Article V: Faculty Liaison Committee
A. Purpose
The Faculty Liaison Committee (FLC) is concerned with the welfare of the Academic Faculty and serves as a liaison between the Academic Faculty and the other components of the College. The Faculty and the President acknowledge that a positive working relationship between the Faculty and administration is vital for maintaining and improving the quality of Keuka College. To enhance coordination, communication, and consultation, the FLC and the administration affirm the principles below. These principles are in conformance with the AAUP principles and establish shared governance processes, and are subject to the College Bylaws, which is the overarching document that sets forth the authority of the Board of Trustees, the President, the Provost, and the Faculty of Keuka College.
The President, Provost, extended Cabinet, and Faculty recognize the Faculty Liaison Committee as representatives of the College Faculty and the Chair of the Faculty Liaison Committee as the principal liaison between the Faculty and the administration. The FLC will meet regularly, at least once monthly if requested, with the President and Provost, who will advise the Chair of the FLC of issues under consideration that come within the purview of the FLC.
The President and/or the Provost will meet with the FLC at the end of each academic year to plan a shared agenda for the following academic year, identifying two or three major issues of concern to the administration and the college Faculty. The parties recognize that additional issues of concern to the administration and the Faculty may be identified during the course of the year, which may also be addressed by the FLC.
B. Composition
(1) The Faculty Liaison Committee shall consist of five Academic Faculty members who shall be elected for terms of three years. No ex officio members are included on this Committee.
(2) The Committee shall deliberately establish a plan for operation, record-keeping, and continuity during annual membership and leadership transitions. The plan should designate which Committee members will be responsible for each of the following roles and functions. The same person may perform more than one task.
a. Chair (Presiding Officer) functions
1. Prepare meeting agendas
2. Preside over Committee meetings
3. Oversee distribution and completion of Committee tasks
4. Serve as conduit of communication between the Committee and other institutional components, such as the President, Provost, Board of Trustees, the Faculty, the Registrar, and other standing committees.
b. Chair-Elect functions
1. Prepare to take over the responsibilities of the Committee chair in the following academic year
2. Assist the chair in overseeing Committee functions
3. Preside over meetings in the absence of the chair
4. Other specific functions appropriate to the Committee
c. Secretarial Functions
The FLC Secretary will make available to the Faculty the following documents:
1. Agenda of meetings
2. Minutes of meetings
3. Proposals of changes to Policies and Procedures that require Faculty action
4. Other documents specifically relevant to the Committee, such as standard forms
(3) The FLC shall electronically communicate its plan regarding operation, record- keeping, and continuity to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs on or before June 15 (at the close of each academic year).
C. Responsibilities
(1) To solicit Faculty-related concerns through forums, Faculty meetings, and electronic platforms, and to make recommendations to the Academic Faculty and the President on matters pertaining to Faculty compensation, grievances, and welfare.
(2) To act in an advisory capacity to the President and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in matters related to academic freedom and responsibilities, grievances, and the general welfare of Faculty members.
(3) At the request of the Academic Faculty as set forth in Article VII of the Constitution, to establish communication with the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees in order to transmit Faculty concerns and recommendations.
(4) To carry out an annual review of the Faculty Handbook, including the Constitution and Bylaws.
(5) To serve as an advisory resource to the Faculty and the College administration for grievances and complaints from or affecting Faculty.
(6) To serve as an advisory resource to the Faculty and College administration when an allegation of violation of academic freedom is made. Specifically, the FLC will determine whether there is sufficient cause for a formal hearing by a Faculty member for matters related to academic freedom.
(7) To appoint or serve as the Hearing Committee, should the President or the affected Faculty member request, as deemed appropriate by the FLC, in such matters as denial of reappointment, tenure or promotion; when termination of appointment is effected by the institution for adequate cause; or when an allegation of violation of academic freedom is made. Members deeming themselves disqualified for bias or interest will remove themselves from the case, either at the request of a party or on their own initiative. Each party will have a maximum of two challenges without stated cause. The final Hearing Committee must include at least three Faculty members. Thus, in cases of multiple challenges, the FLC may need to appoint new members. In all instances, the Director of Human Resources or designate shall also serve as a member of the Hearing Committee and may not be challenged by either party but shall use a designate if they are themselves an involved party. The Hearing Committee is empowered to make recommendations to the administration.
(8) To serve in an advisory capacity to the Presiding Officer of Faculty meetings concerning the agenda.
(9) To develop its procedures and present them to the Academic Faculty for approval.
(10) To submit an annual report to the Academic Faculty.