University Committees
There are many opportunities for faculty and staff to engage in the governance of the University through service on University committees with each committee having a specific charge and responsibility. Committees report to the designated Vice President responsible for that area. Each spring the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs will distribute a call for service on committees, as membership on most committees is for three years, it is important to note that it may take several attempts before a vacancy from a specific unit occurs.
For membership listing, please see University Committee Membership List.
University Committees
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President
Campus Planning Committee
The purpose of the Campus Planning Committee is to develop a plan for the orderly development of the University campus and all University properties regarding the physical facilities' needs, vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow and land use. Reports directly to the President. (337) 482-6203
Diversity Advisory Committee
The Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) exists to stand for the various constituents, whose interests the Office for Campus Diversity (OCD) serves, by providing guidance, direction, support, and monitoring the effectiveness of the office. Reports directly to the President. (337) 482-6203
Faculty Grievance Committee
The Faculty Grievance Committee has as its primary purpose the provision of a fair investigation of a faculty grievance for the purpose of learning the facts of the complaint and making a recommendation to the President. Also, the Committee shall hold a preliminary hearing when charges have been brought by a university administrator against a faculty member which might result in dismissal or any other major sanction. The Committee shall try to affect a mutual settlement and, failing that, shall recommend to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs whether or not sufficient reasons exist for a formal hearing. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. This committee is slated by the Committee on Committees of the Faculty Senate. (337) 482-6454
NOTE: Having tenure is a requirement to serve on the Faculty Grievance Committee. Tenure-track and instructor faculty are not eligible to serve.
Charge: Primary purpose is the provision of a fair investigation of a faculty grievance, in addition the Committee should update the procedures.
President's Council on Campus Sustainability
This campus-wide advisory body shall guide the University's efforts to integrate environmental sustainability into campus life, including operations, educational programs, research, and community outreach. The PCCS shall serve to help awareness of sustainability issues and the promotion of individual responsibility for reducing the university's impact on the environment. The PCCS shall promote, assist, expand and standardize the GEAUX R.E.D. recycling program throughout campus. Other important responsibilities of the PCCS will be to identify revenue sources for support of sustainability initiatives; to provide input and analysis of sustainability issues with regard to current and future campus facilities and expansion projects; and, to develop and integrate a campus sustainability plan to guide the university's long-term vision and policies. Reports directly to the President. (337) 482-6203
University Athletics Committee
The University Athletics Committee serves in an advisory ability primarily as a conduit of information and concerns between the faculty and the Athletic Department. The committee is chaired by the faculty athletic representative to the NCAA and composed primarily of faculty, the SGA president and an alumni representative appointed by the President. Reports directly to the President. (337) 482-6203
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Provost/Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs
Committee on Academic Affairs and Standards
The Committee on Academic Affairs and Standards shall initiate policy concerning the academic standards of the University subject to the approval of the University President, study regulations adopted by the various agencies that affect the academic policies of the University and bring them into conformity with such regulations, hear routine appeals for waiver of academic regulations in cases of individual students, act as a final court of appeal in cases concerning accusations of unfair and capricious grading, and formulate other University policies as directed by the University Provost. Reports to Provost/Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. This committee is slated by the Committee on Committees of the Faculty Senate. Specific positions for faculty to serve. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Initiate policy concerning the academic standards, in addition the committee should complete the committee's bylaws.
Concerts Series Committee
The purpose of the Concerts Committee is to decide what concerts are to be presented and which performers are to be hired. This committee also dispenses fees to the artists who are hired. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Develop concert series.
Curriculum Committee
The purpose of the Curriculum Committee is to encourage the orderly growth of the course offerings and new curricula of the University by examining all facets of proposed change in offerings and recommending to the administration only those changes which the committee feels reflect the needs of the students and society. Reports directly to the Provost Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. This committee is slated by the Committee on Committees of the Faculty Senate. Must hold a faculty position to serve. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Process course changes, update course change guidelines, and coordinate with General Education and Strategic Program Review Committee.
Faculty Benefits and Welfare Committee
The Faculty Benefits and Welfare Committee shall study and make recommendations regarding faculty retirement, insurance, other fringe benefits, safety, health and other matters relating to faculty welfare. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. This committee is slated by the Committee on Committees of the Faculty Senate. (337) 482-6454
General Education Committee
In broad terms, the General Education Committee exists to review, develop, and recommend policy on general education to the CAAS, to recommend inclusion or exclusion of courses in the list of acceptable general education courses, and to take part constructively in assessment of the general education goals. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Develop, and recommend policy about general education, and assist in the SACSCOC accreditation process.
Graduate Council
The purpose of the Graduate Council is to formulate policies for governing the University's graduate programs. Specifically, the Council establishes criteria relating to admission and retention of students. Must hold graduate faculty appointment.
Honors Convocation Committee
The purpose of the Honors Convocation Committee is to plan and organize the annual Honors Convocation and reception for students, parents, and distinguished guests on the Tuesday evening prior to Easter vacation each year. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Plan and organize the annual Honors Convocation.
Library Committee
The purpose of the Library Committee is to serve as an advisory body to the Director of Libraries, especially regarding the establishment of policy in all matters affecting the usefulness and overall operation of the library. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. This committee is slated by the Committee on Committees of the Faculty Senate. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Serve as an advisory body to the Director of Libraries, in addition review submissions for student research awards, and conduct a review of expenditures to facilitate student and faculty research.
Strategic Program Review Committee
The Committee is charged with designing and implementing the regular internal academic program review process. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Academic Affairs: Institutional Effectiveness. Must hold a faculty position to serve. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Implement the regular internal academic program review process, in addition the committee should review the process and information being requested to ensure relevance.
Student Evaluation of Instruction Committee
The purpose of the Student Evaluation of Instruction Committee is to supply effective, efficient, and significant means for the periodic evaluation of instruction by the students at the university. Primarily, the committee is concerned with the review and revision, when necessary, of the evaluation form, but can make recommendations for changes in the mechanism of the student evaluation such as who should review the evaluation, when they should be done, etc. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs. This committee is slated by the Committee on Committees of the Faculty Senate. Must hold a faculty position to serve. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Review and revise, the evaluation form, in addition the committee should pilot college specific questions and develop initiatives to increase student response rates.
Study Abroad Committee
The UL Lafayette Study Abroad Program provides opportunities for faculty to teach abroad and for students to learn through a global experience. The Study Abroad Committee serves as an advisory body to make recommendations about program locations reviewing existing programs and considering proposals for new programs. Committee members annually review faculty proposals for courses to be offered abroad and makes selections of courses and faculty. Reports directly to the appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Must hold a faculty position to serve.
University Assessment Council
The University Assessment Council (UAC) supports the process of research-based, ongoing, integrated, institution-wide systematic planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement across the campus. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Planning and Effectiveness, its primary function is in an advisory/supportive ability to academic programs, service/support departments, and all other institutional units with respect to the assessment process. Therefore, the UAC: (a) provides assistance and consultation in formulating and implementing assessment plans; (b) annually reviews assessment documents submitted and provides feedback for improvement purposes, (c) assists in the development, deployment and maintenance of Institutional Effectiveness policies and documents, and (d) provides an annual report to the President, Provost and University Council describing strengths and weaknesses of the University's overall effort in assessment and institutional effectiveness. Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. (337) 482-6454
Charge: Primary function is in a supportive capacity and assist in the SACSCOC accreditation process.
University Committee on Graduate Student Success and Retention
The mission of the University Committee on Graduate Student Success and Retention shall be to examine the comprehensive graduate student experience at UL Lafayette to improve graduate student retention and graduation rates without compromising the high quality of our graduate programs. It works with the Graduate School and the Graduate Council to support the retention and success of students in both degree and non-degree graduate programs. In doing so, and in partnership with other campus constituencies, it assesses graduate student needs, reasons for stop out and drop out, and barriers to completion; professional development for career success; University services and student affairs support systems for graduate students; and other retention-related topics. Reports to the Dean of the Graduate School. Must hold a graduate faculty appointment to serve.
Charge: Improve graduate student retention and graduation rates.
University Grade Appeals Committee
The purpose of the University Grade Appeals Committee is to serve as a screening committee to hear student appeals of final grades as supported in the "Guidelines for Appealing Unfair and/or Capricious Final Grades." Reports directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs or appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Must hold a faculty position to serve.
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Vice President of Student Affairs
Communications Committee
The purpose of the Communications Committee is to serve as a review board for the following campus communications media: Vermilion and L'Acadien. The Committee serves as a recommending body to the University through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The specific responsibilities of the Committee include recommendations for appointment and dismissal of Chief Student Administrator and Business Manager of each of the communications media. As a general policy group and review board, the Committee is not directly responsible for operational control of the communications media. Advisors are appointed by the President. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266.
Disability Concerns Committee
The purpose of the Committee on Disability Concerns is: 1) To monitor the needs of the disabled to ensure that those enrolled have access to programs, 2) To receive and process grievances regarding matters that relate to the disabled, 3) To monitor the University's compliance with new Federal regulations regarding the disabled and 4) To monitor the campus environment as it relates to the disabled. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266
Housing Appeals Committee
The purpose of the Housing Appeals Committee is to serve as an appeal board to review student requests to be released from the housing agreement. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266.
SGA Child Development Center Advisory Board
The purpose of the Committee is: 1) To serve as consultants and advisors to the staff of the SGA Child Development Center and 2) To make recommendations on overall policies of the Center. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266
Student Affairs Appeals Court
The Student Affairs Appeals Court has appellant authority over the committees which make recommendations to the Vice President for Student Affairs: University Emergency Response and Preparedness Committee, Communications, Fraternities/Sororities Social Committee, Parking Planning Committee, Parking Appeals Committee, Religious Activities Committee, Student Financial Aid Committee, Student Health Committee, University Organizations Committee, SGA Child Development Center Advisory Board. The court has the power to concur in or reverse the decision of other committees and make determinations which affect all committees which report to the Vice President for Student Affairs. The court may also hear cases concerning administrative policy which affects students and matters not in the authority of any other committee. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266.
Student Discipline Committee
The Discipline Committee is primarily responsible for administration of student discipline. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266.
Student Health Committee
Following the guidelines that have been developed by the American College Health Association, the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources, the Board of Trustees and our Communicable Disease Policy Statement, the Student Health Committee seeks the maintenance of a health environment over the entire campus within the physical facilities as well as among students, faculty, and staff. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266.
University Campus Safety Committee
The University Campus Safety Committee is chaired by the Environmental Health and Safety Director. Members include representatives from University Police, Human Resources, the Office of Disability Services, a faculty member in Sciences, auxiliary and research departments, and others. The committee is charged with learning about all facets of University safety and security, discussing any challenges that may exist in these areas, and recommending or implementing any necessary action that can make the campus safer and more secure. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266
University Emergency Response and Preparedness Committee
The purpose of the University Emergency Response and Preparedness Committee is to meet when a natural disaster is imminent to decide on the best course of action to ensure the safety of the campus and the population. The Committee periodically reviews the procedures for safety and preventative action in case of natural disasters. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266.
University Organizations Committee
The purpose of the University Organizations Committee is to: 1) Serve as the main organization that screens and recommends chartering of student groups to the Vice President for Student Affairs; 2) Serve as a policy-making board and recommends those policies to the Vice President for Student Affairs (ex. policies concerning what information a petitioning group should present, criteria for recommending an organization, etc.); 3) Serve as a liaison between the Religious Activities Committee, the Fraternity/Sorority Committee and the University administration; 4) Keep record of all approved student organizations and review information on each organization periodically; and 5) Has the responsibility of declaring an organization to be inactive or disbanded according to certain criteria. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs. (337) 482-6266.
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Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development
Export Control Committee
The Export Control Committee shall initiate policy concerning the export control standards of the University subject to the approval of the University President, develop an export control program for the University, study regulations adopted by the various agencies that affect the export control policies and program of the University and bring them into conformity with such regulations, review and provide expert guidance on items with export control implications, and formulate other University policies as directed by the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. Reports directly to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. (337) 482-5811.
Charge: Initiate policy concerning export controls, perform Export Control risk assessment, develop export control program and guidelines, assess, and implement training, make recommendations to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, and review circumstances having export control implications and provide expert guidance, as and when requested.
Innovation and Research Advisory Council
The mission of the Innovation and Research Advisory Council (IRAC) is to engage members of the research community at UL Lafayette and its administration to enhance the University's research enterprise. The IRAC shall serve as an advisory body to the Vice President of Research on matters on the development of research and innovation at UL Lafayette and advising the University leadership on policies and procedures to achieve the strategic vision of UL Lafayette. Reports directly to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. (337) 482-6541.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
The purpose of this committee is to monitor all research activities requiring the use of laboratory animals and to ensure that said use of laboratory animals is within the guidelines set forth in the Public Health Service Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The Committee annually reviews the institution's program for humane care and use of animals. Reports directly to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. (337) 482-6541
Charge: Review and approval of animal use in research, including facility inspections.
Institutional Biosafety Committee
The purpose of the Institutional Biosafety Committee is to ensure safe handling and disposal of any such materials used in University research or instructional projects and to provide compliance with federal regulations concerning the production, use and disposal of recombinant DNA materials. Reports directly to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. (337) 482-6541. (337) 482-5893
Charge: Review and approval of recombinant DNA and pathogen use in research, including facility inspections.
Institutional Review Board
The purpose of this committee is to work in recognition of the institution's responsibility to assure the protection of any human subjects in research. Prior review of research using human participants is conducted to a) assure informed consent; b) assure confidentiality of data; c) classify risk and assure required safeguards. The IRB also keeps up with Federal standards for research with human participants to assure awareness of these standards in the academic community. Reports directly to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. (337) 482-6541
Charge: Review and approval of human subject use in research.
Radiation Safety Committee
The purpose of the Committee is: 1. To administer the policies based on conditions set by the University's Radioisotope License. 2. To act on requests from faculty for the use of radioisotopes in research and teaching. a. To ensure that radiation safety procedures are adhered to during handling of radioisotopes on campus. b. To instruct and assist faculty in radiation safety procedures. Reports directly to the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. (337) 482-6541.
Charge: Review and approval of ionizing radiation producing materials and machines used in research.
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Vice President for Enrollment Management
Residency Committee
The purpose of the Committee is to provide a mechanism for a University student to appeal their residency classification, for fee purposes, which was assigned by the Admissions Office. Reports directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management. (337) 482-5912
Charge: The committee is responsible for hearing appeals from students seeking in-state residency for tuition purposes.
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Vice President for Finance and Administration
Fee Committee
The purpose of the Fee Committee is to recommend a Fee Refund Policy to the Administration and to serve as an appeal board to process student requests for exceptions to the Fee Refund Policy. Reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. (337) 482-6235
Charge: The committee addresses hearing appeals from students requesting an exception to the University’s tuition and fee refund policy.
Occupational Health and Wellness Committee
Identify and maintain current the position titles requiring specialized training, and assist in monitoring/enforcing compliance of required training. Identify/develop a "group" (Banner/Cornerstone) for all position titles needing specialized training, so these employees receive immediate notification of training requirements upon hire.
Charge: Policy/procedure development. Identify training requirements and update according as regulated/mandated. Identify methods of communicating training requirements to incumbents of position titles requiring the specialized training; to include supervisors. Develop a workflow/monitoring process to manage incumbents in position titles. Evaluate accidents/incidents of affected employees
Parking Appeals Committee
The Parking Appeals Committee has the lower appellate authority concerning the "UL Lafayette Traffic Code" violations issued by Parking & Transit and University Police and may make recommendations to the Parking and Planning Committee for revisions to the "UL Lafayette Traffic Code" and in general provide "Due Process" for all violations. Reports directly to the Vice President for Administration and Finance. (337) 482-6235
Vehicle Accident Review Committee
The purpose of the Accident Review Committee (ARC) will be to review circumstances surrounding accidents which involve UL Lafayette/State vehicles and to recommend proper action which may be taken against the UL Lafayette/State employee who is involved in such an accident. Reports directly to the Vice President for Administration and Finance. (337) 482-6235
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Vice President of Student Affairs and the Vice President of Administration and Finance
Undergraduate Research Council
An advisory council to the Student Research Center.
Charge: This mission is to serve as an advisory council to the Vice President for Research, the provost and the President on matters about the development of Undergraduate Research at UL Lafayette.
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Vice President of Student Affairs and the Vice President of Administration and Finance
Americans with Disabilities Act Committee
The University has established an ADA Committee to promote compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and to ensure that individuals with disabilities are afforded equal access to University programs, services, activities, and employment. Reports directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Vice President of Administration and Finance.
Charge: Reviewing potential barriers to equal access to the programs, services, and activities of the university and recommending solutions to leadership administration. Preparing an annual prioritization of projects and reviewing progress made in the prior year on resolving access barriers. When applicable, reviewing cases where accommodations or modifications are likely to result in a fundamental alteration of a course, or impose an undue hardship or financial burden on the institution. Serves as the decisive step in the accommodation appeals process.