School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Office of Academic Affairs Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0250 U.S.A. PHONE 404.894.2900 FAX 404.894.3047 www.ece.gatech.edu DATE: February 11, 2019 FROM: SUBJECT: Joseph Hughes, 2017-18 Chair, Statutes Proposed Revisions to the Faculty Handbook The Statutes has approved the following proposed changes to Sections 2.1 and 2.6 of the Faculty Handbook. The proposed changes were developed based on the February 2016 report of the FEB task force on standing committees of the faculty, as well as subsequent comments and requests from various committees, student government, and FEB discussions. Section 2.6.1 and 2.6.6 are proposed to be designated as Statutes sections in the Handbook; as is already the case with the rest of Section 2.6. Thus, two readings will be required for approval of these changes by the Faculty. At the present time, changes are not proposed for Sections 2.6.5, 2.6.10, 2.6.11, 2.6.13, 2.6.14, and 2.6.1.15. The Statutes is working to reconcile conflicting recommendations for these committees and expects to propose significant changes at a later date. 2.1 Faculty Executive Board Composition The representatives of the Students shall be the President of the Undergraduate Student Body and President of the Graduate Student Body. Neither shall have the right to vote. Three representatives of the Classified Employees shall be designated by the Staff Council. These representatives shall not have the right to vote. The Chair of the Faculty Executive Board shall be elected annually by the Board from among its elected members. A quorum of the Board shall be a majority of its elected members. 2.1 Faculty Executive Board Composition The representatives of the Students shall be the President of the Undergraduate Student Body and President of the Graduate Student Body. Neither shall have the right to vote. Three representatives of the Classified Employees shall be designated by the Staff Council. These representatives shall not have the right to vote. Additional non-voting ex-officio members shall include the Chair of the Statutes and the elected representative to the University System Faculty Council. The Chair of the Faculty Executive Board shall be elected annually by the Board from among its elected members. A quorum of the Board shall be a majority of its elected members.
2.6.1 Faculty Benefits The Faculty Benefits shall continue as a Standing of the whole Faculty until such time as a possible joint faculty and staff committee or committees covering similar purposes can be arranged. The Faculty Executive Board shall work on behalf of the Faculty in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Staff Council to develop suitable arrangements for a joint committee or committees to this end. If suitable arrangements can be made, they will be proposed to the Faculty to conclude the dissolution of the Faculty Benefits and thenceforth to continue with joint committee(s). Until such time, the following procedures shall be followed: The Faculty Benefits committee shall consist of: Five (5) members of the Faculty elected by that body; the Administrator in charge of financial affairs; Three (3) staff members and one (1) retired faculty member, appointed by the Faculty Executive Board; and One (1) Student with at least junior standing elected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association and the committee from among the elected Faculty members. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Chair from among the other members. NOTE: Section 2.6.1 shall be designated as Statutes within the Faculty Handbook. 2.6.1 Faculty Benefits The Faculty Benefits shall continue as a Standing of the whole Faculty until such time as a possible joint faculty and staff committee or committees covering similar purposes can be arranged. The Faculty Executive Board shall work on behalf of the Faculty in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Staff Council to develop suitable arrangements for a joint committee or committees to this end. If suitable arrangements can be made, they will be proposed to the Faculty to conclude the dissolution of the Faculty Benefits and thenceforth to continue with joint committee(s). Until such time, the following procedures shall be followed: The Faculty Benefits committee shall consist of: Five (5) members of the Faculty elected by that body, including at least one member each from tenured/tenure-track, non-tenuretrack academic, and research faculty; the Administrator in charge of financial affairs; Three (3) Two (2) staff members recommended by the Staff Council and one (1) retired faculty member recommended by Silver Jackets, appointed by the Faculty Executive Board; and One (1) graduate Student with at least junior standing elected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association and selected by the Graduate Student Government Association.; and Three (3) ex-officio members, without a vote: a representative from the Office of Human Resources, the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Faculty Development or designee, and the elected Georgia Tech representative to the University System Faculty Council. 2 committee from among the elected Faculty
members. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Chair from among the other members. Originate or receive recommendations relative to employee benefits. Review annually Institute policy, plans, and procedures on such matters as insurance, retirement, sick leave, death benefits, and vacations. Review annually the general policy of the Institute with regard to wage scales, working conditions, and other matters of a similar nature pertaining to non-professional employees. Make a comprehensive review of the complete insurance program at least every fifth year. Promote the development of facilities for the benefit of Faculty and Staff members. Originate or receive recommendations relative to employee benefits. Review annually Institute policy, plans, and procedures on such matters as insurance, retirement, sick leave, death benefits, and vacations. Review annually the general policy of the Institute with regard to wage scales, working conditions, and other matters of a similar nature pertaining to non-professional employees. Make a comprehensive review of the complete insurance program at least every fifth year. Promote the development of facilities for the benefit of Faculty and Staff members. 2.6.2 Faculty Honors The Faculty Honors shall consist of: Six (6) members of the Faculty elected by that body, and One (1) Student with at least junior standing elected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association and the committee from among the elected Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint a Secretary from among the other members. 2.6.2 Faculty Honors The Faculty Honors shall consist of: Six (6) members of the Faculty elected by that body, and One (1) Faculty member from each College, one (1) from GTRI, and one (1) from faculty in Services and Central Administration, elected by their respective constituencies and serving staggered terms; One (1) undergraduate Student with at least junior standing selected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association; and One (1) graduate Student selected by the committee from among the elected Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint a Secretary from among the other members. 3
Originate or receive names of Faculty members to be nominated for honors and awards. Evaluate and take appropriate action for the awarding of such honors and awards. Assist in planning annual events such as the retirement dinner. Maintain and publicize a list of Institute-level faculty awards and proactively seek out the development of additional awards. Originate or receive names of Faculty members to be nominated for honors and awards. Evaluate and take appropriate action for the awarding of such honors and awards. Assist in planning annual events such as the retirement dinner. 2.6.3 Faculty Status and Grievance The Faculty Status and Grievance (FSGC) shall consist of Seven (7) members of the Faculty, who are not administrators, elected by the Faculty. At least four (4) shall carry the rank of Professor.. The Chair shall appoint a Secretary from among the other members. 2.6.3 Faculty Status and Grievance The Faculty Status and Grievance (FSGC) shall consist of Seven (7) members of the Faculty, who are not administrators and at least four (4) of whom carry the rank of Professor, elected by the Faculty.; and At least four (4) shall carry the rank of Professor. The Institute s General Counsel or designee as a non-voting ex-officio member.. The Chair shall appoint a Secretary from among the other members. By majority vote, the may convene in Executive Session to consider any formal or informal case before it, or related matters. Assist informally, upon oral or written request from a member of the Faculty, in the investigation and resolution of grievances. Receive and review formal written grievances submitted by a member of the Faculty and, if appropriate, conduct formal investigations and/or convene a hearing 4
following procedures specified in this Handbook, Grievance: Process and Procedures (section 3.1.9). Receive referrals from Deans arising from the Periodic Peer Review of tenured faculty, in accordance with the Periodic Peer Review Policy in this Handbook (section 3.3.9). Carry out informal inquiry in cases of possible dismissal of non-tenured Faculty with a contract during their contract terms or of tenured Faculty, as specified in Procedures for Removing Faculty in this Handbook (section 3.1.10) and in a manner consistent with the Policy Manual of the Board of Regents (section 8.3.9). The may: Review the policy of the Institute with regard to salary scales, tenure, teaching loads, leaves of absence, and other matters of a similar nature pertaining to members of the Faculty. Investigate variations in the application of such policies by the units within the Institute. This will furnish recommendations from any such review to the Faculty for transmission to the President. Act as the first review board in cases of contested dismissals of members of the Faculty Receive from any Faculty member information, suggestions, grievances, or criticisms concerning any aspect of the Institute operations or relations between or among faculty members. Evaluate these and transmit constructive criticism and recommendations to appropriate individuals or committees or directly to the Faculty. In its distributed minutes and in the annual report of its activities and findings, the The may: Review the policy of the Institute with regard to salary scales, tenure, teaching loads, leaves of absence, and other matters of a similar nature pertaining to members of the Faculty. Investigate variations in the application of such policies by the units within the Institute. Furnish any recommendations from such reviews and investigations to the Faculty Executive Board. This will furnish recommendations from any such review to the Faculty for transmission to the President. Act as the first review board in cases of contested dismissals of members of the Faculty Receive from any Faculty member information, suggestions, grievances, or criticisms concerning any aspect of the Institute operations or relations between or among faculty members. Evaluate these and transmit constructive criticism and recommendations to appropriate individuals or committees or directly to the Faculty. In its distributed minutes and in the annual report of its activities and findings, the 5
shall preserve anonymity of the cases it reviews but state the type of issues involved and actions taken. Records of proceedings and supporting documents shall be preserved by the Secretary. At the end of each academic year, the Chair shall transmit to the Secretary of the Faculty the relevant records of the FSGC for appropriate archiving. Procedures followed by the in addressing faculty grievances are set out in Section 3.1.9. shall preserve anonymity of the cases it reviews but state the type of issues involved and actions taken. Records of proceedings and supporting documents shall be preserved by the Secretary. At the end of each academic year, the Chair shall transmit to the Secretary of the Faculty the relevant records of the FSGC for appropriate archiving. Procedures followed by the in addressing faculty grievances are set out in Section 3.1.9. 2.6.4 Statutes The Statutes shall consist of: Five (5) Faculty members elected by the Faculty, At least two (2) of which are also members of the Academic Faculty, and One (1) Student with at least junior standing elected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association and the from the elected Faculty members. 2.6.4 Statutes The Statutes shall consist of: Five (5) Faculty members elected by the Faculty, including at least one member each from tenured/tenure-track, non-tenure-track academic, and research faculty; At least two (2) of which are also members of the Academic Faculty, and One (1) undergraduate Student with at least junior standing selected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association; and One (1) graduate Student selected by the from the elected Faculty members. Originate, or receive and consider, all proposed amendments to this Handbook. Maintain archival copies of previous editions of this Handbook. Review institutional documents such as administrative manuals, regulations, and catalogs, to ensure consistency with this Handbook. Originate, or receive and consider, all proposed amendments to this Handbook. Maintain archival copies of previous editions of this Handbook. Ensure that copies of previous editions of this Handbook are kept in the archives of the Institute. Review this Handbook to ensure it is consistent with institutional documents such as administrative manuals, regulations, and 6
catalogs, and with policies of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. to ensure consistency with this Handbook. The Chair of the or designee shall serve on the Institute s Policy Steering and as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Faculty Executive Board. 2.6.6 Welfare and Security The Welfare and Security shall continue as a Standing of the whole Faculty until such time as a possible joint faculty and staff committee or committees covering similar purposes can be arranged. The Faculty Executive Board shall work on behalf of the Faculty in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Staff Council to develop suitable arrangements for a joint committee or committees to this end. If suitable arrangements can be made, they will be proposed to the Faculty to conclude the dissolution of the Welfare and Security and thenceforth to continue with joint committee(s). Until such time, the following procedures shall be followed: The Welfare and Security shall consist of: Four (4) Faculty members elected by the body, Two (2) Administrators elected from the Faculty; Up to three (3) Classified Staff members appointed by the Faculty Executive Board; and One (1) Student with at least junior standing elected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association and the NOTE: Section 2.6.6 shall be designated as Statutes within the Faculty Handbook. 2.6.6 Welfare and Security The Welfare and Security shall continue as a Standing of the whole Faculty until such time as a possible joint faculty and staff committee or committees covering similar purposes can be arranged. The Faculty Executive Board shall work on behalf of the Faculty in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Staff Council to develop suitable arrangements for a joint committee or committees to this end. If suitable arrangements can be made, they will be proposed to the Faculty to conclude the dissolution of the Welfare and Security and thenceforth to continue with joint committee(s). Until such time, the following procedures shall be followed: The Welfare and Security shall consist of: Four (4) Five (5) Faculty members elected by the body, Faculty, including at least one member each from tenured/tenure-track, non-tenure-track academic, and research faculty; Two (2) Administrators elected from the Faculty; Up to three (3) Classified One (1) Staff members recommended by the Staff Council and appointed by the Faculty Executive Board; and One (1) undergraduate Student with at least junior standing selected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association; and 7
from among the elected nonadministrative Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint a Secretary from among the other members. The shall review annually the policies and procedures governing institutional functions concerned with health, safety, and the general welfare, including campus planning, campus security, parking, safety and fire protection, radiation safety, civil defense, Auxiliary Services, and the Health Center. One (1) graduate Student selected by the ; and Four (4) ex-officio members, without a vote: the Georgia Tech Police Chief, the Vice President for Facilities Management, the Director of Environmental Health & Safety, and the Director of Research Security, or their designees. from among the elected nonadministrative Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint a Secretary from among the other members. The shall review annually the policies and procedures governing institutional functions concerned with health, safety, and the general welfare, including campus planning, campus security, parking, safety and fire protection, radiation safety, civil defense, Auxiliary Services, and the Health Center. A comprehensive review of each function should be conducted at least once every two years. The will annually provide recommendations from such reviews to the Faculty Executive Board. The shall coordinate with the Campus Physical Environment of the Staff Council regarding matters of common concern, including joint recommendations when appropriate. 2.6.7 Institute Undergraduate Curriculum The Students shall be represented by one (1) member with at least junior standing elected by the Undergraduate Student Government Association. 2.6.7 Institute Undergraduate Curriculum The Students shall be represented by one (1) member with at least junior standing selected by the Undergraduate Student Government Association. 8
Recommend to the Academic Faculty the requirements for all undergraduate degrees and propose changes in undergraduate degree requirements and curricula; Recommend to the Academic Faculty the requirements for all undergraduate degrees and propose changes in undergraduate degree requirements and curricula; Evaluate all proposals for new undergraduate courses and degree programs from each Instructional Unit and transmit them with recommendations to the Academic Faculty for action; Evaluate all proposals for new undergraduate courses and degree programs from each Instructional Unit and transmit them with recommendations to the Academic Faculty for action; Review all proposals for deactivation (suspension) or reinstatement of undergraduate degree programs and present the results to the Academic Faculty Senate as an information item prior to the Institute communicating such requests to USG and SACSOC, as appropriate. 2.6.8 Institute Graduate Curriculum The Students shall be represented by one (1) graduate Student elected by the Graduate Student Government Association. Recommend the minimum requirements for all graduate degrees and propose changes in graduate degree requirements and curricula. Evaluate all proposals for new graduate courses and degree programs from each Instructional Unit and transmit them with recommendations to the Academic Faculty for action. 2.6.8 Institute Graduate Curriculum The Students shall be represented by one (1) graduate Student selected by the Graduate Student Government Association. Recommend the minimum requirements for all graduate degrees and propose changes in graduate degree requirements and curricula. Evaluate all proposals for new graduate courses and degree programs from each Instructional Unit and transmit them with recommendations to the Academic Faculty for action. Review all proposals for deactivation (suspension) or reinstatement of graduate degree programs and present the results to the Academic Faculty Senate as an information item prior to the Institute communicating such requests to USG and SACSOC, as appropriate. 9
2.6.9 Student Regulations The Student Regulations shall consist of: Four (4) members of the Academic Faculty, including at least two (2) tenured or tenuretrack members. Two (2) administrators elected from the Academic Faculty. Two (2) undergraduate Students with at least junior standing elected by the Undergraduate Student Government Association. One (1) graduate Student elected by the Ex officio, without a vote: o Vice-President for Student Affairs o Registrar from among the elected Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint the Secretary from among the remaining members of the. 2.6.9 Student Regulations The Student Regulations shall consist of: Four (4) Eight (8) members of the Academic Faculty, including at least two (2) four (4) tenured or tenure-track members.; Two (2) administrators elected from the Academic Faculty. Two (2) undergraduate Students with at least junior standing selected by the Undergraduate Student Government Association.; One (1) graduate Student selected by the ; Four (4) ex-officio members, without a vote: the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Faculty Development, the Vice President for Student Life, and the Registrar, or their designees. Ex officio, without a vote: o Vice-President for Student Affairs o Registrar from among the elected Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint the Secretary from among the remaining members of the. Originate or receive all proposed changes in or amendments to Institute policies and regulations pertaining to the student body, both graduate and undergraduate. Conduct a comprehensive review, at least once every five years, of the Rules and Regulations section of the Georgia Tech Catalog for consistency and relevance of its provisions, making recommendations of any proposed changes to the Academic Faculty. Originate or receive all proposed changes in or amendments to Institute policies and regulations pertaining to the student body, both graduate and undergraduate. 10
Review any proposed changes to determine whether they are in accord with this Handbook and make recommendations concerning proposed changes to the Academic Faculty. Review any proposed changes to determine whether they are in accord with this Handbook and make recommendations concerning proposed changes to the Academic Faculty. Define and publish, with the approval of the Academic Faculty and the President, the official policy of the Institute concerning acceptable student conduct and academic integrity. This policy shall define categories of offenses and penalties. Define and publish, with the approval of the Academic Faculty and the President, the official policy of the Institute concerning acceptable student conduct and academic integrity. This policy shall define categories of offenses and penalties. 2.6.12 Student Grievance and Appeal The Student Grievance and Appeal shall consist of: Three (3) members elected from the Academic Faculty, including two (2) tenured or tenure-track; and Two (2) students with at least junior standing elected jointly by the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Government Associations. from among the elected Academic Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint the Secretary from among the remaining members of the. 2.6.12 Student Grievance and Appeal The Student Grievance and Appeal shall consist of: Three (3) members elected from the Academic Faculty, including two (2) tenured or tenure-track; and One (1) undergraduate Student Two (2) students with at least junior standing selected jointly by the Undergraduate Student Government Association; and One (1) graduate Student selected by the from among the elected Academic Faculty members. The Chair shall appoint the Secretary from among the remaining members of the. Carry out duties associated with the Grievance Process as specified in Section XX of the Rules and Regulations in the Georgia Tech Catalog. Specifically: o The shall appoint an outside member of the Academic Faculty to serve on an ad hoc appeal committee constituted to address a student grievance at the school, college or unit level. 11
o The shall act as a second level of appeal in such decisions if requested by a student, as specified in the Rules and Regulations section of the Georgia Tech Catalog (XX.C.3). Develop and, with the approval of the Academic Faculty Senate, establish and publish its own rules of procedures for the conduct of formal hearings. Act on its own cognizance, or upon request of any Student or group of Students, to specify or review grievances, suggestions, or criticisms concerning any matter relevant to the Institute. Weigh and evaluate the material and transmit constructive recommendations to appropriate individuals, offices, committees or groups. In its distributed minutes and in the annual report of its activities and findings, the shall preserve the anonymity of individuals by generalizing the issues involved and the actions taken. The may: Act on its own cognizance, or upon request of any Student or group of Students, to specify or review grievances, suggestions, or criticisms concerning any matter relevant to the Institute that is not resolved by other mechanisms set out in Section 4.7 of the Faculty Handbook. It may weigh and evaluate the material and transmit constructive recommendations to appropriate individuals, offices, committees or groups. In its distributed minutes and in the annual report of its activities and findings, the shall preserve the anonymity of individuals by generalizing the issues involved and the actions taken. [indent change only] 12