Descriptions of Committee Functions and Responsibilities

University Charter and Non-Charter Committees

(University committees consist of varying proportions of faculty, staff, and student members.)

Access, Opportunity, and Diversity

Advises on the formulation, review, and application of policies and guidelines that promote and support the full contributions of all of the University's diverse faculty, staff, and students. Considers and recommends actions that will help support and fulfill diversity-related commitments. Provides a forum to which faculty, staff, and students may refer questions and recommendations concerning University diversity-related policies and procedures. Regular term: 3 years.

Campus Planning

Advises on policies for orderly and attractive development of the campus and facilities; space allocation and modification or reallocation of existing facilities; development and revision of ongoing projects; and site selection of new projects. Regular term: 3 years.

Conflict of Interest in Employment

Considers problems that may occur when two members of the same family are employed by the University. Advises the University administration on proposals to permit employment of those related by blood or by marriage to those who would ordinarily supervise the position for which they are applying. Hears disputes and recommends a solution to the Provost. Regular term: 3 years. This is a non-charter committee. 

Council on Teaching

Discusses needs in the area of teaching and recommends appropriate programs. Reviews procedures regarding evaluation of instruction, experimental programs, registration, convocations, and calendar. Advises on development of proposals for outside funding for promotion of teaching. Seeks and evaluates nominations for several University-wide teaching awards and selects recipients of these prestigious awards, including President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence, Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, and Teaching in Higher Education Travel Award. Regular term: 3 years.

Faculty Staff Parking Appeals

Considers the appeals of vehicle owners and the regulations of the University Parking office in deciding the merits of contested parking citations. Regular term: 3 years. This is a non-charter committee. 

Family Issues

Reviews and recommends actions regarding the implementation of University child or dependent care programs and plans. Advises on the development and implementation of parenting and family care policies for faculty, staff and students. Regular term: 3 years.

Financial Aid Advisory

Reviews and makes recommendations to the President regarding all forms of student financial aid. Assists in communicating financial aid policies to the University community. Regular term: 3 years.

Funded Retirement and Insurance

Advises University authorities on fringe benefit policies and insurance programs covering faculty and professional and scientific staff at the University. Programs include retirement, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and long term disability programs. Represents the faculty and staff in discussion and negotiation with vendors of insurance as these are carried forward by administrators. Note:  Meetings are generally scheduled for the first Friday of the month at 11:30 am in USB 302. Regular attendance at meetings is expected.  Regular term: 3 years, renewable.

Hancher Advisory

Advises the Director of Hancher Auditorium on policies relating to use of the Auditorium, provides feedback on annual schedule of events, advises on public reaction to programs at Hancher and on the educational, promotional, and financial aspects of these programs. Promotes support of Hancher programming to the University and Iowa communities. Regular term: 3 years.

Honorary Degree Selection Committee

The University of Iowa, with the approval of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, confers Honorary Degrees to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in such areas as research, scholarship, education, artistic creation, social activism, human rights, humanitarian outreach, or as recognized by the faculty as being consistent with the values of higher education. This is a non-charter committee.

Information Technology Advisory

Advises on the needs of faculty, staff, and students for computing services, and makes recommendations concerning methods for meeting these needs. Considers questions and recommendations from the academic community concerning computer policies, services, and development. Regular term: 3 years.

Lectures

Selects speakers for the University Lecture Series and makes arrangements for these events. Regular term: 3 years.

Non-Resident Classification Review

Administers regulations governing the application of resident and nonresident tuition rates; hears appeals from students challenging their tuition classification. Regular term: 3 years. This is a non-charter committee. 

Parking and Transportation

Advises on the following matters: short and long term plans for campus traffic; other modes of transportation, such as Cambus; regulations, fees, and appeal procedures for parking violations; and coordination of University transportation and facilities with those of the city, county, state and federal agencies. Regular term: 3 years.

Presidential Committee on Athletics

Has responsibility for the formulation and enforcement of University policy with respect to intercollegiate athletics as established by the Intercollegiate (Big Ten) Conference and NCAA rules. Regular term: 5 years. This is a non-charter committee. 

Recreational Services

Advises on the following: rules, schedules, and fees for University recreational facilities; plans for modification or expansion of such facilities; programs to ensure that recreational facilities are available to all elements of the University community. Regular term: 3 years.

Research Council

Advises on policy regarding research and economic development at the University. Regular term: 3 years.

Student Publications

Oversees the operations of The Daily Iowan. (Note: The DI is largely independent of the University, although it uses some University facilities). Regular term: 3 years. This is a non-charter committee. 

Sustainability Charter Committee

Recommends and advises on matters pertaining to sustainability practices and formulation of University policies; advises on the integration of sustainability with existing campus programs in education, research, operations, and community outreach; assists in engaging the campus in an ongoing dialogue about sustainability and instilling a culture of sustainable long-range planning and forward-thinking design through their respective constituencies; advises on the development and implementation of campus sustainability action plans. Regular term: 3 years.

University Libraries

Advises the University Librarian on matters pertaining to the collections, facilities, and services of the University Library system. Regular term: 3 years.

University Safety and Security

Reviews and advises on responsibilities of Department of Public Safety, advises on policies, procedures, and educational programs regarding safety and security issues,  Regular term: 3 years.