Article I. Name
Article II. Role and Mission
Article III. Members
Article IV. Organization
Article V. Meetings
Article VI. Committees
Article VII. Parliamentary Authority
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this administrative unit shall be the College of Education and Allied Professions, one of the four constituent undergraduate colleges of Western Carolina University.
ARTICLE II. ROLE AND MISSION
The primary role of the College of Education and Allied Professions is to prepare educators, counselors, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, recreation personnel and other human service specialists at both entry and advanced levels. These professionals will staff elementary, secondary, postsecondary schools, sport and recreation agencies, and other human service organizations in North Carolina and the region beyond. The College fulfills its mission by developing and maintaining a community of scholars that promotes and recognizes good teaching, service, and research. Of these three scholarly activities, providing optimal learning environments for students is most important, followed by service and research.
The College strives to provide leadership and technical assistance for the improvement of teacher preparation and elementary and secondary schooling in North Carolina, the nation, and developing countries. The College is strongly committed to partnering with the public schools in order to educate preservice teachers to teach all children to high standards, to assist beginning professional educators to be successful and remain in the profession, and to provide quality staff development for career professional educators. Additional fundamental roles of the College are to serve the liberal studies program of the University and to offer programs and special clinical services that relate closely to the mission of the College and that are needed by its constituencies.
The College fulfills its mission by creating and nourishing a community of learners guided by knowledge, values, and experiences. The guiding principles of the community of learners include: (1) the belief that the best educational decisions are made after adequate reflection and with careful consideration of the interests, experiences and welfare of the persons affected by those decisions; (2) an appreciation of and respect for diversity; and (3) a commitment to fostering the responsible use of technology.
Section 1. Membership
III. 1.1 For purposes of this document, membership in the College of Education and Allied Professions is by virtue of appointment to the faculty or professional staff of Western Carolina University in one of the departments, specialized centers, or programs of the College. The faculty of the College of Education and Allied Professions shall consist of the persons who are approved by the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University for faculty status at the rank of instructor or above, or as further provided by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina.
Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities
III. 2.1 As provided by the WCU Faculty Handbook, the faculty of the College of Education and Allied Professions shall have primary responsibility, within broader policy guidelines of the University, for curricula, courses, methods of instruction, research, faculty status, and those aspects of student life that relate to the educational process.
III. 2.2 The faculty and professional staff shall consider reports from the Chancellor, the Faculty Senate, Faculty Committees, Departments, Colleges, and other units of the University and make recommendations concerning these reports; discuss matters relating to the welfare of the College and the University; and amend or repeal, any part or all of the Bylaws of the College.
ARTICLE IV. ORGANIZATION
Section 1. Officers
IV. 1.1 The officers of the College of Education and Allied Professions shall be a Dean and Associate Dean. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these By-Laws, the WCU Faculty Handbook, The University Code, and the parliamentary authority adopted by the College.
a) The Dean of the College is the chief administrative officer of the College of Education and Allied Professions and shall serve as Chair of the faculty of the College.
b) The Associate Dean of the College shall assist the Dean and shall preside in the absence of the Dean or at the request of the Dean.
Section 2. Duties
IV. 2.1 The duties of the officers are as follows:
a) The Dean of the College is charged by the Chancellor and the Provost to plan, organize, direct, and control the affairs of the College as its chief administrative officer.
b) The Associate Dean of the College reports directly to the Dean and is responsible for assisting the Dean in matters relating to the operation of the College. The Associate Dean represents the Office of the Dean in the absence of the Dean, attends meetings on behalf of the Dean, and conducts all functions delegated by the Dean.
Section 3. Selection of Officers
IV. 3.1 Nominations for appointment to Dean of the College shall be made to the Chancellor by the Provost after consultation with the membership of the College and a duly constituted committee appointed by the Chancellor. After consultation with the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor shall make a nomination to the President of the University of North Carolina. Review of the work of the Dean shall be conducted annually.
IV. 3.2 Nominations for appointment to Associate Dean of the College shall be made to the Chancellor by the Provost after consultation with the Dean and a duly constituted committee appointed by the Chancellor. Review of the work of the Associate Dean shall be conducted annually.
Section 1. Frequency
The general membership of the College shall meet at least once each term during the academic year. Special meetings may be called by the Dean, and shall be called upon written request to the Dean of ten percent of the membership of the College. All members of the College shall have the right to vote. The presence of at least 25% of the members shall be necessary for a quorum. All meetings shall be announced and scheduled in such a way that maximum attendance will be encouraged.
Section 2. Presiding Officer
The Dean or the Dean's designee shall preside at all meetings.
Section 3. Purpose of Meetings
V. 3.1 The purpose of College meetings shall be to advise the membership of and discuss with it the major priorities within the College and the University. The Dean may bring to vote items relating to the general direction of the College. Specific concerns may first be referred to appropriate committees within the College.
V. 3.2 The Dean may call for specific committee reports to be presented to the membership for discussion.
V. 3.3 College meetings shall supplement but not replace the work of the Faculty Senate and other units of the university governance system. Meetings should provide forums for discussion, shared information, and general policy direction. The goal of the meetings shall be to further the concept of a community of scholars working to improve the College and University.
ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES
Section 1. General
VI. 1.1 Standing Committees
a) The College of Education and Allied Professions will have the following Standing Committees:
(1) Assessment Committee
(2) Botner Superior Teaching Award
(3) Curriculum
(4) Diversity Committee
(5) Evaluation of Administrators
(6) Faculty Advisory
(7) Field and Clinical Experience
(8) Nominations and Elections
(9) Leadership Council
(10) Student Advisory
(11) Student Recognition
(12) Technology and Education
(13) Tenure, Promotion and Reappointment
b) Additional Standing Committees may be constituted by the Dean upon the advice of the Leadership Council and/or the membership of the College.
VI. 1.2 Ad Hoc Committees may be appointed by the Dean.
VI. 1.3 All committee Chairs are expected to seek the help of faculty members, administrators, or others who have expertise in the area of their committee's responsibilities. Committee Chairs are to provide to their members copies of current guidelines or operational procedures promulgated for their committee. Committee Chairs are empowered to form subcommittees, either ad hoc or standing. Subcommittees may be appointed by the committee Chair, and may include persons not on the committee.
VI. 1.4 Committee Members
a) Those committee members who are elected will stand for election in the regularly scheduled annual elections held by the College. All committee members beginning a term will take office on the date of the College meeting preceding the beginning of the fall term.
b) The College Nominations and Elections Committee will maintain records of elections so that, should an elected committee member give up membership, the individual who was runner-up can be appointed to fill the vacancy. Should such an appointment violate a rule of representation or the runner-up be otherwise unavailable to fill the position, then the College Nominations and Elections Committee will appoint the most appropriate candidate from that election giving preference to the person with the most votes. If a suitable replacement cannot be found following these procedures, the Dean will appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy until the next annual election.
VI. 1.5 The Dean or his designee shall call the first meeting of each committee and shall preside during the election of its Chair. The exception to this is the Nominations and Elections Committee for which the Chair is appointed annually by the Dean.
VI. 1.6 All committee meetings shall be scheduled and announced in such a way that maximum attendance will be encouraged.
Section 2. Assessment Committee
VI. 2.1 The purpose of the Assessment Committee is to oversee and coordinate the implementation of CEAP Assessment Plan. In addition, the committee will consult with individual programs on their assessment plans.
VI. 2. 2 The committee will be composed of one member from each department, two members from the college at large, the Associate Dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions, one teacher education student, and one public school educator. The dean shall appoint the committee.
VI. 2. 3 The committee shall meet at a time determined by the dean and shall elect a chair (must be a faculty member in a non-administrative position).
Section 3. Botner Superior Teaching Award Committee
VI. 3.1 The purpose of the Botner Superior Teaching Award Committee is to solicit nominations and select a recipient in accordance with the document: "Botner Superior Teaching Award."
VI. 3.2 The Botner Superior Teaching Award Committee shall consist of the Dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions as Chair and shall include one faculty member from each department and two student representatives selected according to procedures outlined in the document: "Botner Superior Teaching Award."
VI. 3.3 Meetings of the Botner Superior Teaching Award Committee shall be called by the Chair.
Section 4. Curriculum Committee
VI. 4.1 The purpose of the Curriculum Committee is to review and act on curriculum proposals that pertain to programs in the College of Education and Allied Professions.
VI. 4.2 The Curriculum Committee shall be composed of two elected full-time faculty members from each department in the College. All terms shall be for three years on a staggered basis with no limitation on succession or number of terms. The Associate Dean and the Director of Instructional Technology shall serve as ex-officio. The dean may appoint additional members for unspecified terms as needed.
VI. 4.3 Meetings of the Curriculum Committee shall be called, as needed, by the Chair who is elected from the membership of the Committee at the first meeting in the fall semester.
Section 5. Diversity Committee
VI. 5. 1 The purpose of the Diversity Committee is to provide guidance to the College in the design, implementation, and evaluation of curricula and field experiences to ensure that the College’s students acquire the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to help all students learn. Further, the committee will assist with the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, staff, and students. The committee will be responsible for updating the College’s Diversity Plan. Finally, the committee will assist in fostering a climate within the college that demonstrates a commitment to and respect for diversity.
VI. 5. 2 The committee will be composed of at least one member from each department in the College and interested parties from other units within the College, from the University (including minority affairs and admissions), and the community.
VI. 5. 3 The committee shall meet at a time determined by the dean and shall elect a chair.
Section 6. Evaluation of Administrators Committee
VI. 6.1 The purpose of the Committee on the Evaluation of Administrators is to coordinate the evaluation of the College's administrators and periodically review the adequacy of the criteria and procedures for the faculty's evaluation of the College's Dean, Associate Dean, Department Heads and Directors. The review shall be conducted annually.
VI 6.2 Coordination of the evaluation is conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in the document: "Procedures for the Evaluation of the Dean, Associate Dean, Department Heads and Directors of the College of Education and Allied Professions." The Committee shall consist of the Chair from each departmental evaluation committee and the Chair of the directors' evaluation committee.
VI. 6.3 Meetings of the Evaluation of Administrators Committee shall be called by the Chair who is elected from the membership of the Committee at the first meeting.
Section 7. Faculty Advisory Committee
VI. 7.1 The Faculty Advisory Committee shall advise the Dean on any matter of concern to the Dean or to any member of the Committee.
VI. 7.2 The Faculty Advisory Committee shall be composed of the Dean of the College, who shall serve as Chair, and ten members elected from the College at large, with no more than two from each department.
VI. 7.3 Term of Membership
a) Initially, three members shall be elected to three-year terms; three to two-year terms; and four to one-year terms. Those members elected to one-year terms shall be eligible for immediate re-election.
b) Terms shall be for three years with succession only after one year off the Committee.
VI. 7.4 The Faculty Advisory Committee shall meet at least once each semester, at the call of the Dean, or upon a request addressed to the Dean by at least three of its members.
Section 8. Field and Clinical Experience Committee
VI. 8.1 The Field and Clinical Experience Committee is a standing committee of the College of Education and Allied Professions and is advisory to the Dean of the College. The purpose of the Field and Clinical Experience Committee is to facilitate a program of field experiences that supports and is integrated with academic programs in the College of Education and Allied Professions.
VI. 8.2 The committee is composed of the Director of Field Experiences; the Director of Assessment; at least one member from each department; one member from Special Subjects and Secondary Education in the College of Arts and Sciences; the Associate Dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions (ex-officio); two teacher education students, and one public school educator. The terms of membership are staggered so that for the first year half of the faculty members will serve for one year and half will serve for two years. After the one-year assignments are fulfilled, all members will serve for two years. Therefore, only half of the faculty committee members will be new in a given year. Department committee representatives will be voted by that department’s faculty. Other members will be appointed by the Dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions in consultation with the Director of Field Experiences.
VI. 8.3 Meetings of the Field and Clinical Experience Committee shall be called by the Chair. The Director of Field Experiences shall serve as Chair of the committee.
VI. 8.4 Membership will consist of:
(Director of Field Experiences) Permanent
(Associate Dean, CEAP) Permanent (ex-officio)
(Director of Assessment, CEAP) Permanent
ELF Representative Term
BKEMGE Representative Term
HHP Representative Term
Psychology Representative Term
Human Services Representative Term
Arts & Sciences Representative Term
(Public School Representative) Term
(2 Teacher Education Students) Term
Section 9. Nominations and Elections Committee
VI. 9.1 The Committee shall be composed of six full-time faculty members, three elected, and three appointed by the Dean, from the College at large, with the provision that each department must be represented. The Dean will appoint the Chair, who must have served on the Committee for at least two consecutive years immediately before becoming Chair. All members will serve staggered three-year terms and be eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
VI. 9.2 To the extent feasible, the Dean should try to achieve a mixture of representatives from the academic ranks of professor, associate professor, and the combined ranks of assistant professor and instructor.
VI. 9.3 The Committee shall conduct all elections for College representatives to the Faculty Senate; Graduate Council; University Tenure, Promotion and Reappointment Committee; University General Education Monitoring Committee; all committees and councils of the College that have elected members, according to the University Faculty Governance Document and the Bylaws of the College. It shall devise and distribute appropriate and uniform election procedures and shall maintain a record of all elections for the previous five years. In addition to the duties specified in the Faculty Constitution with regard to some elections, the Committee shall promulgate its own rules of procedure. The Committee shall ensure that all nominations for elections conducted under its supervision are open. Questions of eligibility for nominations shall be resolved by the Committee. Committee decisions may be appealed to the Dean. The person who receives the highest number of votes without being elected shall be the alternate for each position decided by the election. The alternate shall be named by the Committee to fill, until the next general election, any vacancy which may occur. Should the naming of the alternate violate a rule of representation, the Committee shall select the most appropriate person receiving the highest number of votes in the most recent election to fill the vacancy.
VI. 9.4 The Committee shall meet at the call of its Chair. All meetings shall be announced and scheduled in such a way that maximum attendance will be encouraged.
Section 10. Leadership Council
VI. 10.1 The Leadership Council is directly responsible to the Dean. The purpose of the Leadership Council is to advise the dean on policy and of matters related to the operation of the College of Education and Allied Professions.
VI. 10.2 The Leadership Council shall consist of the Dean as Chair, Associate Dean, Department Heads, Director of Assessment, Director of Field Experiences, Director of Instructional Technology, Director of Mathematics and Science Education, Director of School-Teacher Education University Partnership, and Director of Special Programs. The Administrative Assistant to the Dean is secretary of the Leadership Council. The Dean, at his or her discretion, may appoint additional members to the Leadership Council.
VI. 10.3 The Leadership Council shall meet at a time determined by the Dean.
Section 11. Student Advisory Committee
VI. 11.1 The purpose of the Student Advisory Committee shall be to advise the Dean on matters of mutual interest.
VI. 11.2 The Committee shall be composed of the Dean, who shall serve as Chair, and two students from each department of the College. All terms shall be for one year with members eligible for successive terms.
VI. 11.3 Each department shall select one student who is a junior or senior and one graduate student majoring in the department as its representative to the Committee. Every effort shall be made to involve students in the selection process.
VI. 11.4 The Committee shall meet at least once each semester at the call of the Dean, or upon a request addressed to the Dean by at least three of its members.
Section 12. Student Recognition Committee
VI. 12.1 The purposes of the Student Recognition Committee are to select the outstanding prospective teacher designees in accordance with the criteria and procedures identified by the Committee, and to solicit nominations of students who have completed the student teaching experience during the academic year and to select a Cosper Outstanding Student Teacher.
VI. 12.2 The Student Recognition Committee shall be appointed by the Dean with the advice and consent of the Department Heads.
VI. 12.3 Meetings of the Student Recognition Committee shall be called by the Chair who is appointed by the Dean.
Section 13. Technology and Education Committee
VI. 13.1 The purpose of the Technology and Education Committee shall be to advise and make recommendations to the Dean on all matters pertaining to achieving and maintaining state-of-the-art practices in the use of technology in education and meeting all North Carolina Department of Public Instruction guidelines and competencies in the area of computers.
VI. 13.2 The Technology and Education Committee shall be appointed annually by the Dean in consultation with the Department Heads. The Chair of the Committee shall be elected from the membership at the first meeting.
VI. 13.3 Meetings of the Technology and Education Committee shall be determined by the membership and called by the Chair.
Section 14. Tenure, Promotion and Reappointment Committee
VI. 14.1 The purpose of the College Tenure, Promotion and Reappointment Committee is to review and make recommendations to the Dean on all candidates for tenure, promotion, and reappointment within the College, following the procedures in the WCU Faculty Handbook.
VI. 14.2 The Committee shall be composed of the Dean as the nonvoting Chair and ten faculty members, half elected and half appointed by the Dean. All members must be full-time, tenured faculty members of the College.
VI. 14.3 Term of Membership
a) Initially, two members shall be elected by the general faculty to three-year terms; two to two-year terms; and one to a one-year term. All members shall be eligible for re-election. Subsequently, terms shall be for three years with no limitation on succession or number of terms. No more than one faculty member may be elected from a single department.
b) Initially, two members shall be appointed to three-year terms; two to two-year terms; and one to a one-year term. All members shall be eligible for re-appointment. Subsequently, terms shall be for three years with no limitation on succession or the number of terms served. No more than one member may be appointed from a single department. Appointments will be made following the annual College elections.
VI. 14.4 The Committee shall meet at a time determined by the Dean.
ARTICLE VII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the College in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-Laws and any special rules of order the College may adopt.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
These Bylaws can be amended at any regular meeting of the College by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing to each member of the College at least two weeks in advance of the meeting or at the previous regular meeting.
Revised Jan 6,2006