Memo
To: Academic Senate
From: Past Chair Valerie Burke
Re: Modification of FHB Language Regarding the Core Curriculum Committee
Date: November 11, 2015
Rationale: In order to clarify procedures for the appointment of the chair of Core Curriculum Committee, minor
modifications of the Faculty Handbook language are recommended. Furthermore, unlike typical elected or
appointed positions, which have Handbook language specifying procedures to fill a permanent or temporary
vacancy (FHB 1.6.1.1.6 and 1.6.1.2.8), there are no provisions for this uniquely elected position; Handbook language
is therefore recommended.
To provide more complete information on the process, additional language is provided for inclusion on the Core
Curriculum Committee website.
Part 1: Changes to Faculty Handbook Language
1.7.4.13
Core Curriculum Committee
Role: Core Curriculum signifies the foundational and essential learning expected of all undergraduate
students at Saint Mary's College (as articulated in Learning Goals, Outcomes and Rationales) and the
processes by which students achieve that learning (i.e., designated courses and experiences). Under the
leadership of the Chair, and in accordance with Senate Action S-13/14-35, the Core Curriculum
Committee administers and evaluates policy governing the Core Curriculum: course/experience review
(through Working Groups) and designation; assessment of student learning; assessment and
development of the Core as a whole and in its elements; intra- and extramural presentation of the Core
via catalogues, course lists, published guidelines, workshops, et al.
Membership:
- Chair of the Core Curriculum Committee (chairperson, voting), a tenured member of the faculty
who has taught at least six undergraduate courses during the previous three academic years,
nominated to ***selected for*** a three-year term by the Senate Executive Committee, UEPC
Chair and out-going Chair, and confirmed by majority vote of Academic Senate. The Chair serves
at the pleasure of the Academic Senate and reports to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate
Academics. *** In the event that the five-member body is unable to bring forth one
candidate for Senate confirmation, this body may forward two candidates for selection by
Senate. ***
- ***A CCC Chair wishing to resign before the end of his/her term must inform the Senate
Chair in writing. If the CCC Chair position becomes vacant for any reason, the Senate
Chair will initiate a new selection process. If the CCC Chair is unable to perform his/her
duties for a month or more, the Senate Chair will appoint a temporary replacement. ***
- six ranked members of the faculty who have taught at least six undergraduate courses during the
previous three academic years (voting): two elected from the School of Liberal Arts, two from the
School of Science, one from the School of Economics and Business Administration, and one from
the faculty at large, for staggered, three-year terms;
- Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academics or designee (ex officio, non-voting);
- Director of the Office of Faculty Advising or designee (ex officio, non-voting);
- Director of Educational Effectiveness (ex officio, non- voting);
- Representative from the Library, as designated by the Dean for Academic Resources (ex officio,
non-voting);
Part 2: For addition to the CCC Website, under “Senate and Handbook Descriptions”, under “Position
Description and Duties, Chair of the Core Curriculum Committee” (All new text)
Selection of the Chair of CCC
During the penultimate semester of a chair’s term, the Chair of Academic Senate will extend an open invitation for
nominations or self-nominations to serve as the next chair of CCC. Nominees may solicit letters/emails of support
from members of the SMC community. ***Viable candidates may have an opportunity to dialog with current CCC
members.*** The selection body (Senate Executive Committee, UEPC Chair, and outgoing CCC chair) will select
one candidate from among the nominees, and forward that candidate for confirmation by majority vote of
Academic Senate. In the event that this selection body is unable to bring forth a single candidate for Senate
confirmation, this body may forward two candidates for selection by majority vote by Senate. During the final
semester of a CCC Chair’s term, the incoming chair is encouraged to participate in CCC functions to facilitate
transition to the new duties.
In the event of resignation of the CCC chair before the end of his/her term, or should the CCC Chair position
become vacant for any reason, selection of a new chair will follow the same procedure as outlined above. ***If the
CCC chair is unable to perform his/her duties for a month or more, the Senate Chair will appoint a temporary
replacement.***