the voting group from which elected shall terminate upon such change.

  5. The Chairs of ASCRC and Graduate Council are voting members of the Senate.

Section 4.

Following the annual election of members of the Senate, the last order of business of the last Senate meeting for the year shall be devoted to reorganization of the Senate. The Senate shall elect the Chair-elect from among the members of the newly constituted Senate. The Chair-elect from the previous year shall assume the position of Senate Chair; both Chair and Chair-elect shall serve one-year terms beginning June 1st.

Section 5.The Senate shall:

  1. Debate, discuss, and make recommendations to the President and the Administration concerning all issues that pertain to the academic affairs of the University.
  2. Review and recommend the general requirements for admission to The University of Montana-Missoula; recommend, in accordance with regulations of the Board of Regents of Higher Education, the general requirements for graduation, including total credits required, credits required in work outside the department or school of specialization, and such other provisions as shall affect the general education of graduates of the institution; and approve recommendations for specific curricular changes submitted by faculty in the various schools or departments through the Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee (ASCRC), Graduate Council, or other appropriate committee.
  3. Establish rules and standards for candidates for degrees and for the assignment of honors. Approval of degree candidate lists is the exclusive prerogative of the faculty.
  4. Approve and forward to the President the list of names of candidates to be awarded degrees in any given course of study.
  5. Approve candidates nominated for honorary degrees.
  6. Make all regulations for its own proceedings, consistent with the policies of the Board of Regents of Higher Education.
  7. Make recommendations to the President and through him or her to the Board of Regents of Higher Education, regarding matters of critical concern to the welfare and administration of the University.
  8. Through appropriate committees, as provided in the collective bargaining agreement in force, consult with the President in matters of policy affecting faculty appointment, tenure, promotion, salary, and termination of service.
  9. Delegate authority as appropriate.

Section 6. Meetings:

  1. The Senate shall meet at least once each semester of the academic year.
  2. Pursuant to Montana State law, Faculty Senate meetings shall be open to the public.
  3. Any faculty member, student, or member of the public shall have the privilege of the floor and right to speak only upon invitation of the Chair.
  4. The President, or the Chair of the Senate, may call a special meeting when necessary.

Section 7. Rules of Order:

(1) Quorum

A quorum consists of a majority of elected members of the Senate. The phrase "voting quorum present" means those present and voting, assuming the presence of a quorum.

The Senate shall take no action or decision except upon affirmative vote of a majority of those present, assuming a quorum is present.

During the summer, for the purpose of passing on candidates for degrees and certificates, a quorum consists of ten elected members of the Senate. In the absence of a quorum the chair may delegate approval authority to the Provost.

(2) Suspension of the Rules

Temporary suspension of a Bylaw or of adopted rules of procedure at any meeting shall require a two-thirds vote of the voting quorum present.
Except by vote of two-thirds of the voting quorum present, the Faculty Senate shall take no action except that which relates to parliamentary procedure or have been described in an agenda for the meeting distributed to members of the faculty and unless it shall also have been considered by the appropriate committee.

(3) Actions of the Senate

a. Voting

Voting in Faculty Senate meetings shall be by roll call vote if requested by any voting member of the Senate.

b. Effective Dates

Acts of the Senate shall take effect upon publication of its minutes. The Senate minutes shall be signed by the Senate Chair and maintained in the Senate Office. Publication of the minutes shall be by means of posting on the Senate's Web site or distribution of printed copies.  The Senate Chair, with the approval of ECOS, may make a Senate action immediately effective by signing and dating a copy of the Senate instrument and transmitting copies to the parties directly concerned. Documents so treated shall be posted on the Senate Web site.

Section 8. Procedures:

The Senate shall set its own procedures according to these Articles and the Bylaws.

Section 1.

The Senate may establish committees composed of its membership or of the members of the faculty to assist it in the discharge of its powers and duties. The Senate shall define the powers, duties, and responsibilities of each such committee. Committees shall file annual reports with the Senate and President. With the exception of ASCRC and Graduate Council, the Chairs of standing and ad hoc committees created by the Senate are ex-officio, non-voting members of the Senate. Chairs of these committees shall attend Senate meetings, giving reports as requested.

Section 2.Executive Committee of the Senate:

  1. At the annual organizational meeting, the Senate shall elect the members of the Executive Committee (ECOS), as provided in the Bylaws.  
  2. ECOS shall be representative of the faculty and consist of seven members, as provided in the bylaws; four members shall constitute a quorum.
  3. ECOS serves in an executive capacity between meetings of the Senate and reports its actions to the Senate no later than the next Senate meeting. The Chair of the Senate is a voting member and Chair of ECOS.
  4. ECOS shall consult and advise the Administration regarding matters affecting the faculty.  It shall make recommendations regarding the composition of committees and consult with the President about budgetary matters that directly affect academic affairs of the University. ECOS shall advise the Administration and the Senate relative to policies affecting the welfare of the University. 
  5. ECOS shall have the power to form ad hoc committees to study any problem of concern to the faculty.

Section 3. Standing Committees of the Senate:

The standing committees of the Faculty Senate are the Academic Standards Curriculum Review Committee, the Graduate Council, and the University Library Committee.  The standing committees shall have the power to form ad hoc subcommittees to study specific problems in their respective areas of responsibility. All standing committees other than ECOS shall elect their own chairs. When ad-hoc committees are formed without a designated chair, the chair will be elected by its members.

Section 4: University Committees

Chairs of University Committees are invited to provide updates to the Faculty Senate as appropriate.

Section 1.

These articles shall become effective when approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of those faculty members voting and by the President.

Section 2.

Amendments to the articles may be proposed by (a) a majority of the Senate, or by (b) petition signed by 20 percent of the members of the faculty.  Approval by the faculty may occur in a duly announced meeting of the faculty or by online voting conducted by ECOS. Amendments become effective upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of those faculty members voting, and approval by the President.

A. Eligibility

A faculty member eligible to vote under Section I.B.2 of these Bylaws is eligible to serve in the Senate if (1) his or her voting group has a vacancy, and (2) his or her election to the Senate would not be in conflict with Article II, Section 3 (3) of the Articles of Faculty Organization (Articles).

B. Elections

1. Delegation of Authority

General responsibility for conducting the election of members of the Faculty Senate is hereby delegated to the Executive Committee of the Senate (ECOS). ECOS shall follow the election procedures set out in the Faculty Senate Procedures Manual.

2. Eligibility to Vote

Faculty members eligible to vote in Faculty Senate elections are those who hold: (1) the rank of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Instructor; any of these ranks qualified as "Visiting;" the titles Lecturer or Distinguished Lecturer; (2) are employed at .5 AY FTE or greater; and (3) meet conditions (1) and (2) for the year following the election.

3. Voting Groups

The eleven voting groups of the Faculty Senate shall be as follows:

1.College of Business

Accounting and Finance
Information Systems & Technology
Management & Marketing

2. College of Education

Counselor Education
Educational Leadership
Teaching & Learning

3. College of Forestry & Conservation

Ecosystem & Conservation Sciences
Forest Management
Geography
Society & Conservation

4. College of Health

Biomedical &  Pharmaceutical Sciences
Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training
Pharmacy Practice
Physical Therapy &  Rehabilitation Science
Public & Community Health  Science
Social Work
Speech Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences

5. College of the Arts and Media

Journalism
Music
Theatre & Dance
Visual & Media Art

6. Missoula College

Applied Arts and Sciences
Applied Computing & Engineering Technology
Business Technology
Health Professions
Industrial Technology

7. Humanities

English
History
Native American Studies
Philosophy
World Languages & Cultures

8. Mansfield Library
9. School of Law

Law
Public Administration & Policy

10. Sciences

Chemistry
Computer Science
Division of Biological Sciences
Geosciences
Mathematical Sciences
Physics and Astronomy

11. Social &  Behavioral Sciences

Anthropology
Communication Studies
Economics
Environmental Studies
Geography
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology and Criminology


C. Vacancies

ECOS shall fill vacancies that occur after the final election.

D. Responsibilities of the Senate

The duties of the Senate are those defined in Article II, Section 5 of the Articles as modified by any applicable faculty collective bargaining agreement or policy. Through ECOS, the Senate may establish procedures necessary to carry out these duties. ECOS shall maintain a Senate Procedures Manual that contains all procedures necessary for the Senate, ECOS and all other Senate committees and subcommittees to efficiently carry out their responsibilities.

E. Officers of the Faculty Senate

1. Chair

a. Assumption of Duties

The Chair-elect assumes the responsibilities of Chair on June 1st.

b. Responsibilities of the Chair

  • reside over meetings of the Faculty Senate and ECOS;
  • Attend meetings of the Board of Regents as the official representative of the Faculty Senate;
  • Represent the UM Faculty Senate on MUSFAR (Montana University System Faculty Association Representatives).
  • Meet regularly with the Administration;
  • Represent the Faculty Senate on University committees (University Budget Committee, University Planning Committee, etc.);
  • Represent  the Faculty Senate at New Faculty Orientation;
  • Present the Service Award at the Charter Day Ceremony;
  • Carry the mace at graduation.

2. Chair-elect

a. Election 

Senators shall elect a Chair-elect at the last Senate meeting of each academic year as provided in Article II, Section 4 of the Articles. Special elections for a new Chair-elect shall be held when necessary. The new Chair-elect may be elected by secret ballot. 

b. Responsibilities

  • Serves as Chair in the Chair's absence;  
  • Serves as a voting member of ECOS; 
  • When possible, attends Board of Regents meetings and other meetings where the Chair represents the Senate; 
  • Represents the UM Faculty Senate on MUSFAR;  
  • When possible, attends meetings with the Cair and the administration;
  • Serves on the University Assessment Committee;
  • Serves as member of university committees when so designated;
  • Assumes the duties and title of Chair for the rest of the Chair's term as well as the term for which she/he had been elected if the Chair becomes unable to serve. If the Chair-elect assumes the duties of Chair, a new Chair-elect shall be elected;
  • Facilitates the election of ECOS members at the May Faculty Senate meeting.  

3. Past Chair

The Past Chair assumes their responsibilities on June 1st

a. Responsibilities

  • Attend meetings of the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate as an ex-officio non-voting member
  • If Senate term has expired, attend Faculty Senate meetings as an ex officio non-voting member. 
  • When possible, attends meetings with the Chair, Char-elect, and the administration; 
  • When possible, attends MUSFAR and Board of Regents meetings;; 
  • Serve as an ex officio non-voting member at Academic Officer Group meetings
  • Serve as a member of university committees when so designated. 

 4. Recorder

The Registrar of The University of Montana-Missoula or his or her designee is hereby designated as ex-officio Recorder of the Faculty Senate. The Recorder calls roll and tallies votes at Senate meetings.

5. Parliamentarian

ECOS may appoint a Parliamentarian.

6. Removal of Officers

Officers of the Senate may be removed for failure to perform their responsibilities by an affirmative vote of at least 2/3 of the Senate membership.

A. Parliamentary Procedure

The Faculty Senate shall, in matters of parliamentary procedure, except as otherwise provided by its Articles or Bylaws, follow the latest edition of Robert's Rule of Order.  In the absence of a parliamentarian, the Faculty Senate Chair makes the final determination regarding questions of parliamentary procedure.

B. Order of Business

The Order of Business in meetings of the Faculty Senate shall normally be as listed, but may be changed at the discretion of the Chair.

Call to Order
Approval of Minutes
Communications
Reports of Committees
Unfinished Business
New Business
Good and Welfare/Question and Answer

C. Meeting Dates

The Senate shall meet one Thursday a month at 3:00 p.m.  ECOS will set and publish the meeting schedule for the next academic year by the end of the prior spring semester.  ECOS may change the regular meeting time to accommodate a legal holiday or other exigent circumstances.  If a change in this schedule is necessary, the Chair shall so inform each member of the Senate in writing or by e-mail at least one week prior to the date of a canceled or rescheduled meeting, whichever is earlier.

The President or the Chair of the Senate may call a special meeting when necessary.

D. Agenda

The agenda for any meeting shall be approved by ECOS, distributed to Senators and posted on the Senate's website at least one week prior to the meeting.  In exigent circumstances, items that require immediate action may be added to the agenda after it has been posted.  Such items may be added by the chair after consultation with ECOS; at least three additional members of ECOS must approve the additional items. An amended agenda must be distributed to Senators and posted on the Senate's website immediately when items are added.  Items may not be added to the agenda less than 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Upon the written request of twenty members of the faculty, or on the written request of 10 members of the Senate, the Senate shall consider either at its regular meeting or in a special session the agenda item accompanying such a request.

The sole agenda item at the summer meeting shall be the list of candidates to be awarded degrees.

 

E. Attendance

More than 2 unexcused absences in a given academic term shall result in disqualification from the Senate. In this event, the seat shall be declared vacant and a replacement shall be appointed by ECOS in accordance with Bylaw I.C. The attendance of Senators at Faculty Senate meetings is a matter of public record.

E. Executive Session

1. Definition

The Senate may go into Executive Session to discuss matters that require confidentiality or to protect individual privacy as provided by Montana law.  Only Senate members and officers, necessary Senate staff, and special invitees may attend the Executive Session.

2. Calling Executive Session

Prior notice of Executive Session shall be given in the meeting agenda as distributed under Bylaw II.B. A motion for Executive Session may be made from the floor, which makes clear Executive Session is necessary to protect confidentiality or individual privacy. On an affirmative vote of the majority of the voting quorum present the Senate shall go into Executive Session.   

A. Standing Committees of the Faculty Senate

1. Standing Committee Operating Rules

  • a.  Except for ECOS,  all standing committee faculty members are appointed by ECOS and appointed by the President for 3-year staggered terms. When making appointments, ECOS shall balance faculty membership from the humanities, sciences, social sciences and professional schools. Student members shall be nominated by ASUM and appointed by the President. In commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas, committee membership should include individuals with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
  • b. Except for ECOS, committees and subcommittees shall select their own Chairs and Chair-elects.c. Except for ECOS, the committee Chair-elect assumes the position of Chair at the first meeting of the year and a new Chair-elect is elected. The Chair-elect of ECOS is elected as provided in Bylaw I.E.2.
  • d. The committee Chair shall turn the meeting over to the Chair-elect in matters pertaining to the Chair’s departmental interest.
  • e.  Faculty Senate standing committees and subcommittees shall meet as often as needed, but at least once a month, and shall establish regular meeting times and places in conjunction with the Faculty Senate Office to facilitate program support.
  • f.  At the beginning of each academic year, each committee Chair or Chair’s designee shall meet with ECOS to discuss the committee's business for the upcoming year. The Chair shall consult with ECOS throughout the year and inform the Faculty Senate on matters of academic interest.
  • g.  Each committee shall adopt operating procedures and guidelines, which shall be incorporated into the Faculty Senate Procedures Manual as provided in Bylaw I.D. Committees shall review their operating procedures annually and provide changes to the Faculty Senate Office by November 15 each year. The committee Chair shall notify the Faculty Senate at the next meeting of any changes to procedures made after that date. The Faculty Senate shall approve committee procedures that require the Faculty Senate to vote (e.g., ECOS procedures for conducting center reviews).   
  • h.  Each Faculty Senate committee shall provide the Faculty Senate with an annual written report of its activities during the year by the last Faculty Senate meeting of the year.
  • j. The committee Chair or the Chair's designee is the official spokesperson for committee business.

2. Executive Committee of the Senate (ECOS)

a. Membership & Election

ECOS shall consist of seven members who are elected for two-year staggered terms.  In the event that an ECOS member having one year's service on the committee remaining to his or her term fails to be reelected to the Senate, the vacancy shall be filled for a one-year term from the voting group of said member as provided below.

Immediately following the annual reorganization of the Senate and the election of the Chair-elect as provided in Article II, Section 4 of the Articles and Section I.E.2 of these Bylaws, Senators shall gather in two caucus groups, one from the College of Humanities and Sciences and one from the Professional Schools. Membership shall be determined based on the proportion of faculty included as full time FTE for the College of Humanities and Sciences and the Professional Schools respectively.  Each caucus shall have three representatives and the remaining member shall represent the caucus with the greater number of FTE faculty.

The Senate as a whole shall confirm the nomination of members of ECOS by vote immediately following nominations by the caucuses. Although the Senate may reject a nominee proposed by a voting group, it may not select any member of ECOS except upon nomination by the member's voting group. If the Senate fails to confirm a nominee from a caucus group, that group shall caucus again to select another nominee.

b. Responsibilities

  • Consult with the President and the Administration regarding needs, plans, problems and programs of the University.
  • Submit to the Senate a report outlining a program for consideration at the September meeting.  This program will identify principal areas with which the Senate shall deal in the ensuing year.
  • Approve the Faculty Senate agenda.
  • Conduct a biennial evaluation of the Administration, including the President, all Vice-Presidents, the Provost, all Associate Provosts, and all academic Deans. ECOS shall conduct evaluations in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Senate Procedures Manual. The results and any recommendations shall be brought to the Senate for discussion and appropriate action.
  • Conduct annual elections in compliance with Section I.B and the procedures set out in the Senate Procedures Manual.
  • Make appointments to the Unit Standards Committee, Committee on Service, and University Appeals Committee as provided in the University Faculty Association ("UFA") Collective Bargaining Agreement and Bylaw III.B. The contract terminology "appointed by the Faculty Senate" shall mean "appointed by ECOS.”  
  • Nominate faculty to serve on University committees as appropriate.
  • Conduct center reviews and interim assessment of new programs as provided in the Senate Procedures Manual.

3. Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee (ASCRC)

a. Membership

ASCRC consists of 12 faculty members, five students, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or his or her designee (ex-officio and nonvoting), and the Registrar or his or her designee (ex-officio and nonvoting), who shall serve as recorder. 

b. Responsibilities

  • Study of the undergraduate academic standards and curriculum of the University;
  • Communicate academic standards and curriculum policies to students, faculty, and the Administration;
  • Review and recommend action to the Senate for all proposed alterations to the undergraduate academic curriculum;
  • Make recommendations to the Senate regarding undergraduate academic standards and curriculum policies and communicate those standards and policies to students, faculty, and the Administration;
  • Review and make appropriate changes to the University catalog.

c. Subcommittees

1) Graduation and General Education Appeals Committee

The Graduation and General Education Appeals Committee has power to grant exceptions to the faculty rules for graduation, general education, admission, retention, and readmission. The Graduation Appeals Committee consists of  three faculty members and one student: the current Chair and Chair-elect of the ASCRC (voting members), one student (voting member) and the immediate past chair of ASCRC (non-voting member). The Registrar or the Registrar's designee serves as non-voting recorder.

2) General Education Committee

a. Membership

The General Education Committee consists of 12 voting members, including ten faculty members and two students. The faculty shall reflect the diversity of academic experiences at the University of Montana. The composition is as follows: 

Chair (selected by the committee)

Faculty (10 – three-year terms) 

College of Humanities and Science (total of 5*)
Humanities (at least 1)
Natural & Physical Science (at least 1)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (at least 1)

*Preference shall be given to a faculty member knowledgeable about Indian Education for All.

Professional Schools (total of 5)
College of Visual and Performing Arts (1)
Missoula College (1)
(3 chosen from remaining schools)
College of Forestry and Conservation
College of Health Professions & Biomedical Science
School of Business Administration
College of Education and Human Sciences
School of Journalism
Mansfield Library

Students (2)
Appointed by ASUM for one year

Ex Officio, non voting members
Associate Registrar, or designee
Associate Provost, or designee

b. Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the General Education Committee is ongoing evaluation and assessment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the general education requirements and criteria. The General Education Committee acts as an advocate for general education, proposes revisions to its requirements and criteria, reviews proposals, and ensures that all general education requirements are feasible within campus constraints, Board of Regents policies, and legislative actions.

3) Writing Committee

a. Membership

The Writing Committee consists of seven faculty members, two students, and members (ex-officio, non-voting) representing the Writing Center, the Composition Program, and the Registrar’s and Provost’s offices. One committee faculty member shall be on ASCRC to serve as a liaison; one member shall be from the English Department; one from Missoula College, Writing Studies; one from the Mansfield Library, and one each from Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Professional Schools.

b. Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Writing Committee is ongoing evaluation and assessment of General Education writing requirements.  The Writing Committee advocates for effective writing instruction, curriculum, and assessment; and reviews course proposals for the writing designation and transfer equivalency appeals for writing courses.  In addition, the Committee monitors the programs of the Writing Center, monitors the University-wide Program-level Writing Assessment, and collaborates with campus groups to provide faculty development workshops.

4. Graduate Council

a. Membership

Graduate Council consists of 12 faculty members, three graduate students, and the Graduate School administrator or the administrator's designee (ex-officio and non-voting). Each faculty member nominated to this committee shall have an appointment in a department or school with a graduate program and be active in that program.

b. Responsibilities 

  • Promote, review, and evaluate graduate programs to ensure vitality, currency, and quality;
  • Review and make recommendations on all requests for new programs, for deletions of programs, and for curriculum additions or changes by departments and schools;
  • Consider suggested changes in Graduate School regulations;
  • Consider issues raised by graduate students relating to regulations of specific graduate programs or their welfare;
  • Initiate and supervise interdisciplinary graduate programs in response to national, regional, or state needs, or to the desires and needs of sufficient numbers of graduate students;
  • Decide on substantive matters relating to graduate programs, curricula, general Graduate School regulations, awards and scholarships, etc., and forward decisions to the Graduate School, Faculty Senate, and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs as appropriate.

c. Subcommittees 

1) Doctoral Interdisciplinary Program (DIS) Admissions Committee

The DIS Admission Committee is composed of five faculty members from any Schools or Colleges that offer graduate programs. The DIS Oversight Committee Chair shall be a member of the DIS Admissions Committee. At least three of the five faculty members shall be from different doctoral-granting programs. The DIS Admissions Committee shall be responsible for admitting students to the DIS.

2) DIS Oversight Committee

5. University Library Committee

a. Membership

The University Library Committee consists of nine faculty members, three students, one member of the Staff Senate, and the Dean of the Libraries or the Dean's designee (ex-officio and non-voting). Departmental library representatives are encouraged to participate on this Committee and shall be given nomination preference. One faculty member each shall be from the humanities, science, social science, and the Missoula College, two faculty members shall be members of the Library Faculty, and three shall be chosen from tether remaining professional schools.

b.Responsibilities 

  • Communication:  The University Library Committee (ULC) communicates between the Faculty Senate and the library administration.
  • Advocacy:  The ULC advocates on behalf of the development and maintenance of library resources and services as well as the needs of library stakeholders, including faculty, students and staff, especially as communicated through the Faculty Senate.  Additionally, the committee reviews library matters as they relate to the University’s academic mission.
  • Review:  The ULC reviews the annual library acquisitions budget and strategic plan.  The committee participates in the selection and periodic evaluations of the Dean of Libraries.  The committee also participates in the accreditation processes affecting or involving the Mansfield Library.

B. University Faculty Association Committees

ECOS shall follow these policies when appointing members to committees provided for in the UFA Collective Bargaining Agreement:

  1. All faculty terms are staggered three-year terms.
  2. No faculty member appointed by the Senate may serve both on the Appeals Committee and the Standards Committee.
  3. No faculty member appointed by the Senate may be re-appointed until one academic year has passed.
  4. Only tenured faculty represented by the UFA who are not department chairs may be appointed to the University Appeals Committee or the Committee on Service.
  5. The Unit Standards Committee shall consist of tenure-track faculty members from the bargaining unit (selected as described above by the Faculty Senate) who are not department chairs and two students (nominated by ASUM for one-year terms and confirmed by the Faculty Senate). Four faculty shall be from the school's voting groups and two each shall be from the humanities, sciences, and social and behavioral sciences voting groups.
  6. The committee shall appoint a spokesperson who shall serve as the main point of contact with ECOS and shall provide ECOS with a copy of the committee's annual report.

C. Other Faculty Committees

ECOS shall make nominations to University committees according to committee membership policies.

These Bylaws may be amended or repealed at any meeting of the Senate by a majority of the voting quorum present. Notice of proposed amendments and repeals shall be given at the meeting immediately preceding the vote. ECOS shall send written notice of proposed amendments and repeals to each member of the Senate promptly after the meeting at which they are proposed and shall report at the next meeting of the Senate its recommendation.