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Faculty Council Constitution

Constitution for the Graduate Faculty Council of Touro College 

(Adopted November 21, 2013)

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this consultative body formed by the Constitution shall be the Graduate Faculty Council (hereinafter “GFC”) of Touro University.

 

ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVE

Section 1

The GFC will serve as the primary official consultative body of the faculty of the graduate and professional schools of Touro University. The GFC will serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas among the members of the University faculty.

Section 2

The GFC shall act as an advisory and consultative body to the graduate deans and vice-presidents, provost, and president of the University and assist in matters such as the following:

  1. The establishment, reorganization, or discontinuation of organizational units and areas of instruction or research;
  2. The implementation of policies concerning the planning of physical facilities when these may affect the attainment of the educational objectives of the University;
  3. The implementation of policies and administration of academic computing and instructional technology;
  4. The implementation of policies affecting the development and utilization of University resources;
  5. Any matters pertaining to the general welfare of the University;
  6. Overall educational policy and planning;
  7. Faculty affairs and personnel-related issues; and
  8. Student affairs.

 

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP OF THE GRADUATE FACULTY COUNCIL

Section 1

The membership of the GFC shall include two (2) full-time faculty members and one (1) adjunct faculty from each of the graduate and professional schools. Each member of the GFC shall be chosen by either election within each graduate school or appointment by the Dean of the respective graduate school. The term for each member shall be three (3) years. Members may serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. All members of the graduate faculty are eligible for election to the GFC.  

Section 2

The GFC shall hold at least eight (8) regular meetings per academic year: four (4) in the fall semester and four (4) in the spring semester.

Section 3

Additional meetings may be either, (a) called by the Chair of the GFC, or (b) held upon a petition of 20 percent (20%) of the members of the GFC, which must be submitted to the Chair at least ten (10) working days prior to the desired date of the meeting.

Section 4

Meetings are open all to graduate faculty and other non-voting guests of the GFC. Each member of the GFC may cast a single vote.

 

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS

Section 1

The officers of the GFC shall consist of a Chair, a Co-chair and a Secretary.

Section 2

Officers of the GFC shall be elected by a majority vote of those in attendance at the first meeting of every school year. Any vote resulting in a tie shall be determined by a re-vote, which shall take place after each candidate has had an opportunity to give a speech, lasting no more than four (4) minutes, to the council.

Section 3

Nominations for officers of the GFC shall be made in writing to the Chair prior to the first meeting of the school year. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the first meeting. The term for each officer will be three (3) years. Officers may serve a maximum of one (1) term.

 

ARTICLE V: STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1

(The descriptions below are meant to act as guidelines and should not be considered mandatory, restrictive, or exhaustive)

The GFC may create Committees whose purpose is to gather information and make recommendations to the GFC, and who may work with the appropriate administrators to promote the development and efficient operation of the University. The following committees may be created at the request of the Chair or by majority vote of the council members in attendance at a council meeting:

  1. Academic Computing Committee: recommends policies, procedures, and other matters relating to academic computing, including planning for the future needs of the University. The Vice-President for Technology and Chief Computer Instructional Officer serve as ex officio members.
  2. Curricular Affairs Committee: reviews and evaluates course and curriculum proposals.
  3. Faculty Affairs Committee: advises the Council and administration on matters of policy concerning faculty affairs, the cultural, social and material welfare of the faculty, and the educational environment in which the faculty work. The Faculty Affairs Committee is concerned with certain matters of policy, including, but not limited to: faculty appointments, promotion, tenure, leaves, salaries, fringe benefits, and rights and responsibilities. The Committee shall make recommendations for the modification of existing policies and assists the University administration in the formulation of new policies and related matters.
  4. Research Committee: advises the Council, administration, and the Touro University Research Council to promote and foster viable research and scholarly activities.
  5. Scholarship and Awards Committee: recommends policies and procedures relating to student awards and scholarships and provides input to the selection of recipients for student awards and scholarships.
  6. Student Life Committee: reviews and recommends policies, programs and services that regulate and support student life on campus. One student member shall be appointed to this committee.

Section 2

Other Committees can be established by the GFC as the Council deem appropriate.

Section 3

The Chair of the GFC shall appoint Committee Chairs. In the event that the Chair of any committee is unable to complete his/her term in office, the GFC Chair shall appoint a new Committee Chair to serve in that capacity until the next regularly scheduled election. If a representative withdraws from a committee, the respective committee members will appoint a replacement committee member based on the receiver of the next highest vote total from the original election (otherwise, appointment will be at the discretion of the GFC Chair). If a Committee Chair is unable to attend a GFC meeting, he or she may designate a representative from his or her committee to act on his or her behalf.

 

ARTICLE VI: QUORUM

A simple majority of the voting membership of the GFC present at a meeting, including via teleconferencing, shall constitute a quorum necessary for conducting business. Any votes taken via e-ballot also require a simple majority of the GFC membership.

 

ARTICLE VII: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (current edition) shall serve as the parliamentary authority of the Council. The Co-Chair shall serve as the Parliamentarian.

 

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS

Section 1

Any member of the GFC may propose amendments to this Constitution. 

Section 2

Any proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the Chair of the GFC at least fifteen (15) working days before a scheduled meeting of the GFC. The Chair places the amendment on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting. An amendment requires two thirds (2/3) vote of those GFC members in attendance.

 

Standing Rules of the Graduate Faculty Council  

ARTICLE I: RULES OF PROCEDURE

Section 1: Order of Business for Regular Meetings

The order of business at each regular meeting of the GFC shall be:

I.     A Call to Order
II.     The Approval of the Minutes
III.     Reports of Officers and Standing Committees
IV.     Reports of Special Committees
V.     Special Orders
VI.     Unfinished Business
VII.     New Business
VIII.     Announcements
IX.     Adjournment

Section 2: Order of Business for Special Meetings

The Order of Business for any special meeting of the GFC is determined by the Chair of the GFC.

Section 3: Agenda and Minutes

A tentative agenda, the previous meeting’s minutes, and any relevant documents for discussion will be distributed to GFC members at least ten (10) business days before the meeting convenes.

Section 4: Official Council Record

The GFC shall publish its minutes within two (2) weeks of approval by the GFC. Copies of the GFC minutes must also be distributed to each GFC member via email or portal.

Section 5: Committee Records

One copy of all minutes, memoranda, and documents generated by any standing or ad hoc committee of the GFC shall be forwarded to the Chair of the GFC for placement in the permanent GFC file no later than the end of the spring semester of a given academic year.