Fall faculty assembly to include vote on resolution to amend faculty senate constitution

During the Fall Faculty Assembly, scheduled for Thursday, August 22, beginning at 4:10 p.m. in the Student Life Center, faculty present will be asked to vote on a resolution to amend the faculty senate constitution.

The content of the resolution that will be the subject of the vote is:

RESOLUTION NO. 2024/25-001

Authorizing the Attendance of All Members of the Executive Committee at Special Sessions

WHEREAS, the Faculty Senate Constitution Article II, Part B, Section 4 authorizes the Senate to hold special sessions of a confidential nature, whereby such sessions may be closed sessions, with only members present; executive sessions, with only voting members present; or special executive sessions, with only elected members present; and

WHEREAS, the Faculty Senate Constitution Article II, Part A, Section 2 defines the Immediate Past Chair and Immediate Past Vice-Chair of the Senate as non-voting ex officio members of the Senate for one year after their term ends; and

WHEREAS, the Faculty Senate Constitution Article II, Part D defines the Executive Committee membership to include the Immediate Past Chair and Immediate Past Vice-Chair as ex officio members of the Executive Committee for one year after their term ends; and

WHEREAS, the Immediate Past Chair and Immediate Past Vice-Chair of the Senate serve as a source of institutional memory for the body; and

WHEREAS, the Faculty Senate Constitution Article III authorizes the Senate to propose amendments to the Constitution;

NOW, THEREFORE, The Vanderbilt University Faculty Assembly hereby resolves that:

1. The Faculty Senate Constitution Article II, Part B, Section 4 shall be amended to allow all members of the Executive Committee, including the Immediate Past Chair and Immediate Past Vice-Chair to attend special sessions.
2. Upon passage of this Resolution, the Faculty Senate Constitution Article II, Part B, Section 4 shall state,

The Senate may hold special sessions when matters of a confidential nature are being considered. Such sessions may be closed sessions, with only members present, executive sessions, with only voting members present, or special executive sessions, with only elected members present. All members of the Executive Committee, including Immediate Past Chair and Immediate Past Vice-Chair may attend special sessions. No action taken at a special executive session shall be binding upon the Senate unless approved by a majority vote at a meeting where all voting members may be present. One special executive session shall be held in each academic year. In addition to the mandatory yearly special executive session, the Senate, acting by majority vote, or the Chair of the Faculty Senate, acting in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall have the authority to call a special session at any time.

In addition to the vote, faculty will hear from Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost C. Cybele Raver and Faculty Senate Chair Alissa Hare. Vanderbilt's top faculty awards will be presented, recognizing outstanding achievements in research and service to the university and demonstrating Vanderbilt's appreciation for and commitment to excellence. A reception will follow the assembly. Please make plans to attend. Registration is not required.

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