Establishment of Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women and Revised Operating Guidelines

Go to CCSW website Policy Memorandum 2003-01

Purpose of the Commission

The Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women exists to enhance the status of all women at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Using this information, the Commission advises the Chancellor on issues pertaining to gender equity and on specific concerns of women faculty, staff and students at the University. While individual members are free to engage in public advocacy on any issue, the Commission, as a commission, best serves its purpose through regular, confidential dialog with the Chancellor

Commission Confidentiality

The Commission and each Council adhere to a policy of strict confidentiality. Conversations with the Chancellor are advisory and confidential. In addition, members of the University community should feel free to consult with members of the Commission and to express their opinions in confidence. The Commission shall not disclose to the Chancellor, or to others, any communication requested to be kept confidential by a member of the University community.

Commission Objectives and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Commission and each of the Councils are as follows:

  1. To advise the Chancellor on University matters and policies relating to women and on such other matters as may be appropriate
  2. To advise such other members of the campus administration as the Chancellor deems appropriate
  3. To suggest to the Chancellor issues relating to women that should be part of the campus administrative agenda
  4. To communicate to the Chancellor the perspectives of women on University policies and decisions
  5. To assist the Chancellor in addressing issues related to women

Councils and Membership

The Commission shall consist of 26 members, divided into three Councils: The Council of Faculty, the Council of Staff, and the Council of Students. Each Council shall be diverse and shall represent a broad range of women from across the University.

The Council of Faculty shall consist of 10 persons, as follows:

  • Two faculty members who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Four faculty members who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges within Academic Affairs
  • The Director of the Women's Studies Program
  • A representative from the Academy of Distinguished Teachers
  • A representative from the University-wide Distinguished Professors or Cather/Bessey Professors
  • The Past-Chair shall serve in an ex-officio advisory position

The Council of Staff shall consist of 8 persons, as follows:

  • Three managerial/professional employees who, as much as practical, represent different Divisions within the University
  • Four office/service employees who, as much as practical, represent different Divisions within the University
  • The Director of the Women's Center

The Council of Students shall consist of 9 persons, as follows:

  • Five undergraduate students who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges and different Classes
  • Three graduate students who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges and include one Masters and one PhD candidate
  • The Director of the Women's Center shall coordinate the Council

Selection and Appointment of Members and Chairs

Appointments

Members of the Council of Faculty shall be appointed by the Chancellor, with the advice and consent of the Academic Senate Executive Committee and after consultation with the current Council of Faculty.

Members of the Council of Staff shall be appointed by the Chancellor after consultation with UNOPA and UAAD.

Members of the Council of Students shall be appointed by the Chancellor with the advice and consent of a panel including, at minimum, two current student members, the Director of the Women's Center and an ASUN representative. The panel will also consult the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for student eligibility.

Terms

Members of the Council of Faculty and Council of Staff shall be appointed for three year, staggered terms. Members of the Council of Students shall be appointed for two year, staggered terms. Members may request to be reappointed for one additional term. Applications will be 2 due by March 15 and appointments forwarded to the Chancellor by April 15 of each year. Terms shall begin on August 15 of each year, but members may serve until their successors are confirmed.

Chairs

Each Council shall elect one of its members to serve as Chair of the respective Council. The Chair of the Council of Faculty shall chair the Commission as a whole. The Council of Faculty and Council of Staff may also elect a Chair-Elect who will succeed the Chair the following year.

Meetings

The Commission, or any Council, may meet on such basis as its membership determines, or at the call of either the Chancellor or the respective Chair. The Commission shall meet at least once per year as a Commission to discuss issues common to faculty, staff and students. The Chancellor shall attend the annual meeting of the Commission. The Chancellor shall attend annually, at least two meetings of each Council.

Harvey Perlman, Chancellor
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dated November 1, 2003