SENATE RESOLUTION 08/09-07: Faculty Handbook Policies and Procedures

Whereas, “the Faculty Senate is the permanent body representing the faculty for the formulation of university policy and procedures in matters pertaining to institutional purpose, general academic considerations, curricular matters, university resources, and faculty personnel (appointments, promotion, and tenure)”; and

Whereas, the Faculty handbook sets out the policies and procedures that are treated as binding on both faculty members and administrators; and

Whereas, Faculty members rely on Faculty Handbook as policy and not merely guidelines to be interpreted to serve an Administrator’s agenda; and

Whereas, in recent weeks there have been indications that the University Administrators and UAHuntsville legal counsel consider the Faculty Handbook policies and procedures to be guidelines; and

Whereas, this was specifically manifest with the unprecedented and inadequately explained tardiness of tenure letters as well as first year reappointment letters.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

That the Administration must reaffirm it commitment to fair and proper procedures that reflect respect for the Faculty and fully accept and follow the policies of the Faculty Handbook.