1.6 GOVERNANCE AT ROANOKE COLLEGE
The governance of Roanoke College is derived from the Charter and By-Laws and the Statement of Purpose of Roanoke College. In order for the governance relationship to function effectively, it must be based on mutual trust and cooperation of all appropriate estates of the College. The estates of the College include the trustees, the administration and staff, the faculty, and the student body. Clear lines of responsibility and accountability must be established with appropriate means of evaluation and feedback. Effective governance includes College-wide planning with participation by all levels and estates of the College. The powers and responsibilities of the various governing committees and structures are listed in the Faculty Handbook, Sections 1.6.2-1.6.5 and 1.7.
The Faculty's primary responsibility is to develop the purposes and mission of the College by proposing and implementing educational goals. The Faculty thus has primary responsibility for the educational program including curriculum, academic standards, requirements for graduation, methods of instruction, faculty status, admissions policies, and other academic policies. The Faculty also has a responsibility for monitoring the impact of all aspects of the College operations on the educational program.
1.6.1 THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE STUDENT
GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF ROANOKE COLLEGE
(see Student Handbook)
1.6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES
1.6.2.1 THE PRESIDENT’S CABINET
The President's Cabinet is chaired by the President and consists of the Vice President and Dean of the College, Vice President for College Relations, Vice President for Business Affairs, Vice President for Resource Development, Vice President for Student Affairs, and others named by the President.
The Cabinet has responsibilities to the President to:
A. Provide effective administrative leadership for Roanoke College in planning, coordinating, and evaluating all areas of College life;
B. Articulate the mission of the institution;
C. Initiate, develop, and implement strategies designed to achieve the goals and objectives of the College.
Meeting times are weekly or at the call of the President.
1.6.2.2 DEAN’S COUNCIL
The Dean's Council is chaired by the Vice President and Dean of the College and consists of department chairs, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and others named by the Vice President and Dean of the College. The responsibilities of this Council are to:
A. Advise the Dean of the College on matters relating to departmental concerns and academic programs;
B. Facilitate the sharing of management information and ideas among the department chairs;
C. Facilitate cooperative problem solving in the academic area;
D. Facilitate communication between the Dean's Office and Academic Departments;
E. Facilitate the exchange of information between the Academic Departments and the non-academic administrative divisions of the College.
Meeting times are monthly during the academic year or at the call of the Vice President and Dean of the College.
1.6.2.3 OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE GROUPS
These groups have some faculty membership but are established by various administrative members of the College. Faculty members are neither obliged nor expected to serve on these groups.
1.6.3 COUNCILS OF THE COLLEGE (CROSS-ESTATE COMMITTEES)
1.6.3.1 RESOURCES AND PLANNING COUNCIL
1.6.3.1.1 Membership
The council shall consist of seven members:
A. One faculty member from each of the three academic divisions, elected by the Faculty for staggered three-year terms;
B. Three members of the Cabinet selected by the President; and
C. One member of the student body, selected by the President from a list of nominees offered by Student Government Association.
D. The President shall not be a member of the Council, but may call it into session and direct its activities as the President deems appropriate.
E. The chair of the Council shall be chosen by the President.
F. All recommendations of the Council will be to the President.
1.6.3.1.2 Responsibilites
The work of the Resources and Planning Council is guided by the Trustee-adopted vision, mission and purpose statements, the College's institutional goals and long-range plan. The responsibilities of the Resources and Planning Council shall be to:
A. Annually review the progress made on the College's long-range plan.
B. Measure and report on institutional effectiveness by using reports, surveys, outcomes assessments from academic programs, and other relevant sources.
C. Assist the President in identifying and prioritizing major budget initiatives for the upcoming year(s).
D. Advise the President on resource-and-planning-related matters at the President's request.
E. Initiate review of the College’s Statement of Purpose at least every five years.
F. Propose to the President other studies that it deems useful, and, upon approval, conduct those studies.
G. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.3.2 STUDENT LIFE COUNCIL
1.6.3.2.1 Membership
The council shall consist of ten voting members and one non-voting member:
A. Two members of the Academic Faculty, elected at-large by the Academic Faculty for staggered three-year terms. (Academic Faculty members cannot serve as chair or vice-chair);
B. Four representatives from the Office of Student Affairs, ex officio, appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs;
C. The four student government officers, ex officio;
D. The Vice President for Student Affairs, ex officio, will sit as a non-voting member of the Council.
The chair shall be elected annually by the members.
1.6.3.2.2 Responsibilities
The responsibility of the Student Life Council shall be to:
A. Advise the Vice President for Student Affairs on any co-curricular matter (i.e., any campus program or activity that exists in conjunction with, has an impact on, or is influenced by the curriculum or academic life) submitted to the Council;
B. Initiate studies and develop recommendations concerning student co-curricular life;
C. Report findings and recommendations to the Vice President for Student Affairs and other interested parties on matters requested by any members of the College community for changes in, or grievances concerning, the regulations, procedures, or goals of student co-curricular life;
D. Coordinate and establish budget requests for and allocations of funds designated for student life purposes and special events;
E. Schedule, publicize, and arrange special events;
F. Periodically review the overall impact of the athletic program, including the intramural program, on student life;
G. Review all proposals for new student organizations and recommend appropriate action to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Periodically review all student organizations and recommend to these bodies and the Vice President for Student Affairs actions necessary to promote efficiency or insure adherence to the stated purposes of the College;
H. Nominate persons to be included in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities;
I. Nominate eligible students for positions on the Academic Integrity Board and Judicial Board (also see Section 3.4.2 and Section 5.4);
J. Appoint, in consultation with appropriate boards, the student officers of the student communications media;
K. Recommend policies governing operations of the student communications media to the Vice President for Student Affairs;
L. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.3.3 ASSESSMENT COUNCIL
1.6.3.3.1 Membership
The Council shall consist of seven voting members:
A. The Director of Assessment, who shall serve as chair;
B. Three members of the Academic Faculty, one from each of the three academic divisions, elected by the Academic Faculty for staggered three-year terms;
C. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, ex officio;
D. The Executive Director of Institutional Research and Planning, ex officio;
E. One student elected in a manner designated by student government.
1.6.3.3.2 Responsibilities
The responsibility of the Assessment Council shall be to:
A. Advise the Director of Assessment on assessment matters;
B. Monitor assessment plans and annual assessment activities of administrative units and academic departments and programs and make recommendations for improvements;
C. Assist in evaluating new assessment mechanisms;
D. Assist (as possible) administrative units and academic departments and programs in conducting assessment activities;
E. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.4 FACULTY CONSTITUTION
Preamble: Roanoke College is dedicated to educating its students and instilling in them a lifelong commitment to learning. The Faculty of the College has the responsibility of providing leadership and guidance in the development and implementation of the College's learning activities. The Board of Trustees, by charter, possesses the legal authority to operate the College. The Board delegates to the President of the College the responsibility for the supervision and management of the College. The purposes for which the College exists can be effectively and efficiently attained only if a working environment of mutual trust and cooperation among the estates of the College is maintained. In order to accomplish its leadership role in the educational processes of the College and its concern for all aspects of the environment which affect the learning process, the Faculty adopts this constitution.
Article I (Membership): The title of this estate is the Academic Faculty of the College. The Faculty consists of all persons appointed by the Board of Trustees to the ranks of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, or Instructor, all of whom have teaching responsibilities which constitute at least one-half of their workload; the Director of the Library; the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; the Dean of the College; and the President of the College. These constitute the Academic Faculty who are entitled to attend, participate in, and vote in meetings of the Faculty.
Article II (Responsibilities): The Faculty is an essential estate within the College community whose voice must be heard and given due regard on matters of concern to the community. The
primary responsibility of the Faculty is to develop and implement the educational policies and programs of the College. The Faculty has the power to establish its By-Laws subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The Faculty shall fulfill its responsibilities and render its advice and recommendations through Faculty meetings, standing Faculty committees, and other bodies deemed appropriate by the Faculty.
Article III (Amendments): Motions to amend this constitution must be introduced by at least ten members of the Academic Faculty. Amendments must be approved by at least 75 percent of the full Academic Faculty.
1.6.5 BY-LAWS OF THE FACULTY OF ROANOKE COLLEGE
Article I (Membership):
Section 1: Membership in the Faculty is defined in Article I of the Faculty Constitution.
Section 2: In addition to the Academic Faculty the following may attend and participate in discussions of the Faculty meetings: members of the President's Cabinet; Assistant Deans in the Academic Affairs division; Associate Dean/Registrar; Teaching Associates; full-time visiting faculty; Director of International Education; administrators who hold faculty rank per section 2.1.6 of the Handbook; Recorder; Chaplain. The Moderator may invite others to attend and participate in Faculty meetings.
Section 3: Student Associates (the President of the Student Body, the Editor of the student newspaper) are invited to attend Faculty meetings.
Section 4: Those mentioned in Sections 2 and 3 may not offer formal motions or participate in voting. Such individuals may be excused from meetings when deemed appropriate.
Article II (Function of the Faculty Meeting): Within the framework of the responsibilities outlined in the Constitution and By-Laws, actions taken at Faculty meetings shall be the highest authority in initiating, adopting, and implementing policies, regulations, and procedures intended to achieve the educational objectives of Roanoke College and the general welfare of those involved in these educational processes.
Article III (Officers):
Section 1: Faculty meetings will be chaired by the Moderator, who will be elected annually by the Faculty. Only members whose workload is at least one-half teaching shall serve as Moderator. The Moderator shall receive a one-course reduction from his/her teaching load during the year of service as Moderator.
The Moderator shall preside over meetings of the Faculty and perform other duties germane to the role as chair. The Moderator shall also serve as the chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee. The Moderator may designate a substitute to chair Faculty meetings if the Moderator is unable to attend.
The Secretary shall keep accurate records of the proceedings of the meetings and distribute the minutes to all members of the Faculty as soon as possible after each meeting.
The Parliamentarian shall serve as advisor to the Moderator on matters of parliamentary procedure.
Section 2: The election of the Moderator shall be held during a meeting in the fall. The Faculty Affairs Committee shall act as the nominating committee; additional nominations may be made from the floor. A simple majority shall be required for election. If there are more than two candidates and none of the candidates receives a majority, a run-off election shall be held immediately between the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes. The Moderator-elect may attend meetings of the FAC in the spring term as a non-voting member. The Moderator shall take office at the start of the next academic year. Both the Secretary and Parliamentarian shall be appointed by the Moderator and take office at the start of the next academic year.
Article IV (Meetings):
Section 1: The Faculty should typically meet every month during the regular academic year to transact business. Additional meetings may be called by the Faculty Affairs Committee, on a petition signed by at least ten members, or at the request of the President or the Dean of the College.
Section 2: In consultation with committees, councils, and administrative officers, the Faculty Affairs Committee will prepare the agenda for the meeting.
Section 3: The agenda of the meeting will normally consist of the items that necessitate faculty discussion and/or action; the dissemination of information which can be accomplished expeditiously via other forums or channels should not normally be placed on the agenda. At least one week's written notice to the Academic Faculty is required for all matters to be brought before the Faculty for action. (Relevant amendments are allowed.) This rule may be suspended at any Faculty meeting by a two-thirds vote of those present.
Section 4: Robert's Rules of Order shall govern Faculty meetings in all cases to which they apply unless modified by these By-Laws.
Article V (Voting):
Section 1: For voting purposes, a majority of members shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2: A substantive issue (such as those matters involving the curriculum; personnel policies; committee structure, guidelines or policies; and academic standards) presented for action can be adopted only if it is approved by a majority of the eligible constituency, not simply by a majority of those present and/or voting. This applies to amendments as well as main motions.
Section 3: Any member may abstain on any vote. An abstention is not counted as a vote.
Section 4: Voting by secret ballot shall be at the request of any member present. Otherwise, all votes shall be by show of hands.
Section 5: Attendance at meetings is a professional obligation of all members of the Faculty. Members who have compelling reasons for being unable to attend a meeting may designate a discretionary proxy from among the Faculty by notifying the Moderator prior to the meeting.
Section 6: A faculty member on reduced load because of medical disability may retain the franchise subject to the approval of the Faculty Affairs Committee. A faculty member who for a stipulated period teaches less than half time in order to take on additional duties in service of the College, with the intension to return to full-time teaching, may retain the franchise subject to the approval of the Faculty Affairs Committee. Such decisions by the Faculty Affairs Committee will be announced at the next faculty meeting and can be overturned by an absolute majority of the faculty. Faculty on leave or sabbatical shall relinquish their privilege to vote for the period of their absence, but they may attend faculty meetings and participate in discussion. The Secretary shall maintain an accurate roster of the Academic Faculty.
Section 7: Rulings of the Moderator may be overruled by two-thirds vote of those present.
Article VI (Committees): The following committees are approved as committees of the Faculty of Roanoke College:
A. Faculty Affairs
B. Academic Standards
C. Curriculum
D. Faculty Development
E. Faculty Grievance
F. Faculty Personnel
Descriptions of the committees of the Faculty, along with the rules of procedure governing committees of the Faculty, are found in Section 1.6.5.2.
It is an obligation of faculty members to make themselves available for service on committees or councils (cross-estate committees). Faculty may be elected or appointed to committees or councils through the Faculty Affairs Committee.
Reports of actions of councils may be given at meetings of the Faculty when placed on the agenda as needed by the Faculty Affairs Committee. The Faculty may then make recommendations or take action on matters within the purview of the councils even though formal Faculty approval may not be required.
Article VII (Amendment): Amendment of these By-Laws will be by a two-thirds vote of the Faculty at a regular or special meeting of the Faculty of the College. A motion to amend the By-Laws requires the concurrence of at least ten members. No By-Law may be in violation of the By-Laws of the Board of Trustees or the Constitution of the Faculty of Roanoke College as approved by the Board of Trustees.
1.6.5.1 GENERAL POLICIES ON ELECTIONS AND VACANCIES ON COMMITTEES
1.6.5.1.1 Election
Section 1: Balloting for elected committees, councils, positions and offices of the Faculty of the College will be held annually in the spring.
Section 2: A slate of nominees prepared by the Faculty Affairs Committee will be distributed in written form for some elections as provided in these By-Laws.
Section 3: Nominations to fill vacancies on Faculty Affairs Committee will be made from the floor of a faculty meeting prior to the spring election. If more than two candidates are nominated for any position, a primary vote will be taken immediately. The names of the two candidates receiving the most votes for each vacancy will be placed on the general ballot.
1.6.5.1.2 Filling of Vacancies of Elected Committees
and Councils
Section 1: Any vacancy in Faculty representation shall be filled as soon as possible at a meeting of the Faculty of the College subsequent to the occurrence of the vacancy. The Faculty Affairs Committee shall prepare a slate.
1.6.5.1.3 General Regulations Concerning Membership and Procedures of Faculty Committees
Section 1: Members of the Faculty of the College are able to serve on a maximum of one committee or council each academic year. Faculty, however, may also serve on ad hoc committees or groups appointed during the academic year.
Section 2: Ex-officio members have all the privileges of membership, including the right to vote.
Section 3: The Student Government Association may elect or appoint a representative to the Curriculum Committee.
Section 4: A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of voting members.
Section 5: Vacancies shall be filled in the manner specified for regular appointment or election at the first Faculty meeting after the vacancy occurs.
Section 6: Nature of Committees
A. The regular committees of the Faculty are: the Faculty Affairs Committee, the Faculty Personnel Committee, the Faculty Development Committee, the Academic Standards Committee, the Curriculum Committee, and the Faculty Grievance Committee.
B. Ad hoc committees may be created by the Faculty or by administrative officers. Administrative officers should, however, consult with the Faculty Affairs Committee prior to the creation of additional committees on which faculty will be asked to serve.
Section 7: Chairs and Secretaries
A. Chairs and secretaries of Faculty committees shall be elected in April by the next year's committee members and shall take office at the start of the fall semester. If urgent business, as determined by the newly elected chair, should arise after the end of Spring semester that cannot wait until the beginning of Fall semester, the newly elected chair shall call together available members of the new committee to deal with it. Any decisions they make shall be subject to appropriate action at the first Faculty Meeting of the Fall.
B. The chair of a Faculty-created ad hoc committee shall be elected by its members.
Section 8: Duties of the Chair of a Committee or Council
A. To call meetings of the committee as often as necessary for effective execution of the committee's responsibilities.
B. To plan the agendas and to conduct committee meetings.
C. To prepare budget requests and maintain accounts of expenditures.
D. To attend to necessary correspondence and reports.
E. To seek and formulate proposals.
F. To serve as speaker for the committee or delegate others to do so.
G. To see that all matters within the province of the committee are dealt with in the best interest of the whole College.
H. To implement as necessary all pertinent recommendations accepted by or received from the President.
Section 9: Duties of the Secretary of a Committee or Council
A. To keep minutes of the meetings of the committee and to be responsible for sending within seven days a copy of the minutes to each of the following when appropriate:
1. The President,
2. All members of the committee, and
3. The Library Archives.
B. To assist the chair in any way possible;
C. To substitute for the chair when necessary.
1.6.5.2 THE FACULTY COMMITTEES
1.6.5.2.1 Faculty Affairs Committee
A. Membership of Faculty Affairs Committee
1. Three members of the Academic Faculty, elected by the faculty, one from each academic division;
2. The Vice President and Dean of the College;
3. The Moderator of the Faculty, who shall serve as chair of the Committee.
4. The most recent past Faculty Moderator who will serve for no more than a one year term.
B. Terms of Office and Selection of Members
1. The term of office of the divisional members shall be for the period of three years, the terms staggered so that both members are not elected in the same year. Consecutive terms will not be permitted.
2. Any vacancy in faculty representation shall be filled by election at the first meeting of the Faculty subsequent to the occurrence of the vacancy. The Faculty Affairs Committee shall prepare a slate.
C. Responsibilities
1. To review and seek improvements in existing College policies by initiating them through proper channels, by coordinating and stimulating committee activities, and by directing proposals to the Faculty or to administrative officers, committees, and councils as appropriate.
2. To consider proposals sent to it from Administrative Officers, proposing agencies of the Faculty or Faculty by petition, and after due consideration, to follow one of these procedures:
a. refer the proposal to the Faculty of the College for vote when the proposal requires a vote by the Faculty;
b. forward the proposal to an appropriate administrative officer or agent of the Faculty;
c. return the proposal to its originator asking that the proposal by resubmitted after clarification.
3. To initiate proposals.
4. To administer the effective operation of the Faculty by performing the following functions:
a. to report regularly to the Faculty on the status of all recommendations to the President.
b. to receive and consider annual reports submitted to it by Faculty committees; to act as a repository for by-laws established by Faculty committees.
c. to arrange meetings of the Faculty, to prepare agendas for such meetings, and to notify members of the time and place;
d. to coordinate revision of the Faculty Handbook.
e. to solicit preferences concerning committee service and to conduct elections for all elected faculty members of committees and councils.
f. to appoint all ad hoc committees created by Faculty, unless such power is vested elsewhere by the Faculty.
g. to fill vacancies by appointment if less than one school year remains in the vacated term, but provide for nominations and elections otherwise.
h. to review the committee structure, as needed; to develop and submit for the approval of the Faculty, rules and procedures appropriate to the efficient conduct of its business, including questions of franchise rights.
i. to advise the President on the procedural handling of matters not clearly within the jurisdiction of a committee or council, or which involve more than one such committee; to resolve jurisdictional issues which may arise among Faculty committees.
1.6.5.2.2 Faculty Personnel Committee
A. Membership of Faculty Personnel Committee
1. Six tenured members of the Faculty, two from each of the three academic divisions, elected by the Academic Faculty for staggered three-year terms. No faculty member shall serve on the committee during the same year in which he or she is being considered for promotion.
2. The Vice President and Dean of the College, ex officio, without vote.
B. Responsibilities
1. Make recommendations to the President regarding all proposals for reappointment, promotion, and granting of tenure as described in Part II of this Faculty Handbook.
2. Formulate, execute, and periodically review a program of continuing faculty evaluation, including opportunities for hearing matters of concern to students with respect to any faculty personnel.
3. Recommend for the approval of the Faculty all guidelines and procedures for use in making recommendations concerning appointments, reappointments, promotions, leaves, tenure and retirement.
4. Recommend to the President, after consultation with the Faculty, policies to establish standards for faculty workloads and to provide for equity in the application of those standards.
5. Provide opportunities to review general personnel problems.
6. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.5.2.3 Academic Standards Committee
A. Membership of Academic Standards Committee
1. Four members of the Faculty, one from each of the three academic divisions and one at-large, elected by the Faculty for staggered three-year terms.
2. Associate Dean/Registrar, ex officio.
B. Responsibilities
1. To recommend policies on academic standards for approval by the Academic Faculty.
2. To receive and act on the report of the academic standing of students, issued at the end of each semester by the Assistant Dean/Registrar.
3. To provide for periodic review of grading standards.
4. To conduct periodic reviews of departments and academic programs and report to the Faculty significant variations in course and/or degree requirements.
5. To develop in collaboration with the Vice President for College Relations policies governing admissions for the approval of the Faculty; periodically review the admissions process to determine its conformance with established policies, and act as a review board for decisions on the admission or rejection of marginal applicants.
6. To conduct periodic review of the integrity system and make appropriate recommendations to the Faculty. The Academic Integrity Board will, however, establish its own internal operating procedures.
7. To establish standards for the awarding of Bittle Scholarships; determine criteria for admission to Alpha Chi National Honor Fraternity and approve nominees for membership.
8. To develop in collaboration with the Director of Financial Aid for the approval of the Faculty, the academic criteria for the awarding and retention of merit scholarships.
9. To establish a subcommittee of its members to hear appeals from students regarding academic standing or exemptions from or exceptions to academic policy.
10. To conduct periodic reviews of the Honors Program and make appropriate recommendations to the person or office responsible for its direction.
11. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.5.2.4 Curriculum Committee
A. Membership of Curriculum Committee
1. Four members of the Faculty, one from each of the three academic divisions and one at-large, elected by the Academic Faculty for staggered three-year terms.
2. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, ex officio.
3. One student elected in a manner designated by student government.
B. Responsibilities
1. To examine carefully proposals for course changes, additions, and deletions; new majors, degrees, concentrations, and academic programs; and changes in general education requirements and departmental programs. The Committee shall report its findings and recommendations (including adverse recommendations) on all such proposals to the Academic Faculty. Analysis shall include, but not be limited to, academic need and merit, suitability of the proposal to the purposes of the College, and availability of needed resources, including qualified personnel, library holdings, equipment, and financial resources.
2. To establish regular deadlines and procedures for the submission of proposals to its chair. Proposals for courses to be offered within departments shall be submitted by departmental chairs; interdisciplinary courses may be proposed by any faculty member.
3. To evaluate the General Education program at the mid-point between Self Studies
4. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.5.2.5 Faculty Development Committee
A. Membership
1. Six Faculty members nominated by the Faculty Affairs Committee, two from each division of the College, and elected by the Faculty for staggered three-year terms.
2. Three alternate members, one from each division of the College, to be elected in the same manner. These members shall serve to review proposals in a grant category in the event that a regular member has a conflict of interest. The alternate members shall not be excluded from membership on other Faculty committees.
B. Responsibilities
1. To formulate, execute and periodically review programs for promoting all aspects of faculty development and scholarship;
2. To make recommendations for the approval of the Dean of the College concerning guidelines for the levels of funding for faculty development;
3. To design and amend guidelines for use in making recommendations concerning sabbatical leaves, study leaves, grants-in-time, faculty development grants, research grants, and after full Faculty discussion, implement these guidelines and amendments;
4. To review proposals for sabbatical leaves, study leaves, grants (both monetary and in-time) for teaching and research and recommend to the Dean of the College projects to receive support;
5. To allocate funds for cluster and task force activities;
6. To require from recipients of support an accounting of funds spent;
7. To arrange for dissemination of research findings and creative efforts;
8. To coordinate the submission of proposals for external funding of faculty research when only a limited number of proposals may be submitted by the College;
9. To advocate research activities and encourage the development of "total teaching" skills within the Roanoke College community.
10. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.5.2.6 Faculty Grievance Committee
A. Membership of the Faculty Grievance Committee
1. Six members of the Faculty, two from each of the three academic divisions, who have taught at least four years at Roanoke College prior to the beginning of their term of office. Members shall be elected by the Academic Faculty for staggered two-year terms.
2. Six alternate members, two from each of the three academic divisions, who have taught at least four years at Roanoke College prior to the beginning of their term of office, to be elected in the same manner. These members shall serve to hear a particular case in the event that one or more regular members cannot serve on grounds provided by the By-Laws of the Faculty Grievance Committee. The alternate members shall not be excluded from membership on other Faculty committees.
B. Responsibilities
1. To act as a hearing board when it receives a complaint by a faculty member that alleges adverse treatment resulting from some misapplication or violation of College policies, or resulting from an infringement of the faculty member's rights or privileges.
2. In instances in which a formal grievance hearing has been held, to submit its findings and recommendations in writing to the grievant, the respondent, the Dean of the College, and the President. Any decisions of the FGC may be accepted by the grievant and respondent or rejected by either. The grievant may appeal the decision of the FGC or its rejection by the respondent to the President by filing a notice of appeal. The President will review the record and render a decision.
3. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.5.3 FACULTY GROUPS
1.6.5.3.1 General Education Group
A. Membership
1. General Education Director, ex officio, chair
2. Three Faculty members: one from each division, two at-large, elected by the Faculty for three-year, staggered terms.
3. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, ex officio
4. Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, ex officio
B. Responsibilities
The General Education Group is to supervise and evaluate the general education curriculum
and its outcomes by:
1. stimulating the development of courses to meet general education requirements and recommending appropriate courses for adoption by the Faculty (through the Curriculum Committee);
2. assisting the General Education Director (as needed, in ways that do not compromise confidentiality) in the recruitment, selection, and evaluation of instructional staff;
3. aiding the General Education Director in the promotion and accomplishment of any needed faculty development;
4. overseeing the coordination and integration of the general education curriculum with major and minor programs, concentrations, and elective offerings;
5. monitoring and evaluating general education courses and course instruction;
6. advising the General Education Director on, and assisting with, any adjustments needed to ensure adherence to the integrity of the core content and methodology of the general education curriculum;
7. recommending appropriate program modifications to the Faculty (through the Curriculum Committee);
8. developing and applying techniques for assessing general education outcomes and providing ways by which components of the program may be altered in accordance with desired outcomes;
9. establishing and recommending to the Faculty for adoption (through the Academic Standards Committee) guidelines for granting competency and transfer credit; and
10. reporting to the faculty as needed, and provide a written annual report.
1.6.5.3.2 Academic Computer Advisory Group
A. Membership
1. Four Faculty members; one from each division and one at large, elected by the Faculty for three-year staggered terms.
2. The Director of Media Services
3. One member of Information Technology, designated by the Director of Information Technology.
B. Responsibilities
The Academic Computer Advisory Group (ACAG) is to review and evaluate plans and policies
concerning student and faculty uses of computers. Within the administrative structure, the
ACAG is positioned between the President's Information Technology Committee (ITC) and the
Director of Information Technology, providing faculty input in both directions. One faculty member of ACAG (selected by ACAG) will also serve on ITC. The ACAG will:
1. Make recommendations concerning the support of the academic mission of the College by Information Technology.
2. Assist in establishing Information Technology policies that affect faculty and students.
3. Assist in the administration of funding of Information Technology for faculty and students.
4. Mediate discussions between the Faculty and the Information Technology Committee regarding academic computing needs.
5. To report to the faculty as needed, and to provide a written annual report.
1.6.5.3.3 Honors Program Advisory Group
A. Membership
1. Honors Program Director, ex officio, chair.
2. Honors Program Associate Director, ex officio.
3. Two Faculty members: one from each division not represented by the Director, elected by the Faculty for staggered three-year terms.
The role of the Honors Program Advisory Group is to supervise and evaluate the Honors
Program and its outcomes by:
1. stimulating the development of courses to meet honors requirements and recommending appropriate courses for adoption by the Faculty (through the Curriculum Committee);
2. stimulating the continuing development of co-curricular programs that support the mission of the Honors Program;
3. assisting the Honors Director in establishing mechanisms for the recruitment and selection of instructional staff;
4. aiding the Honors Director in the promotion and accomplishment of any needed faculty development;
5. overseeing the coordination and integration of honors curriculum with major and honor programs, concentrations, and elective offerings;
6. monitoring and evaluating the honors courses, course instruction, and co-curricular programs;
7. recommending appropriate program modifications to the Faculty (through the Curriculum Committee);
8. developing and applying techniques for assessing Honors Program outcomes and providing ways by which components of the program may be altered in accordance with desired outcomes;
9. establishing guidelines for granting competency and transfer credit for HNRS courses;
10. hearing and ruling on appeals related to HNRS courses or standing in the Honors Program;
11. assisting the Honors Director in the recruiting ad admission of students to the Honors Program; and
12. reporting to the faculty as needed, and provide a written annual report.
1.6.6 BOARDS
1.6.6.1 Institutional Review Board
A. Membership
1. The IRB will consist of at least five voting members with varying background and expertise. The IRB will include members with competence in scientific inquiry; one member with expertise outside of scientific inquiry; and one member with no affiliation with Roanoke College. The IRB may invite other qualified persons with competence in special areas to assist it in the review of complex research or to attend IRB meetings. Invitees will not be eligible to vote. The director of Academic Grants & Foundation Relations will service ex-officio, non-voting.
2. Members will be appointed for a three-year term by the Dean of the College. The Chair will be appointed annually by the Dean of the College. The Chair may designate another committee member to conduct necessary business in his/her absence.
3. The Dean will also appoint two alternates for the committee for a three-year term. An alternate may serve in the absence of any IRB member and will only vote on proposals that he or she has personally reviewed.
B. Responsibilities
1. To review all research involving human and non-human animal subjects performed under the auspices of the College to assure compliance with federal and state regulations and with accepted ethical standards of the related discipline.
2. To monitor ongoing compliance with developed policies and procedures for research conducted under the auspices of Roanoke College.
3. To develop procedures and forms for the research review process that are efficient and timely.
4. To inform faculty, staff and students conducting research of their responsibilities in protecting subjects’ rights and compliance with IRB procedures.
5. To report on activities to the Faculty and Dean of the College at least once each year.