The institution publishes policies on the responsibility and authority of faculty in academic and governance matters.
[Compliance]
Narrative:
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is in compliance with Principle 3.7.5 because the UAH Faculty Handbook has clear policies on both academic and governance responsibilities and authority of faculty members.
The importance of the institution's system of shared governance is presented in the UAH Faculty Handbook, Chapter 6, as essential to achieve the institution's mission. Further, this system of shared governance is achieved within "an environment of mutual confidence, collegial participation, effective leadership, and strong academic programs." A number of specific areas of responsibility and authority are described in detail.
Selection and Evaluation of Administrators The advice of faculty is systematically obtained and considered prior to the appointment of deans and department chairs. In addition, faculty input is included in regular evaluations of administrative performance. In the UAH Faculty Handbook, Appendices A and B present policies and procedures related to the selection and review processes.
Faculty Personnel Actions Faculty members are an integral part of faculty personnel actions including appointments, promotions, and tenure reviews. The UAH Faculty Handbook, Chapter 7, outlines the procedures followed in these decisions.
Faculty Senate The Faculty Senate represents the faculty in the formulation of university policy and procedures in matters relating to institutional purpose, general academic considerations, curricular matters university resources, and faculty personnel actions. The Bylaws of the Senate are included for reference.
Graduate Council The Graduate Council is an elected faculty body representing graduate faculty from across the institution. It establishes policies and procedures, reviews proposals and makes recommendations regarding new graduate programs, acts on recommendations for graduate faculty appointments, reviews various types of student petitions, and acts on other matters that relate to graduate studies.
Boards, Councils, and Committees In fulfilling responsibilities of shared governance, the University has a variety of collaborative boards, councils, and committees. Faculty members are elected by the Faculty Senate or appointed to these groups. A list of current boards, councils, and committees is presented in the UAH Faculty Handbook, Chapter 6.
Curriculum and Instruction Faculty members have major responsibility in determining curricula and ensuring high quality across the University's programs. Recommendations about curriculum and new programs begin at the program level and are subsequently processed through University committees and administrative channels. Undergraduate curricular approvals occur through the departmental and college curriculum committee structure, the dean, the Faculty Senate Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and the Provost. Graduate curricular approvals occur through the departmental; and college graduate curriculum committee and faculty structure, the dean, the Graduate Council Curriculum Committee, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and the Provost. The UAH Faculty Handbook, Chapter 8, describes faculty responsibility and authority with respect to specific instructional matters such as assigning grades, advising students, and keeping office hours.
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Source
Location
1
Bylaws of the Senate
2
UAH Faculty Handbook, Appendix A: Selection, Appointment, Evaluation, and Reassignment of a Dean
3
UAH Faculty Handbook, Appendix B: Selection, Appointment, Evaluation, and Reassignment of a Department Chair
