Proposed model

Faculty Senate

  • The Faculty Senate represents Faculty; schools elect representation; shared committees are created around specific interest areas, with committee leadership (co-chairs) and charges set collaboratively between the Faculty Senate and the "New" Senate.

"New" Senate

  • A "New" Senate (official Senate name to be determined) that represents University and Academic Professionals, Classified Staff, and VCU Health System employees; schools and departments elect representation in the "New" Senate; shared committees are created around specific interest areas, with committee leadership (co-chairs) and charges set collaboratively between the Faculty Senate and the "New" Senate. 

  • VCU Health System special membership is around shared interests for career and professional development, workplace culture, and employee appreciation.

 

How it's different

In this governance model option, the Faculty Senate represents only Faculty. The "New" Senate replaces the existing Staff Senate and represents all other employee groups (University and Academic Professionals, Classified and VCU Health System employees).

 

Positive impacts of this proposed model

  • The Faculty Senate represents one employee group (Faculty) subject to the same policies, benefits, etc.
  • The "New" Senate combines all other employee groups into one representative body.
  • Classified staff numbers will decline over time. This model ensures they continue to be represented by a robust body, the "New" Senate.

 

What to consider

  • Some current Professional Faculty with responsibilities in curriculum and instruction will become Academic Professionals (in the new employee group). They may no longer be eligible to serve on Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate and "New" Senate may determine ways to ensure their continued involvement in these matters (e.g., through shared committees of specific interest areas).
  • The Faculty Senate may lose some current Professional Faculty with expertise relevant to the senate’s work. The senate may determine ways to continue to involve these individuals (e.g., through shared committees).
  • The "New" Senate includes three employee groups: University and Academic Professionals, Classified Staff, and VCU Health System employees with different policies, benefits, etc.
  • The Staff Senate will need to change its bylaws and processes which will be accomplished in consultation with representatives of University and Academic Professionals.
  • As Classified staff numbers decline over time, other employee groups may become a larger share of the senate membership.
  • The task force acknowledges that this model may require changes to the University Council structure. This is a natural outgrowth of the new employee group. The University Council itself is solely responsible for determining if and what type of changes may be necessary.