Shared Governance

Shared Governance
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University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
Shared Governance
Governance
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) is committed to fostering collaboration
and transparency through a robust shared governance system. This system promotes internal
communication and teamwork by bringing together faculty, staff, administrators, and
students to contribute to our institution's decision-making processes.
Our shared governance framework includes councils, committees, and governing bodies
that ensure diverse voices are heard and respected. Faculty, staff, and students each
play a vital role in addressing the issues that impact their respective communities,
fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for the university’s
progress.
This page includes access to foundational documents that guide these efforts.
The University Constitution
Establishes the principles and processes governing UAFS.
Read University Constitution
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FORT SMITH CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
PREAMBLE
IN ADOPTING THIS POLICY FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT
FORT SMITH CONSTITUTION, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ON ITS OWN
MOTION, MAY AT ANY TIME REVIEW, AMEND, REVISE, OVERRULE OR
AFFIRM ANY MATTER, POLICY, RESOLUTION OR LEGISLATION THAT
MAY BE ADOPTED BY ANY GROUP REFERRED TO HEREINAFTER.
ARTICLE I
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
We, of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
[1]
(“UAFS” or “University”), recognize that our commitment to scholastic endeavor is
best governed by the corporate wisdom, participatory decision-making, and collective
efforts of the students, faculty, staff, and administrators of the University of Arkansas
at Fort Smith.
Members of the UAFS faculty, staff, students, and administration understand the obligation
to uphold federal, state, and local laws, and will adhere to those laws and policies
of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas
System as foundational documents for campus governance.
Therefore, we hereby ordain and establish this constitution for governance of the
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith pursuant to the policies established by the Board
of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, under the authority of the University of
Arkansas Board of Trustees Board Policy 100.4, "Rules and Regulations of the Board
of Trustees of the University of Arkansas for the Governance of the University of
Arkansas," and any subsequent revisions thereof.
ARTICLE II
ADMINISTRATION
The Administration of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, under the authority
of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas (“Board of Trustees”) and the
President of the University of Arkansas System (“President”), is unified under the
office of the Chancellor.
Section 1. Chancellor
The Chancellor shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the University of Arkansas
at Fort Smith and shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation
of the President. The Chancellor shall have a discussion annually with the President
concerning an evaluation of his or her performance. Subject to the direction and control
of the Board of Trustees and laws applicable to the University of Arkansas at Fort
Smith, the Chancellor shall be responsible for the management of the affairs and execution
of the policies for the institution. The Chancellor shall have broad, discretionary
authority to affect these functions and meet the responsibilities of the office.
The Chancellor and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for UAFS shall have authority
to contract on behalf of the Board of Trustees in accordance with Board Policy 300.1
and UASP Policy 300.1.
The Chancellor is the official administrative spokesperson for the University of Arkansas
at Fort Smith and serves as the officer responsible for liaison with state offices,
governmental bodies, and the federal government.
The Chancellor shall be responsible to the President and Board of Trustees for the
prompt and effective enforcement of laws relating to UAFS and of all resolutions,
policies, procedures, budgets, and rules and regulations for the operation of UAFS.
It shall be the responsibility of the Chancellor to bring to the attention of the
President all matters which, in his or her opinion, affect UAFS, the University of
Arkansas, and require the attention of the Board of Trustees.
The Chancellor shall have the responsibility of facilitating the promotion of goals,
programs, and needs of the campus. The Chancellor shall establish an administrative
organization to assist in the execution of the policies of the University of Arkansas
and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. The Chancellor shall be assisted by
Vice Chancellors and other staff, as necessary. The Chancellor shall prescribe the
duties and assignments of the Vice Chancellors and other staff officers. Furthermore,
the Chancellor shall establish and define the duties of institution wide councils,
committees, or other bodies organized to advise and assist him or her. All official
communications from faculty, staff, and students at UAFS shall proceed through the
Chancellor to the President, when necessary.
The Chancellor shall be responsible for making an annual report to the President corresponding
to the fiscal year of the University of Arkansas, which report shall also be provided
to the Board of Trustees. The Chancellor shall further provide any other reports that
may be required.
The Chancellor shall be prepared to report to the Board of Trustees on the status
of his or her campus at any meeting upon request of the President or any member of
the Board.
The Chancellor shall make recommendations for the development of the educational programs
of the campus and shall serve as the general advisor to the President, and through
the President, the Board of Trustees, with respect to all programs and activities
of the campus. The Chancellor shall present to the President all matters concerning
the campus which are to be considered by the Board of Trustees or any of its committees.
The Chancellor shall be expected to attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees when
an agenda item for the campus is to be presented unless excused by the President.
Subject to the policies prescribed by the Board of Trustees and the President, the
Chancellor shall make recommendations to the President with respect to budget and
the appointment of full-time academic personnel.
The Chancellor shall serve as the official medium of communication between the President
and all deans, heads of departments and department chairs and all other administrative
officers, faculty, staff, and students of the campus.
The Chancellor is a member of all faculties and other academic bodies of the campus
and shall be a member of all campus governing bodies.
Section 2. Vice Chancellors
Serving at the pleasure of the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellors shall lead and manage
the divisions of the institution for which they have broad decision-making authority.
Vice Chancellors shall recommend governance structures for conducting the business
necessary to lead their divisions. They, and their designees, will be responsible
for selecting personnel to operate departments within their divisions.
Section 3. Academic Affairs Leaders
Serving at the pleasure of the Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (VCAA)
and their direct supervisors, Academic Leaders include the Deans of Academic Colleges,
Associate and/or Assistant Provosts, Associate/Assistant Deans, Department Chairs,
Department Heads, and Directors/Executive Directors of Academic Programs and other
leaders deemed to be necessary for the administration of the division of Academic
Affairs.
Academic Leaders are responsible for promoting the division of Academic Affairs through
thoughtful decision-making and the formulation and recommendation of policies.
Academic Leaders are expected to support a culture of collegiality, professional development/scholarship,
and shared governance among faculty, staff, and students.
Academic Leaders are responsible for initiating regular internal review of academic
programs and maintaining programmatic and university level accreditation standards.
Academic Leaders are responsible for budgeting and strategic planning for their departments,
units, and colleges.
Academic Leaders are responsible for the oversight of the curriculum, management,
faculty and staff hiring, and performance evaluation and promotion of the faculty
and staff within their units and colleges.
Academic Leaders are responsible for knowing and promoting best practices in their
disciplines.
Academic Leaders are considered primary experts in their disciplines and will work
with employees to develop policies for review and recommendation to the Academic Deans’
Council with final approval by the VCAA or for referral to the Chancellor when appropriate.
Academic Leaders are responsible for the creation, revision, and recommended adoption
of by-laws for each academic college. Approval authority is only given to the Chancellor
and President for by-laws adoption.
Section 4. Non-Academic Leaders
Serving at the pleasure of their direct supervisors, department leaders of non-academic
units may have titles including but not limited to vice chancellor, associate vice
chancellor, dean of students, department head, executive director, or director.
Department leaders are responsible for strategic planning, program development, policy
formulation, hiring and evaluation of employees, assessment, budgeting, and a host
of other responsibilities relevant to the department, unit, or division.
Considered the primary experts for their departments, department leaders will work
with internal and external constituents to develop institutional and departmental
policies for review and approval by the Chancellor’s Cabinet, presented through their
vice chancellors.
Considered the primary experts for their departments, department leaders will work
with their employees to formulate Standard Administrative Practices or Standard Operating
Practices for tasks and work that resides within the purview of their departments.
Department Leaders are expected to take a leading role in resolving student grievances
and complaints as well as to proactively create environments in which grievances are
minimized.
Section 5. Board of Visitors
Appointed by the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, the members of the
UAFS Board of Visitors serve as liaisons between UAFS and the region. Visitors advise
the Chancellor, President, and Board of Trustees regarding the educational and service
needs of the River Valley region.
Visitors are responsible for revising and interpreting their by-laws.
Visitors are responsible for representing the University in positive interactions
throughout the community and at University events.
ARTICLE III
SHARED GOVERNANCE ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1. The Faculty and Faculty Senate
Authority
The faculty, acting through the Faculty Senate, may make recommendations on any academic
or institutional matter. Such matters shall include, but not be limited to:
admission requirements; transfer of credits; withdrawals; academic honesty; scholastic
probation; suspension and dismissal;
curricula and courses;
degrees and requirements for degrees;
University academic calendars and schedules;
award of academic honors;
policies regarding faculty status, including appointments, promotions, retirement,
non-reappointment, and dismissal;
environment and safety;
physical facilities;
policies affecting the general welfare, working conditions, and the services performed
by and for the faculty; and
policies relating to academic and professional research and other scholarly and creative
activities.
The foci of faculty shall be on teaching, scholarly/creative activity, and service.
The faculty, through the Faculty Senate, may propose legislation by majority vote
of those present and voting at any meeting of the faculty. Such proposed legislation
shall be referred to the Faculty Senate for action.
The Faculty Senate shall have responsibility for creation, revision, and interpretation
of its own policies and by-laws upon initial approval by the Chancellor and President.
Membership
Each member of the Faculty Senate may propose legislation according to the voting
processes outlined in the Faculty Senate by-laws.
The voting membership of the Faculty Senate shall consist of the Chair, the Chair-Elect,
and elected representatives elected pursuant to Faculty Senate by-laws.
The Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, the dean of each college
or school, the director of the University library, and the director of athletics shall
be non-voting members of the Faculty Senate. This provision does not preclude any
dean or director from election as a voting representative pursuant to Faculty Senate
by-laws.
The members of faculty shall vote for the elected Faculty Senate representatives as
outlined in Faculty Senate by-laws.
The Faculty Senate shall adopt rules for the election of college or campus-wide representatives.
These rules shall provide for election by faculty eligible to vote.
Officers and Duties
Election of officers shall be outlined in Faculty Senate by-laws.
Meetings
The Faculty Senate shall meet at least three times each semester, and at such additional
times as the Chair of the Faculty Senate deems appropriate. Meetings may be held in
person, through virtual platforms, or a hybrid format of in-person and virtual.
A meeting notice and tentative agenda shall be distributed to all members of the faculty
as outlined in the Faculty Senate by-laws.
The Faculty Senate Chair and Chair-Elect will conduct regular meetings with the Chancellor
and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs to review the business of the Faculty Senate
and to present formal resolutions for consideration. Any member of the group may invite
other, relevant parties to attend the meetings. Resolutions presented during these
meetings may be immediately adopted by the VCAA and Chancellor, may be approved as
modified, denied, remanded to Faculty Senate for further consideration, or referred
to another leader or governing body for input before full consideration is given.
Committees
The Faculty Senate shall utilize the standing committees of the faculty. Through this
system faculty exercise their primary responsibility for curriculum and other areas
of faculty work.
The Faculty Senate may establish appropriate ad hoc committees. Student, staff, and
administration representatives shall serve on such committees as the Faculty Senate
deems appropriate.
The Faculty Senate shall establish appropriate standing committees of the faculty
and shall adopt rules for the appointment of faculty members to such committees.
Student, staff, and administration representatives shall serve on faculty committees
as the Faculty Senate deems appropriate and shall be appointed pursuant to the rules
of each constituency.
Section 2. The Staff and Staff Senate
Authority
The staff, acting through the Staff Senate, shall have responsibility relating to
the quality of the work life of the staff, the efficiency of the University's operations,
and the staff's service to the campus community.
The staff, acting through the Staff Senate, may make recommendations on any matter
of staff concern. Such matters shall include, but not be limited to:
fringe benefits;
University calendars and schedules;
compensation;
work schedules and working conditions;
hiring and dismissal procedures;
staff and administration evaluation;
grievance procedures;
environment and safety;
physical facilities; and
health and wellness.
Membership
In these Articles, "staff" shall mean all UAFS regular full-time and part-time employees
who are not deans, associate deans, provost, associate/assistant provost, vice chancellor,
associate vice chancellor, or members of Chancellor’s Cabinet, or Faculty Council.
The chancellor, vice chancellors, academic deans, and all others above the level of
department director are considered ex-officio members of the Staff Senate. They do
not have the authority to vote in Staff Senate elections, by-laws, etc.
The Staff Senate is responsible for the creation and interpretation of its own by-laws.
Meetings
Meetings of the Staff Senate shall be open to all members of the staff, and they shall
have an opportunity to be heard as provided in by-laws adopted by the Staff Senate.
Regular meetings of the Staff Senate shall be held monthly, during regular office
hours, and as provided in by-laws adopted by the Staff Senate.
Special meetings of the Staff Senate may be called by the Chair, by a majority of
the members of the Staff Senate, or otherwise as provided in by-laws adopted by the
Staff Senate.
A majority of the members of the Staff Senate --50% of the elected members-- shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting.
The Staff Senate Chair and Chair-Elect will conduct regular meetings with the Chancellor
and Chief of Staff to review the business of the Staff Senate and to present formal
resolutions for consideration. Any member of the group may invite other, relevant
parties to attend the meetings. Resolutions presented during these meetings may be
immediately adopted by the Chancellor, may be approved as modified, denied, remanded
to Staff Senate for further consideration, or referred to another leader or governing
body for input before full consideration is given.
Committees
The Staff Senate shall establish appropriate standing committees of the staff and
shall adopt rules for the appointment of members to such committees.
The Staff Senate may establish appropriate ad hoc committees.
The Staff Senate Chair shall appoint or nominate staff to University Committees.
Section 3. Students and Student Government Association
Authority
The students, acting through the Student Government Association, may make recommendations
relating to the quality of life of the students, the efficiency of the University's
operations, and academic and institutional policies.
The students, acting through the Student Government Association, may make recommendations
on any matter of student concern. Such matters shall include, but not be limited to:
academic policies;
academic schedules;
grievance procedures;
environment and safety;
physical facilities;
student life and engagement; and
health and wellness.
The Student Government Association will report to the Dean of Students for informational
and advisory purposes.
The Student Government Association will serve as the liaison for students with the
administration.
The Student Government Association will be responsible for the creation and interpretation
of its own by-laws.
Membership
In these Articles, “student” shall mean all UAFS degree seeking undergraduate and
graduate students. For the purpose of this document degrees can include technical
and graduate certificates.
Officers
The officers of the students shall be the officers of the Student Government Association
who are elected following the Student Government Association by-laws. They shall have
the duties outlined in the Student Government Association by-laws.
Meetings
Meetings of the Student Government Association shall be open to all students, and
they shall have an opportunity to be heard as provided in by-laws adopted by the Student
Government Association.
Committees
The Student Government Association shall establish appropriate standing committees
of the students and shall adopt rules for the appointment of members to such committees.
The President of the Student Government Association shall have the responsibility
for selecting and nominating students to participate on university committees and
councils.
Section 4. Chancellor’s Cabinet (“Cabinet”)
Authority
The Chancellor’s Cabinet is the formal organization of top-level university administrators
who carry out the coordination and decision-making of the university operations.
The Cabinet has authority to create and review resolutions to recommend or adopt certain
strategies and policies to benefit the University.
Membership
The Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and Chief of Staff make up the formal, voting membership
of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. The Chancellor has the authority to invite other permanent
or guest members based on institutional strategies and initiatives of UAFS.
Meetings
The Chancellor’s Cabinet will schedule regular, weekly meetings. These meetings will
be held as needed based on the agenda items and availability of a majority of the
Cabinet members.
Monthly, the Cabinet will meet with academic and institutional leaders to discuss
strategic priorities and initiatives to ensure timely communication and decision-making
occurs across institutional divisions.
Section 5. Deans’ Council
Authority
The Deans’ Council is the formal organization of top-level academic administrators
who carry out the coordination and decision-making for the academic operations.
The Deans’ Council has authority to create and review resolutions to recommend or
adopt certain strategies to benefit the University.
Membership
The Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Associate and Assistant Provosts,
Academic Deans, and Director of the library make up the formal, voting membership
of the Deans’ Council. The Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs has the authority to
invite other permanent or guest members based on institutional strategies and initiatives
of UAFS.
Meetings
The Deans’ Council will schedule regular meetings. These meetings will be held as
needed based on the agenda items and availability of a majority of the Deans’ Council
members.
Section 6. Recommendations Not Adopted by the Chancellor
Recommendations adopted through the campus governance structure shall be transmitted
to the Chancellor. If the Chancellor declines to act favorably upon such a recommendation
within two weeks of receiving it, the campus governing body that made the recommendation
may request that the President consider the matter upon a three-fifths vote of all
governing entities representing students, faculty, and staff. If a resolution is not
achieved within 30 days, the President may submit the recommendation to the Board
of Trustees for consideration.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS
Section 1. Scope and Purpose.
The work of the University shall be carried out in large part by the action of various
committees and councils. Committees and councils of the University are constituted
to provide forums in which a greater detail of attention can be given to tasks and
matters before the University. As such, all University committees and councils shall
be empowered to conduct investigations, make recommendations, and formulate resolutions
on matters under their consideration.
The actions recommended by all academic committees and councils, except those reporting
directly to the Chancellor, are subject to Academic Deans’ Council review with approval
by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
The actions recommended by all non-academic committees and councils, except those
reporting directly to the Chancellor, are subject to Cabinet review with final approval
by the Chancellor.
ARTICLE V
SYSTEM COMMITTEES
Section 1. Composition.
Systemwide standing committee members will be elected by the local governance body
which deals with their functions as determined by the Chancellor, unless authority
has been given to the Chancellor by the University of Arkansas Board and/or President
to appoint systemwide committee members.
ARTICLE VI
UAFS PUBLICATIONS
All UAFS publications which contain academic and institutional policy and procedures,
including but not limited to the UAFS Academic Catalog, the UAFS Student Handbook,
the UAFS Faculty and Staff Handbook, must be submitted for approval to the Office
of the General Counsel for the University of Arkansas System prior to final publication
by the academic or administrative unit that supervises their publication. In the event
that the University publication is ambiguous on matters of policy or procedure, the
appropriate University committees, the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, and the
Chancellor will work together to resolve said ambiguity.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendment Procedures.
The Constitution may be amended by the following procedure. Proposed amendments may
be recommended by any of the governance bodies of UAFS: Faculty Senate, Staff Senate,
and Student Government Association. The proposed amendment will be forwarded as recommended
to the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Upon agreement of the Chancellor, he or she shall transmit
the proposed campus governance amendment to the President for review, approval, and
transmission to the Board of Trustees. Any such proposed amendment or amendments shall
become effective and be in operation when expressly approved by the Board of Trustees
of the University of Arkansas or after approval by the Board of Trustees on a day
specified therein.
In the event that an amendment is proposed by the Chancellor’s Cabinet or the Chancellor,
those amendments will be reviewed with the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and Student
Government Association before it is presented to the Board of Trustees.
November 22, 2024, by University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees.
[1]
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) campus refers to any location where
UAFS courses of instruction are taught or any other location which may be added.
Faculty Senate Bylaws
Details the responsibilities, structure, and operational guidelines for faculty representation
in university governance.
Read Faculty Senate Bylaws
Visit Faculty Senate Homepage
Staff Senate Bylaws
Defines the role and structure of staff representation in university governance.
Read Staff Senate Bylaws
Visit Staff Senate Homepage
Student Government Association Constitution and Bylaws
Details the mechanisms for student representation, leadership and advocacy at UAFS.
Read SGA Constitution & Bylaws
UAFS Governing Bodies
The Chancellor’s Cabinet at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) plays a
vital role in shaping the university’s strategic direction. Serving as an advisory
council to the Chancellor, the Cabinet comprises leaders from across the institution
who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Together, they collaborate on critical
decisions, address challenges, and work to ensure UAFS continues to thrive as a center
of academic excellence and community engagement.
Learn More about Chancellor's Cabinet
This council advances the educational mission of the university and addresses issues
of concern related to academic programs including adding and sunsetting programs,
program delivery and review, quality of programs, and advising.
The Deans Council also provides a conduit for discussion of issues within the colleges
to ensure uniformity in implementing university policies and procedures.
Chair:
Dr. Shadow Robinson
, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs
Council Members:
Dr. Latisha Settlage
- dean, College of Business and Industry
Dr. Toni Alexander
- dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Dean Cantù
- dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences
Dr. Margaret Tanner
- associate provost and director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Blake Johnson
- assistant provost for Student Success and Retention
Jordan Ruud
- director, Library Services
Voting members of the Faculty Council shall be:
Those full-time employees of the university with teaching included as 50 percent or
more of their appointment, and;
Professional librarians.
Adjunct faculty and visiting faculty are considered non-voting members of the Faculty
Council.
All questions concerning membership in the Faculty Council shall be resolved by the
elected officers of the Faculty Senate, subject to appeal to the Faculty Senate.
The Faculty Senate and its constituent committees  serve as the faculty voice of the
university.
The Faculty Senate provide a forum wherein any matter associated with academic policy
can be openly discussed by any faculty member; enables the faculty to reach informed
collective recommendations on academic matters; advises the administration on academic
matters including new and existing academic programs; provides advice to the administration
on fiscal, personnel, and long-range planning matters; and provides the faculty a
representative voice in issues relating to the exercise of academic freedom, professional
rights, general welfare, working conditions, and professional responsibilities in
the university community.
Learn More About FACULTY SENATE
Staff Senate facilitates participation in university governance, fostering staff development
and commitment to university goals, and operates in an official capacity with authority
delegated by the chancellor.
Learn More About STAFF SENATE
The recognized voice of the student body, members represent student issues and concerns
before university administration and actively work to improve the university experience
for every UAFS student.
Learn more about SGA.
More information about these governing bodies is available in the
Faculty and Staff Handbook.
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