2010-2011 Final Report of the Committee on Committees (COC)
May, 2011
The charge to the COC is to review, on an annual basis, one-third of the MU standing
committees and to make recommendations to the chancellor and Faculty Council on the
continuation of the committees and the revision of charges and/or membership to
improve the committees’ function. The COC also should follow-up on past
recommendations for changes.
The COC met once during the fall semester of 2010 to review the procedures for
evaluation of MU standing committees, and to familiarize themselves with the tools and
materials to be used. Sample copies of the questionnaire and letter to campus committee
chairs are available for review on the COC page, on the MU Standing Committees’
website. Committee on Committee members were assigned individual standing
committees to review. The charge to individuals was to visit the committee meeting
where possible and to distribute materials to standing committee members for their
personal opinions.
No formal meeting was held during the spring semester, but members were sent the
individual standing committee evaluation reports and asked to comment if they found
something that should be brought to the committee as a whole.
Two reports raised questions regarding the need for the respective committees. Via email, COC members were polled regarding the importance of the issues raised and asked
to comment. The consensus was that the concerns were valid and that the COC
recommended that these committees be disbanded.
Committees Chosen for Review
Academic Assessment Committee
Admissions Review Committee
Campus Mediations Committee
Committee on Committees
Library Committee
Revision of Students Records Committee
Student Financial Aid Committee
Traffic Appeals Committee
Below are listed the individual committee charges, a brief synopsis of each committee’s
review and the recommendation from the COC. The individual committee reviews are
available on the COC website and should be read if there are any questions regarding the
synopses or recommendations.
Summary of Committee Reviews
Academic Assessment Committee
The charge to the Academic Assessment Committee is to establish policy and advise the
provost regarding academic assessment issues, including determining assessment
information needed, developing guidelines for university, division, department and
general education assessment plans and outcomes, and reviewing and recommending
changes to assessment plans.
This committee has been inactive for 3 or more years. A recommendation dated 2007
from Vice Provost James Spain indicated that there was no longer a need for this
committee because assessment is currently handled differently.
The COC recommends discontinuation of this committee.
Admissions Review Committee
The charge to the Admissions Review Committee is to act upon cases of admission to the
University referred by the director of admissions or by appeal of individual students; to
act in an advisory capacity to the faculty and to the director of admissions regarding
admissions policies; and to hear student appeals for relief from admissions decisions on
credit or grade transfers.
The committee has not met in a “number” (est. 3-20) years. Most of the members were
unable to comment on how the committee functions because of lack of participation.
According to one member, the committee has never had to meet because admissions
decisions are handled at the Admissions Office or by the Vice Provost for Enrollment
Management. No student has appealed an admissions decision to the committee that
could be documented.
The COC recommends discontinuation of this committee.
Campus Mediation Service Committee
The charge to the Campus Mediation Service Committee is to act as an independent
oversight body for the Campus Mediation Service, including setting policy for the
Campus Mediation Service and overseeing the director of the Campus Mediation Service
and the Campus Mediation Service operations.
All members who responded believe the committee is committed, diverse, thoughtful,
and fulfilling its charge. Additional staff support may be necessary and the committee
chair is encouraged to address this issue directly with the Campus Mediation Service.
The COC recommends continuation of this committee.
Committee on Committees
The charge to the Committee on Committees is to review on an annual basis one-third of
the standing committees and to make recommendations to the chancellor and Faculty
Council on the continuation of the committees and the revision of charges and/or
membership to improve the committees' functions. The committee also should follow-up
on past recommendations for changes.
All members who responded felt the committee represents different viewpoints, makes
constructive use of time, and has adequate resources. A concern was the absence of a
mechanism for the committee members to know the outcome of its recommendations.
Specific recommendations from the committee include: A process document should be
created and posted on the web site. The chair should follow up with the chancellor’s
office to learn outcome of recommendations. An executive should be assigned to each
standing committee. New members may be paired with experienced members when
evaluating committees. Solicit interest in chairmanship among committee members.
The COC recommends continuation of this committee.
Library Committee
The charge to the Library Committee is to make recommendations to the provost
concerning the continued improvement of the library collection and library services, and
academic matters related to library policies and programs.
All members understand the committee’s charge and responsibilities and they believe the
committee is fulfilling its charge. The diverse composition of the committee is an
important strength. Members are committed and knowledgeable offering lively and
fruitful discussions. A concern was that the library director has too much influence on
the committee’s agenda and that there should be better communication with the library
administration. Overall, the Library Committee is operating within the scope of its
charge, has adequate representation and a diverse and committed membership. The chair
should ensure that communication is clear and timely, and members should participate
fully at each meeting. Undergraduate representation on the committee should be
reconsidered and the library administration should provide more freedom of operation to
the committee. Also, clarification is necessary regarding administrative liaison with the
committee.
The COC recommends continuation of this committee.
Revision of Students Records Committee
The charge to the Revision of Student Records Standing Committee is to receive and to
act upon petitions for revisions in entries concerning grades and credits entered into the
official academic record.
This committee is comprised of experienced faculty members with diversified experience
who engage in thoughtful discussion regarding student petitions. The committee is
efficient and has no difficulties completing its charge. It is very organized, meets
regularly, and is logical and fair.
The COC recommends continuation of this committee.
Student Financial Aid Committee
The charge to the Student Financial Aid Committee is to make recommendations to the
provost regarding the MU Student Financial Aid program, including the awarding and
dispensing of gifts, loans, work aid and the operation of campus aid programs such as the
scholarship and student work programs. The committee also assists in developing special
programming and proposes guidelines for new scholarship programs.
This committee does not hold regular meetings, but meets as required. Although the
committee’s charge is much broader, in practice, it deals mainly with financial issues of
student athletes. The committee’s proceedings are conducted in accordance with the
NCAA bylaws. To be reviewed by this committee a student must appeal a decision of
the Student Financial Aid Office. The requirements for the appeal are explicitly defined.
While the committee has not met during the past year, the reviewer thought that the
committee plays an important role in student financial aid and should be continued.
The COC recommends continuation of this committee. At its next meeting the COC
should invite the chair of the Student Financial Aid Committee to present specific details
of the committee’s work including its interaction with the Student Financial Aid Office
and how the committee’s actions have impacted student financial aid.
Traffic Appeals Committee
The charge to the Traffic Appeals Committee is to make recommendations to the vice
chancellor for Administrative Services regarding appeals made by persons charged with a
University Police traffic violation.
Members of this committee agree that they are fulfilling the charge to the committee and
see no necessary modifications to their process. The committee is diversified, efficient,
and unbiased. It handles individual responsibility in a timely manner and the members
are well informed. This committee offers an avenue to voice concerns regarding campus
traffic violations. One member recommended that this committee might function better if
incorporated into the Parking and Transportation Committee.
The COC recommends continuation of this committee.