Senate Standing Rules

Article I – Rules of Procedure

Section 1

(a) The rules of procedure in the meetings of the University Faculty Senate, except as may be otherwise specified in the Senate Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules, shall be those of the American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Parliamentary Code of Parliamentary Procedure (AIPSC). All motions, except as may be otherwise specified in these documents, shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast. Roll-call votes may be initiated only by the decision of the Chair or by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of senators voting. The role of the Parliamentarian is advisory only.

(b) Election of officers of the Senate shall be by secret preferential ballot, the preferred candidate being designated by “1,” the next by “2,” and so on. In counting votes the Hare System of the single transferable ballot shall be used. In the event of a tie, the results of the election shall be determined by drawing lots among the tied candidates. (See The Senate Record, March 5, 1974, Vol. 7, No. 8)

(c) Each academic voting unit eligible under the provisions of Article II, Section 2, of the Bylaws shall elect its Senate Council member(s) from among its elected faculty senators.

Section 2

The order of business at each regular meeting of the Senate shall be as follows:

(a) minutes of the preceding meeting

(b) communications to the Senate

(d) announcements by the Chair

(e) comments by the President of the University

(f) comments by the Executive Vice President and Provost of the University

(g) forensic business

(h) unfinished legislative business

(i) legislative reports

(j) advisory/consultative reports

(k) positional reports

(l) informational reports

(m) new legislative business

(n) comments and recommendations for the good of the University

The order of business may be changed by the Senate Council prior to any meeting. Any or all items in this Section may be suspended at any regular meeting of the Senate by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at any special meeting by decision of the Chair.

Section 3

The Chair of the Senate may convene special meetings of the Senate, in addition to those specified in Article V or Article I, Section 2 of the Bylaws, at such times and for such purposes as the Chair deems necessary for the effective discharge of the business of the Senate.

Section 4

The order of business for any special meeting of the Senate shall be determined by the Chair of the Senate.

Section 5

The agenda and appendices shall be distributed no fewer than six days before the meeting to which they pertain, to all members of the Senate and to others as determined by the Senate Secretary.

Section 6

The Chair of the Senate shall appoint Special Committees to consider subjects not already assigned to Standing Committees of the Senate. These Special Committees shall be terminated no later than the end of the Senate year unless reappointed by the new Chair of the Senate. They shall file reports of actions taken with the Senate office for inclusion in The Senate Record.

Section 7

Six Faculty Senators will attend Board of Trustee meetings, subject to continuing invitation by the Board of Trustees. Those Senators will include the four Senate Officers and two chosen by the Senate Chair. These Senators will staff their respective Board of Trustees committee positions following the July-May Board of Trustee Committee staffing cycle. The immediate Past Chair of Faculty Senate will deliver a final Faculty Senate report to the Board of Trustees in May and the new Faculty Senate Chair will be announced and seated at the May afternoon plenary Board of Trustees meeting. Faculty Senate shall use the July Board of Trustees meeting to staff Board of Trustee committees with new Faculty Senate representatives.

Section 8

(a) To introduce new legislative or advisory and consultative business, a senator may address a communication to the Chair of the Senate indicating the item of business that the Senator wishes to be considered, or to any member of an appropriate Standing Committee or member of Council. The senator may also request, on the Senate floor, referral to committee by the Chair. The above procedures represent the normal means for introducing new legislation in that they provide for detailed study by the appropriate Standing Committee or Committees, but a senator may introduce, by a direct motion from the floor, new legislation that the senator considers to be of exceptional urgency. When such a motion has been made and seconded, the Senator has the option of requesting it be considered in the same meeting or laid on the table until the next regular meeting of the Senate unless the Chair calls a special meeting to consider this item before the next regular meeting. Direct motions considered at the same meeting where they are introduced require a 2/3 supermajority to pass. If a motion fails to achieve 2/3 it will be taken off the table and must be reintroduced at another meeting if it is to be considered again.

(b) Forensic business provides an opportunity for any senator to discuss any matter of concern to the University. To introduce forensic business a senator must present in writing a title and brief summary of the matter to be discussed at least seven days before the meeting at which the matter is to be considered. The senator’s name will be placed on the agenda together with the title and summary.

(c) Any member of the University community, not a member of the Senate may request the privilege of the floor on any item of business already before the Senate. Such a request must be made to the Chair, through the Executive Director of the Senate, at least five calendar days before the meeting at which the individual wishes to speak.

(d) Any matter of forensic business under debate shall become legislative or advisory and consultative business when it is made the subject of a motion on which a vote of the Senate is required. When such a motion has been made and seconded, the matter in question shall be laid on the table until the next regular meeting of the Senate unless the Chair calls a special meeting of the Senate to consider this item before the next regular meeting.

(e) Matters of forensic business shall not be the subject of any motion until the Chair declares the forensic discussion period to be at an end. Any senator wishing to make any matter of forensic business a matter of legislative business may do so under the provision of Section 7 (a).

(f) Only members of the Senate may introduce new legislative, advisory and consultative, or forensic business.

(g) At the discretion of the Chair of the Senate, any member of the Board of Trustees, University faculty, administration, student body, staff, or guest of the University not a member of the Senate may be granted the privilege of the floor to make comments and recommendations for the good of the University. Requests shall be made to the Chair, in writing at least five calendar days before the meeting. The time period may be waived by the Chair.

(h) The Chair shall have the authority to place a time limit on the remarks of any nonmember of the Senate.

(i) The rules of this Section may be suspended only by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

Section 9

New rules for Policies and Procedures for Students, new Standing Rules of the Senate, and amendments to these rules may be acted upon only after they have been presented in writing to all senators six days before a regular meeting of the Senate, except that this section may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

Section 10

Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Senate, the Senate shall publish an official record (The Senate Record) of its proceedings within twenty-one (21) days after each meeting, and this record shall contain:

(a) agenda of the meeting;

(b) verbatim minutes of the meeting except for informational and mandated reports. An executive summary of informational and mandated reports will be included in The Senate Record unless a verbatim transcription is requested by the Chair or the Executive Director;

(d) such other items as the Chair shall direct.

Note: Senate meetings are digitally recorded (audio and video) and the recordings are available in the Senate office.

All Informational Reports will be made available via a link through the Senate website and archived for long-term reference. Copies of The Senate Record shall be deposited in the University Archives of the University Library.

Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Senate, the Senate office shall establish:

(a) A Senate Discussion Forum that will foster open lines of communication between senators

(b) An electronic Senate Newswire.

The Office of the University Faculty Senate shall directly communicate on Senate matters, as appropriate, with faculty governance leaders and with deans/ chancellors. The Senate office shall send pertinent documents directly to the relevant elected leaders of faculty governance units with copies to deans/ chancellors when appropriate.

Section 11

(a) The elective year of the Senate and Senate Council shall begin with the installation of the new officers at the last regularly scheduled meeting, before which meeting the Senate shall elect a Chair, if necessary, a Chair-Elect, and a Secretary. The terms of Senate officers, Council members, and members shall be from this time until the corresponding time at the last regularly scheduled meeting the following Senate year. Names of newly elected senators shall be reported to the Senate office no later than four weeks prior to the next-to-last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year.

(b) At any meeting of Senate Council, a petition may be presented to the Chair requesting that any Senate officer be removed from office for neglect of duty or misconduct in office. The petition must be signed by at least two elected Senate Council members. Senate Council after appropriate investigation and discussion shall vote whether the Senate shall be polled to consider the removal of the officer. A majority vote of the total number of elected councilors shall be required. If the Council vote is to poll the Senate, a ballot or e-mail notification of the election website will be sent to all senators allowing at least ten working days for voting. A two-thirds majority vote shall be required for removal of the officer. In the case of the removal of the Senate Chair, the Chair-Elect shall succeed immediately to the Chair. If the Chair-Elect is removed, a new election will be held using regular procedures. If the Secretary is removed, the Senate Council shall elect a replacement.

(c) The Nominating Committee of the Senate shall develop the slate of nominees for the offices of Chair-Elect and Secretary, as well as for a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President. It shall also be responsible for developing the slate of nominees for the Committee on Committees and Rules. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the elected members of Senate Council and the Immediate Past Chair of the Senate, who shall chair the committee. The Chair of the Senate shall activate the Nominating Committee at least four weeks prior to the second regularly scheduled meeting of the spring semester. The committee shall meet at the call of the Secretary, who shall charge the committee. The committee shall present at least two nominees for the offices of Chair-Elect and Secretary. In addition, in the event that the Chair-Elect received a vote of no-confidence or that the Secretary is serving as interim Chair-Elect, the committee shall report a slate of at least two nominees for the office of Chair. The committee shall also report a slate of at least two nominees for a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President (three-year term). Nominations shall reflect the variety of disciplines, functions, and geographic locations of University units. A report of all the nominations for Senate offices and the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President shall be submitted to the Chair of the Senate at least fourteen calendar days before the next-to-last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year, and the slate shall be published in the agenda for the next-to-last meeting. These nominations shall be announced to the Senate at the next-to-last meeting by the Chair of the Nominating Committee. At this time additional nominations may be made from the floor of the Senate. Nominations for the Committee on Committees and Rules shall be presented to the Senate Council at their next-to-last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year. Senate Council shall then elect the members of the Committee on Committees and Rules in accordance with Article II, section 6 of the Standing Rules of the Senate.

(d) Elections will be conducted by secret preferential ballot. Ballots or e-mail notification of the election website will be sent to all current senators at least 21 days before the date of the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate.

(e) Votes shall be counted or verified by three tellers, formed from members of the Elections Commission who are not members of the Nominating Committee [see (c)]. The tellers will report the results of the election to the Executive Director of the Senate Office who will immediately inform the Senate officers, candidates, and the chair of the Committee on Committees and Rules of these results. The full Senate will be notified of the results in a timely fashion.

(f) The Chair of the Senate for the previous elected year shall preside at the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year until a successor shall have been duly installed.

(g) At the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year, announcement shall be made of the results of elections of Senate officers, of the member of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President, of the Committee on Committees and Rules, and the Senate Council, and their installation shall be placed on the agenda between Items “j” (informational reports) and “k” (new legislative business). The results of Senate elections, including the number of votes received by each candidate for Chair-Elect, Secretary, Faculty Advisory Committee to the President, Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Committee, University Promotion and Tenure Committee, and Standing Joint Committee on Tenure, will be posted on the Senate website immediately after the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year.

Section 12

(a) Prior to the next-to-last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year, the Senate Council shall select the members of the Committee on Committees and Rules. The Committee on Committees and Rules shall consist of ten members serving two-year terms, five members to be selected each year. Appointments shall reflect the variety of disciplines, functions, and geographic locations of University units. If a committee member is no longer an elected senator at the end of the first year of the term on the committee, a vacancy shall occur in that position and a selection shall be made to fill the unexpired term.

(b) Following formal release of election results to the full Faculty Senate, the New Faculty Senate Chair shall convene the new membership of the Committee on Committees and Rules, within one week of the last regularly scheduled Senate meeting. In that new CC&R membership meeting, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee on Committees and Rules shall be determined by election, whose names shall be released and reported to Senate in a timely fashion.

(c) The Committee on Committees and Rules shall complete selection of the roster of all committees, including Chairs and Vice Chairs, for the coming Senate year within three weeks of the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year. The membership of each committee will be reported in writing to the Standing Committee Chairs within four weeks of the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Senate year. This roster will be listed in The Senate Record for the last regular meeting of the Senate year.

(d) The terms of the Committee on Committees and Rules shall be from the conclusion of the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee on Committees and Rules of one year until the conclusion of the last regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee on Committees and Rules of the next year.

(e) When a member of a Senate committee resigns before the expiration of the appointment, the Chair of that committee shall notify the Chair of the Committee on Committees and Rules of this circumstance, and the latter group shall name a replacement.

Section 13

At least six regular meetings of the Senate shall be scheduled on Tuesdays during the academic year at times and dates decided upon by Senate Council, except as provided for in Section 4 of this Article. A schedule of regular meetings and starting times for the following academic year will be presented to the Senate at the last meeting of each academic year. The Senate Council may change the time or date of a meeting by notifying all senators in writing at least ten days before the earlier of either the originally scheduled or rescheduled dates.

Article II – Senate Committee Structure Sections 1-5

Section 1

The Chair of the Senate as an ex officio member of all Standing Committees may authorize the Chair-Elect, the Secretary, the Immediate Past Chair, or any elected member of the Senate Council to be a representative at meetings of any committee.

Section 2

All Standing Committees may add to their membership (consistent with the distribution requirement imposed by the Constitution, and with the approval of the Committee on Committees and Rules) nonvoting resource personnel on the basis of their position, interest, expertise, or membership in a particular sector of the University community. Committees may add resource personnel on either a continuing or an ad hoc basis depending on the issues before the committee.

All Standing Committees are encouraged to invite individuals to render testimony or advice on particular questions as circumstances indicate. They are also encouraged to appoint ad hoc subcommittees as needed. The Chair of the Committee on Committees and Rules is to be notified of the charge and personnel of all ad hoc subcommittees at the time of their formation. These ad hoc subcommittees shall be terminated no later than the end of the Senate year unless reappointed by the new Standing Committee. Their reports, if any, are an internal responsibility of the parent Standing Committee. All Standing Committees shall file reports of their actions with the Senate office for inclusion in The Senate Record.

Most standing committee duties include liaison with other University bodies. Liaison implies information sharing. Membership on other bodies is pre-scribed by the appointing authority. The Chair of the Senate has full authority to decide which Committee has responsibility for considering and proposing legislation and/or consultation on any item which may overlap the responsibilities of more than one Committee. Committees may speak on behalf of the Senate on items specifically delegated in their charge in the Standing Rules.

Section 3

Elected members of the Committee on Committees and Rules of the Senate may not serve as members of [other] Standing Committees of the Senate except in such ex officio capacities as may now or in the future be designated. This restriction on committee membership may be suspended on an individual basis by a two-thirds (2/3) vote at a regular or special meeting.

Section 4

Except for the Committee on Committees and Rules all committee positions held by elected faculty senators are normally tenable for two years ending on May 31 and beginning on June 1. Administrative and Student senator positions are tenable for one year, unless otherwise specified. In any given year the Committee on Committees and Rules may assign senators one year terms of membership on a committee in order to balance membership. As far as practicable at least half of any committee’s elected faculty membership should extend for two years. No senator may serve longer than six consecutive years on a given committee nor more than three consecutive years as its chair. However, under extenuating circumstances the Committee on Committees and Rules may allow, by a two-thirds vote in the affirmative, a Senator to serve a seventh consecutive year as a committee member, or a fourth consecutive year as the committee chair. Committee chairs are selected annually by the Committee on Committees and Rules in consultation with the Senate Chair.

Section 5

All Senate committees will be available for consultation with the Office of the President of the University.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: (a) Committee on Committees and Rules

1. Membership:

(i) Ten (10) elected faculty senators

(ii) Chair-Elect of the Senate (non-voting)

(iii) Immediate Past Chair of the Senate (non-voting)

(iv) Secretary of the Senate (non-voting)

2. Election: By the Senate Council for a term of two years. Elected members of the Committee may serve no more than four consecutive years nor more than three consecutive years as its chair. Elected members of Senate Council may not serve on the Committee on Committees and Rules.

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Committees and Rules shall review and make recommendations on the Senate’s committee structure. In this role, the committee shall strive to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its activities. It shall appoint the members of all Standing Committees. It shall be responsible for proposing changes in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules of the University Faculty Senate for action by the Senate. This committee shall serve as a Nominating Committee to the administrative officers of the University in the selection of University faculty to serve on University-wide committees. In addition, this committee has the investigative function in determining the constitutionality of acts of the Senate, failures to implement Senate legislation, problems resulting from conflicting legislation, and errors in the implementation of legislation. The Committee on Committees and Rules shall have the authority to interpret the Senate Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules subject to review by the Senate.

Each year the Committee on Committees and Rules shall ask returning and new senators to rank their preferences for committee assignments. The Committee on Committees and Rules will then select the senatorial members of each Standing Committee, taking into consideration the preferences of senators. Where a representative of an administrative office is to be an ex officio member of a committee, this member will be selected by the Committee on Committees and Rules in consultation with the appropriate administrative officer. Appointments to all committees should reflect the variety of disciplines, functions, and geographic locations of University units. Annually, the Committee on Committees and Rules shall elect its own Chair and Vice Chair. In consultation with the Senate Chair, the Committee shall designate the leadership of all other Standing Committees of the Senate.

While the Senate officers are the primary faculty representatives to the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Committee on Committees and Rules shall be informed and consulted on faculty governance issues that arise in the CIC. Such items will be periodically reported to the Senate.

Subcommittees

Constitution Subcommittee: The subcommittee shall consult with faculty governance organizations to ensure that their governance documents conform with Senate rules. These functions include review of Unit Constitutions, Bylaws, and Standing Rules. The subcommittee will consist of the Senate Parliamentarian and at least two elected Senators appointed by the Senate Chair and will be chaired by the Senate Secretary. Final vote of approval of the unit governance documents shall be by Senate Council.
Elections Commission Subcommittee: The subcommittee will have at least three members, including the chair of the Committee on Committees and Rules and the Senate Parliamentarian and will be chaired by the Senate Secretary. Membership of this subcommittee should not overlap with the Nominating Committees. The subcommittee shall have responsibility over the Senate Census and responsibility over all Senate run elections.

Mandated reports: Nomination report. The Committee on Committees and Rules shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: b. Committee on Admissions, Records, Scheduling and Student Aid

1. Membership:

(i) At least ten elected faculty senators

(ii) At least two undergraduate student senators

(iii) Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Education and Executive Director for Undergraduate Admissions

(iv) Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Education and University Registrar

(v) Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Education and Executive Director for Student Aid

(vi) Assistant Vice President, Executive Director for Academic Services and Assessment

(vii) Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services

(viii) Member of the academic advising community appointed by the Associate Dean for Advising

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Admissions, Records, Scheduling, and Student Aid shall initiate legislation relating to academic admissions and readmission standards for the Senate Policies and Procedures for Undergraduate Students. With a focus on equity and inclusion, it shall make recommendations on policies concerning the effect that Admissions, Records, Scheduling, and Student Aid procedures have on the attainment of the University’s overall educational objectives. Analyses for disparate impact should be conducted for overall functional assessment (e.g., how do scheduling processes impact students with minoritized identities [dis/abilities, BIPOC, first generation]?) as well as for any recommended policy changes. It shall be the University Faculty Senate advisory body to the Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education and it shall maintain liaison with other University officials in these areas. It shall be concerned with policies involving student awards, scholarships, and student aid. It shall have the authority to act on individual problems of reinstatement and certification of credit referred to it by the Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education.

4. Standing Subcommittee on Articulation

The ARSSA Articulation Review Subcommittee membership shall include two faculty from ARSSA, including the Vice Chair of ARSSA, who serves as chair, in addition to five other representatives: one from the Undergraduate Admissions Office, one from the Office of Student Aid, one from the Office of the University Registrar, one from the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, and one from the Office of Penn State Global. The committee may call upon the articulation agreement proposer for consultation on any given proposal. The University Faculty Senate Office (Senate Office) shall facilitate composition by requesting those offices to identify representatives.

The subcommittee shall review articulation agreements to ensure they adhere to the current University policies.

5. Mandated reports:

a. Reserved Spaces Report
b. Faculty Senate Scholarship Report
c. High School Students Enrolled in Nondegree Credits
d. Articulation Agreement Report based on five-year review

The Committee on Admissions, Records, Scheduling, and Student Aid shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: c. Committee on Curricular Affairs

1. Membership:

(i) At least 17 elected faculty senators including one faculty senator from each college at University Park and one faculty senator from each of Abington, Altoona, Berks, Erie, Harrisburg, and the University College.

(ii) One undergraduate student senator

(iii) A member of the Administrative Council on Undergraduate Education (selected by ACUE)

(iv) Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications or representative

(v) Chair of the Graduate Council Committee on Programs and Courses

(vi) A representative from the Office of the University Registrar

(vii) A representative from the Division of Undergraduate Studies

(vii) A representative from the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research

(ix) A representative from the Office of Undergraduate Education

(x) A representative from the Office for General Education

2. Selection: Committee members shall be selected by the Committee on Committees and Rules. One Chair and two Vice Chairs shall be chosen from the elected faculty senate members.

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Curricular Affairs shall review, evaluate, and approve or reject all course and curriculum proposals including proposals to limit program enrollment submitted by the various departments, colleges, and other appropriate units of the University that have not received delegation or responsibility in this area from the Senate. With regard to program enrollment limitations, restrictions proposed for academic reasons are subject to approval or rejection while restrictions proposed for resource restraints are subject only to consultative review. The Committee shall study the existing courses and curricula of the University with reference to the needs of students; enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion; and opportunities for service to the Commonwealth and make recommendations for changes where appropriate. It shall develop equity-minded criteria for evaluating courses and curricula and recommend procedures for handling courses and curriculum proposals. It shall have oversight of the following subcommittees: Bachelors of Arts, Certificates, General Education, Integrative Studies, Retention and Transfer, United States and International Cultures, and Writing. It shall disperse vice chair duties such that one vice chair shall oversee General Education efforts including serving as subcommittee chair for General Education and Integrative Studies subcommittees, and one vice chair shall support all general business of the committee and shall oversee at least two remaining subcommittees. It shall make recommendations to Senate Council on the establishment, reorganization, naming or discontinuation of organizational units pursuant to Council duties specified in Article II, Section 1 (d) of the Bylaws. It shall maintain such liaison with University administration and faculty as may be necessary for the implementation of these procedures.

Standing Subcommittees:

All subcommittees shall for their activities consider with earnest the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

(i) General Education Subcommittee
It shall consist of nine members to monitor the General Education Program and make recommendations for assuring the delivery of effective general education as mandated in the General Education legislation. The subcommittee shall be led by the vice chair of SCCA; its membership shall be such that the subcommittee has at least one member with expertise in each of the General Education Categories (GWS, GQ, GA, GH, GN, GS and GHW). An effort should be made to include at least one member from a non-University Park location, but with disciplinary expertise remaining the primary consideration. When the subcommittee’s workload is especially intense, the chair of SCCA may appoint additional members, drawn from SCCA or other Senate committees. The Subcommittee shall review all General Education course proposals (except as provided in ii, iii, and iv below) and forward recommendations to the Committee. It shall also develop, revise, and edit official University publications that provide information about General Education. (See Appendix “H,” 1-23-90.)

(ii) Integrative Studies Subcommittee
It shall include at least three members of the General Education subcommittee and shall be led by the vice chair of SCCA; membership shall be such that the subcommittee has at least one member with expertise in each of the Breadth Across Knowledge Domains (GA, GH, GN, GS, GHW). An effort should be made to include at least one member from a non-University Park location, but with disciplinary expertise remaining the primary consideration. When the subcommittee’s workload is especially intense, the chair of SCCA may appoint additional members, drawn from SCCA or other Senate committees. The subcommittee shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Integrative Studies requirement in the undergraduate curriculum. It shall periodically review and revise, as necessary, guidelines for courses intended to fulfill this requirement. It shall also accept and review proposals for integrative coursework year-round and forward recommendations to the Committee. (See Appendix B, 4-28-15).

(iii) United States and International Cultures Subcommittee
It shall be led by a person as appointed by the chair of SCCA and consist of ten members and shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the United States cultures and International Cultures requirement in the undergraduate curriculum. It shall periodically review and revise, as necessary, guidelines for courses intended to fulfill this requirement. It shall also review proposals for courses under this requirement and forward recommendations to the Committee. (See Appendix II, 12-4-90 and III, 4-27-04.)

(iv) Writing Subcommittee
It shall be led by a person as appointed by the chair of SCCA and consist of ten members and shall be responsible for overseeing and reviewing, as necessary, the implementation of Writing Across the Curriculum in the undergraduate curriculum. It shall periodically review and revise, as necessary, guidelines for writing-intensive courses. It shall also review all writing-intensive course proposals and forward recommendations to the Committee. (See Appendix “E” 3-20-90.)

(v) Bachelor of Arts Requirements Subcommittee
It shall be led by a person as appointed by the chair of SCCA and consist of eleven members including a faculty member from each college that offers the BA degree (Abington, Altoona, Arts and Architecture, Berks, Communications, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Erie, Harrisburg, Liberal Arts, Science, and University College). It shall review BA course proposals and monitor and review all BA requirements and it shall consider recommendations for changes in these requirements. These recommendations shall be reported to the Committee and, if approved, shall be forwarded to the Senate for vote. (See Appendix II, 4-13-93 and E, 10-26-04.)

(vi) Retention and Transfer Subcommittee
It shall be led by a person as appointed by the chair of SCCA and consist of five members to review, make recommendations and monitor all holds on student admissions to programs and special or more restrictive academic requirements for entrance into a college, major or minor, and/or for retention in a program, consistent with general academic guidelines established by the Committee on Education. (See Appendix “E,” 10-26-93.)

(vii) Certificates Subcommittee
It shall be led by a person as appointed by the chair of SCCA and consist of at least five members to review and make recommendations about certificate programs. It shall periodically review and revise, as necessary, guidelines for undergraduate credit certificates. It shall also monitor recertification of certificates at the 5-year expiration and review extension requests. (See Appendix “E” 3-15-16)

5. Mandated reports: Senate Curriculum Report. The Committee on Curricular Affairs shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall continue to send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: d. Committee on Education

1. Membership:

(i) At least sixteen elected faculty senators, at least one of which must be graduate faculty

(ii) Two undergraduate student senators

(III) One graduate student senator

(iv) Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, University Park Undergraduate Association

(v) Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education or their designee

(vi) Executive Director, Division of Undergraduate Studies or their designee

(vii) Dean of the Schreyer Honors College or their designee

(viii) Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School or their designee

(ix) Dean of the College of Medicine or their designee

(x) Dean of Dickinson Law School or their designee

(xi) Dean of Penn State Law or their designee

(xii) Vice Provost for Online Education or their designee

(xiii) Senate representative to the Graduate Council

(xiv) Vice President for the Commonwealth Campuses or their designee

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Education shall make recommendations on policies relating to academic advising and instruction offered for credit by all delivery systems including Resident Instruction, Hybrid Instruction, Online Instruction, Continuing Education, and Independent Learning. The committee will promote policies that will enable equity, diversity, and inclusion in educational opportunities and outcomes for all students and attempt to address issues of inequity with respect to degree attainment. Furthermore, the Committee oversees activities related to advising. The Committee shall serve as an advisory body to the University Faculty Senate on matters that may affect the attainment of the University’s educational mission. It shall be the Senate’s review body for the academic standards in all areas of education including all proficiency and placement tests offered by the University. It shall make recommendations to Senate Council on the establishment, reorganization, naming or discontinuation of organizational units and areas of the University’s educational mission. The committee shall maintain liaison with other Senate Committees (including, but not limited to, ARSSA, Curricular Affairs, the Libraries, Information Systems, and Technology Committee, and Student Life). Liaison will also be maintained with the Faculty Advisory Committee for the Schreyer Honors College, the Undergraduate Advising Council, and the University Academic Measures Committee. It shall be the University Faculty Senate advisory body to the Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education, the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School, the Deans of the Penn State College of Medicine, Dickinson Law, and Penn State Law.

4. Standing Subcommittees: The membership of the subcommittees shall include at least five members and shall be designated by the Education Committee with a majority of the members of the subcommittees also holding membership on the parent committee.

(i) Subcommittee on Undergraduate Petition Review
The subcommittee, chaired by the Vice Chair of the parent committee, and including appropriate resource personnel, shall have responsibility for the Academic Policies and Procedures for Undergraduate Students (except for Academic Admissions Policy) as related to petitions. Unless otherwise specified in the Policies, the subcommittee shall serve as the final review board for petitions for exceptions to the Policies. When a pattern emerges from petition reviews, the subcommittee will make recommendations to the administration for changes in policy implementation or to the committee for potential changes in policy to address systemic issues of inequity.

(ii) Subcommittee on Academic Policy Review
The subcommittee shall make equity-minded recommendations to the parent committee for transmittal to the Senate for changes in educational policies.

5. Mandated reports: none. The Committee on Education shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: e. Committee on Educational Equity and Campus Environment

1. Membership:

(i) At least seven elected faculty senators with at least two senators from locations other than University Park

(ii) One undergraduate student senator

(iii) One graduate student senator

(iv) One representative from each of the following Commissions (selected by each Commission):

(a) Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity

(b) Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity

(v) Vice Provost for Educational Equity

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Educational Equity and Campus Environment will recommend policy and advise the University on educational equity, inclusion, diversity, and sustainability, as related to educational equity in the campus environment across the entire University at all of its campuses. The Committee will initiate explorations and investigations to enhance and encourage the integration of principles of equity throughout Senate deliberations.

The purview of the Committee shall include all matters as they relate to equity and diversity. It shall also be the Senate advisory board to the Vice Provost of Educational Equity.

4. Mandated reports: The Committee shall report to the Senate at least annually. The Committee on Educational Equity and Campus Environment shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: f. Committee on Faculty Affairs

1. Membership:

(i) At least 23 elected faculty senators including

(a) at least one faculty senator from each college at University Park and one faculty senator from each of the following: Abington; Altoona; Berks; Dickinson Law; Penn State Law; Erie; Great Valley; Harrisburg; University Libraries; Medicine; and University College; and

(b) At least three faculty senators who hold a non-tenure-line appointment.

(ii) A representative of the Office of the President

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Faculty Affairs shall advise the Senate on matters of policy concerning faculty affairs; on matters regarding the cultural, social, and material welfare of the faculty; and on matters affecting the educational environment in which the faculty works. In these roles, the committee shall strive to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its activities. Among the policy matters of concern to the Committee on Faculty Affairs are the following:

(a) faculty appointments

(b) policies on promotions in rank

(d) policies on leaves including sabbatical leaves

(e) academic freedom

(f) rights and responsibilities including due process

(g) matters of faculty privacy

(h) affirmative action and equal opportunity

(i) faculty development

(j) faculty/student assessment outcomes issues.

(k) issues that concern all faculty irrespective of the character of their appointment.

In the area of its concern, the Committee on Faculty Affairs shall make equitable recommendations for the modification of existing policies and shall assist the University administration in the formulation of new policies. It shall make recommendations to Senate Council on the establishment, reorganization, naming or discontinuation of organizational units pursuant to Council duties specified in Article II, Section 1 (d) of the Bylaws. It shall maintain liaison with the Equal Opportunity Planning Committee.

4. Standing Subcommittees: Each standing subcommittee shall consist of at least five members, all designated by the Committee, with a majority of the members also holding membership on the Committee. One non-tenure-line faculty member will be appointed to each subcommittee. In the roles listed below, the subcommittees shall strive to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its activities. Additional duties may be assigned.

(i) Subcommittee on Promotion, Tenure, Appointments and Leaves
It shall monitor all proposed changes in policy and provide appropriate recommendations to the Committee. It shall monitor and suggest policies in all areas of faculty evaluation.

(ii) Subcommittee on Faculty Development
It shall promote the personal development of all faculty members by making recommendations concerning policies and practices related to scholarly progress, enhancement of teaching, new pedagogical initiatives, equity-minded pedagogy, and mechanisms for supporting change or regeneration of professional interest. It shall have special responsibility to ensure that expectations and resources are equitable and consistent. It shall coordinate its recommendations with other subcommittees and groups, as appropriate.

(iii) Subcommittee on Faculty Rights and Privacy Issues
It shall monitor and suggest policies to the Committee on matters of faculty rights and responsibilities and faculty privacy including copyright issues and disciplinary matters.

5. Mandated reports: Tenure Flow Report (Informational, jointly with Committee on Intra-University Relations). The Committee on Faculty Affairs shall have the authority to approve the Tenure Flow Report for publication to the Senate Agenda. Co-sponsor a Promotion Flow Report (Informational, jointly with Committee on Intra-University Relations). Where possible, data included in the aforementioned mandated reports should be disaggregated by gender identity, race, ethnicity, and other categories of concern. The Committee on Faculty Affairs shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: g. Committee on Faculty Benefits

(g) Committee on Faculty Benefits

1. Membership:

(i) At least seven elected faculty senators

(ii) Vice President for Human Resources

(iii) Two additional resource members from the Office of Human Resources

(iv) One retired faculty senator

(v) One representative from the Health Care Advisory Committee (HCAC)

(vi) Diversity, equity and inclusion resource person from Penn State’s Office of Human Resources, Office of Educational Equity, or other entities

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Faculty Benefits shall investigate and be the faculty’s voice on the adequacy and other attributes of the University’s provisions for total compensation (salaries and benefits), and any other perquisites affecting faculty employment. This “voice” should be inclusive and address the specific benefits needs of faculty in minoritized groups. It shall maintain liaison with the Joint Committee on Insurance and Benefits and the Health Care Advisory Committee (HCAC).

4. Mandated reports:

a. Faculty Salary Report (Informational) Where possible, this data should be disaggregated by gender identity, race, ethnicity, and other categories of concern.
b. Sponsor annual JCIB report each October, regarding the University Benefits reviewed by the committee in the prior year (Informational)
c. Childcare Report (Informational) Where possible, the report should evaluate how childcare provision at the PSU centers supports the university’s DEI initiatives. Such analysis should include, but not be limited to: 1) A summary of the childcare centers’ student population by gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status; 2) A summary of the childcare centers’ teaching and support staff by gender, race, and ethnicity; 3) a review of how provision of childcare at the campus centers aids in the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, students, and staff at the University.

The Committee shall report to and make recommendations to the Senate at least annually. The Committee on Faculty Benefits shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: h. Committee on Global Engagement

1. Membership:

(i) At least seven elected faculty senators with at least two senators from locations other than University Park

(ii) A representative of Graduate Council

(iii) One undergraduate student senator

(iv) One graduate student

(v) The Vice Provost for Penn State Global

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Global Engagement shall provide advice and consultation to the Vice Provost for Penn State Global about the implementation of activities, standards, and programs to enhance the inclusive internationalization of Penn State’s undergraduate and graduate education, research, campus environment, and student affairs. It shall be the Senate advisory body to the Vice Provost for Penn State Global. The committee will provide guidelines and develop policies that are relevant to the academic integrity of content, delivery, and support of programs associated with Penn State Global. It shall provide consultation on the affiliation and partnerships of the University with institutions and organizations outside the United States. The committee shall provide advice and consultation emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion to support international and exchange students at Penn State. It will also participate in tracking progress in achieving the strategic goals of Penn State Global and the University for inclusively internationalizing the students and academic programs. The committee shall also maintain liaisons with other Senate committees, where appropriate, as well as with students and faculty, University-wide through the Senate.

4. Mandated Reports: The committee shall report annually to the Senate on the participation of Penn State students in global programs, both on campus and abroad, and other University-wide global initiatives related to the University’s strategic goals. This report should disaggregate participation by some combination of race and ethnicity, gender identity, dis/ability status, sexual identity or orientation, and country of citizenship, at minimum. Additionally, this annual report should include retention and graduation statistics of international and domestic students (similarly disaggregated). The Committee on Global Engagement shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: i. Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics

1. Membership:

(i) At least eight elected faculty senators with the following qualifications:

(a) Senator appointments on the committee will be a minimum of two years, unless impractical due to a need to balance committee membership or a senator being unable to fulfill the duties of their elected term, and

(b) the committee chair will be required to have at least one year of prior experience on the committee, and will be appointed to a two-year term, as applicable given the remaining length of the senator’s term.

(ii) At least two of the eight elected faculty senators must be from a location other than University Park. One of these two elected faculty senators must be from a campus with a varsity athletic program participating in NCAA Division III or PSUAC and will also serve as the chair of the extra-senatorial Committee on Campus Athletics.

(iii) Two undergraduate student senators, one from University Park and one from a location other than University Park. The student from a location other than University Park will also serve on the extra-senatorial Committee on Campus Athletics.

(iv) The University Park, Division I, Faculty Athletics Representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association

(v) Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at University Park

(vi) Senior Women’s Administrator for Intercollegiate Athletics at University Park

(vii) Two members of the University Faculty Senate selected by the President of the University.

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules unless otherwise specified

Duties

3. Jurisdiction: The Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics is responsible to the Senate for all intercollegiate athletic programs at the University as they relate to the University’s academic and educational objectives. Intercollegiate athletics shall include all teams and individuals representing the University with significant off-University activity.

(a) Scope: Without limiting the jurisdiction of the Committee, it shall, specifically (1) consider policies on eligibility of students for intercollegiate athletics, (2) certify the academic eligibility of students for athletic grants-in-aid, (3) approve intercollegiate athletic schedules as they affect academic standards, (4) review and approve matters from the Committee on Campus Athletics as required, and (5) help promote a sound academic climate for the intercollegiate athletic programs at all University locations.

(b) Consultation: The Committee shall meet with responsible administrators and others concerning the intercollegiate athletic programs at University Park and other University locations that offer intercollegiate competition. It shall make a particular effort to seek the views of students participating in these intercollegiate athletic programs.

(c) Advisory role: Subject to the Constitution and rules of the Senate, and in consultation with the Senate Chair, the committee may also serve as the representative of the Senate to advise the President of the University on the operation of the intercollegiate programs at University Park and other University locations that offer intercollegiate competition. Subject to the general authority of the President of the University, as delegated by the University Board of Trustees and to the delegated authority of the Senate under its constitution to manage its own governance where matters considered touch on Senate jurisdiction, it shall initiate new policies, or review existing policies, which govern these intercollegiate athletic programs. These policies shall guide the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and administrators at other University locations that offer intercollegiate competition in administering their respective programs when approved in accordance with applicable rules. With appropriate consultation, it shall develop recommendations to the President of the University on matters affecting the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC), the Big Ten Conference, the NCAA, and other national athletic governance bodies in which the University holds membership and shall work closely with the faculty representatives in establishing the University’s formal vote to these organizations. Without otherwise limiting the Senate’s general forensic and related authority, and at the request of the President of the University to the Senate Chair, the committee may consider other issues affecting the various athletic programs under the President’s jurisdiction.

4. Mandated reports: The Committee shall report on its activities to the Senate at least annually. The Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

5. Meetings: At the discretion of the committee chair, committee meetings or votes – in person or remotely – may be announced over the summer as necessary to respond to time-sensitive Intercollegiate Athletics issues requiring the full attention of the committee. With the understanding that many senators are on nine-month appointments, participation in such meetings is voluntary and the chair shall use discretion to limit such meetings to those that require time sensitive decisions/input.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: j. Committee on Intra-University Relations

1. Membership:

(i) At least 16 elected faculty senators including

(a) One faculty senator each from Abington, Altoona, Berks, Erie, Harrisburg, Law, and Medicine; four faculty senators from the University College, and five faculty senators from different colleges at University Park; and

(b) At least two faculty senators who hold a non-tenure-line appointment.

(ii) Two student senators (including one from a campus other than University Park)

(ii) A member of the Administrative Council on Undergraduate Education (selected by ACUE)

(iv) A representative of the Graduate Council Committee on Programs and Courses

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Intra-University Relations shall make recommendations to the Senate on policies and procedures of an inter-campus nature or concerning the relation of one or more campuses to other units of the University. In consultation with the appropriate college(s) it shall review, evaluate, and make recommendations on issues pertaining to the University which cut across disciplinary and geographic lines while striving to address diversity, equity, and inclusion consistently across University-wide interests. In this context it shall review, evaluate, and make recommendations on issues concerning all faculty irrespective of the character of their appointment.

4. Standing Subcommittees: The membership of the standing subcommittee shall consist of at least five members, all designated by the parent committee, with a majority of the members also holding membership on the parent committee. Additional duties may be assigned.

(i) Subcommittee on Non-Tenure-Line Faculty
It shall be responsible for considering all matters related to and issues of concern for non-tenure-line faculty. It shall be responsible for submitting an annual report to Intra-University Relations, copied to Faculty Affairs, on the status of non-tenure-line faculty across the University. The chair, or one of two co-chairs, shall hold appointment as non-tenure-line faculty.

5. Mandated reports: Promotion Flow Report (Informational, jointly with Committee on Faculty Affairs). The Committee on Intra-University Relations shall have the authority to approve the Promotion Flow Report for publication to the Senate Agenda. Co-sponsor a Tenure Flow Report (Informational, jointly with Committee on Faculty Affairs). Where possible, data included in the aforementioned mandated reports should be disaggregated by gender identity, race, ethnicity, and other categories of concern. The Committee on Intra-University Relations shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: k. Committee on Libraries, Information Systems, and Technology

1. Membership:

(i) At least eight elected faculty senators

(ii) One undergraduate student senator

(iii) One graduate student

(iv) Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications

(v) Vice President for Information Technology

(vi) Representative of the Pennsylvania State University Press

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Libraries, Information Systems, and Technology shall advise the Senate and University administration on strategic issues involving the University Libraries and information technology. These include such areas as: the use of information technology and University Libraries to support research, instruction and education; information security, access, retrieval and content stewardship; telecommunication and knowledge dissemination; library access and information technology training; collections and administrative issues; and open access and scholarly communication issues.

It shall ensure an active faculty role in considering policies affecting the University Libraries and information systems, and supporting infrastructure. It shall carry on studies, surveys, and advisory activities either on request or under its own initiative. All such activities shall embed and address issues particular to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The committee will promote library and technology resources and services that meet the needs of all Penn State populations, including traditionally under-served populations. It will also champion an inclusive and accessible environment for all Penn State students, faculty, and staff by supporting the ongoing efforts of University Libraries and Penn State Information Technology. It shall prepare one informational or advisory/consultative report per year on a topic relating to sustainability broadly defined within the Libraries or Department of Information Technology. It shall be the Senate advisory body to the Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications and to the Vice President for Information Technology. One member of the committee shall serve on the Penn State Press Editorial Committee. It shall also maintain liaisons with other Senate committees, where appropriate, as well as with students and faculty University-wide through the Senate.

4. Mandated reports: The Committee shall report biennially on the use of the Technology Fee that is charged to all students for the fiscal year ending June 30. The Committee on Libraries, Information Systems, and Technology shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: l. Committee on Outreach

1. Membership:

(i) At least nine elected faculty senators

(ii) One student senator

(iii) Vice President for Outreach or their designee

(iv) Director of Penn State Extension

(V) A representative from the Office of the Vice President for the Commonwealth Campuses, designated with statewide responsibility for continuing education and outreach activities

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Outreach recommends policy and advises the University on outreach activities. Outreach is the exchange of information and the creation of meaningful collaborations between the University and its many external audiences. Responsibilities for the Outreach committee include: identifying University outreach activities, establishing evaluation methods to ensure quality, and creating recognition measures to reward outstanding performance. Its responsibilities focus on the University’s outreach and public scholarship mission as realized through community engagement, transdisciplinary research, credit and noncredit instruction, service through continuing and online education, cooperative extension, public broadcasting, and other programs beyond the sphere of resident education. These outreach activities are located in Penn State Outreach and Online Education, Penn State Extension, and in Penn State colleges, interdisciplinary institutes (such as the Sustainability Institute), and the Commonwealth Campuses. Penn State seeks to intentionally embed, prioritize, and demonstrate a commitment to values, goals, and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its Outreach programming, communication strategy, messaging, imagery, and framing, whether programs emerge from external stakeholders or internally. Quality evaluation will include the effectiveness of DEI. Outstanding performance in DEI will be recognized. The Committee on Outreach liaises with the Senate Committee on Education, the bodies that are addressing engaged scholarship and other bodies as appropriate.

4. Mandated reports: none. The Committee on Outreach shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: m. Committee on Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

1. Membership:

(i) At least ten elected faculty senators

(ii) One graduate student senator

(ii) One undergraduate student senator

(iv) Six members of the Graduate Council Committee on Graduate Research including the Committee Chair

(v) Vice President for Research

(vi) Vice Provost for Graduate Education/Dean of the Graduate School or their designee

(vii) Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs or their designee*

(viii) Director of Technology Management or their designee*

(ix) Director of Research Protections or their designee*

(x) Representative from Undergraduate Education responsible for undergraduate research*

(xi) Chief Sustainability Officer or designee from the Sustainability Institute*

(xii) Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Equity or their designee from the Council of College Multicultural Leadership*

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules. Members from the Graduate Council Committee on Graduate Research will be chosen in consultation with the Graduate Council.

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity is charged with fostering and promoting the creation of new knowledge by faculty and students in all disciplines across the Penn State campuses, as well as with facilitating interdisciplinary and intercampus collaboration in this regard. It shall be the Senate advisory body to the Senior Vice President for Research and to the Vice Provost for Graduate Education/Dean of the Graduate School. In the realm of graduate research, scholarship, and creative activity it works closely with the Graduate Council Committee on Research (whose chair and members serve on the Committee) to achieve common aims and shared objectives. Within the advisory and consultative functions of the Senate, it shall advise and consult on all matters involving research policies and services, as well as on issues relating to intellectual property and technology transfer. In conjunction with the Libraries, Information Systems, and Technology Committee, it shall ensure an active faculty role in the formulation of all research computing and information systems policies as they affect faculty and students. The committee will work affirmatively to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the University’s research scholarship, and creative activity enterprises. In collaboration with the University Planning Committee, it advises and consults on matters related to facilities, including sustainability and administration costs. It shall make recommendations to Senate Council on the establishment, reorganization, naming or discontinuation of organized research units and institutes. It will maintain a formal liaison with the University Research Council and its chair shall serve as a member of that body.

4. Mandated reports:

a. Biennial Summary of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity on Sustainability

b. Biennial Summary of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity on Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Committee on Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

5. Liaison with other Senate, Administrative, Special, or Joint Committees:

One member of the committee shall serve on the Penn State Press Editorial Committee. The chair shall serve on the University Research Council and act as the committee’s liaison to that body.

*nonvoting resource person for the committee

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: n. Committee on Student Life

1. Membership:

(i) At least seven elected faculty senators

(ii) Two graduate students, at least one a senator

(iii) One undergraduate student senator from a location other than University Park

(iv) President of the University Park Undergraduate Association

(v) Vice President of the University Park Undergraduate Association

(vi) Vice President for Student Affairs

(vii) The Executive Director or another student representative from the Council of Sustainable Leaders

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on Student Life shall be concerned with policies involving those aspects of student life on the University campuses that are of concern to students, both graduate and undergraduate, and that are not specifically covered in other committees. In this role, the committee shall strive to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its activities. The purview of the Committee shall include but not be limited to student housing, health, conduct, organizations, extracurricular activities, sustainability, and career development and placement. The committee shall be a principal agency to the Senate for representation of student opinion on academic matters in the Senate, and to this end it shall be a point of entry for student proposals. It shall maintain liaison with the elected officers of the students as appropriately organized and with the appropriate University offices. It shall be the Senate advisory body to the Vice President for Student Affairs. It shall maintain awareness of current trends and long-range studies in student life. It shall maintain liaison with all student organization committees and boards as appropriate.

4. Mandated reports: none. The Council of Sustainable Leaders may send an annual summary of student sustainability efforts to the Student Life Committee. The Student Life Committee shall share this report with the Senate via either a presentation or as supplemental material.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: o. Committee on University Planning

1. Membership:

(i) At least twelve elected faculty senators

(ii) One undergraduate student senator

(ii) One graduate student senator

(iv) Executive Vice President/Provost of the University or representative

(v) Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/Treasurer

(vi) Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

(vii) Chief Sustainability Officer or designee from the Sustainability Institute

2. Selection: By the Committee on Committees and Rules

Duties

3. Duties: The Committee on University Planning solely and in consultation with other committees, shall report on and/or propose action on matters of University planning that affect development and alumni relations, physical plant resources, and the academic and financial policies of the University. In accordance with the Constitutional advisory and consultative roles of the Senate, specific areas of responsibilities include but are not limited to: the allocation of resources among units and functions as they relate to educational policy; academic planning, strategic planning, development planning, and campus and physical planning including sustainability, safety and security of persons, buildings, and other facilities. The committee shall be the primary Senate body advisory to the Office of the President, including the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/Treasurer, Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, and the Executive Vice President/Provost, for all planning functions; and shall review those functions of the University that contribute to the planning processes. The committee shall participate in the development and review of the master plans for each of the University’s campuses and be consulted regularly in regards to proposed changes to those plans. The Committee will ensure that within all these activities, the promotion and advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion is prioritized. In addition, this committee shall assist in creating an understanding of the University’s planning functions among all units within the University. The committee shall have access to all information necessary to perform their charge.

4. Mandated reports:

a. Annual Construction Report
b. Biennial Space Allocation and Utilization Report
c. Annual University Budget and Planning Report
d. Biennial Development and Alumni Relations Report
e. Triennial Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System Report

The Committee on University Planning shall have the authority to approve its mandated Informational Reports for publication to the Senate Agenda. The committee shall send its Informational Reports to the Senate Council.

Article II Section 6 Senate Committees: p. Elected Senator Standing Committee

Membership:
1. All Elected Senators
Duties:
1. To provide a mechanism for elected membership of the University Faculty Senate to frankly discuss and deliberate concerns, issues, and strategies related specifically to their remit, which could then be brought to the whole body for a wider and more substantive discussion. The Elected Member Standing Committee will be chaired by the Chair of the Faculty Senate, who may appoint a vice-chair of their own choosing.

It will serve only an advisory and informational function to the whole of the Senate and as such will have no authority to draft legislative reports or advisory consultative reports.

However, it can consult or advise other standing committees or Senate Council, who in turn can perform those functions if they so desire as their current duties might allow. Yet, the Elected Senator Standing Committee would have the authority to create informational or positional reports commensurate with its duties, on which the whole Senate membership would then have the opportunity to discuss, deliberate, and vote when appropriate.

The committee would be called as needed by the Senate Chair. However, it and its subcommittees would have the authority to meet as regularly as necessary when situations of special interest or specific concern to the elected membership might occur.

Subcommittees:
1. As per Standing Rules Article II, Section 2, the committee is encouraged to invite individuals to render review or advice on specific questions as circumstances indicate. They are also encouraged to appoint ad hoc subcommittees as needed. The Chair of the Committee on Committees and Rules is to be notified of the charge and personnel of all ad hoc subcommittees at the time of their formation.
Mandated Reports
1. None