Governance

The College of Fine Arts is committed to the concept of shared governance, which allows the participation of faculty and students in the development of policy on academic matters. The governing bodies for the college are the Dean’s Executive Committee, the College Advisory Committee, the Student Advisory Committee and the Staff Advisory Committee.  These committees are responsible for collegial governance to promote high standards of academic excellence in all phases of instruction, research, and service.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the Dean, Associate Dean, Senior Information Technology Manager, Director of Development, Associate Director of Development, School Directors, School Associate/Assistant Directors, and the Manager of Budgets and Financial Analysis.  This committee meets twice a month to receive reports from the Dean and to give him advice. The Dean serves as the Chair.

College Advisory Committee

The College Advisory Committee reviews/approves sabbatical leave applications, selects recipients for the James Anthony Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching, reviews/approves research incentive grant applications, reviews/approves merit/market processes, and serves in a review capacity on grade appeals as needed. The Committee ordinarily consists of two faculty members from the Schools of Art, Music, and Theatre, Film and Television (one from Theatre, one from Film and Television), and one from the School of Dance.  The Committee consists of two faculty members from the Schools of Art, Music, and Theatre, Film and Television (one from Theatre, one from Film and Television), and one from the School of Dance.  For those from Art and Music there is a one-year term with one carry over.  The others serve a one-year term only. The Associate Dean acts as Chair.

Staff Advisory Committee

The Staff Advisory Committee exists to maintain and enhance communication between the classified staff and the college's executive committee. The council provides a forum for staff to represent and advocate their concerns within college. The council also serves as a conduit to advise and make recommendations to the dean on existing and proposed staff related issues, policies and procedures. When applicable, the council ensures inclusion of classified staff on college committees.   All classified staff within the college are invited to participate in the council.  Currently the council meets once a semester with other meetings scheduled as needed.

Student Advisory Committee

The Student Advisory Committee meets with the Associate Dean on a regular basis for the purpose of proposing new initiatives, providing feedback on student issues, and serving in a review capacity on grade appeals as needed. This committee consists of two student representatives from each School, one graduate and one undergraduate (including two students each from Theatre and Film and Television).  All students must be in good academic standing.

Committee Structure

There are three standing committees: the Curriculum Committee, the College Promotion and Tenure Committee, and the Arts Education Committee. General membership rules for all standing committees are as follows:  Standing committees are composed of faculty members from the College faculty.  They will have the responsibility of conducting the affairs of the College and representing faculty in governance issues. Each August, the Directors nominate faculty for the various standing committees. The Dean makes a selection and sends appointment letters to faculty.

Standing Committees

• Curriculum Committee - The Curriculum Committee shall represent the Faculty by reviewing, evaluating and making recommendations regarding curricular matters.  These matters include but are not limited to: (1) all requests from departments for approval of new course offerings, degree programs (majors), certificates, and emphasis areas; (2) requests for the discontinuance of courses; (3) changes in number, title, amount of credit, and/or description; (4) periodic study to determine if all courses listed in the current catalogs are being offered; (5) identification of and recommendations regarding courses which may be combined, cross-listed, or eliminated.  The Committee consists of one faculty represented from each school.  The chair of the committee will be the Associate Dean who will serve on the committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity.
• College Promotion and Tenure Committee – The College Promotion and Tenure Committee reviews candidates’ dossiers for promotion/tenure for the college. They are charged with the responsibility for reviewing the credentials of faculty and making formal recommendations regarding the reappointment of untenured faculty and the awarding of promotion and/or tenure. Full Professors are eligible and Associate Professors if there is no Full available.  The Committee serves September-December with packets delivered to the committee mid- October. The Committee also reviews the process of selected annual review of tenured faculty (20% of faculty) to ensure the departmental criteria are applied fairly to each review.  The committee ordinarily consists of one faculty member from each School.
• Arts Education Committee – The Arts Education Committee discusses outreach and grant opportunities to expand arts education in the community and prepare documents for state reviews. The committee consists of the education faculty in the areas of art, theatre, and music. The Associate Dean will serve on the committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity.

Ad Hoc Committees

The Dean may establish limited duration Ad Hoc Committees as dictated by the college. 

• Grade Appeal Committee
• Search Committee