I. General Powers
A. Definitions
Chair with an initial capital, the Chair of the Department chair without an initial capital, the chair of any entity other than the department Committee with an initial capital, the committee under discussion in any provision devoted to describing the policies of that specific committee
committee without an initial capital, simply any committee according to context Department the English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism Department Guide This English, Foreign Languages, and Journalism Policy Guide Member designates a Voting Member of the Department, defined as a person who holds a non-adjunct faculty position in the Department (adopted 2.4.2) member Any member of a group according to context Policy a position expressed in writing to determine an action
B. Governance Structure
1. Democracy Established
The Department, its Chair and all other Members agree to a democratic governance structure, one in which each Member has an equal say in Department action.
2. Reserved Powers
Where powers and actions are not expressly limited by these policies, they are reserved to the Members.
C. Making Policy
Policies included in this book must be approved by a 3/5 majority of the Voting Members of the department in attendance at a department meeting. Deletion of a policy from this book will require the same 3/5 majority vote (adopted 12/01). Unless a Policy Proposal is included in full and sent 72 hours prior to the meeting, it must be tabled.
D. Meetings
1. Calling
The Chair calls meetings of the Department by notifying all Members at least one week in advance of the meeting (absent an emergency). By the agreement of 3/5(60%) of the Members, a meeting can be called for a date no earlier than one week after notice is given to all the Members. When a meeting is called by Members and not by the Chair, notice must be given in writing to each Member, and the notice must identify all the Members who have agreed to call the meeting.
2. Agendas
Agendas for meetings will be distributed to all Members prior to the meeting, usually two days (48 hours) prior (absent an emergency). On any agendas for regular meetings of the Department, New Business and Old Business designations will be placed at the end of the agenda. [Adopted Fall 2001]
3. Quorum
A quorum of 3/5 (60%) of the Members will be required for business to be conducted. Faculty who are on sabbatical or otherwise reassigned full time will not count toward the quorum.
4. Motions
A simple majority will constitute passage of any motions, excepting policy motions. Any motion to add provisions to the Guide not listed on the Agenda must be tabled until the next meeting of the Department.
5. Voting procedures.
The default voting method of the Department is by written ballot. Any Member can request waiver of written ballot and substitution of oral or show of hands balloting. Such a request does not require a second, but it does require 100% agreement of the department. Any department Member can request written ballots and such request will be automatically complied with (Adopted Fall 2000). Written ballot paper will be provided for easy access at all Department meetings. All voting percentages will be determined relative to the number of votes, including abstentions, cast on an issue.
6. Proxies
Members who cannot attend meetings are entitled to send written proxies to the Chair or the Department Secretary for any motion listed in the agenda. Members may not, however, grant authority to anyone else to vote generally on their behalf regardless of the issue presented. Valid proxy votes will count toward a quorum. If written proxy votes are present, the meeting balloting must take place by written ballot.
7. Time and Place
Whenever possible, meetings will be held at a time and location that allows all Department Members to attend.
8. Rules of Order
Except as specifically altered in this Guide, meetings of the Department will be governed by Robert's Rules of Order. The Department will maintain current copies of Robert’s Rules of Order in the Departmental Library.