Chapter 5 – Committees of the University

(Chapter 5 was reorganized in accordance with #03-04–9. Identified changes are linked to other legislation)

Preamble

5.10.10 Committees, Boards, Councils and other such entities which have a university-wide function are described in this chapter. With few exceptions, committees with a narrower scope are not included here. For information on them, consult policy documents of various campus units, such as college by-laws, where available, and the Graduate Student Manual. Standing committees of the Faculty Senate, although having university-wide function, can be found in the by-laws of the Faculty Senate.

5.10.11 The committees included here are organized according to the jurisdictional rubric under which they fall, and are divided into (1) committees falling under presidential jurisdiction; (2) committees falling under direct jurisdiction of the general faculty or of the Graduate Faculty; and (3) committees falling under the joint purview of the Faculty Senate and the President. The division into the various jurisdictional rubrics has been proposed by a Faculty Senate Constitution, By-Laws, and University Manual (CBUM) subcommittee on the basis of research conducted during the 2001-02 academic year. This research primarily took into consideration the jurisdictional divide between the President (administration) and the Faculty Senate resulting from Article II of the Senate Constitution; when this was not conclusive, the historic understanding of who had jurisdiction at the time of the establishment of a committee or its predecessor was taken into account. In most cases, these criteria allowed a clear determination of a committee’s jurisdictional rubric.  To limit future disputes about jurisdiction, the subcommittee proposed that the Faculty Senate endorse and accept the jurisdictional division resulting from the subcommittee’s research, the senate did so at its meeting on November 11, 2003, and the President endorsed the senate legislation on December 5, 2003.

5.10.12 Faculty, administrators, and staff members are expected to serve on committees, if designated. Each standing committee of the University shall make an annual report for the academic year to its appointing authority.

Committees falling under Presidential jurisdiction

5.11.10 University Committees listed under this heading can be formed, abolished, or altered by presidential action, preceded by consultation with relevant groups and/or individuals as appropriate. Committees the President appoints under this authority are not to duplicate or interfere with the work of committees established by the Faculty Senate. Unless otherwise specified, members shall be appointed from the University community with an attempt to ensure administration, faculty, and student representation; in addition, staff members shall be appointed in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. Members shall serve two-year terms, one-half of the appointments to be made each year, and which may be renewable; the President shall designate the chairperson. (# October 21, 2021 Informational Report)

5.12.10 The Deans’ Council shall comprise the deans and vice provosts and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall be chairperson.

5.12.11 This council shall provide opportunity for the academic deans to discuss common problems and to review administrative procedures among the several colleges.

5.14.10 The Athletics Advisory Board shall serve as a policy review board for all athletic programs for men and women, including intercollegiate, club, intramural, and recreational sports and the management of facilities and equipment. The Board shall make its recommendations to the President. In performing its functions, the Athletics Advisory Board shall advise and review, on a continuing basis, all fiscal, educational and social policy affecting all athletic programs, make recommendations regarding level of competition, and the nature of intercollegiate schedules. For the role of the Athletics Advisory Board on issues regarding championships and special tournaments during the final examination period see section 8.51.31. #10-11–24

5.14.11 The Board shall be comprised of nine voting members: four faculty members, one undergraduate student, one graduate student, two alumni; the President shall appoint one additional faculty member to serve as the ninth member and chairperson. The faculty membership shall be appointed in consultation with the Faculty Senate; the student membership shall be appointed in consultation with the Student Senate and the Graduate Student Association; the Alumni representatives shall be appointed in consultation with the Alumni Association. For each appointment made to the Board, each constituency shall nominate two persons. The President shall make appointments from among these nominations. Terms of appointment for faculty and representatives of the Alumni Association shall be for three years, renewable once at the end of the first term. Terms of appointment for students shall be for one year, renewable at the end of the first term. The Director of Athletics, the Associate Director/Senior Woman Administrator, the Assistant Director of Recreational Services, the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, the Chief NCAA Compliance Officer, the Enrollment Services Assistant Director of Compliance, and a delegate from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee shall be ex officio non-voting members of the Board #07-08–35 #10-11–24  #IFSR–AAB

5.14.12 No member of the Board shall be an active coach during the term of appointment. #07-08–35

5.14.13 All appointments to the Board shall be made by September 15 each year. #07-08–35

5.14.14 The Chairperson shall be responsible for preparing the agenda and calling the meetings. The senior alumni member shall be vice chairperson. The junior faculty member shall be secretary. #07-08–35

5.14.15 The Athletics Advisory Board shall meet at least two times each semester during the academic year. Special meetings shall be called by the chairperson, or in the absence of the chairperson, by the vice chairperson. All members shall be advised in advance of the date, time, place and agenda of the meeting. #07-08–35  #IFSR–AAB

5.14.16 The chairperson of the Board (or her/his designee) shall report to the Faculty Senate at least once each year and whenever there is a major change in policy. #07-08–35

5.23.10 The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) shall review and approve the use of recombinant DNA, synthetic DNA, infectious microorganisms, certain biological toxins, and human or nonhuman blood, unfixed tissues or cells in all research projects and educational activities under the jurisdiction or control of the University. The use of these materials shall be in accordance with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories as well as any other applicable federal, state and local law.  Administrative Report September 2015

5.23.11 The membership shall comprise at least five members appointed by the Vice President of Research and Economic Development selected so that they collectively have experience and expertise in recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule technology and the capability to assess the safety of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research and to identify any potential risk to public health or the environment.  At least two members shall not be affiliated with the institution (apart from their membership on the Institutional Biosafety Committee) and who represent the interest of the surrounding community with respect to health and protection of the environment. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development or the Vice President’s designee shall serve ex officio, as a non-voting member. An effort will be made to appoint members to the IBC that will have the qualifications of experience and expertise needed to provide guidance and counsel to researchers.

5.24.10 The Conflict of Interest Management Committee (CIMC) is responsible for the review and assessment of all financial disclosures related to research projects at URI and for determining any actions required to ensure that real or perceived financial conflicts of interest are managed or eliminated as required by the RI Public Private Partnership Act as well as any other applicable federal law or policy.  Administrative Report September 2015

5.24.11 The membership shall be appointed by the Vice President of Research and Economic Development and shall at a minimum include a public member and a faculty member from an institution of higher education outside the system of public higher education in Rhode Island. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development or the Vice President’s designee shall serve ex officio, as a voting member.

5.25.10 The Institutional Review Board (IRB) shall review and approve all biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects which is conducted or sponsored by the University. The Code of Federal Regulations, 45 CFR 46, revised in 2005, requires the existence of this committee in order to protect the rights and welfare of the human subjects of such research. See Appendix G for the University’s policy and procedures concerning the protection of human subjects.

5.25.11 The IRB shall comprise at least five members appointed by the President. The chairperson shall be recommended by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to the President, to be appointed for one three-year term. Other IRB members shall be appointed for two-year, renewable terms. The IRB shall not consist entirely of men, entirely of women, or entirely of members of one profession. At least one member shall be a person whose primary training and research concerns are in nonscientific areas; for example, lawyers or members of the clergy. At least one member shall be a person who is not otherwise affiliated with the institution or part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the institution. One member shall be a person whose primary training and research concerns are in the scientific area, for example a physician, a biologist, or a psychologist. When research is reviewed involving a category of vulnerable subjects (e.g., prisoners, children, individuals institutionalized as mentally disabled), the IRB shall include at least one member who has as a primary concern the welfare of these subjects. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development or the Vice President’s designee shall serve ex officio, as a non-voting member. An effort will be made to appoint members so that the IRB will be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members, the diversity of their racial and cultural backgrounds, and their sensitivity to community attitudes, to be respected for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects.

5.25.12 To avoid conflict of interest, an IRB member shall not participate in the IRB’s review of any project in which the member is involved as a researcher or subject.

5.26.10 The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) shall review and approve the use of vertebrate animals in all research projects, educational or outreach activities under the jurisdiction or control of the University. The procurement, care, and use of animals shall be in accordance with the regulations and terms of the federal Animal Welfare Act as well as any other applicable federal, state and local law.

5.26.11 The IACUC shall be comprised of at least five members appointed by the President including the University of Rhode Island Attending Veterinarian, a scientist experienced in laboratory animal research, a non-scientist and an individual who has no other affiliation with the University besides membership in the IACUC. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development or the Vice President’s designee shall serve ex officio, as a non-voting member. An effort will be made to appoint members to the IACUC that will have the qualifications of experience and expertise needed to provide guidance and counsel to animal researchers.

5.27.10 The Diving Control Board (DCB) has authority over all scientific diving operations at the University of Rhode Island. The DCB sets rules and regulations in compliance with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences standards and in conformance to University policy. All research diving involving equipment or personnel from the University of Rhode Island shall adhere to the rules and regulations which are included in the Research Diving Manual. The Diving Control Board also serves as a search committee for the Diving Safety Officer and provides advice and counsel to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development who makes the appointment.

5.27.11 The membership shall be comprised of representatives from all URI colleges that conduct substantial research diving operations. These members are appointed by the Vice President for Research and Economic Development upon the recommendation of the individual college deans. A majority of the members must be URI authorized scientific divers. The membership shall also include the Diving Safety Officer.

5.29.10 The Administrative Policy Committee is charged with reviewing and recommending to the University President for approval new administrative policies and any changes to existing administrative policies. The committee is chaired and staffed by the Vice President for Administration and Finance. Approved Administrative Policies will be posted to the University Administrative Policies webpage. Administrative Report January 2024

5.29.11 Membership may change over time, but generally shall include the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Administration and Finance (chair), Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Chief of Staff (or Deputy Chief of Staff) to the President, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, two deans of two colleges (for two-year terms), Chief Information Officer, Chief Diversity Officer, Director of Athletics, General Counsel, a member of the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, and the President of the University of Rhode Island Foundation and Alumni Engagement (non-voting). Administrative Report January 2024

5.30.10 The Intellectual Property Committee (IPC) shall represent and act for the University in intellectual property policy matters subject to the approval of the President of the University (see sections 10.40.10 – 10.46.36).

5.30.11 The Intellectual Property Committee shall consist of eleven members. Six shall be faculty members or center/institute/laboratory directors chosen to reflect a diversity of expertise, appointed to three year staggered terms (three shall be appointed by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and three by the Senate Executive Committee). One additional faculty member shall be appointed to a three-year term by the President. The remaining four shall be ex officio voting members: the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Director or Associate Director of Industrial Research and Technology Transfer (The Research Office), the Chair of the Committee for Research and Creative Activities and a representative from the URI General Counsel’s Office. The Vice President for Research and Economic Development shall chair the committee. #17-18-23

5.31.10 The Watson House Committee shall manage and provide care for the restoration process, the furnishing and the general care of Watson House. The committee shall be appointed by and report to the Vice President for Administration and Finance.  Administrative Report September 2015

5.34.10 The Commencement Committee shall organize and supervise the commencement program.

5.35.10 The President’s Commission on People with Disabilities at the University of Rhode Island shall work to ensure an equitable, inclusive, universally designed, and welcoming community in terms of safety, wellbeing and education for students, faculty and staff who have disabilities. To accomplish its mission, in the context of social justice, the commission shall: Encourage a climate to celebrate differences and abilities among all people at URI, while affirming the many outstanding contributions of people with disabilities to the campus community; identify major topics of concern for people with disabilities; propose policies, programs and training so that URI’s ongoing dialogue of social justice and civil rights continues to include issues related to disability; collaborate with all areas of the university community to recommend accessibility, safety, and universal design of buildings, the curriculum, programs, and services; advise primary URI administrators on issues of disability; monitor the effectiveness of proposed/implemented policies and initiatives; communicate progress of these efforts to the administration and surrounding community; and submit to the senior leadership team and their designees, recommendations that would enhance inclusion and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Administrative Report September 2015

5.35.11 The membership shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer to staggered three-year terms. Members shall represent a variety of faculty, staff, administration, and student perspectives on equity and inclusion for people with disabilities at URI.

5.35.12 The Co-Chairs shall consist of one faculty member and one staff member. The commission shall forward its nominees for co-chairs from the membership to the President. The President shall appoint the co-chairs in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer. The terms of the co-chairs shall be for two years, on a staggered basis.

5.35.13 The President shall appoint the Student Advisor in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer. The commission shall forward its nominee for Student Advisor to the Co-chairs from the membership to the President. The term of the Student Advisor shall be for one year; subject to renewal on recommendation of the membership.

 5.35.14 The commission shall meet on a regular basis during the academic year. The co-chairs, with the Student Advisor, shall be responsible for preparing the agenda and calling the meetings, with notification to members at least one week in advance.

5.35.15 The commission shall meet with the Chief Diversity Officer regularly to discuss progress on recommendations and emerging issues and shall invite the President to at least one meeting annually.

5.36.10 The Equity Council is a University-wide advisory and advocacy group for issues of diversity and equity for the entire University community. Its purpose is to provide a forum for University individuals, groups, committees, commissions, and offices that are active in University diversity and equity issues and to make recommendations to the President.

5.36.11 The President shall appoint the members by October 1 of each year from a list of nominees recommended by the Council and other appropriate constituencies. The Council shall have approximately 25 members representing a variety of faculty, staff, administration and student involvement in equity issues. The President shall appoint the Chair of the Council.

5.36.12 Members serve for a three-year term and shall be appointed on a staggered basis.

5.36.13 The Council shall meet at least once each month during the academic year. The Chair shall be responsible for preparing the agenda and calling the meetings, with notification to members of at least one week in advance.

5.36.14 Meetings of the Council are open to all community members who have an interest in matters of equity and diversity.

5.36.15 The Council shall meet with the President and Provost regularly to discuss progress on recommendations and emerging issues.

5.36.16 The Chair shall meet with the President’s Management Team on a regular basis.

5.37.10 The President’s Commission on Faculty, Staff, and Students of Color is to make recommendations to the President and Chief Diversity Officer, acting as a catalyst and advocate in diversifying and strengthening the University of Rhode Island to be a university community that understands racial and cultural diversity issues and therefore advocates for racial equity in all aspects of university formal and informal processes, including employment, personnel development, research and scholarship, teaching and service, student learning and engagement and all forms of community outreach. The Commission shall: research, monitor, and report on the status of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups on campus, and of institutional racial and cultural diversity initiatives; identify major needs and topics of concern; propose policies and programs to address these needs and concerns, and to promote, maintain and publicize strategic focus on these issues; collaborate with campus organizations with complementary goals and objectives; monitor the effectiveness of any proposed policies and initiatives upon implementation. Administrative Report September 2015

5.37.11 The membership shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer to staggered three-year terms. Members shall represent a variety of executive leadership, faculty, staff, administration, and student perspectives on the status of faculty, staff and students of color at URI.

5.37.12 The Commission shall forward its nominees for co-chairs from the membership to the President. The President shall appoint the co-chairs in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer. The terms of the co-chairs shall be for two years, preferably on a staggered basis.

5.37.13 The Commission shall meet on a regular basis during the academic year. The co-chairs shall be responsible for preparing the agenda and calling the meetings, with notification to members at least one week in advance.

5.37.14 The Commission shall meet with the Chief Diversity Officer regularly to discuss progress on recommendations and emerging issues and shall invite the President to at least one meeting annually.

5.38.10 The President’s LGBTQ Commission will work to encourage the inclusion and empowerment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) faculty, staff, and students. The Commission will research, monitor, and report on the status of LGBTQ communities on campus and of institutional initiatives; identify major needs and topics of concern; propose policies and programs to address these needs and concerns, collaborate with campus organizations with complementary goals and objectives; monitor the effectiveness of any proposed policies and initiatives upon implementation; and regularly communicate the progress of these efforts to the university community. The Commission shall submit recommendations to the President and the Chief Diversity Officer. Administrative Report September 2015

5.38.11 The membership shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer to staggered three-year terms. Members shall represent a variety of executive leadership, faculty, staff, administration, and student perspectives on the status of LGBTQ at URI.

5.38.12 The Commission shall forward its nominees for co-chairs from the membership to the President. The President shall appoint the co-chairs in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer. The terms of the co-chairs shall be for two years, preferably on a staggered basis.

5.38.13 The Commission shall meet on a regular basis during the academic year. The co-chairs shall be responsible for preparing the agenda and calling the meetings, with notification to members at least one week in advance.

5.38.14 The Commission shall meet with the Chief Diversity Officer regularly to discuss progress on recommendations and emerging issues and shall invite the President to at least one meeting annually.

5.39.10 The President’s Commission on the Status of Women shall promote an environment free of gender-based discrimination by establishing an agenda around issues that concern women at the university and recommending to the President strategies to enhance or change existing policies and programs at URI. To accomplish its mission, the Commission shall work with members of the university community and in collaboration with organizations and structures within the University of Rhode Island.  The Commission shall submit recommendations to the President and the Chief Diversity Officer.

5.39.11 The membership shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer to staggered three-year terms. Members shall represent a variety of faculty, staff, administration and student perspectives on the status of women at URI. Administrative Report September 2015

5.39.12 The Commission shall forward its nominees for co-chairs from the membership to the President. The President shall appoint the co-chairs in consultation with the Chief Diversity Officer. The terms of the co-chairs shall be for two years, preferably on a staggered basis.

5.39.13 The Commission shall meet on a regular basis during the academic year. The co-chairs shall be responsible for preparing the agenda and calling the meetings, with notification to members at least one week in advance.

5.39.14 The Commission shall meet with the Chief Diversity Officer regularly to discuss progress on recommendations and emerging issues and shall invite the President to at least one meeting annually.

5.40.10 The Campus Master Plan Review Team shall consider and discuss new construction projects, including those concerning buildings and grounds, and ensure that those projects are consistent with the guiding principles of the Campus Master Plan as defined in 5.40.11. The Team shall meet monthly, or as deemed needed by the Chair, in order to review new projects and designs and make recommendations guiding these projects as they are implemented.

5.40.11 The Campus Master Plan shall outline URI’s future physical development, and provide design guidelines and policies concerning the current state of the University’s buildings, grounds, and infrastructure, as well as regarding their future modification. The Plan is to ensure consistent standards concerning landscape elements for the purpose of bringing about a unified, and aesthetically pleasing campus. The plan is also to address physical access to the University, as well as traffic flow and transportation corridors.

5.40.12 The membership shall be appointed by the President, and be comprised of staff and faculty from Facilities Services, the Bay Campus, the Office of the Provost, Student Affairs, Administration and Finance, Public Safety as well as representatives from the faculty, staff, and the South Kingstown community. Administrative Report September 2015

5.40.13 The committee shall communicate regularly with the President and the Strategic Budget and Planning Council. Administrative Report September 2015

5.41.10 The Space Allocation Committee (SAC) shall consider the present and future space needs of the University community, including new projects falling below the State’s Capital Improvement Plan project threshold. The committee will provide recommendations regarding space allocations requested to meet the programmatic needs of the University’s colleges and divisions. In making its recommendations, SAC shall consider future priorities of the University with respect to space, take into account the University’s academic priorities and strategic initiatives, and communicate with the Division of Research and Economic Development, the Campus Master Plan Review Team (5.40.10-5.40-13), the Joint Classroom Steering Committee (5.85.10-5.85.12), and the Strategic Budget and Planning Council (5.55.10 – 5.55.14) as needed. The Vice President of Administration and Finance shall review and approve space allocation recommendations prior to implementation. Administrative Report September 2015; Administrative Report March 2021.

5.41.11 The committee shall schedule monthly meetings. It shall be comprised of the Director of Planning and Real Estate Development; the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management; the Assistant Vice President for Facilities; the Director Facilities Operations; a representative from Academic Planning; a representative from the Strategic Budget and Planning Council; a representative from the Division of Research and Economic Development; a representative from the Division of Student Affairs; the Chair of the Narragansett Bay Campus Space Committee; a representative from Enrollment Services; and one (1) faculty representative from each of the degree-granting colleges, except the Graduate School of Oceanography, on staggered terms and appointed by the Faculty Senate and serving no more than a consecutive three-year term. The Manager of Space Allocation and Analysis shall serve as administrative support for the committee. The President shall appoint the chair. Administrative Report September 2015; Administrative Report March 2021

5.42.10 Building Committees shall be appointed by the President for the purpose of advising the President with regard to the construction or renovation of University facilities or other assets which affect the delivery of academic programs or administrative operations and have a project budget in excess of $1,000,000.

5.44.10 The Diversity Week Committee shall develop and organize an annual program for the University of Rhode Island community that provides a variety of workshops, speakers, films and musical events for faculty, students, staff and citizens of the state to encourage respect for diversity and to work toward overcoming prejudice.

5.45.10 The President’s Council on Sustainability shall provide guidance and oversight of the University of Rhode Island’s commitment to sustainable practices in the day-to-day life of the University. The Council shall review plans, provide advice on best practices, support initiatives and imagine solutions for the greening of URI, ranging from reduction of its carbon footprint to the inculcation of sustainable values in all aspects of the enterprise.

5.45.11 The membership shall comprise faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate student representatives appointed by the President. The Vice President for Administration and Finance shall serve as chair

5.47.10 The Public Safety Advisory Committee is charged with advising and providing recommendations to the Department of Public Safety and its subunits, such as Transportation and Parking and Emergency Management, and to university leadership, at their request, regarding the programming and operational activities of the Department of Public Safety. The PSAC is also charged with recommending administrative policies related to the Department of Public Safety broadly as well as to any of its subunits. The Public Safety Advisory Committee may also review policies related to the Public Safety mission and its operations when requested to do so.  Administrative Report January 2024

5.47.11 The Public Safety Advisory Committee is not an internal review board and is not charged with the review of actions of individual members of the Public Safety staff, including police officers. Administrative Report January 2024

5.47.12 The PSAC will meet quarterly, or more frequently upon the request of the President, the Committee chair, or the director of public safety. Administrative Report January 2024

5.47.13 The PSAC Committee Chair shall be appointed by the President. Membership may change over time, but generally shall include the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Vice President for Community Equity and Diversity, the Assistant Vice President of Facilities, the Assistant Vice President, Housing and Residential Life and Student Development, the Dean of Students, the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief of Police, and the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity. In addition, the committee will include three (3) faculty representatives nominated by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, one (1) graduate student representative nominated by the Graduate Student Association, and one (1) undergraduate student representative nominated by the Student Senate, a faculty or staff representative from each URI campus (appointed by and agreed upon by Provost and Vice President for Administration and Finance). Administrative Report January 2024

5.50.10 The Health Professions Advisory Committee shall comprise the Health Professions advisor, faculty, and staff members appointed by the Health Professions advisor who acts as chair of the committee. The committee, working with the Health Professions advisor, shall identify students interested in qualifying for admission to professional medical schools, including allopathic and osteopathic medicine, dentistry, optometry, and physician assistant programs. The committee shall counsel such students to ensure that they meet the general minimum qualifications for admission to such schools and shall provide guidance to students as they draft their applications and prepare for interviews.  The committee shall also counsel students regarding the relevant standardized graduate admissions tests (MCAT, DAT, etc.) and maintain contact with the professional schools and their national organizations. In consultation with the Committee, the Health Professions advisor shall prepare committee letters of holistic evaluation for qualified students and assist both the students and the admissions boards of the colleges with other information that might be requested. Administrative Report September 2015  

5.52.10 The President’s Executive Council is a core team of university senior leaders tasked with addressing pressing and long-term issues, immediate risks and opportunities, and strategic priority setting.  Administrative Report February 2022

5.52.11 Members of the President’s Executive Council may change from time to time, but generally include at minimum Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Administration and Finance, General Counsel, and the Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the President. Administrative Report February 2022  

5.53.10 The President’s Leadership Council is a collaborative leadership team focused on policy deliberation and development, strategic implementation, and is responsible for excellence in overall University operations. Administrative Report February 2022

5.53.11 Members of the President’s Leadership Council may change from time to time, but generally include Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Associate Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, Executive Director for External Relations and Communications, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, General Counsel, President of URI Foundation and Alumni Relations, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, Chief Information Officer, Director of Athletics, and Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the President. Administrative Report February 2022

5.54.10 The President’s University Stewardship Council is composed of the University’s academic and administrative leaders responsible for purposeful information sharing, effective and inclusive decision-making, clear and timely communications, and overall university stewardship.  Administrative Report February 2022

5.54.11 Members of the President’s University Stewardship Council may change from time to time, but will include all members of the President’s Leadership Council as well as the President of the Faculty Senate, direct reports of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Directors of Legislative and Government Relations, the Co-Directors of Budget, and the Deans of all academic schools/ colleges, including the deans of the Graduate School and of University Libraries.  Administrative Report February 2022

5.55.10 The Strategic Budget and Planning Council (SBPC) shall provide a transparent and inclusive process for the planning, budgeting, and assessment of university strategic directions, investments, and facilities. The Council shall be advisory to the President. It shall ensure that the University’s Strategic Plan and Mission guide resource allocation and investments. Members of the Council shall bring expertise representing various aspects of the university community, but shall make decisions based on the best interests of the university as a whole. Administrative Report September 2015

5.55.11 The Council’s guiding principles shall be that: a) an open, understandable, transparent system is important to the process of defining strategic priorities and allocating the resources of the University; b) a strong linkage must exist between the budget and the strategic priorities of URI; c) budget recommendations shall be guided by the university’s mission and strategic plan and shall connect financial investments, strategic priorities, and expected outcomes; d) shared governance entails shared responsibility for the health and vitality of the institution; e) members operate from a university-wide perspective and must have the capacity and inclination to both inform analyses and understand the implications of the Council’s recommendations; and f) annual evaluation of plans and budgeting allocations is an important component of the planning and budgeting process.

5.55.12 The Strategic Budget and Planning Council shall a) review budget proposals by divisions of the University and make budgetary recommendations for developing the University’s yearly budgets that address strategic priorities, obligations, and other initiatives; b) develop and implement a budget planning cycle for decision-making that corresponds with State budget cycles; c) ensure that within each Division and Athletics there are guidelines and processes for planning and budgeting that facilitate collaboration and transparency and ensure effective use of resources; d) ensure that internal priorities identified through divisional planning are aligned with the overall University Strategic Plan and the Academic Plan and that potential resource allocations and reallocations within the divisions are recommended using a set of budget guidelines, principles, and procedures; these processes shall lead to a set of priorities from each division; e) conduct evidence-based analysis of the priorities and allocations emerging from the divisions, vetting priorities within divisions through the lens of institutional needs and directions and establishing indicators to assess outcomes; and f) recommend to the President a proposed University budget including potential institutional investments, funding recommendations (allocations and re-allocations), and rationale for proposed actions.

5.55.13 The Council shall conduct an annual retrospective assessment of previous investments in the context of the Strategic Plan and Academic Plan and make related recommendations for modification for future budgeting and planning.

5.55.14 The membership of the Strategic Budget and Planning Council shall have balanced representation from the University community, while maintaining a functional size. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs shall serve as Chair and the Vice President for Administration and Finance as Vice Chair. Other members shall include academic Deans, at least four faculty members appointed jointly by the Senate and the President to two year staggered terms, and additional members chosen and appointed by the President from, but not limited to, representatives of the Student Senate and Graduate Student Association, athletics, university staff, external friends of the university, or other administrators. The Special Assistant for Academic Planning and the Office of Budget and Financial Planning shall provide staff support services to the Council. Other university offices, including but not limited to Institutional Research and Enrollment Services, may provide services and advice as requested by the Council.

General Faculty or Graduate Faculty Committees

5.60.10 The Honorary Degree Committee is a committee of the General Faculty. It shall comprise the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall be Chair, and a Director of Government Relations; six members appointed by the President, one representing the alumni, one representing the community,  one undergraduate and one graduate student member from the graduating class selected from a list recommended by the Student Senate and Graduate Student Association respectively, one College Dean, and an at-large staff member; and three faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate in accordance with Senate By-Laws section 6.3. Except for the two student members, the members appointed by the President and by the Faculty Senate shall serve for two-year terms. Faculty appointments may be renewed for a second term.  The Executive Assistant to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs shall provide staff support to the committee.  #21-22-7

5.60.11 The committee shall determine its own procedures, which may include appointing and discharging ad hoc subcommittees. It shall solicit names of persons of outstanding academic, professional, and civic attainments representative of great contributions to society above and beyond their standard roles to be considered as candidates for honorary degrees and make recommendations to the President. The President shall present Honorary Degree candidates to the Board of Trustees for approval.  The committee shall recommend to the President names of possible commencement speakers. It shall, at the request of the President, make recommendations on naming buildings and streets within the jurisdiction of the University.  The Committee shall follow the same procedure when the rescission of Honorary Degrees is warranted when the standards by which degree recipients are chosen are violated.  #21-22-7

5.65.10 The Graduate Council shall comprise 19 representatives of whom 15 are faculty members (12 elected by the Graduate Faculty, one elected by the Library Faculty, and two appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School, three are graduate students, and the nineteenth is the Dean of the Graduate School, who serves as a non-voting ex officio member. Representation of the 13 elected members is as follows:

• Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies (1)
• College of Business (1) (#17-18-26D)
• College of Engineering (1)
• College of the Environment and Life Sciences (1)
• College of Health Sciences (2)
• College of Nursing (1)
• College of Pharmacy (1)
• Graduate School of Oceanography (1)
• College of Arts and Sciences (3):

Natural Sciences: Chemistry, Computer Science and Statistics, Mathematics, Physics (1)
Social Sciences: Library and Information Studies, Political Science (1)
Humanities: Communication Studies, English, History, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Music (1)

• University Libraries (1)

Graduate student members of the Graduate Council shall include the following: The President (or, at the discretion of the President, but not interchangeably, the Vice President) of the Graduate Student Association, serving for the academic year following the individual’s election or reelection; and two graduate students chosen by the Graduate Student Association to serve one-year terms, but eligible for one reelection. #16-17-18, #19-20-30, #21-22-6

5.65.11 Prior to the expiration date of the term of a member of the Graduate Council, the Dean of the Graduate School shall request the dean of the college or school concerned to appoint a nominating committee comprising members of the Graduate Faculty only.

5.65.12 The nominating committee shall nominate at least two members of the Graduate Faculty for each position to be filled on the Graduate Council.

5.65.13 Nominees shall be presented to the Graduate Faculty of their respective college or graduate school, convened in a special meeting. Further nominations may be made from the floor at that time.

5.65.14 Members of the Graduate Faculty of each college or graduate school shall vote only for their own representative. In the special case of the College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Faculty members of that college shall vote for all candidates in their college, regardless of the academic discipline of the nominee or voter. However, nominees shall be so selected that at all times there shall be on the council elected representatives from each of the three divisions, and a member-at-large from any one of the three divisions.

5.65.15 Elections shall be determined by majority vote of those present and shall be for one three-year term or for a specified portion of an unexpired term.

5.65.16 Appointments by the Dean of the Graduate School shall be for one three-year term. However, faculty members appointed to unexpired terms shall be eligible to succeed themselves for one term. #19-20-30, #21-22-6

5.65.17 Elections and/or appointments to fill positions at the expiration of regular terms shall be in May. Terms of office shall end at the end of the academic year specified in the election or appointment.

5.65.18 An unexpired term in an elective post shall be filled by election by the appropriate faculty or if an appointive post is vacated, by appointment by the Dean of the Graduate School. #19-20-30

5.65.19 Elected members of the Graduate Council shall not be reelected to succeed themselves, and one year shall elapse before such faculty members shall become eligible for reelection. However, faculty members elected to unexpired terms shall be eligible to succeed themselves for one term if duly elected. #19-20-30, #21-22-6

5.65.20 The Graduate Council shall elect a chair for a two-year term at the first meeting the Graduate Council at the start of the academic year. The Chair shall lead the work and preside over the meetings of the Graduate Council. The Chair of the Graduate Council will work closely with the Dean of the Graduate School to develop agendas for the meetings of the Graduate Council. The Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Graduate School shall be the Secretary for the Council. The Secretary shall be responsible for distributing agendas and minutes of the meetings of the Graduate Council to the Graduate Faculty under 5.65.24 and 5.65.25. #19-20-30.

5.65.21 Regular meetings of the Graduate Council shall be held at least once a month during the academic year.

5.65.22 Special meetings of the Graduate Council shall be held upon the call of the Chair of the Graduate Council, or at the request of the Dean of the Graduate School, or at the request of two or more members of the Graduate Council, or by vote of the Council at any regular or special meeting, or by request of 10 members of the Graduate Faculty. #19-20-30

5.65.23 Meetings of the Graduate Council shall be open to all members of the Graduate Faculty. Members of the Graduate Faculty may address the Graduate Council at the request of the Council or with permission of the Chair of the Council granted prior to calling the meeting to order. #19-20-30

5.65.24 At least 72 hours prior to each meeting of the Graduate Council, the basic agenda of the business to be conducted shall be provided to members of the Graduate Faculty. #19-20-30

5.65.25 Minutes of each meeting of the Graduate Council shall be posted on the Graduate School’s website within one week following the approval of the minutes. #19-20-30

5.65.26 A quorum of the Graduate Council shall be nine members, exclusive of the Dean of the Graduate School, who is a non-voting ex officio member. #19-20-30

5.65.30 The Graduate Council, acting on behalf of the Graduate Faculty and subject to the referendum power of the Graduate Faculty and to the stated powers of the Senate, the President, and the URI Board of Trustees, shall exercise the following powers (5.65.31 – 5.65.37): #20-21-36

5.65.31 Determine requirements for admission of students to graduate work, their candidacy for degrees, and the awarding of degrees.

5.65.32 Approve, subject to the action of the Faculty Senate, all programs of graduate instruction and all courses carrying graduate credit.

5.65.33 Act upon all petitions from graduate students relating to their academic work and degree requirements.

5.65.34 Establish academic standards for all graduate work.

5.65.35 Recommend to the Graduate Faculty for its approval the names of students who have completed requirements for degrees.

5.65.36 Make recommendations to the Faculty Senate on all matters relating to teaching and research on the graduate level.

5.65.37 Establish such standing and special committees as it deems necessary to carry out its functions.

5.65.40 The Graduate Faculty may review decisions made by the Graduate Council. Upon petition to the Dean of the Graduate School signed by 25 Graduate Faculty members and presented to the Dean within 14 days, exclusive of recognized academic vacations, after the date of posting of the minutes of the Graduate Council meeting, the Dean of the Graduate School shall call a meeting of the Graduate Faculty, giving at least 10 days’ notice thereof, exclusive of recognized academic vacations. At this meeting, the decision or decisions objected to shall be the first items on the agenda. A majority vote of those present, provided that a quorum is in attendance, shall decide the matter. If a quorum is not present, the action of the Graduate Council shall stand approved. #19-20-30, #21-22-6

5.65.41 Actions of the Graduate Council, other than those which must be approved by the Faculty Senate and the President shall become effective when signed by the Dean of the Graduate School, or the Dean shall insert in the minutes a formal statement of disapproval. In the latter case, the procedure stated in 5.65.42 shall be followed. #19-20-30

5.65.42 If the Dean of the Graduate School shall disapprove of any action voted by a majority of the Graduate Council, the Chair of the Graduate Council shall place the item on the agenda for the next meeting of the Council, noting the reason for disapproval. If an agreement between the Dean and the majority of the Council is not reached at this second meeting, the item objected to by the Dean shall be made the first order of business at a special meeting of the Graduate Faculty. A majority of those present at the Graduate Faculty meeting, provided that a quorum is in attendance, shall decide the matter. If a quorum is not present, the disapproval of the action shall stand. #19-20-30

5.65.43 The provisions of those sections applying to the Graduate School, the Graduate Faculty and the Graduate Council may be amended by two-thirds majority vote of those present and eligible to vote at any regular or special meeting of the Graduate Faculty, provided a quorum is present, but a proposal to amend shall not be voted upon at the meeting at which it is first moved.

Joint Committees of the Faculty Senate and the President

5.70.10 – 5.70.12 The Joint Committee on Academic Planning (JCAP) – Deleted, #23-24-18

5.73.10 The Student Rights and Responsibilities Committee shall review all student non-academic regulations at the request of the President, the Vice President for Student Affairs or any other appropriate authority or body; review regularly all student non-academic regulations and policies for publication in the student handbook; recommend modifications as deemed appropriate by means of action through the Student Senate, Faculty Senate, or administration; and serve as an advisory board when called upon by the President or the Vice President for Student Affairs. #02-03–33

5.73.11 This committee shall also periodically review policies related to student discipline, the procedures and operation of the conduct system, and the composition of conduct boards. The committee shall consider proposals for changes in the conduct system recommended by the Dean of Students Office or other members of the University Community, and shall recommend appropriate modifications to the Faculty Senate. The committee is precluded from involvement in any aspect of individual conduct cases or in the daily operation of the Office of Student Life. #02-03–33   #October 20, 2022 Informational Report

5.73.12 The membership shall comprise the Dean of Students as chairperson, two faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate, two members from the Division of Student Affairs and four undergraduate students appointed by the Student Senate and one graduate student appointed by the Graduate Student Association. For the review of policies related to student discipline and the conduct system, two additional faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate shall augment the membership. #02-03–33

5.73.13 The committee shall report to the Vice President for Student Affairs on issues related to social regulations and to both the Vice President and the Faculty Senate on policies related to student discipline. #02-03–33

5.74.10 The University Conduct Board shall, through hearing panels drawn from it, hear and adjudicate cases of alleged violations of community standards of behavior or university policies as referred to it by the Dean of Students Office. Procedures to be followed are found in sections 9.18.10-9.25.10. #05-06–2E   #January 27, 2022 Informational Report   #October 20, 2022 Informational Report

5.74.11 The Board shall comprise six or more undergraduate student members, at least one graduate student member, and six faculty or staff members appointed by the Faculty Senate. The faculty or staff members shall be of the rank of assistant professor/assistant director or above. They may also be chosen from the group of faculty emeriti. Five board members shall constitute a quorum.

5.74.12 New student members shall be selected by the existing board. In selecting new members, the Board shall make every effort to provide Board representation for each of the following groups: Fraternities/sororities, residence hall students, and commuters. Care shall also be taken that the interests of minority groups be considered in the selection process. Only full-time students who do not have current conduct sanctions shall be allowed to serve. The Dean of Students Office shall appoint a Conduct Board Advisor, who shall not be considered a member of the Board, but who shall be present at board meetings. #07-08–34   #January 27, 2022 Informational Report   #October 20, 2022 Informational Report

5.74.20 Hearing Panels. For each case to be adjudicated, a hearing panel shall be drawn from the Conduct Board. Panel members shall be appointed from the Conduct Board members by the Dean of Students Office, Office of Community Standards. Faculty or staff who have been Conduct Board members in the past and who are conversant with the current system may be asked to serve on individual hearing panels when a sufficient number of current Conduct Board members are not available. For non-academic cases, each panel shall comprise one student member, one faculty and one staff member. In cases where faculty or staff are unavailable, two faculty or two staff members would be sufficient. For academic cases involving undergraduate students, each panel shall comprise two faculty members and one undergraduate student member. For academic cases involving graduate students, each panel shall comprise two faculty members and one graduate student member. Each hearing panel shall also have an advisor, to be appointed by the Dean of Students. The role of the advisor, who shall not be considered as a member of the panel, is spelled out in 9.21.10.  Cases involving sexual misconduct, sexual harassment or relationship violence that meet the applicable definitions of Title IX shall follow the procedures accompanying the Board of Trustees Policy on Sexual Misconduct.  For cases involving sexual misconduct and relationship violence not under the jurisdiction of Title IX and involving undergraduate students, each panel shall comprise three faculty and/or staff members.. #04-05–32 #05-06–2E, #18-19-6,  #21-22-41

5.74.21 A student member elected by a majority vote of the Board shall chair hearing panels. Alternatively, if the Board concurs, the Board advisor may rotate the task of chair among the student members.

5.75.10 The University Appeals Board shall hear all appeals of administrative actions (see 9.21.25), appeals of decisions of the panels drawn from the Conduct  Board, and appeals of decisions of any other disciplinary board or panel, which may be formed at the direction of the Dean of Students. Procedures to be followed are found in sections 9.21.29-9.21.30. #05-06–2E   #January 27, 2022 Informational Report

5.75.11 The Appeals Board shall comprise one full-time student (who does not have a current conduct sanction) appointed by the President of the Student Senate and one member of the teaching faculty appointed by the President of the Faculty Senate, and a chairperson holding the rank of assistant professor or above appointed by the President of the University. For a graduate student’s appeal, the Graduate Student Association shall appoint a graduate student member to the Board. Alternates for each position shall be appointed by the appointing authorities. A quorum shall require the presence of all three Board members; however, when duly appointed members or alternates cannot be convened quickly, former members of the Appeals Board may be called upon to serve, providing proper Board composition is maintained. The Dean of Students Office shall appoint an Appeals Board Advisor, who shall not be considered a member of the board, but who shall be present at Board meetings. #07-08–34, #20-21-5,  #January 27, 2022 Informational Report  #October 20, 2022 Informational Report 

5.75.12 Excepting the chairperson, members and alternates shall be appointed for two-year terms on a staggered basis with one student and one faculty completing their terms each year. The chairperson shall be appointed for a three-year term. Vacancies occurring in a board position shall be filled by the alternate for the remainder of the term. If a board position becomes vacant and no alternate is available, the original appointing authority shall appoint a replacement for the completion of the remainder of the term.

5.76.10 Administrator Evaluation Committees shall be established within each administrative unit to conduct administrator evaluations as described in sections 10.90.10 – 10.90.17.  #13-14–26

5.76.11 Each administrator evaluation committee shall consist of 5 members of the tenure-track faculty. Three members shall be selected from a slate of nominees or volunteers by the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. The administrator shall choose one member of the committee. In addition, the President or Provost as appropriate shall choose one member of the committee. All members of the committee shall usually come from the constituent group. Committee members shall be selected from the following groups: a) for the academic deans of: the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, the Graduate School of Oceanography, the College of Pharmacy, and the University Libraries: all tenure-track faculty within the academic or administrative unit; b) for the Dean of University College for Academic Success, the Dean of the Graduate School, the President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Chief Information Officer, and the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs: all university tenure-track faculty.  #07-08–4 #13-14–26, #18-19-33   

5.76.12 The constituent groups shall be defined as the following: a) for academic deans of: the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, the Graduate School of Oceanography, and the College of Pharmacy: all college faculty (tenure-track, research, clinical and teaching); b) for the President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Chief Information Officer, the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, the Dean of University College for Academic Success, the Dean of University Libraries: all faculty (tenure track, research, clinical and teaching); c) for the Vice President for Research and Economic Development: all faculty (tenure track, research, and clinical); d) for the Dean of the Graduate School: all graduate faculty (tenure track, research, clinical, and teaching). #07-08–4 #13-14–26 #15-16-15D #16-15-21, #18-19-33  #October 20, 2022 Informational Report.

5.77.10 – 5. 77.12 The Admissions Advisory Committee. Deleted 2016. #16-17–9 

5.78.10 The Joint Committee on Online and Distance Learning shall propose, examine and recommend institutional policies and practices for developing, planning, evaluating, and implementing online and distance learning offerings with a focus on quality, sustainability, and connection to the mission of the institution, with the approval of the Faculty Senate and the Provost. Such policies may include, but are not limited to, those regarding standards for faculty training and assurance of quality in the delivery of online offerings, expectations of students, student learning outcomes and assessment (in collaboration with the Office of Student Learning, Outcomes Assessment, and Accreditation and appropriate entities), class size guidelines, intellectual property, compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and reasonable accommodations dealing with access and digital divide issues. In addition, the committee shall consult with the appropriate University personnel on policies regarding national trends (i.e., interstate practices and regulations) associated with distance learning. #12-13–1

5.78.11 The committee shall provide advice and guidance to the Provost and Faculty Senate in the development and implementation of a strategic plan for online offerings, including web-enhanced, blended, and online courses; online certificate programs; and online and distance degree programs, including majors and minors. In its work, the committee will consult with the appropriate committees and the various colleges. #12-13–1

5.78.12 Membership. The committee shall comprise the Director of the Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning who shall serve as Chair, and the Assistant Director of Online Learning and the Director of Media & Technology Services by virtue of their positions. The Provost shall appoint a designee from the Office of the Provost, and a dean of a degree-granting college. The Faculty Senate shall appoint six faculty members to staggered three-year terms. A graduate student and an undergraduate student, appointed respectively by the Graduate Student Association and the Student Senate, shall also serve on the committee. The faculty appointees shall represent the University Libraries, the Curriculum and Standards Committee, the General Education Committee, and the Graduate Council and may represent more than one of these constituencies. Faculty appointees may succeed themselves once. #12-13–1 #15-16-15D #16-17-21, #17-18-23, #20-21-24   

5.80.10 The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) Curriculum Committee shall review all proposals for (1) the creation, modification, or abolition of BIS concentrations; (2) the modification of the general education component of the BIS program; and (3) the creation, modification or abolition of BIS courses. The Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies also shall review all such proposals. In the spirit of section 8.81.20, the BIS Curriculum Committee shall review plans for each offering of the open-ended BIS Seminars. #10-11–14

5.80.11 The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) Curriculum Committee and the Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies shall consult with the affected supporting departments before forwarding curriculum proposals to the Faculty Senate Curricular Affairs Committee. Proposals that have staffing or course scheduling implications must also be discussed with the appropriate college dean(s). The chairpersons of all BIS support departments shall receive copies of all approved BIS curricular proposals at least one week prior to the consideration of the proposals by the Faculty Senate Curricular Affairs Committee.#10-11–14

5.80.12 The membership shall comprise two members of the Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty representing each BIS concentration, elected by the faculty of the departments which support the concentration, and one elected representative of the temporary lecturers who are teaching sections of the BIS Pro-Seminar at the time of the election. The Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies (or designee) shall serve as an advisor to the committee. The committee shall elect its own chairperson. Members of the committee shall be elected for two-year terms and may succeed themselves once. #10-11–14

5.80.13 The BIS Curriculum Committee shall select with the approval of the Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies three members of the tenure-track URI faculty to serve as a BIS Special Faculty Committee. One person shall be selected from each of the following areas of the College of Arts and Sciences: Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Humanities. The BIS Special Faculty Committee shall review the professional qualifications of persons other than tenure-track URI faculty members who wish to teach BIS courses as temporary lecturers. Persons who have once been appointed as temporary lecturers for the BIS Pro-Seminar may be reappointed in that capacity by the Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies without a second review by the BIS Special Faculty Committee. Committee members shall serve three-year terms. Terms shall be filled on a staggered basis with one term expiring each year. #10-11–14

5.81.10 The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) Scholastic Standing Committee shall certify lists of potential BIS graduates on behalf of the Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty and shall be empowered to approve requests from BIS students for suspension of those academic regulations which the colleges of the University are empowered to suspend. The committee may delegate to the Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies the authority to rule on student petitions of specific types. #10-11–14

5.81.11 The composition and manner of election to the BIS Scholastic Standing Committee shall be the same as those for the BIS Curriculum Committee described in section 5.80.12, except that only one faculty member shall be elected for each concentration and that the temporary lecturers shall not be represented. #10-11–14

5.83.10 The Providence Campus Undergraduate Initiative Committee shall oversee undergraduate programs offered on the Providence Campus to students admitted under the provisions of section 8.88.10. The committee shall provide advice and support to the Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies and the Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Initiatives during the initial stage of the initiative. After the establishment phase, the committee shall review the initiative every 4 years. Specific degree programs will be reviewed every three years on a staggered basis in accordance with the University’s current review policies. #05-06–1

5.83.11 The committee shall be comprised of the following members: one faculty member appointed by each department which offers an undergraduate program at the Providence Campus; three faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate in consultation with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from departments that do not offer undergraduate programs; and a designee of each of the following: the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies, the Dean of University College for Academic Success, and the Dean of Admissions. Faculty members shall be appointed for three-year staggered terms. One of the Faculty Senate’s appointees shall serve as chair. #05-06–1

5.83.12 The committee shall meet on a regular basis and report annually to the Faculty Senate through the Curricular Affairs Committee on the status of the overall Providence Campus initiative. Recommendations shall be forwarded to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Faculty Senate Curricular Affairs Committee for appropriate action. #05-06–1

5.84.10 The Joint Committee on Academic Program Review and Outcomes Assessment (JAPROA) shall meet at least once monthly during the academic year, as determined by the Chair and members, to provide oversight and
guidance for URI academic program review and program-level student learning outcomes assessment. #06-07–25   #23-24-8

5.84.11 The committee shall (1) develop policies for URI student learning outcomes assessment, data distribution, and measurement frequency at the university-wide level, with the Faculty Senate’s and the Provost’s approval; (2) develop an ongoing review of the learning outcomes assessment process, interpret external expectations for university-wide learning outcomes assessment, including those of accreditation bodies, and facilitate internal communication across units regarding way of meeting those expectations, and (3) guide the implementation and revision of the Academic Program Review process (sections 8.86.10 – 8.86.14) and serve as a resource to
departments and programs being reviewed. #06-07–25  #23-24-8

5.84.12 The committee shall also develop an ongoing review of the learning outcomes assessment process, interpret external expectations for university-wide learning outcomes assessment, including those of accreditation bodies and facilitate internal communication across units regarding ways of meeting those expectations. #06-07–25   #23-24-8

5.84.13 The membership shall include 12 faculty members appointed by the President of the Faculty Senate in consultation with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, with representation from each of the academic colleges. Appointees will serve three-year staggered terms. The President of the Faculty Senate will appoint the Chair, who will serve a two-year term. In addition, membership shall include administration representation from units with expertise regarding the program review process and the Associate Vice Provost for Advancement of Teaching and
Learning, Assistant Director for Student Learning Outcomes Assessment, Executive Director of Institutional Research (or designee), and the Director for Innovation in General Education. The Student Senate and Graduate Student Senate shall each appoint one student representative. #06-07–25, #07-08–40 #14-15–31 #15-16-15D #16-17-21, #17-18-23, #20-21-24  #23-24-8

5.84.14 The Committee shall serve as a resource to departments and programs to support continuous improvement efforts. The Committee shall work with the Faculty Senate’s Teaching, Advising, and Assessment Committee when appropriate to promote effective assessment. The Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning staff will support the Committee’s work.  #23-24-8

5.85.10 The Joint Classroom Steering Committee (JCSC) shall serve as a steering group to the functional areas that manage and have responsibility for classroom upkeep and planning (MTS, Enrollment Services, and Business Services). The committee shall be responsible for the development of plans for all aspects of classroom planning and management, including, but not limited to, the development and management of a single classroom data-base, the establishment and updating of design standards, scheduling and planning, assessment of needs for classroom refurbishments and setting priorities, maintenance and ongoing management of classrooms and the coordination of resources for classroom upkeep and improvement. This committee shall also monitor progress and the execution of these plans. This committee shall be comprised of representatives from enrollment services, instructional technology, space planning, business services, property, facilities, the university architect, the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and at least three representatives of the faculty, one of whom shall be an academic department chair, appointed by the Faculty Senate. The chairperson shall be selected by the committee and confirmed by the Faculty Senate and the President. #06-07–15

5.85.11 The JCSC shall form appropriate subcommittees, chaired by the representatives of the offices and groups identified in 5.85.10. These subcommittees shall meet regularly and report to the JCSC at each of its meetings. #06-07–15

5.85.12 The JCSC shall meet at least twice each semester and shall report annually to the Faculty Senate on the status of classrooms at the University. #06-07–15

5.86.10 and 5.86.11 deleted per Bill #23-24-8

5.87.10 The IT Strategic Governance Committee (ITGov) shall promote effective and efficient IT services that meet constituents’ current and future needs. ITGov is advisory to the University President and members of the University Senior Leadership Council and works within the frameworks of the President’s transformational goals, the University Strategic Plan, and the IT Strategic Plan. ITGov reviews all proposals for new investments, IT-related policies, standards and processes prior to their implementation. ITGov shall meet monthly. The Committee Councils include: Data Governance Council, Web Policy Council, Research Computing Council, IT Technical Standards Council, Administrative Computing Council, and IT Security Council. (October 21, 2021 Informational Report)

5.87.11 ITGov shall comprise members from each University division with one-third membership from full-time faculty, two students, and each ITGov Council Chair or their designee. Membership shall comprise the Chair of the Web Policy Council or their designee, Chair of the Faculty Senate Committee on Information Technology and Infrastructure; the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management or their designee, the Controller or their designee, a faculty member from the Research Computing Council, the Chair of the Data Governance Council; a representative from the Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, a faculty member representing the Joint Committee on Online and Distance Learning or the Joint Classroom Steering Committee; a Distributed IT Representative from IT Technical Standards Council, a representative from the ITS Leadership Team, a College Dean; One Representative each from the Divisions of Student Affairs, and Research and Economic Development, a faculty member from University Libraries, an at-large Faculty member with IT expertise appointed by the Faculty Senate, an undergraduate and a graduate student appointed by the Student Senate and Graduate Student Association, respectively; and the Chief Information Security Officer of the University as the representative of the IT Security Council. (#October 21, 2021 Informational Report)

5.87.12 The chairperson of ITGov or their designee shall report to the Faculty Senate at least once a year and whenever there is a major change in policy. (October 21, 2021 Informational Report)

5.88.10 The Ombuds – The Ombuds shall investigate complaints from members of the University community – students, faculty, and administrative personnel – that they have been unfairly dealt with in the normal channels of administrative process. The Office of the Ombuds is not intended to replace those normal channels. The Ombuds’ services are an exceptional administrative procedure to be used only when the normal channels do not adequately respond. #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4  

5.88.11 The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Faculty Senate Executive Committee shall jointly nominate one or more full-time, tenured faculty or emeritus faculty for the post of Ombuds and shall submit the names of nominees to the Faculty Senate for confirmation, no later than May 1st of the year in which the Ombuds’ term is to begin. #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4  

5.88.12 The Ombuds shall serve for a period beginning the day after Commencement following their election and ending one week before registration, approximately 27 months later. There shall be no limitation on the number of times a person is elected to the office. Ombuds shall serve on a year-round basis during their term of office. Ombuds on academic year appointments shall recontract for the
summer under the terms governing department chairpersons. During the transition between the confirmation of succeeding Ombuds in May and their termination, outgoing Ombuds will be responsible for processing cases originating before Commencement in their terminal year. Succeeding Ombuds will be responsible for processing cases, which originate after Commencement and those cases, which
remain unresolved as of one week before registration. Close cooperation between outgoing and succeeding Ombuds during the period of transition is expected. #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.88.13 The Areas of Responsibility of Ombuds are Equity, Critical Review, and Recommendations and Report. #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

Equity: to help individuals or groups in specific cases to get just and equitable treatment. In securing equity, Ombuds shall: afford full opportunity for presentation in confidence of any complaint or grievance from any student, faculty member, or member of the administrative staff alleging unfairness, discourtesy, undue delay, or other malfunctioning in any and all processes at the University of Rhode Island; investigate, in confidence, to determine the degree of validity of the complaint; and mediate or otherwise resolve the problem, arriving in confidence at what appears to the Ombuds to be a just resolution (in the dismissal of the complaint, or in recommended action based on the verified complaint). (The Ombuds will not be expected to be concerned with the normal operations of established grievance processes or disciplinary procedures contained in the University Manual, except
that they may, on the basis solely of their own judgment, inquire into possible bias or malfunction in any of those proceedings, and make a confidential report thereon to the office of the President and to the President of the Faculty Senate). #20-21-5, #21-22-6

Critical Review: to help administrative functionaries (whether connected with Student Government or with faculty or administrative offices) to improve their processes, not only correct a particular inequity or injustice but also to prevent its recurrence. In carrying out this function the Ombuds shall: be receptive
to all suggestions, comments and criticism regarding the general functioning of University processes and procedures (as distinguished from individual grievances or complaints of inequity); make appropriate inquiries; make recommendations in confidence to the administrative officer who heads the particular unit involved; and report to the office of the President and to the President of the Faculty Senate as to
the disposition of the recommendation. #20-21-5

Recommendations and Report: on the basis of inquiry and experience to recommend such changes in procedure and practice as may seem to them to be appropriate, and to make a final public report of their actions. In fulfilling this function, Ombuds shall: in addition to any recommendations submitted in connection with the foregoing functions, from time to time, make such reports and recommendations as
they deem wise, directly to the office of the President and to the President of the Faculty Senate, with such substantiation as may be appropriate and prepare an annual report reviewing and evaluating the activities of their office during the year, the report to be distributed to the general faculty, the members
of the Student Senate, and deans, directors and department heads. In addition to the annual report, Ombuds shall periodically publish in appropriate campus media information on University regulations and suggestions regarding their application. #20-21-5, #21-22-6

5.88.14 The Primary Task of the Ombuds shall be to serve as confidential investigators in any specific case of alleged inequity, unfairness, or maladministration. In carrying out this task, they shall be impartial spokespersons, both to the person making the complaint and to the person(s) against whose
performance the allegation is brought. The Ombuds may inquire at the office or other location where the offense is alleged to have been committed, shall be given access to all relevant guidelines, principles, rules, regulations, and similar data, and shall be given access to relevant aspects of the case. They shall enjoy the complete cooperation of the faculty, administrators or students against whom complaints have
been brought. They shall receive complete and courteous cooperation from any complainant. They shall carry out their work in privacy, and with full respect for the rights and immunities of all parties. All records, correspondence, and communications in the Ombuds’ office shall be kept in a locked file under
sole control of Ombuds. Administrative Report September 2015, #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.88.15 Having completed their inquiries they shall make such disposition of each case as, in their sole judgment, is best. They may dismiss the charges as without foundation or merit. They may recommend corrective action to achieve justice or equity in the particular case. They shall determine the question of equity and fairness not on the basis of opinion or bias or preference, but on the basis of whether or not the rules, guidelines and other governing statutes have been followed honestly and fairly without undue delay. If they find that a particular rule or regulation or statute is itself unfair or makes for inequity, they shall convey that finding to the office of the President and to the President of the Faculty Senate; but they shall not at the same time make a finding against an individual who has faithfully adhered to the guidelines then governing the case. Should the Ombuds arrive at conclusions which are critical of the operations and practices of the office of the President, or of the Presidential disposition of cases duly reported by the Ombuds to the President, they shall so inform the President; and if there is no resolution of the problem which is satisfactory to them, the Ombuds may take the matter directly to the
Chairperson of the URI Board of Trustees, informing the President before doing so. #20-21-5, #21-22-6 #January 27, 2022 Informational Report; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.88.16 Powers of the Ombuds shall include: access to all records pertinent to any allegation of inequity or injustice or other grievance coming under their jurisdiction; the right to inquire of any officer of instruction or of administration, or of any member of the clerical and custodial staffs, or of any student, in connection with their proper inquiries and to receive full and complete answers; the right to
mediate or otherwise arrive at a compromise or to arrive at their own proposal for solution of the problem at hand; the right to present their recommendations for solution to the parties involved and to report such recommendations to the supervisory officers of the person(s) involved and to the office of the President and to the President of the Faculty Senate; and having completed the foregoing process in
confidence the right to make a final public report on the matter. #20-21-5, #21-22-6  Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.88.17 The Ombuds shall be provided with office facilities by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs including part-time secretarial help. #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.88.18 Compensation and Release Time. In the case of Ombuds who are full-time faculty members, their teaching and/or research load shall be adjusted in consultation with their departmental chairperson, their dean, and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Every effort shall be made to reduce their teaching and research load appropriately and professional expectations for
accomplishment in these areas shall reflect this commitment to the position of Ombuds. They shall be free of all committee assignments, student advising and other similar duties, during their term of office. Faculty members’ departments shall be provided with replacement funding from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to the extent of one course per semester. Any additional release time for full-time faculty members, shall be negotiated by nominees with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs before Faculty Senate confirmation. The summer retainer and any compensation for emerita faculty members shall be provided by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.88.19 Student Assistant. The Ombuds shall be assisted by a student appointed by the President by July 1 each year in accordance with the procedure outlined below. In March of each academic year, the Student Senate and Graduate Student Association shall conduct searches for their nominees to the position of Student Assistant to the Ombuds. The searches shall be conducted in a manner established
by each organization. The names of no more than three nominees from each group shall be forwarded to the current Ombuds by April 15. Finalists for the position shall be interviewed by a committee composed of the Ombuds and a representative of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The committee shall be convened by the Ombuds and shall make its recommendation to the President no later than June 15. The Ombuds’ Student Assistant shall perform duties associated with the position in consultation with and under the direction of the Ombuds, shall serve a one-year term, and shall be eligible serve additional consecutive terms without a search. The Ombuds’ Student Assistant shall receive a stipend of $1000 per semester, to be paid by the University. #03-04–23, #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.88.20 Conflict of Interest. If a complaint to an Ombuds in any way compromises the objectivity of the Ombuds in handling the case, a past Ombuds may be called upon to serve on an ad hoc basis. This arrangement shall be mutually agreed upon by the Ombuds, the President of the Faculty Senate and the past Ombuds concerned. Administrative Report September 2015, #20-21-5, #21-22-6; Informational Report 2022-2023-4

5.90.10 Standing Committees of the Faculty Senate are created by the Faculty Senate. See By-Laws of the Faculty Senate, Section 4.