1.1  INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this handbook is to orient faculty members to the University. The specific purposes of the handbook are as follows:

1. To familiarize faculty members with the policies, regulations, and procedures of the University;

2. To provide information about the organization of the University;

3. To acquaint faculty members with the services and facilities available to them at the University.

Whenever possible, verbatim statements of policies, regulations, or guidelines are included; however, this edited handbook often contains only essential aspects of the politics and procedures under which the University operates. Complete references appear in the North Dakota Constitution and Century Code; North Dakota State Board of Higher Education Policy Manual; UND Constitution; University Council and Senate legislation; University catalogs; and special bulletins issued by the colleges, schools, divisions, departments, and administrative offices. The reference date following each section is the date of the last amendment or revision. When changes in policies and procedures occur, the Handbook will be revised by the Office of the Registrar, in collaboration with the University Senate Executive Committee.  Please notify the Registrar of changes at registrar@mail.und.nodak.edu.  Please note that if differences occur between this handbook and North Dakota State Board of Higher Education policy or North Dakota Century Code the latter two take precedence. 

Chair, University Senate; Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 09-15-03

1.2  UND MISSION STATEMENT

The University of North Dakota, as a member of the North Dakota University System, serves the state, the country and the world community through teaching, research, creative activities, and service. State-assisted, the University’s work depends also on federal, private, and corporate sources. With other research universities, the University shares a distinctive responsibility for the discovery, development, preservation and dissemination of knowledge. Through its sponsorship and encouragement of basic and applied research, scholarship, and creative endeavor, the University contributes to the public well being.

The University maintains its legislatively enacted missions in liberal arts, business, education, law, medicine, engineering and mines; and has also developed special missions in nursing, fine arts, aerospace, energy, human resources and international studies. It provides a wide range of challenging academic programs for undergraduate, professional, and graduate students through the doctoral level. The University encourages students to make informed choices, to communicate effectively, to be intellectually curious and creative, to commit themselves to lifelong learning and the service of others, and to share responsibility both for their own communities and for the world. The University promotes cultural diversity among its students, staff, and faculty.

 In addition to its on-campus instructional and research programs, the University of North Dakota separately and cooperatively provides extensive continuing education and public service programs for all areas of the state and region.

President, 11-01-02

 

I-2 STATE BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

 

The State Board of Higher Education is final authority in all matters affecting the University and exercises jurisdiction over its financial, educational, and other policies, and its relation with the state and federal governments. Certain administrative responsibilities of the Board have been delegated to the Commissioner of Higher Education who is the Chancellor and chief executive officer of the University system. The Board entrusts the execution of all its plans and policies, together with the internal government and administration of the University, to the President and the faculty, and such other officers as it may select.

The nine-member State Board of Higher Education is the policy-setting body for the North Dakota University System and consists of seven citizen members who serve four-year terms and who are appointed by the governor, one student who is also appointed by the governor for a one-year term, and one faculty advisor who is selected by the Council of College Faculties (NDUS www.ndus.nodak.edu, 11-01-02).

Chancellor and System staff can be found at:  www.ndus.nodak.edu

State Capitol, 600 East Blvd. Ave. Dept. 215, Bismarck, ND 58505-0230, (701) 328-2960

Board Members: The current list of North Dakota University System officials and the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education members can be found at website: www.ndus.nodak.edu.

SEE ALSO: State Board of Higher Education Policy Manual, Chapter 100 (Introduction), Chapter 300 (Governance and Organization), Section 304.1 (Chancellor/Commissioner of Higher Education: Authority and Responsibilities); UND Faculty Handbook VII-3.2 (ND Constitution Article VIII [Education]), North Dakota Century Code 15-10 (The State Board of Higher Education)

 

I-3 THE PRESIDENT

 

1. The president is the chief executive officer of the institution and a member of the Chancellor's executive staff. The president is responsible to the Chancellor for all matters concerning the institution and is an advisor to the Chancellor in matters of inter-institutional policy and administration.

2. The Board delegates to the president of each institution full authority and responsibility to administer the affairs of the institution in accordance with Board policies, plans, budgets, and standards, including the management and expenditure of all institutional funds, within budgetary and other limitations imposed by law or by the Board.

3. Each president shall:

a. insure effective and broad-based participation in the decision-making process from faculty, staff, students, and others in those areas in which their interests are affected;

b. develop and approve to the Chancellor and the Board, in consultation with appropriate committees or members of the institution such policies, plans, budgets, programs, and standards affecting the institution as deemed necessary and/or advisable or as required by the Board;

c. make recommendations to the Chancellor concerning all requests for tenure;

d. approve all personnel actions, except the award or change in tenure status, involving all faculty members and other institution employees;.

e. approve all recommendations transmitted to the Chancellor and/or to the Board from the institution;

f. define the scope of authority of faculties, councils, committees, and administrative officers of the institution subject to review by the Chancellor as may be provided by institution policies;

g. approve or veto decisions by faculty, staff, and student legislative bodies as may be provided under institution policies;

h. assume responsibility for the development and administration of institutional policies and rules governing the role of students and their conduct. In carrying out this responsibility, the president shall insure consideration of the views of students, faculty, and others;

i. assume responsibility for the establishment of guidelines for student conduct which set forth prohibited conduct and provide for appropriate disciplinary procedures and sanctions for violation of institutional rule, consistent with standards of procedural fairness;

j. maintain good relations and effective communication with the Board, the Chancellor, and other North Dakota institutions of higher education, and cooperate with other NDUS institutions to improve academic offerings, expand access to higher education, promote faculty development, improve support services, reduce unnecessary duplication and enhance efficiency;

k. maintain good relations with the public by

1. developing sound relationships between the institution and the community and region in which it is located and the public it serves;

2. establishing and administering a development program with alumni and other institutional supporters;

3. interpreting the institution and its mission to the public; and

4. developing effective communication with legislators and with other public policy makers in coordination with the Chancellor.

l. be accountable for all funds, property, equipment, and other facilities assigned or provided to the institution;

m. implement and enforce the provisions of NDCC sec. 15-10-17.1 regarding the conduct of students, staff, faculty, and visitors to the campus;

n. exercise such other authority and perform such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Board or the Chancellor.

4. Presidents are hired by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. Presidents shall have a written contract. The term of an initial contract may not exceed three years; the term of a subsequent contract or renewal may not exceed five years. The Board may, with written notice of one year prior to expiration of a contract term, terminate the contract without cause. The Board may dismiss a president for just cause during a contract term, following written notice of intent to do so and an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing. The Board may appoint a hearing officer to conduct the hearing and make findings of fact, conclusions of law and a recommendation to the Board, which shall then make its decision based on the hearing record.

5. A tenured faculty member at a Board institution who is appointed president shall retain that status during the term as president. The Board may, in its discretion, award a president who is not tenured academic rank, without tenure status.

State Board of Higher Education Policy Manual, Section 305.1, 2-18-00

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-1.3 (UND Constitution [The President]), North Dakota Century Code 15-10-17 (Specific powers and duties of board of higher education)

 

I-4 THE VICE PRESIDENTS

 

In five areas, administrative responsibility has been delegated by the President to vice presidents. The general areas of responsibility are as follows.

4.1  VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PROVOST

This vice president is the senior adviser to the President on academic matters and assumes executive responsibility for the university when the president is absent from campus; chairs the Council of Deans; and oversees faculty recruitment, appointment, promotion, and tenure review. The vice president is responsible for immediate and long-range academic policy and planning; develops the academic annual and biennial budget recommendations; and oversees the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Public Administration, College of Education and Human Development, College of Nursing, Graduate School, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, Law School, and School of Engineering and Mines; as well as the following academic support units: Center for Community Engagement, Center for Conflict Resolution, Chester Fritz Library, Chief Information Office, Honors Program, Instructional Development, International Programs, Office of the Registrar, ROTC, and Summer Sessions. The vice president represents the University on the NDUS Academic Affairs Council.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 11-14-02

 

4.2  VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

This vice president advises the President on financial and administrative matters including financial control and reporting, planning, development, maintenance, and operation of the University’s facilities (land, buildings, utilities), auxiliary enterprises, and related administrative services. The vice president is responsible for policy, long-range planning, budget, personnel, and coordination of administrative units within the division: Auxiliary Services (Chester Fritz Auditorium; Environmental Training Institute; Police, Parking and Traffic; Ray Richards Golf Course; Transportation Department; Vending Services), Controller (Accounting Services; Business Office; Central Receiving; Purchasing), Facilities, Human Resources, Payroll, Residence Services (Children’s Center; Dining Services; Housing; Passport ID Card; System Support/Computing Services), Safety & Environmental Health/Radiation & Chemical Safety/Risk Management, Service Centers (Bookstore, Duplicating Services; Mailing Services; Printing Center), and other operations-related functions.

Vice President for Finance and Operations, 11-14-02

 

4.3  VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AND OUTREACH SERVICES

This vice president advises the President on student and outreach matters and provides leadership for the Division of Student and Outreach Services and its programs of continuing education, student development, activities, and services aimed at facilitating students' achievement of their educational goals. The vice president is spokesperson for student and outreach services, student needs, and quality of life and education outside the classroom and is also responsible for policy, long-range planning, budget, personnel, and coordination of administrative units within the division: Admissions, Career Services, Continuing Education, Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, Disability Support Services, Enrollment Management, Enrollment Services, Memorial Union, Multicultural Student Services, Native American Programs, Student Academic Services, Student Financial Aid, Student Health Service, TRIO Programs, University Learning Center, and the Women’s Center.

Vice President for Student and Outreach Services, 11-19-02

4.4  VICE PRESIDENT FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS

 

This vice president advises the President on health affairs matters as UND broadens its public service commitment in the area of health promotion.  He also assists in the building of synergistic connections among all of the University health-related programs, including the College of Nursing and the Student Health Center.  This title also reflects a leadership role in the implementation of UND’s strategic plan, particularly with respect to expanding research and increased external funding.  The vice president also serves as Dean of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences; a statewide community based medical school, and oversees basic and clinical science departments, health science departments of occupational therapy, physical therapy, clinical laboratory science and sports medicine.  The vice president also has oversight of the Center for Rural Health, the Indians Into Medicine (INMED) program and the Center for Biomedical Research.  The dean also serves as the executive secretary of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Advisory Council.

 

Vice President for Health Affairs, 11-15-02

 

4.5 VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH

 

This vice president is the chief research officer of the institution and advises the President on matters that bear on the university’s mission related to research, scholarship, and creative activity. The vice president advocates for the university’s research programs and promotes the creation and maintenance of a university environment that encourages and supports research and scholarly activity. The vice president is responsible for policy and oversight of sponsored program administration and program development including compliance with state and federal regulations on the proper use of humans and animals in research, radiation and hazardous materials safety, biosafety and recombinant DNA, conflict of interest, and the proper conduct of research. The vice president is responsible for the management of intellectual property, coordinates the university’s technology transfer initiatives, administers internal grant competitions, coordinates the university’s state and federal relations efforts that bear on research, and publishes the university’s research magazine. The vice president oversees the Office of Research and Program Development, the Office and Grant and Contracts Administration, and the university’s research compliance committees.

 

Vice President for Research, 9-15-02

 

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-1.4 (UND Constitution [Administrative Officers]) I - 5.1

 

I-5 UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

 

The Council is the most broadly representative legislative body on campus. The Council consists of the following: The President; the Vice Presidents; Associate Vice Presidents who concurrently hold faculty rank; the Registrar; the Director of Libraries; all deans; all department chairs; all full-time faculty of the rank of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor; program directors; coordinators; assistant and associate deans who concurrently hold faculty rank; the Director of the Counseling Center; professional librarians; and such other academic personnel and administrative officers as the Council may designate.

            The Council has the legislative powers and responsibilities for the University except those assigned to the Board of Higher Education or to the President. Although ultimate legislative authority rests with the Council, the month-to-month legislative action for the University is carried on in the University Senate. The Council meets at least once a semester.  Meetings of the Council shall be called by the chairperson of the Senate and/or the President of the University, or as a result of a written petition presented to the Registrar and signed by thirty Council members. The chairperson of the Senate, in collaboration with the President of the University, shall determine and publish the agenda of Council meetings. Council meetings will normally be co-chaired by the chairperson of the Senate and the President of the University.  A meeting called by written petition will be chaired by the chairperson of the Senate. The Registrar is the ex officio secretary for all meetings of the Council.

University Registrar and Secretary, University Senate, 6-26-03

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-1.2 (UND Constitution [The University Legislature])

 

5.1  UNIVERSITY SENATE

            Since 1961, the principal legislative powers of the University have been delegated by the Council to the University Senate. The Senate may exercise all the legislative powers of the Council except for such limitations as the Council may wish at some later date to impose. The Senate, therefore, has broad jurisdiction over all matters involving general University policy. It determines what questions are within its scope of responsibility, exercises legislative functions concerning them, and makes such rules and regulations as it may deem advisable to promote the educational interests of the University. Among other matters, the Senate, acting for the Council and the faculty, has legislative power over admission requirements, degree requirements, curricula changes, examination and class schedules, and general regulations pertaining to student affairs.

            The University Senate is composed of ex officio members, elected Council members, student members, and staff senate members:

(1)    Ex officio Members:  The President, the Vice Presidents, the Provost, the Registrar, the Director of Libraries, and deans. 

(2)    Council Members: The Council shall provide by legislation for the election of Council members to the Senate, for such terms and in such manner as the Council shall determine, but subject to these limitations: (1) no one may be eligible for election to the Senate who shall not have been a member of the Council for one full academic year by August 16 of the next academic year;  (2) the total number of elected Council members on the Senate shall be three times the number of ex officio members; (3) the Council members of each professional school or college and the libraries shall have the right to elect to the Senate two of its members who are eligible for election to the Senate, with the exception of the College of Arts and Sciences, which shall have the right to elect eight senators, two each from the areas of Natural and Physical Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts.

(3)    Student Members:  The number of student members shall be 14 voting members of the University Senate.  The selection, length and beginning of the term for student members will be determined by the Student Senate.

(4)    Staff Members:  The number of staff members shall be set at three voting members whose selection, length, and term shall be set by the Staff Senate.

During the first week of April, the Registrar distributes to the members of the Council a nominating list of those eligible to serve on the Senate and indicates the number to be elected at-large. Each member of the Council may then nominate from the list a number of nominees not to exceed the number of persons to be elected. The Registrar declares as nominees those who have received the most votes and includes twice the number as are to be elected. Printed ballots are then prepared and distributed to all members of the Council, and each person votes for a number not to exceed the number of nominees to be elected. Senate members elected at-large hold office for two years and may not serve consecutively for more than two terms.

During the third week of April, each school or college and the libraries shall provide for the nomination and election by the Council members of his/her school, college, or the libraries to the Senate two Council members who shall have been listed by the Registrar as eligible to serve on the Senate in accordance with Section 2a of the Bylaws of the University Senate, in such a manner as the dean/director shall prescribe, providing that the voting for the nominated candidates shall be by secret ballot, with the exception of the College of Arts and Sciences, which shall have the right to elect eight Senators, two each from the areas of Natural and Physical Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts

The Senate meets once each month from September through May. Items for the agenda may be submitted by any Senate member and must be in the hands of the Secretary of the Senate not later than 14 days (exclusive of holidays) before a meeting. The agenda must be distributed to the members one week before a meeting. Senators' voting records are available in the Registrar’s Office. The Senate meetings are open, but visitors are seated apart from the members. Participation is limited to members of the Senate except on those occasions when the Senate extends the privilege of the floor.

University Registrar and Secretary, University Senate, 9-3-03

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-1.2 (UND Constitution [The University Legislature]), VII-2 (Bylaws of the University Senate), VII-2.1 (Standing Rules of the UND Senate)

 

I-6 UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

 

6.1  COMMITTEES THAT REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT

            American Indian Programs Council - Co-chaired by the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Student & Outreach Services, this council is charged with strengthening existing programs and developing new programs serving American Indian students and other American Indian people on reservations throughout North America.

 

Council on Campus Climate - This is a permanent council chaired by the President. It deals with all matters of campus climate, spanning a wide range of issues from grievance procedures, multi-cultural awareness, the intellectual vibrancy of the campus, and even the campus physical environment. The Council’s job is to help the University enhance and sustain a positive environment on campus for working and learning. The Council will advise the President on ways and means of encouraging diversification of the student body, as well as the faculty and staff of the University; identification and elimination of barriers to positive inter-personal interaction between and among students, faculty and staff; supporting the activities that sustain the University as a stimulating intellectual environment. The membership of the Council will include members of special-function committees and councils such as the President’s Advisory Council on Women.

 

            Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee - This University-wide committee is required by Federal law to maintain oversight of the animal facilities and animal use and care procedures.  It reviews the University’s animal care facilities and programs at least annually and reports recommendations for improvements or changes to the administration.  It also recommends policies and procedures for the University’s animal care program.

 

Institutional Biosafety - This University-wide committee is required by Federal law to review, approve and oversee all projects involving biohazards or potential biohazards conducted by the University.

 

            Institutional Review Board (IRB) - This is a University-wide committee with representation from the community, required by Federal law to review biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects conducted at or sponsored by the University in order to protect the rights of the human subjects participating in such research.  The Board reviews and recommends policies and review procedures required to comply with University policies and Federal, State, and local laws governing the use of human subjects in biomedical and behavioral research. 

 

   Planning and Budget - The Planning and Budget Committee is responsible for preparing a strategic plan for the University and monitoring its implementation.  The committee also advises the President in the development of the University’s annual and biennial budgets.  The Committee’s principal membership includes ten ex officio members (the President, the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Student & Outreach Services, Finance & Operations, Health Affairs, and Research), the Budget Director, the Associate Registrar, and the Chief Information Officer),and at least one representative (faculty member, dean or chair) of the following: Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Public Administration, College of Education and Human Development, School of Engineering and Mines, Graduate School, School of Law, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Nursing, Energy and Environmental Research Center, Athletics, Chester Fritz Library, the Dean’s Council, and the Academic chairs.  Three student members are appointed by the President of Student Government. In addition to the ex-officio members, the committee includes at least five staff members.  When it meets as a budget review committee, the group is augmented by the addition of the chair and vice chair of the University Senate, the President and Vice President of Student government, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Staff Senate, and three full-time faculty designated each year by the Chair of the University Senate.

 

            President’s Advisory Council on Women - This Council advises the President on matters relating to women’s equity issues and recommends ways of infusing gender perspectives into the curricular and extracurricular life of the University.

 

                President’s Cabinet – The President’s Cabinet advises the President on all issues having to do with the administration of the University and reviews recommendations from the University Planning and Budget Committee in consultation with the President on matters of budget and planning.   Members include the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Student and Outreach Services, the Vice President for Finance and Operations, the Vice President for Health Affairs, the Vice President for Research, the Executive Vice President of the UND Foundation and Alumni Association, the Director of University Relations, the Budget Director, the Senior Associate to the President and the Executive Secretary/Assistant to the President.

 

            Public Relations and Marketing Communication Council – The Council advises the President on issues related to communicating about and building support for the University’s strategic agenda.  Members include the Director of University Relations, the Vice President for Student and Outreach Services, the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Vice President for Research, the Dean of the Graduate School, the Dean of Continuing Education, the Athletic Director, the Chief Executive Officer of the UND Alumni Association, and the Senior Associate to the President.  The President generally presides.

 

            Radiation Safety and Hazardous Materials - This University-wide committee is required by State law to develop policies and recommend procedures for safe use of radioisotopes and ionizing radiation by faculty, staff, and students at UND.  It is responsible for assuring that all such users meet requirements of University license conditions for use and possession of radioisotopes. 

 

            University Fee Allocation - This committee, consisting of four students, three staff members, and the University Budget Director (ex-officio, non voting) makes recommendations to the President concerning the allocation of the University Fee, paid by all students in addition to tuition.

 

            University Research Council - This is a permanent council, chaired by the Vice President for Research, advising the Vice President for Research and ultimately the President, on all matters having to do with research and creative work. The Council is to help the University maintain an up-date strategic plan whereby the University will sustain high performance as a Doctoral Research I university.   The Council advises the Vice President for Research on (1) ways and means of encouraging sponsored work and creative work of all kinds across the University, (2) identification and elimination of barriers to sponsored research involvement by the faculty, (3) identification of sources of support for the full range of creative work by faculty, and (4) stimulating partnerships and synergistic interaction between units on and off campus.  The Office of the Vice President for Research will serve as the base for record keeping and communication for the University Research Council Membership.

President, 9-15-03

SEE ALSO: University Senate Committee Manual, 01-02

 

 

6.2 COMMITTEES THAT REPORT TO THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PROVOST
 
Academic Advising Committee provides guidance and oversight to the Offices of the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs on how to improve undergraduate advising at UND.
 
Center for Instructional and Learning Technologies (CILT) Academic Advisory Committee functions as a liaison between the faculty and the Center for Instructional Learning Technologies. Faculty members from UND’s eight colleges/schools, representing broad interests in instructional technology, are appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost to assist the director with planning and policy decisions for the benefit of the entire University.
 
CLEP/Advance Placement evaluates, communicates, and makes decisions regarding all programs, which allow college/university credit for academic work related to high school studies and experiences which are pre-college/university entrance.
 
VPAA Academic Cabinet consists of the deans of the various schools and colleges and other appropriate administrative officers.  The Cabinet meets with, and is advisory to, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
 
International Programs serves as an advisory committee to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost on matters involving international students and faculty.
 
National Scholarship nominates candidates for the Marshall, Fulbright, and Rhodes scholarships. The Truman Scholarship nominates candidates for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, which is awarded to college students preparing for a career in government service.
 
Outstanding Faculty Awards selects winners for teaching and service awards based on nominations by students, faculty, staff, and alumni; a University-wide committee appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, it has student and faculty representatives from every college.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 12-07-11

 

 

SEE ALSO: University Senate Committee Manual

 

6.3  COMMITTEES THAT REPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY SENATE

Senate Academic Policies and Admissions Committee - Provides faculty guidance and oversight in applying academic standards in admissions and other academic policies.

Senate Administrative Procedures Committee - Provides academic guidance and overview of requests for exceptions to University-wide policy.

Senate Budget, Restructuring and Reallocation Committee - Provides faculty guidance and oversight to the administration in regard to restructuring/reallocation and other new or special budget proposals and advances faculty-initiated restructuring/reallocation proposals to the Senate and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Senate Committee on Committees - Provides Senate committee structure by periodic review of both the structure as a whole, and the function of individual committees, nominates personnel for committee membership.

Senate Compensation Committee  - Provides and solicits faculty guidance and advice; and disseminates information regarding compensation issues, including salary and fringe benefits.

Senate Conflict of Interest/Scientific Misconduct Committee - Develops necessary conflict of interest and scientific misconduct policies for the university, keeps faculty abreast of these policies, and acts on relevant referrals or complaints.

Senate Continuing Education, Distance Education and Outreach Committee - Provides faculty guidance and oversight in balancing, promoting and integrating traditional academic rigor with necessary and emerging forms of education delivery.

Senate Curriculum Committee - Aids and advises colleges and departments on curriculum issues including addition or elimination of courses or programs, and ensures coherent interdepartmental curriculum changes.

Senate Executive Committee - Provides leadership for the Senate, ensures that Senate policies are implemented, acts as liaison between the Senate and the University of North Dakota and the North Dakota University System.

Senate Faculty Instructional Development Committee - Serves as an advocate and activist for instructional development at UND and solicits requests for funds made available to the committee, reviews the requests and makes allocations.

Senate General Education Requirements Committee - Provides faculty guidance and oversight of General Education by defining the principles and goals of General Education, developing and implementing General Education policies, and setting standards for courses that carry General Education credit.  Offers guidance and advice to the Senate Assessment Committee regarding the assessment of General Education.

Senate Honorary Degrees Committee - Provides a vehicle for granting honorary degrees according to the current university standards and policies.

Senate Honors Committee - Provides faculty oversight of the University Honors Program and other programs of honors study in colleges and departments by formulating policy, establishing standards, and evaluating the success of the Program, and aids and advises the Honors Coordinator.

Senate Intellectual Property Committee - Advises the University regarding faculty rights and interests in faculty intellectual property. Collects, coordinates and disseminates information for and to the faculty that is pertinent to their interests in intellectual property.

Senate Intercollegiate Athletics Committee - Provides faculty guidance and oversight in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies that balance intercollegiate athletics with academic rigor and promotes gender equity in the intercollegiate athletic program.

Senate Legislative Affairs Committee - Collects, coordinates and disseminates information for and to the faculty that is pertinent to University affairs addressed in the North Dakota State Legislature.

Senate Library Committee - Provides guidance and oversight by serving in an advisory capacity to the Director of Libraries regarding library policies and planning and reports to appropriate bodies on library matters.

Senate ROTC Committee - Provides faculty oversight of and guidance of the ROTC Programs.

Senate Scholarly Activities Committee - Stimulates and encourages scholarly activities and develops relevant institutional policies.

Senate Special Review Committee Pool - Provides faculty representatives to hear and decide faculty grievances pursuant to Institution and State Board of Higher Education regulations.

Senate Standing Committee on Faculty Rights - Designates faculty representatives to hear and decide faculty grievances referred to it by the Senate Special Review Committee Pool pursuant to Institution and State Board of Higher Education regulations.

Senate Student Academic Standards Committee - Designates faculty representatives to resolve undergraduate admission appeals or academic grievances not resolved at the level of the academic unit.

Senate Student Policy Committee - Provides guidance and oversight regarding UND student life and welfare, officially recognizes and monitors constitutions of student organizations, and serves as an appellate body for hearing disputes within and among student organizations.

Senate Summer Session Committee - Provides faculty guidance and oversight in applying academic standards and traditional academic rigor to summer sessions.

Senate University Assessment Committee - Provides faculty guidance and oversight to the Office of Vice President of Academic Affairs in developing and implementing the University Assessment Plan, analyzing and interpreting assessment results, developing appropriate reports, and disseminating assessment results to the University community.

UND Senate Committee Manual, 9-3-03

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-2 (Bylaws of the University Senate [Permanent and ad hoc committees])

 

6.4  COMMITTEES THAT REPORT TO THE STUDENT SENATE

University Program Council (UPC)

UPC is responsible for programming for the student body through comedians, movies, concerts, lectures, and coffeehouses.

 

Student Activities Committee (SAC)

SAC is responsible for the funding of student organizations.  The funding provides for transportation, programming or operational supplies for the organization.

 

Multicultural Awareness Committee (MAC)

MAC is a committee that funds student organizations that promote multicultural awareness to the UND community.  The committee also brings speakers to campus who help bring out unity on the campus.

 

Board of Student Publications (BOSP)

BOSP funds student organizations that are interested in creating a publication to reach the students of UND.

 

Student Body President, 11-14-02

 

6.5    UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA STAFF SENATE

 

The Staff Senate was established with the encouragement and approval of the President of the University of North Dakota on March 13, 1998.  It was established to foster a spirit of unity, pride, and cooperation by being recognized equally with the University Senate and Student Senate as participants in advising University administration.  It is comprised of elected representatives from each salary band to serve the following objective purposes:

 

            1)         To serve as an active link for meaningful information exchange between staff and administration relative to            issues of mutual concern.

2)                  To provide open meetings to express, propose, represent, investigate and debate issues.  The Staff Senate,

            acting as an official and responsible voice in University affairs, will recommend action on issues that

            receive majority approval of the senators.

3)                  To advise the President with regard to working conditions and employment practices, including recognition,

            compensation and other pertinent issues.

4)                  To promote awareness of opportunities and encourage involvement in the activities and operation of the

            University.

 

Staff Senate, 11-15-02

 

I-7 DEANS

 

The academic deans are appointed by the State Board of Higher Education upon the recommendation of the President. The academic deans have governance responsibilities which normally include most matters related to their students, faculty, curricula, planning, evaluation, budget, and development. The academic deans also have responsibilities to promote the general mission and administrative goals of the entire University through their (1) advisory roles as members of the Council of Deans, (2) liaison roles as members of the University-wide administrative team, and (3) leadership roles as models of pride and commitment to the intellectual vitality of their University and colleagues.

The academic deans are the key change agents for the institution, responsible for improving the overall educational programs, exercising significant impact on the quality of faculty hired and retained, providing an organizational climate appropriate for quality teaching, and giving leadership for the development of new programs as well as for planning for the future.

After appropriate consultation through the department chairperson with the departmental faculties concerned, the dean of each school or college recommends to the President through the Vice President for Academic Affairs all appointments, promotions, or removals of professors, other teaching staff, and appointment of department chairpersons; but the President may reserve the right to recommend someone other than the person recommended by the dean in case of a vacancy or of a new appointment, or to ask the dean to make a new recommendation. When the President does not endorse the recommendation of the dean for promotion, removal, or appointment of a member of the faculty, other teaching staff, or the appointment of a department chairperson, the President shall state in writing, when requested to do so, the recommendations of the dean and the reasons therefore to the Board.

The deans are responsible for advising students in their colleges about academic programs, and for certification concerning completion of graduation requirements. The deans recommend to the Senate Curriculum Committee changes in curricula in their college; they report annually to the President regarding the condition of their schools or colleges. They are responsible for supervision of the college's educational work, for the allocation of the college budget, and for the efficient conduct of their school or college.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 11-14-02

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-1.4 (UND Constitution [Administrative Officers])

 

I-8 FACULTIES

 

8.1  FACULTIES OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

The faculties of schools and colleges consist of those faculty members giving instruction in any of the schools or colleges of the University. Only the deans, professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructors, and such other officers as may be selected by the deans and faculty with the approval of the President, shall have the right to vote in matters affecting the general policy of any school or college. Each dean may call a meeting of the faculty of that school or college whenever the dean deems it advisable, and must call such meeting when requested to do so by one-fourth of that faculty. The President should be informed of such meetings when matters of importance are under consideration. The faculty of each school or college shall consider the welfare of the group and make recommendations to the President and University legislature; but such faculty may not nullify legislation that touches in any way the general policies of the University.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 11-14-02

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-1.5 (UND Constitution [The Faculties], VII-1.6 [The Service of Faculty and Administrative Officers)

 

8.2  GRADUATE FACULTY

The Graduate Faculty consists of the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the Graduate School, and those members of the University faculty who are elected to membership by the Graduate Faculty.

New members of the Graduate Faculty may be elected into one of three categories of membership, full membership, associate membership, and assistant membership. Election to full membership is based on a faculty member's preparation, experience, and scholarly or creative accomplishment. The first qualification shall be the holding of the highest earned degree in the field or the demonstration of equivalent scholarly or creative accomplishment. The second qualification is a record of scholarly or creative accomplishment conducted and completed as a principal investigator, writer, or artist after receipt of the degree. The third criteria is demonstration of competence in the teaching and mentoring of students at the graduate level.  Associate membership is available to those members of the faculty who have yet to demonstrate the “record of scholarly or creative accomplishment” and the “demonstrated competence educating graduate students” required for full membership.  The criteria for associate membership are holding of the highest earned degree in the discipline or its equivalent in accomplishment.  Associate members of the graduate faculty may chair a doctoral student’s faculty advisory committee and direct the dissertation research if approved by the Dean of the Graduate School and under the direction of a mentor appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School.  Assistant membership on the graduate faculty may be given to faculty members from clinical or professional disciplines who do not hold the qualifications required for associate or full membership.  Assistant members must be licensed, certified, accredited and/or credentialed to practice their profession.  Assistant members may serve as principal supervisors for scholarly projects (excluding dissertations) and be responsible for advising of such students.  Assistant members may only advise students within their own department or program. Election to assistant membership will be based on academic and professional qualifications, experience, recommendations of the department chair, and approval by the dean of their college or school.   Nominations for election to the Graduate Faculty originate with the department chairperson or program director, must receive the approval of the dean of the college, and are evaluated by the Graduate Committee, which submits recommendations for election to the Graduate Faculty. Terms of Full, Associate and Assistant members will continue until program review or other appropriate interval and will continue upon recommendation of the department chair, and approval by the dean of their college or school. 

Anyone who achieves emeritus status in their department and has been a member of the Graduate Faculty will retain the rights of their graduate faculty status.  Departments will need to notify the Graduate School when faculty members become emeritus faculty.  Emeritus Membership is a lifetime appointment.

The Graduate Faculty is responsible for determining policies within the Graduate School, and for recommending to the University Senate University-wide policies in graduate work. The Graduate Committee is the executive body of the Graduate Faculty and advises and assists the Dean of the Graduate School in administering the work of the school, especially program development, academic policy, and degree regulations. Membership of the committee consists of the Dean of the Graduate School, one full member elected by and from the Graduate Faculty of each of thirteen academic area electorates and one Graduate Student Representative. The Graduate Student Representative is a non-voting member.

SEE ALSO: UND Academic Catalog (Graduate School section, Graduate Faculty Constitution); UND Administrative Manual

Dean, Graduate School, 4-9-03

SEE ALSO: UND Academic Catalog (Graduate School section)

 

8.3  DEPARTMENT FACULTIES

The department faculties consist of those faculty members giving instruction in the various departments or divisions of the schools or colleges. Each department or division head may call a meeting of his or her department faculty whenever he or she deems it advisable, and must call such a meeting when requested to do so by one-fourth of his or her faculty. Each department faculty determines its own internal policies and the organization of its own work, and makes recommendations regarding its curriculum and budgetary matters; but such faculty may not nullify legislation that touches in any way the general policies of its school or college or of the University.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, 11-14-02

SEE ALSO: UND Faculty Handbook VII-1.5 (UND Constitution [The Faculties], VII-1.6 [The Service of Faculty and Administrative Officers])

 

8.3.1  Department Chairpersons

Department chairpersons (or equivalent) perform a critically important leadership and administrative function in the University and report directly to the dean.  Chairpersons are administratively responsible for the department and its programs, as well as ensuring that the teaching, scholarship, and service missions of the department, school/college, and institution are carried out with integrity.  They have the responsibility for screening and recommending new faculty members, for helping faculty become more effective teachers and researchers, for supervising support staff, for administering the department’s faculty and staff evaluation policies, for conducting department meetings, and for making recommendations on such critically important matters as tenure, promotion, and compensation.  Additional responsibilities of the chairperson, to be carried out in collaboration with the faculty, include developing and updating the department’s strategic plan, providing for ongoing evaluation of the curriculum and the assessment of student learning, assisting with recruitment of students, providing for appropriate advisement of students, monitoring the quality of teaching by all persons with instructional responsibilities, managing the department’s budgets, representing the department to internal and external constituents, assisting with fund raising when requested by the dean, and other duties as may be assigned by the dean from time to time.  Chairs may delegate responsibilities as appropriate, including the appointment of an assistant or associate chairperson.

Chairpersons report annually to the dean regarding the condition of the department.  Every department must have governance policies determined by the faculty in the department.

Any full-time member of the department may be considered eligible to be chairperson.  Normally, it is expected that the chairperson be a tenured faculty member at the associate or professor rank.  The chairperson of a department should be appointed before the end of the spring term by the dean, after consultation with departmental faculty and with the written concurrence of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  After receiving notice from the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the dean will notify the appointee and the department faculty and staff.  Normally the chairperson of the department will be appointed for three successive years with a starting date to be negotiated with the dean.

1.                  If the department requests that the current chairperson be appointed to serve another term, and the dean agrees, the normal appointment procedure (described above) will be followed.

2.                  If the department requests that the current chairperson be appointed to serve another term and the dean does not agree, the department and the dean will seek to agree upon an alternative candidate from within the department and make an appointment, using the procedure described above.

3.                  If the department and dean cannot agree on a candidate from within the department, if there is no member of the department willing to serve as chair, or if there is no member of the department willing to serve who is acceptable to the dean, the dean and the department need to find a workable solution.  There may be various options.  For example, an external candidate may be employed through the normal faculty recruitment process, or a senior faculty member from within the college may be asked to serve as chair.  Ultimately, the dean is responsible for finding a satisfactory administrative solution and for following the appointment procedure specified above.

4.                  An external candidate may be recruited and appointed as the chair of the department, according to the policies of the college and the department.

5.                 If a chairperson is unable to complete the full three year term for any reason, the dean, after consulting with the department, may appoint an acting chairperson to fill the remainder of the term, following the appointment procedure described.

Chairpersons will be evaluated on an annual basis in accord with a policy developed by the college.  The policy must provide for periodic input from department faculty, staff, and, where appropriate, students and/or external constituents.  The dean is ultimately responsible for the evaluation of the administrative performance of the chair.

Chair compensation will be determined in accordance these four considerations.  First, additional compensation for chairs, beyond the faculty base salary, is appropriate because of the additional authority and responsibility of the position.  The additional compensation may be in the form of a stipend and/or release time from other duties.  Second, chair compensation and chair responsibilities extend beyond the typical nine-month faculty contract.  In every case it is important that plans are in place for chair responsibilities to be carried out during the summer as necessary within the specific department.  Third, compensation should be appropriate for workload and should take into account factors such as departmental size and complexity.  Fourth, the dean, in cooperation with chairs, will develop and use a process within each college to ensure that chair compensation is consistent, equitable within the college, and fair.

Professional Development:  The University, through the Office of the VPAA, will provide professional development opportunities for department chairpersons on a regular basis to assist new chairpersons with developing the skills and understanding of the role and to enable all chairpersons to carry out the duties of this important position.

School of Medicine and Health Sciences.  Given that the School of Medicine and Health Sciences has policy and practices specific to that unit, this policy does not apply.

Approved by University Senate, 4-03-08

SEE ALSO: UND Senate Minutes, 01-13-81, pp. 2015-2019 (Report of the Committee on the Role of the Chairperson at UND)

 

Table of Contents

Top

Section II.