Resolution on Consultation Prior to Reorganization

Preamble

The structure and organization of the University's academic units and central administration have a profound effect on faculty, staff, and students, and decisions about modifying those structures will benefit from the knowledge and experience of those affected.  This resolution  therefore identifies appropriate governance committees to be consulted before any major reorganization decision is made.  To be effective, such consultation must occur early in the consideration of any such changes. 

For reorganizations in central administration, the consultation should be with appropriate University Senate committees.  For reorganizations within campuses or colleges, the consultation should be with the appropriate campus, college, and departmental governance bodies.  Because major structural change within campuses and colleges has implications outside those units as well, the resolution provides for determination whether consultation with Senate committees is warranted when such change is considered. 

I.  Reorganization of Campuses and Collegiate Units

Proposals to establish new collegiate units, merge or eliminate existing collegiate units, reorganize a college in a substantial way, or to make a significant modification in the mission (with college- or campus-wide impact or ramification) to an existing college/campus, should be reviewed by the appropriate governance body of an affected college or campus unit.  The responsible central administrator (President, Provost, or Senior Vice President) should consult with the chair of the Senate Consultative Committee (SCC) to plan additional consultation with other Senate committees as appropriate, and the timetable for such consultation. In planning for such additional consultation, the chair of SCC will coordinate with the chairs of the other Senate consultative committees.

II.  Reorganization of Other University-Wide or Campus-Wide Units

Proposals to reorganize or eliminate non-collegiate, all-University units (such as the Graduate School) should be reviewed by governance bodies within the affected units and by SCC.  The chair of SCC and the responsible central administrator (President, Provost, or Senior Vice President) should plan additional consultation with other Senate committees as appropriate, and the timetable for such consultation.  In planning for such additional consultation, the chair of SCC will coordinate with the chairs of the other Senate consultative committees.

III.  Reorganization of Academic Units Within and Across Colleges and Campuses

Proposals to establish, eliminate, split, or merge collegiate academic departments or to move an academic department to a different college should be reviewed by appropriate college governance committees.  The responsible central administrator (President, Provost, or Senior Vice President) should consult with the chair of the SCC before any final decisions are made. The chair of SCC will coordinate with the chairs of the other Senate consultative committees to ensure their involvement when appropriate. Proposals to establish, eliminate, split, merge, or move non-departmental academic units (e.g., including but not limited to centers and programs) should also be reviewed by appropriate college governance committees, but need not be reported to Senate committees.

IV.  Administrative Reorganization

1.  When the president considers (a) the establishment or elimination of senior administrative position(s) of high rank (vice president, provost, chancellor), or (b) a significant reorganization of the central administration, he or she should consult with the chair of the SCC. The chair of SCC will coordinate with the chairs of the other Senate consultative committees to ensure their involvement when appropriate. Approval of the committee(s) or their chairs is not required.

2.  When a campus executive officer (chancellor or provost) considers the establishment or elimination of senior administrative positions for a campus, the provost or chancellor should consult with the appropriate consultative body (assembly executive committee or its faculty-student equivalent). Approval by that consultative body is not required.

COMMENT:

This resolution replaces the 1999 Policy on Reorganization adopted by the University Senate, which itself replaced several existing policies dating from 1956 through 1971. The intent is to remove ambiguities in the 1999 policy and convert it to a resolution, to be agreed on by the President and the Senate.

CHRISTOPHER CRAMER, CHAIR
SENATE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE