Constitution of the University Senate

Mission

The Senate is the representative council of the University faculty, with the participation of students, staff, and administration.  It ensures faculty participation in governance and in the discussion of issues important to the university community.  It aims to facilitate communication among University constituencies and to foster mutual respect and cooperation among the faculty of the various departments and disciplines, students, and staff.  The University Senate provides a forum for considering matters directly related to the wellbeing of the AUC community.  Its resolutions are transmitted to the president of the University for consideration and appropriate action.

Functions

Article 2.0  The University Senate will develop, review, approve, and monitor curricula and programs, standards of research and instruction, personnel policies for faculty, policies concerning the admission and academic performance of students, and any other matters relevant to its mission.

Article 2.1   The University Senate will ensure proper consideration of grievances as per the AUC Faculty Handbook, which has replaced the Personnel Policies and Procedures (PPP) document.

Article 2.2   The University Senate will report the results of its deliberations to the president and to its constituent bodies.  The president will report in a timely fashion to the University Senate on action taken on its recommendations.

Amendments

Article 3.0  Proposals for amendments to the constitution of the University Senate may be initiated by the chair of the Senate or by a written petition of at least four senators.  The chair of the University Senate will distribute the proposed amendment at the next regular meeting of the Senate. The proposed amendment will be ratified by an affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of all voting members of the University Senate.

Article 3.1  Amendments to the constitution of the University Senate require ratification by the Board of Trustees.