BC.01 Academic Excellence Committee Charter

Owned by Scott Barge (Deactivated)
Last updated: Feb 07, 2020
3 min read

Purpose

The Academic Excellence Committee is appointed by the Board to review academic priorities and programs, making recommendations to the full board on matters regarding EMU's academic mission, policies and resources needed to fulfill the mission, academic strategic priorities, the quality and relevance of EMU's academic programs, and academic freedom/integrity. The Academic Excellence Committee provides oversight and counsel for all degree and non-degree academic programs. The Committee retains authority for maintaining the integrity and vitality of Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Committee Membership

The Board will appoint at least four trustees to serve on the Committee and will select one of these members to serve as committee chair. Given the Committee’s oversight and advisory responsibilities for Eastern Mennonite Seminary, its membership shall include at least one trustee with specific experience and/or expertise in theological education. Each committee member must be independent of management of the institution and free of any relationship that would impair such independence. Members may not receive consulting, advising, or other fees from the institution or any affiliated foundation or entity related to the institution. Committee may at its discretion recommend to the board that they contract with an attorney or other external expert resources.

The provost serves as staff and primary liaison to the committee. The administrative assistant to the provost serves as recording secretary for the committee.

Meetings

The Academic Excellence Committee will meet as often as it determines. The Committee may, from time to time, schedule joint meetings with other Standing Committees of the Board. Minutes will be drafted by the recording secretary and reviewed and approved by the Committee and the Board of Trustees.

Primary Governance Role

The Academic Excellence Committee shall:

  • Ensure alignment between academic mission, values and strategic plans.
  • Ensure compliance with board policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that the academic budget reflects the University's mission, values and strategic priorities.
  • Ensure that faculty personnel and academic policies comply with state and federal requirements, align with academic priorities, and are applied systematically and equitably across the university.
  • Ensure that the institution assesses the effectiveness of its academic programs and student learning outcomes.
  • Ensure that the Board is informed about general higher education academic program and theological education trends and that policy discussions by the Board are informed and transparent.

Committee Responsibilities

The Academic Excellence Committee shall:

  1. Regularly review pertinent data to monitor academic programs for quality and relevance.
  2. Review academic policies and, as appropriate, propose new or revised policies to the full board.
  3. Recommend action on proposals for new and innovative academic programs, cost effective delivery models, or for discontinuing any academic programs.
  4. Recommend to the full board approval of tenure-track faculty appointments, tenure, and promotion including review and approval of faculty faith statements.
  5. Review on an annual basis assessment data and student learning outcomes from EMU’s core curriculum courses.
  6. Periodically review the integration of EMU’s values and Anabaptist faith distinctives in EMU’s core curriculum.
  7. Monitor information from periodic program reviews and accreditation processes. Review significant findings and recommendations received from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and other specialized accreditation agencies, ensuring that any recommendations and requirements are addressed appropriately within designated timeframes.
  8. Review academic key performance indicators.
  9. Serve as diligent and knowledgeable board members regarding academic program innovation, entrepreneurial delivery models, theological education trends, and policies.
  10. Serve in an advisory capacity to Eastern Mennonite Seminary and as one of the seminary’s various formal points of connection to its associated denomination(s).
  11. Bring to the attention of the board any matters regarding the University's academic programs or faculty on which it requires guidance or direction from the board.
  12. Consider and advise on any matter referred to the committee by the board, the university president, or the provost.
  13. Perform other oversight as assigned by the board.

Communication with the Board

One of the Committee’s principal responsibilities is to keep the Board fully informed on the University’s academic programs and performance. The Committee takes appropriate steps to ensure that all Board members understand the significance of academic excellence, accreditation, and student learning outcomes.

Review of Charter

This charter will be reviewed periodically by the Academic Excellence Committee, and any proposed changes shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval. 

Adopted and approved, November 2019

Board and Institutional Policies for Committee Oversight

The Academic Excellence Committee has responsibility to periodically review the following policies and recommend any proposed changes to the Board of Trustees for approval: