The President and professors constitute the faculty of the University,
and, as such, shall have the immediate government and discipline of it
and the students therein. The faculty shall also have power, subject to
the supervision of the board of regents, to prescribe the course of study
to be pursued in the University, and the text books to be used. University
of Oregon Charter, Section 14, 1876 (ORS 352.010, 352.004, 352.006)
Because the University Senate is a public body, it is subject to
the provisions of the Oregon Public Meetings Law. Specifically, if two
or more members of any public body have the authority to make decisions
for or recommendations to a public body on poli cy or administration, they
are a governing body for purposes of the meetings law. [See ORS 192.610(3)]
The Oregon Public Meetings Law authorizes governing bodies to meet in
executive session in certain limited situations. (See "Executive Session"
for details.)
LEGISLATIVE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE PERTAINING TO THE UNIVERSITY
OF OREGON PASSED BY THE UNIVERSITY ASSEMBLY ON MAY 17, 1995
1. Abolish the
Current System of Faculty Governance
1.1 The faculty legislation establishing the current system of governance
is repealed, effective December 31, 11:59 p.m., 1995. This includes the
following legislation:
June 4, 1969, concerning election and balloting procedures and amending legislation of November 6, 1974, as to the number of student senators in the University Assembly.
June 6, 1984, concerning those who shall have the right to vote in the University Assembly and defining the voting faculty.
November 6, 1985,
concerning the present power of the University Senate.
2. Establish a New System of Faculty Governance
2.1 Effective January 1, 1996, the University Senate shall be sole
governing body of the University in all matters of faculty governance.
The University Senate shall consist of senate seats distributed
among officers of instruction, librarians , officers of administration,
and students, as follows:
37 Officers of Instruction
2 Librarians
3 Officers of Administration
5 Students
3 Classified Staff
1 President of the Senate
2.2 The thirty-seven officer-of-instruction senators shall represent specific constituencies, as follows:
College of Arts and Sciences:The division in the College of Arts and Sciences shall be: Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Information Science, Exercise and Movement Science, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology. Social Sciences: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, International Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Women's Studies. Humanities: Classics, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, East Asian Languages and Literature, English, Germanic Languages and Literat ure, Honors College, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Romance Languages, Russian, Theater Arts.
7 Humanities
7 Natural Sciences
7 Social SciencesProfessional Schools and Colleges:
5 Architecture and Allied Arts
3 Business
2 Education
2 Journalism and Communication
2 Law
2 Music37 Total
2.3 The number of officer-of-instruction senators representing the three divisions in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the number of officer-of-instruction senators representing each professional school or college, shall be based on the approximate proportion of tenure-related full-time-equivalent (FTE) appointments in the constituent unit relative to the total University of Oregon tenure-related FTE. Senate representatives shall be elected only by their constituent bodies.
2.4 If major changes occur in the distribution of officers of instruction--for example as the result of closure of a professional school or college--the University Senate shall undertake reapportionment. In the absence of major changes in the distribution of officers of instruction, the senate shall consider reapportionment in 2006 and every ten years thereafter.
2.5 The five student members shall represent academic majors and consist of the academic senators as defined in the constitution of the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO). The five student members of the University Senate shall be chosen by the nine ASUO academic student senators in a method designed by the latter. The same five shall serve as student senators for the academic year. Changes in the number of student senators can occur only as a result of senate reapportionment. The number of student senators shall be independent of future changes in the ASUO constitution.
3.1 At the beginning of fall term 1995, there shall be a special election for the full slate of senators from among the officers of instruction, librarians, and officers of administration as specified in section 2.
3.2 In each school and college and in the University of Oregon Library System, the Dean's Advisory Committee or a similar elected body shall nominate at least two more candidates than the required number of senators to be elected for that unit.
3.3 Eligible candidates in each unit may nominate themselves, and eligible candidates may nominate other eligible candidates within their own units.
3.4 The secretary of the faculty shall arrange for the election to the senate seats held by officers of administration. Nominating petitions shall be circulated to each officer-of-administration for either self-nomination or for nomination of another officer of administration. At least two more candidates than the required number of senators to be elected for this unit shall be nominated. Officers of administration, in this unit, shall vote only for these nominees.
3.5 All nominations for nonstudent senators--as provided for in 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4--shall be sent to the secretary of the faculty, who shall conduct the elections by mail ballot. Officers of instruction, librarians, and officers of administration shall vote only for those candidates nominated from within their own units.
3.6 Terms of office for all officer-of-instruction, library and officer-of-administration senators shall be two years, with the following exception: At the organizing meeting of the senate in January 1996, the terms of office for each officer-of-instruction, library, and officer-of-administration senator shall be determined by drawing straws, so that approximately half of the senators' terms will expire in June 1996 and the rest in June 1997. The secretary shall conduct the drawing of straws based on an election schedule previously approved by the senate. Commencing spring term 1996, and each spring thereafter, there shall be a university election, conducted as specified in this section, to elect senators for two-year terms to replace those whose terms expire in June 1996. Thereafter elections shall take place each spring term to elect new senators.
3.7 Election shall be by receiving the most votes within their units. If a tie vote results in the election of more senators than the number of available seats for a particular unit, a run-off election will be held.
Section 3.8 The Secretary of the Faculty shall arrange the filling of vacancies by notifying the next eligible candidate, determined in descending order of the number of votes received in the most recent election for the represented unit. If no eligible candidate is available to fill the vacancy, the following procedure will be followed:
Section 3.8.1 If the vacancy is for an Officer of Instruction Senator or for a Library System Senator, the Secretary of the Faculty shall ask the Dean's Advisory Committee or a similar elected body for the appropriate College, School, or Library System to appoint an eligible replacement senator from the constituency in question. If, following such a request, a suitable replacement is not appointed within 2 calendar weeks during which the University is in regular academic session, the Secretary of the Faculty shall appoint an eligible replacement Senator selected using a random process from the constituency in question.
Section 3.8.2 If the vacancy is for an Officer of Administration Senator or for a Classified Staff Senator, the Secretary of the Faculty shall appoint an eligible replacement Senator selected using a random process from the constituency in question.
Section 3.8.3 Appointments made by the Secretary of the Faculty using a random process pursuant to Sections 3.8.1 and 3.8.2 may be declined; however, if 5 such appointments are declined for a given position, the position will be declared vacant until the next election. Senators appointed under Sections 3.8.1 and 3.8.2 serve until the end of the academic year and are eligible to stand for election.
Section 3.8.4 If the vacancy is for a Student Senator, the Secretary of the Faculty shall ask the President of the Student Senate for an appointment of an eligible replacement student Senator to fill the vacancy.
4. Eligibility and Voting Criteria for Officers of Instruction, and Officers of Administration.
4.1 Each academic unit specified in Section 2 shall determine who is eligible for the purpose of voting for and nominating candidates to serve as officer-of-instruction senators, subject to the following limitations. All tenure-related officers of instruction holding the academic rank of instructor or higher, and employed at .50 FTE or greater, shall be eligible. No faculty person appointed at less than .50 FTE shall be eligible, nor shall any officer of administration who does not hold a tenure-related officer-of-instruction appointment in a school or college, nor shall courtesy, adjunct, or visiting faculty members, nor shall any student. Senior administrators, who are ineligible for membership on the Faculty Advisory Council, shall also be ineligible for election to the University Senate. Effective in the 2008-09 academic year, all career non-tenure track faculty (NTTF) with appointments as officers of instruction shall be eligible to stand for election, to nominate, and to vote in elections to the University Senate and University Committees, subject to the distribution and apportionment specified in Section 2. Career NTTF shall include those who have had a continuous 0.50 FTE appointment for a minimum of 3 years beginning on or before September 16, 2004 (August 15, 2004 for the Law School).
4.2 Officers of instruction who are appointed at .50 FTE in each of two units, as specified in section 2.2 shall declare in writing to their dean in which one of those two units they want to be eligible officer of instruction for the purpose of senate nominations and elections. The Dean shall forward the lists of eligible officer of instruction to the Secretary of the Faculty, who shall distribute the list for each unit to all eligible officers of instruction in that unit. If the Secretary is notified in writing by any eligible officer-of-instruction that he or she does not want to stand for election, that person's name shall not appear on any ballot for election.
4.3 Officers of administration, excluding those specified in section 4.1, and holding appointments at .50 FTE or greater, are eligible to be nominated for, serve as, and vote for officer-of-administration senators.
4.4 Officers of administration who do not want to be nominated shall notify the secretary of the faculty in writing of their desire not to be nominated when the nomination forms are distributed by the secretary.
5. University Senate Rules and Procedures
5.1 The senate shall adopt its own internal rules and procedures.
5.2 At the December 1995 meeting of the University Senate, as constituted at that time, the senate shall elect from among its second-year officer-of-instruction senators both a president and a vice president/president-elect for the newly formed University Senate that will be seated in January 1996. The terms of office for both shall be January 1, 1996, to May 22, 1996; the vice president shall become president at that time by confirmation of the senate. On May 22, 1996, and the election of senate officers shall take place at the last meeting of the University Senate each spring. The vice president shall be elected from among the officers-of-instruction who have served on the University Senate in the previous five years (inclusive of the academic year in which they are elected vice president) and will become president at the end of the following year by confirmation of the senate. Effective 15 November 2009, the Vice President shall be elected at the first meeting of the Senate in the fall.
5.3 The seat of any senator shall be considered vacant if the senator is absent two times in one term from regularly scheduled meetings of the senate, unless the secretary has been notified in advance of the senator's illness or anticipated absence on university business.
5.4 The president of the ASUO shall be notified by the secretary when a vacancy in a student senator position occurs. The ASUO president shall fill the position through the method established by the ASUO constitution.
5.5 No senator shall serve more than two consecutive two-year terms but may be elected again after an absence of two years.
6.1 The University Assembly shall be composed of all University of Oregon officers of instruction, librarians, officers of administration; the twenty members of the Student Senate; twenty-five members of the ASUO Executive; and five members of the ASUO Constitution Court.
6.2 All members of the University Assembly shall have the right to introduce legislation and shall have the right to the floor on any matter under discussion in the University Senate.
6.3. The University Assembly, with full legislative power, shall be convened by an affirmative vote of the University Senate or after a petition to so convene has been signed by 33 % of those eligible to vote for non student senators.
6.3.1 A meeting of the University Assembly with full legislative power shall be held at 3:30 PM, on a Wednesday, not less than ten nor more than 25 days from the time of the affirmative vote of the University Senate or from the time of the submission of a valid petition as provided for in 6.3.5, except that no meeting shall be scheduled for exam week, between quarters or during the summer quarter. In such an event, the meeting would be scheduled for the second Wednesday of the subsequent quarter.
6.3.2 The Secretary of the Faculty shall send timely notification of the meeting to all members of the University Assembly. The notification shall remind recipients that they are members of the Assembly and that the University will be closed from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the day of the meeting to facilitate attendance. Further notification of the meeting shall include notices in the Daily Emerald and on the University Calendar, Senate, and Assembly Web sites. On the Monday immediately prior to the meeting, members shall be reminded to attend. The reminder shall include the text of this section (6.3.2).
6.3.3 An alphabetical list of Assembly Members (without phone numbers or e-mail addresses) shall be maintained and linked from the University Assembly Web site. The list shall be headed by the criteria for membership as specified by the Enabling Legislation and the list shall be updated annually, as early in the Fall Quarter as is feasible.
6.3.4 The UO Secretary shall maintain an annually updated list of Assembly Members with phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The list shall be used only to forward communications, from the University President, the Secretary of the Faculty, or the UO Senate President, that are relevant to the business of the University Assembly.
6.3.5 The University adopts the following procedures to enable a University Assembly to convene with full legislative power by petition:
6.3.6 A list of the Voting Faculty with campus addresses shall be maintained and linked from the University Assembly Web site. The list shall be headed by the criteria for membership as specified by the charter and the list shall be updated annually, as early in the Fall Quarter as is feasible.
1.1. The University Senate shall consider, revise and propose legislative motions consistent with the role of the faculty in the governance of the University of Oregon as provided in ORS 352.010, 352.004, and 352.006.
1.2.1 The University Senate is the main legislative body of the University. Its duties are significant to the life of the University and in most cases its meetings are public. The Senate has adopted certain guidelines and procedures. The Senate is a deliberative body. Decorum and procedural forms are important to promote the prompt and effective dispatch of the Senate's duties. With legislative authority and formal organization, the Senate maintains high standards and follows established methods of procedure. Thus, the Senate is not an informal organization.
1.2.2 Customs of formality followed by the Senate President and Senate members under the guidance of parliamentary procedure serve to maintain the chair's position and the dignity of the Senators while helping to preserve an objective and impersonal appro ach to Senate discussions, especially when serious differences of opinion arise.
1.3 The University Senate reserves the right to declare an "Executive Session." At this time all non-Senators are required to leave the chambers. However, the "Executive Session" does allow the media to remain, but media representatives must promise not to compromise the details of the "Executive Session." (See Distinguished Service Award/Honorary Doctorate below.)
2.1 The ASUO Constitution defines the duties, terms, positions and constituencies of the Student Senators within the ASUO government. Under article 2.5 of the Enabling Legislation the membership of the Student Senate in the University Senate is defined. Other applicable portions of the Enabling Legislation can be found in articles 2.1, 2.4, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6.1 and 6.2. University Assembly legislation of November 6, 1974 is also applicable (see article 6.1.7 of Senate Bylaws.)
Voting: Proxy, Absentee, Mail, and Secret Ballots
3.1 Oregon law prohibits voting by proxy, absentee, mail or secret ballot. (See Oregon Attorney General's Administrative Law Manual, Appendix C-6.)
4.1 The Senate shall adopt its own internal rules and procedures (by-laws).
4.2 These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the University Senate at any meeting, provided the amendment has been proposed in writing to the Secretary, and a copy of the proposed amendment has been sent to each member of the University Senate at least thirty days before the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
President and Vice President of the Senate
4.3 The President and the Vice-President are the elected officers of the University Senate. The Vice-President also serves as President-Elect. In the event that the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice President will assume the office of the President and will retain the title of the President-Elect. In the event that the Vice President resigns, he/she may not serve as the President-Elect. The Secretary of the Senate is directed to write to all eligible vice president candidates on 15 September to solicit self-nominations. The Secretary of the Senate also writes to all members of the then existent Senate to solicit self-nominations. The nominating process closes 1 October with the election occurring at the first Senate meeting of the academic year.
4.4 Because coordination between the Senate and the Assembly is very important, the Secretary of the Faculty, who has served the University Senate since 1986, also serves the University Assembly. The position is ex-officio and nonvoting in both bodies.
4.5 Under the Administrative Rules of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education the University President is authorized to preside over the deliberations of the legislative body of the faculty of the institution and has the right of veto, subject to review by the Chancellor. In rare instances the President has vetoed legislation. The President customarily appears before the University Senate or the Assembly to explain the reasons for the veto. The President is authorized to define the scope of authority of faculties, councils, committees and officers of the institution, subject to review by the Chancellor, when not otherwise specifically defined by Board action or in violation of authority granted to the faculty by State of Oregon law.
4.6 The Senate President annually shall appoint a Parliamentarian to the University Senate to advise on parliamentary procedure and to resolve parliamentary issues raised during University Senate meetings.
4.7 The University Senate shall meet on the second Wednesday of each month - October through May. The Senate shall meet between 15:00 (3:00 p.m.) and 18:30 (6:30 p.m.) that day. At the discretion of the Senate members, the body may reconvene at another time to complete unfinished work. The Senate has the right to call additional meetings as necessary. Prior to a meeting of the Senate, the Senate President shall distribute an agenda to each member of the Senate. The Senate President is responsible to see that all motions not introduced at the preceding meeting of the Senate, are circulated to each Senator at least ten calendar days prior to the next scheduled meeting.
4.8 The quorum for the University Senate is one more than half, as presently constituted. No business shall be transacted unless a quorum is present. The fact that one or more vacancies may exist in the Senate roster has no bearing on this quorum requirement. (See Oregon Attorney General's Administrative Law Manual, Appendix C-4.)
4.9 Quorum shall be determined by sign-in or roll call at each meeting. The Secretary, if a roll call is desired, shall announce the quorum count. No meeting shall begin without a quorum. No business, except to adjourn, recess or to adjourn to find members to complete the quorum, shall take place in the absence of a quorum. If business does proceed despite the lack of a quorum any business then enacted must be ratified at the next meeting when a quorum is present or such business shall be null and void. No notice of motion (New Business) shall be introduced at a meeting lacking a quorum. [RONR, p. 342]
4.10 The University Senate requires that the Secretary shall keep a formal roll of all its members. At each meeting Senators shall check off their names to show that they are present. The roll also shall reflect all excused absences. The minutes of the Senate shall record all present, excused, and absent members. (See 3.8 & 5.3 of enabling legislation.)
4.11 Terms of office: see Enabling Legislation article 3.6
4.12 Vacancies: see Enabling Legislation articles 3.7 and 3.8
4.13 Three classified staff shall be elected to serve in the University Senate. Classified staff Senators shall have the same rights as other Senators, including full voting privileges, and shall abide by all regulations adopted by the University Senate for its members. The Secretary shall arrange for the election of the classified staff Senators following election and eligibility procedures for officers of administration as described in the University Senate enabling legislation sections 3, 4, and 5.
Article V Fiscal Impact Statement Requirement
5.1 All motions brought before the University Senate that may have any fiscal consequences or impact must be accompanied by a fiscal impact statement at the time the motion is introduced. This statement shall note for example, cost savings, new or created costs, or a determination of cost neutral. The Senate, in its final disposition of any legislation with a possible fiscal impact is obligated to describe this fiscal information prior to the final passage of any legislation.
Article VI Internal Standing Committees of the University Senate
6.1 Senate Executive Committee: The Executive Committee of the University Senate consists of the elected officers of the Senate, and the Secretary. The Executive Committee may appoint additional student and faculty Senators to serve on this committee.
6.1.1 The function of the Executive Committee is to advise the Senate President and facilitate the work of the Senate. It meets at the call of the Senate President.
6.2 Senate Rules Committee: The University Senate Rules Committee shall consist of three persons appointed by the Senate President. The Rules Committee is charged to negotiate with the sponsors of motions/resolutions, in advance of the appropriate Senate meetings, to clarify and/or to propose editorial changes in notices of motions sent to the Committee by the Senate President.
6.2.1 The Rules Committee is not required to report on every proposed motion, but rather acts at the request of the Senate President. The Rules Committee chair shall contact the sponsor(s) of the motion to arrange discussion of possible changes to a motion. The intent of the motion shall not be altered or changed by the Rules Committee. Any conflicts in word usage, meaning, purpose or structure should be remedied prior to the Senate meeting at which the motion will be acted upon formally. The Rules Committee chair shall assure that the maker of the motion has provided a valid Fiscal Impact Statement prior to formal introduction of the motion. (See "Fiscal Impact Statement" in Article V) The Rules Committee chair shall report the Committee's changes in wording or procedure to the sponsor(s), whether or not they are accepted by the sponsor(s). Only the Rules Committee form of the motion shall be introduced for Senate consideration.
6.3 Senate Nominating Committee: The Senate Nominating Committee is appointed by the President of the Senate. It shall nominate individuals upon request to various standing committees of the Senate, to some standing committees of the Faculty and, under certain circumstances to the Interinstitutional Faculty Senate, ad hoc committees of the Senate, or to other committees at the request of the President of the University or the President of the Senate. This committee also nominates candidates for President and Vice-President of the Senate.
6.4 Senate Budget Committee: The Senate Budget Committee is the University's primary agency for faculty and student participation in fiscal policy.
6.4.1 The Senate Budget Committee is charged to inform itself about issues that affect the financial well-being of the University. It will advise the President and the senate on budgetary policy and long-term financial strategies, and will keep the University Senate informed about financial matters. The committee will develop and maintain a broad overview of the University's budget, paying particular attention to General Funds (i.e., State appropriations and tuition and fees). The Budget Committee may initiate the study of financial issues.
6.4.2 Members of the Senate Budget Committee will be appointed by the Senate President and will serve three-year terms. The Senate Executive Committee will have the right to attend meetings in a non-voting capacity, as will the Faculty Advisory Council. The Provost is a voting member of the committee. Both the President and Provost are invited to attend meetings, and may designate staff members to accompany or represent them. The President and members of the Administration will keep the committee informed of actions by the Governor, the Legislature, the Oregon University System, the Chancellor's Office, and other agencies that affect the availability of resources and place constraints on the expenditure of General Funds.
6.4.3. Two staff members having budgetary responsibilities will be appointed to assist the committee. The committee will choose its own chair from its membership. The committee may meet in executive session when appropriate, and may establish working sub-committees.
6.5 Committee on Committees: The Committee on Committees is nominated by the Senate Nominating Committee and elected by and responsible to the University Senate. It is charged with the oversight of the committee structure within the system of shared governance. Further, this committee shall designate the faculty membership of all appointed University Standing Committees established by faculty legislation. It may also, when appropriate, nominate the faculty membership of Administrative Advisory Groups and Externally-Mandated Boards. The Committee on Committees shall be charged with the annual orientation of all chairs of University Standing Committees.
6.5.1 The Vice-President of the University Senate shall serve as the chair of the Committee on Committees.
6.5.2 Should vacancies occur during mid-year, the President of the University Senate, inconsultation with the Senate Nominating Committee, shall appoint members to complete terms of service on the Committee on Committees.
ARTICLE VII University-Wide Committees
7.1 Since 1991-92, all non-elected committees established by faculty legislation are appointed by the Committee on Committees, a committee appointed by the University Senate. The Secretary of the Faculty shall coordinate the elections of faculty to elective committees. The secretary shall arrange for the filling of vacancies on elected committees and councils by notifying the next eligible candidate, determined in descending order of the number of votes received in the most recent election for the relevant committee or council. If no eligible candidate is available to fill the vacancy, the Senate Executive Committee, with advice and recommendations from the Committee on Committees, shall appoint an eligible faculty member to fill the vacancy until the next regular election cycle. Filling a vacancy shall not preclude the appointee from standing for election to the same committee or council during the next election cycle if eligible.
7.2 University Standing Committees: University Standing Committees are committees established by University Senate legislation and whose charges have broad relevance to and impact upon the general University Community. University-wide issues include, but are not limited to, general academic issues, the curriculum, campus governance, student and faculty afairs, International Programs, University awards, and issues affecting campus atmosphere and diversity. University Standing Committees report to the Senate and in some cases also to the Administration based on their enabling legislation.
7.2.1 All University Standing Committees are required to make annual written reports to the University Senate. These reports shall be submitted to the Senate President prior to the final Senate meeting of the academic year (May). Exceptions to this article are the annual written reports of the Faculty Personnel Committee (FPC) and the Campus Planning Committee (CPC). These reports are submitted at the October meeting of the University Senate, and reflect the work of the respective committees for the previous academic year. Reports of both the Faculty Advisory Council and Faculty Personnel Committee are published in the permanent minutes of the Assembly. The Senate minutes will be distributed to all voting faculty.
7.2.2 Reports of the Committee on Courses: The University Senate considers and acts on these reports. Each member of the Senate shall receive a full copy of the report in advance of the Senate meeting at which it will be discussed. Senators are expected to read the document and to prepare comments, or recommendations prior to the meeting. Each report is filed as a motion by the chair of the committee who also defends it during Senate debate. The motion on the report requires no second. [RONR, p. 35] Senate action is not limited to voting on the motion. The Senate is expected to clarify, to make inquiries, to propose changes or additions or deletions, or to make motions to amend the report if necessary, and to vote on the amendments, etc. The Senate takes final action on these reports.
During discussion in the University Senate the primary responsibility for explaining and defending the report remains with the chair and members of the Committee on Courses.
7.3 Student Participation: Student members of Committees have the right to take full part and vote. However, the legislation establishing student presence in the University Senate may be rescinded or amended only by vote of the voting faculty, not including those students who have voting privileges.
Distinguished Service Award Election
7.4 The University Senate declares itself in "Executive Session" when considering nominees for the Distinguished Service Award. The President of the Senate is authorized to request persons present at the time of the election of those to receive the Distinguished Service Award to refrain from making such names public until the University officially announces the names of the honorees.
Honorary Doctorates
7.5 The University Senate has established criteria for granting the honorary doctorate. Copies of these criteria are available from the Secretary. The Senate shall declare itself in "Executive Session" when considering nominees for this degree .
7.6 Interinstitutional Faculty Senate (IFS)
7.6.1 The Interinstitutional Faculty Senate was created by the State Board of Higher Education in 1970. The University of Oregon has three seats on the IFS, plus one alternate, and the Senate is solely responsible for the election of UO Interinstitutional Faculty Senators.
7.6.2 The three representatives and one alternate from the University
of Oregon to the Interinstitutional Faculty Senate shall be elected by
the University Senate from the university voting faculty as a whole. The
three IFS senators serve staggered terms of three years with an expiration
of December 31. The alternate shall serve a one-year term, which may be
renewed. When electing an IFS representative, the senate shall ensure that
at least one of the
three IFS representatives is a current member of the senate or has
previous senate experience.
7.6.3 Seat 1 shall have an expiration date of December 31, 1997 and
every three years thereafter.
7.6.4 Seat 2 shall have an expiration date of December 31, 1995 and
every three years thereafter.
7.6.5 Seat 3 shall have an expiration date of December 31, 1996 and
every three years thereafter.
8.1 Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be applied by the University
Senate in all cases in
which they are consulted and so long as they are consistent with Senate
bylaws and any special or standing procedures of the Senate, or any provisions
of local, state, or national law.
Article IX Special and Standing Rules of Order
9.1 Special rules of order for the University Senate are usually adopted in the form of resolutions and require a two-thirds vote to suspend or amend. Standing rules generally are adopted individually if and when the need arises. They can be adopted or changed by majority vote.
9.1.1 Special Rules of Order ". . . adopted or changed by 2/3 vote. . ."
I. AGENDA
9.1.2 The Senate President shall set the agenda for each University Senate meeting. The Order of Business follows the outline listed below, however the placement of motions or resolutions for consideration will be at the discretion of the Senate President. Usually the more important motions or resolutions are placed first on the agenda, and less important or secondary motions or resolutions later. The order of receipt does not dictate the placement of an item on the agenda. The agenda must be circulated to each Senator and other persons involved in an agenda item prior to the scheduled meeting.
9.1.3 The following is the Order of Business for the regular meetings of the Senate. Selected language from Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised has been incorporated for ready reference.
9.1.3.1. Approval of the Minutes.
9.1.3.2. State of the University (usually presented by the President
of the University or the President's
designee). Reports of officers, boards, and standing committees. Question
and answer period for Senators, statements or announcements by Senators
concerning University business, or activities.
NO MOTIONS CAN BE INTRODUCED AT THIS TIME!
9.1.3.3. Committee Reports: Special or Ad Hoc committees, University Standing Committees, Administrative Advisory Groups, or Externally-Mandated Boards invited to make a presentation to the Senate.
9.1.3.4. Unfinished (Old) Business (e.g., matters introduced at the previous meeting, matters meeting the 10 day prior notification requirement or matters carried over from a previous meeting.)
9.1.3.5. New Business: Matters initiated in the present meeting [not motions, but some resolutions may fit here, see below] and motions introduced for the following meeting. These NEW motions/resolutions cannot be debated at this time. The introduction normally consists of reading of the title or summary of the motion being introduced.
9.1.3.6 (Motions and resolutions can be different. Normally both of
these require the minimum 10 day
notification to all Senators. However, a resolution that does not alter
University policy does not require the minimum 10 day prior notice requirement.)
9.1.3.7 Motions/Resolutions: All motions/resolutions should be introduced no later than the Senate meeting immediately prior to the meeting at which time the proposed motion/resolution will be on the floor of the Senate. If this deadline is missed the motion/resolution should be in the hands of the Senate President no later than 23 days prior to the next meeting of the senate.
The Senate president shall turn the motion/resolution over to the Chair of the Senate Rules Committee no later than 20 days prior to the next scheduled meeting of the University Senate. The Rules Committee shall meet with the maker of the motion and work within the established rules of the committee to perfect the legislation.
The Senate Rules Committee shall return the motion/legislation to the Senate President at least 16 days prior to the next scheduled meeting of the University Senate.
The Senate President shall meet with the Senate Executive Committee to discuss the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Senate. The agenda must include all motions/resolutions that will be on the floor at this meeting of the Senate.
The Senate President shall arrange to have copies of the agenda, with copies of all pertinent motions/resolutions attached to the agenda, circulated to all Senators so that each Senator shall receive the agenda with the pertinent motions/resolutions at lest 10 days prior to the next scheduled meeting. The use of electronic imaging to meet this deadline shall be permissible as long as each Senator receives a hard copy of the agenda and all pertinent motions and resolutions prior to the day of the meeting.
9.1.3.8 Any particular item of business can be taken up out of its proper order by a two-thirds vote adopting a motion to suspend the rules. (The motion to suspend is not debatable.) Hence, urgent business can be advanced in order to assure its full and unhurried consideration. If desired, the Senate can return to the regular order of business by a majority vote. Before the completion of the advanced question, the Senate can return to the regular order of business by adopting a motion to postpone the question on the table.
9.1.3.9 Form: "I move to suspend the rules that interfere with the introduction,
at this time, of _____."
Second required.
9.1.3.10 If an urgent piece of business has not met the required minimum of 10 days notice, the rules can be suspended, again by a two-thirds vote, to allow the introduction of such business.
9.1.3.11 Form: "I move to suspend the rules that interfere with the
introduction, at this time, of _____."
Second required.
9.2 Standing Rules of Order ". . . adopted or changed by majority vote. . ."
I. VISITORS/GUESTS
9.2.1 As stated in the Enabling Legislation, articles 6.1 and 6.2, all members of the University Assembly have the right to introduce legislation and shall have the right to the floor on any matter under discussion in the University Senate. However, only enrolled Senators shall have the right to vote in the University Senate.
9.2.2 Visitors/guests are always welcome at meetings of the University Senate. Visitors/guests are requested to sit in the back of the room. If a visitor/guest wishes to make a presentation or statement on the floor of the Senate, the Secretary shall be notified in advance. The person shall sign-up with the Secretary who shall, in turn, notify the President prior to the starting of the meeting. The President shall, at the appropriate time, inform the Senate that a visitor/guest wishes to read or make a statement relative to Senate interest, or make a statement on a motion/resolution formally introduced and under discussion. A motion must be made to "suspend the rules" (with a required second) to allow visitors/guests to have access to the floor. A two-thirds vote is required for suspension. The motion to suspend is not debatable.
9.2.3 Examples: "I move that the rules be suspended (or to suspend the rules) which interfere with (state object of the suspension.)" Second needed.
9.2.4 A visitor or guest, with the permission given above, has the right
to read or make a statement of
reasonable length to the Senate. The visitor/guest may answer questions
concerning the statement read or made on the floor of the Senate.
9.2.5 The President and Vice-President of the ASUO (beginning in 1995 the Vice-President is an ex-officio member of the Student Senate) have the right to attend all meetings of the Senate. They do not have the right to speak on the floor, to make motions, to second motions, or to vote on motions.
9.2.6 The President of the Senate has the right, without requesting
a suspension of the rules, to invite
non-Senators to make reports to the Senate. These reports will be given
during the "State of the University" portion of the agenda and normally
will include reports from: The President of the University or President's
designee; Interinstitutional Faculty Senate; Senate, Faculty, ad hoc Committees;
others as the Senate President deems necessary.
9.2.7 At the request of the Senate President the Secretary shall summarize the reports in the minutes.
9.2.8 Emeritus faculty of the University have the right to introduce legislation and shall have the right to the floor on any matter under discussion in the University Senate.
| Web page last updated 15 March 2010 by ms |