1.17 Constitution of the Faculty Association
1.17.1 Preamble
To better meet the educational goals of Nicholls State University, the Faculty Association is committed to furthering joint planning and effort by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, the administration, the faculty, the students, and the community. The interests of all are related, and the broadest possible exchange of information and opinion is necessary for the effective planning and implementation of the University’s philosophy and objectives. While each component of the academic community has different initiating and decision–making responsibilities, the Association recognizes that an effective system of University governance must be representative, responsive, and mutually accountable.
1.17.2 Article I—Name
The name of this organization shall be the Nicholls State University Faculty Association, hereinafter referred to as “Association.” The official name of the governing body of the Nicholls State University Faculty Association shall be the Nicholls State University Faculty Senate, hereinafter referred to as “Senate.”
1.17.3 Article II—Purpose
As the governing body of the Association, the Senate shares in the conduct of University affairs and provides leadership in the areas of academic freedom, the development, maintenance, and evaluation of academic programs and educational standards, the assurance of faculty welfare, and the advancement of the University. Normally recommendations of the Senate are submitted to the President through the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Senate may use any independent avenues to obtain information or express opinions in order to assure faculty welfare and to preserve academic freedom.
1.17.4 Article III—Duties
1.17.4.1 Section 1—Senate Elections
The Senate shall oversee elections to the Senate through its Committee on Committees and elect officers as provided for in the Bylaws of the Association.
1.17.4.2 Section 2—Committee Assignments
The Senate shall oversee elections of Association members to serve on those committees requiring elected faculty representation through its Committee on Committees. The Senate’s Committee on Committees shall also submit lists of recommended faculty for appointment to Standing Committees where faculty representation is required but where elections are not necessary.
1.17.4.3 Section 3—Senate Action
In addition to initiating specific actions within its purview, the Senate shall act on all recommendations of Academic Standing Committees and Faculty Senate Standing Committees that report to the Senate. The Senate shall forward to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs its recommendations concerning actions taken by the Academic Standing Committees and the Faculty Senate Standing Committees. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs shall then transmit these recommendations as appropriate to the President. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will report to the Senate at its next regularly scheduled meeting the administration’s response to Senate recommendations.
1.17.5 Article IV—Appeals
In extraordinary circumstances and concerning matters of grave urgency to the University, the Faculty Senate may at its option, by a 2/3 majority of the total Senate in concurrence with a 2/3 vote of the total Association membership, appeal to the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System a rejection by the President of a Faculty Senate recommendation. Until such time as the Board establishes a policy of direct appeals, these appeals shall be made through the Faculty Advisory Council of the Board of Supervisors. The appeal may not be initiated before the expiration of a 30–day period subsequent to the receipt of the rejection. During this 30–day period, maximum effort should be exerted to reconcile differences.
1.17.6 Article V—Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution may be initiated by a majority vote of the Senate or by a petition signed by at least twenty (20) percent of the membership of the Association. All amendments shall be presented to the members of the Association in referendum, and shall be ratified by a two–thirds (2/3) vote of the Association. By a majority vote of the Senate, amendments may be presented to Association members by mail ballot.
