University Statutes

The University of Georgia Statutes are expressly subject to the Policies of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. In case of any divergence from or conflict with these Policies, such Policies shall prevail.

View and download a PDF of the University Statutes here (PDF).

ARTICLE I: THE UNIVERSITY

Section 1: Unit of University System

The University of Georgia, chartered in 1785, is the oldest of several institutions of higher education which compose the University System of Georgia. It is subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents.

Section 2: Statement of Purpose

The University's mission is to engage in instruction, research, and service.

Section 3: Schools and Colleges

The University presently includes the following schools and colleges (each school and college may be subdivided into divisions and departments):

• The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences (1801),
• the School of Law (1859),
• the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (1859),
• the College of Pharmacy (1903),
• the Warnell School of Forest Resources (1906),
• the College of Education (1908),
• the Graduate School (1910),
• the Terry College of Business (1912),
• the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication (1915),
• the College of Family and Consumer Sciences (1933),
• the College of Veterinary Medicine (1946),
• the School of Social Work (1964),
• the College of Environment and Design (1969),
• the School of Public and International Affairs (2001),
• the College of Public Health (2005),
• the Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology (2007),
• the Georgia Regents University/UGA Medical Partnership (2009), 
• the College of Engineering (2012), and
• the Jere W. Morehead Honors College (2021)

Section 4: Degrees

The faculty with academic rank shall recommend to the President of the University the candidates for degrees which have been authorized by the Board of Regents.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Degrees, General, § 3.8.1.]]

ARTICLE II: THE PRESIDENT

Section 1: Appointment

The Board of Regents shall elect the President, who shall hold office as provided by the Policies of the Board of Regents.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Election of Presidents by the Board, § 2.1.]]

Section 2: Powers

The President shall be the chief executive officer of the University and shall be a member of the University Faculty and of the faculty of each of the several schools, colleges, and divisions. The President shall be the chair and presiding officer of the University Faculty and of the University Council. The President shall have authority to appoint such committees and other groups as are deemed necessary to aid in the performance of designated duties.  The President shall exercise such supervision and direction within the University as is deemed necessary to achieve the general goals of the University and to insure maximum efficiency and coordination of the efforts of the institution. To achieve this end, with approval of the Board of Regents, the President may from time to time reorganize the administration of the University, abolish administrative offices and create new ones, and reassign administrative powers and responsibilities. The provisions of Article III shall not be construed to limit either this power of the President or such additional powers as authorized by the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents.[[University Council Bylaws, Part V, General Procedures.]] [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Presidential Authority and Responsibilities, § 2.5.]] The President shall be the official medium of communication between the faculties of the University and the Board of Regents and between the students and the Board of Regents.

ARTICLE III: SENIOR UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS

Section 1: Senior University Officials

Subject to the jurisdiction of the President, the senior university officials shall be the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Vice President for Instruction, the Vice President for Research, the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Vice President for Government Relations, the Vice President for Marketing and Communications, and the Vice President for Information Technology. After consultation with a representative committee of members of the University Faculty, the President shall appoint these officers with approval of the Board of Regents[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Presidential Authority and Responsibilities, § 2.5.]] and these officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the President.

Section 2: The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost shall be a person of professorial rank, and shall be the chief executive officer to the President and in the temporary absence of the President shall act in place of the President. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost shall be a member ex officio of the faculty of each school, college or division in the University, including the Graduate Faculty, and shall also be a member ex officio of the University Council and of such committees of the Council as designated by the Bylaws. In the temporary absence of the President, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost shall assist the President with all internal operations of the University, with particular attention being given to academic programs and matters of appointments and promotions of the faculty with academic rank, shall have general supervisory responsibility for the University’s instructional activities, and shall enforce academic standards established by the faculty of the institution. The Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost shall report to the President. 

Section 3: The Vice President for Finance and Administration

The Vice President for Finance and Administration shall function as the chief business and financial officer of the University and be responsible for the business and financial administration of the University. The Vice President for Finance and Administration shall be a member ex officio of the University Faculty and of the University Council. The Vice President for Finance and Administration shall report to the President. 

Section 4: The Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

The Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations shall be responsible for functions relating to the development and enhancement of the University’s support base and for other such matters pertaining to University relations as may be assigned by the President. The Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations shall be a member ex officio of the University Council. The Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations shall report to the President.

Section 5: The Vice President for Instruction

The Vice President for Instruction shall be a person of professorial rank, a member ex officio of the faculty of each school and college in the University, including the Graduate Faculty, and shall also be a member ex officio of the University Council and of such committees of the Council as designated by the Bylaws. The Vice President for Instruction shall report to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and shall be responsible for the coordination of the instructional programs of the University, including those conducted by each of the schools and colleges.

Section 6: The Vice President for Research

The Vice President for Research shall be a person of professorial rank, a member ex officio of the faculty of each school and college in the University, including the Graduate Faculty, and shall also be a member ex officio of the University Council and of such committees of the Council as designated by the Bylaws. The Vice President for Research shall report to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and shall be responsible for the coordination of the research programs of the University, including those conducted in cooperation with other public or private agencies, institutions, and industries.

Section 7: The Vice President for Public Service and Outreach

The Vice President for Public Service and Outreach shall be a person of professorial rank, a member ex officio of the faculty of each school and college in the University, including the Graduate Faculty, and shall also be a member ex officio of the University Council and of such committees of the Council as designated by the Bylaws. The Vice President for Public Service and Outreach shall report to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and shall be responsible for coordinating and giving direction to a broad program of public service and extension of the University, including the public service activities offered and conducted by each of the schools and colleges.

Section 8: The Vice President for Student Affairs

The Vice President for Student Affairs shall be responsible for the administration of non-academic student programs and activities. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall report to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and shall be a member ex officio of the University Council and of such committees of the Council as designated by the Bylaws.

Section 9: The Vice President for Government Relations

The Vice President for Government Relations shall serve as the principal administrative officer for the University’s governmental relations activities with the federal, state, and local governments. The Vice President for Government Relations shall report to the President.

Section 10: The Vice President for Marketing and Communications

The Vice President for Marketing and Communications shall be responsible for leading marketing and strategic communications efforts to advance the reputation of the University as a premier research institution. The Vice President for Marketing and Communications shall report to the President.

Section 11: The Vice President for Information Technology

The Vice President for Information Technology shall be responsible for the implementation and accessibility of information technology and systems and for helping the UGA community utilize technology as a tool to enhance teaching, research, and service. The Vice President for Information Technology shall report to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

Section 12: Additional Information

In addition to the powers and duties conferred in the foregoing provisions of these statutes, the various persons, officers, and faculties shall continue to exercise the powers and be subject to the duties heretofore enjoyed or imposed by usage, custom, and ordinary practice insofar as they are consistent with the positive legislation herein contained and the Policies of the Board of Regents[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Faculty Rules and Regulations, § 3.2.4.]] and insofar as they may be necessary or proper for carrying into effect these provisions. 

ARTICLE IV: THE UNIVERSITY FACULTY

Section 1: Members

At The University of Georgia, the University Faculty shall include the corps of instruction and the administrative officers in accordance with Regents’ Policy.Policies of the Board of Regents, Faculties, § 3.2.]]

Section 2: Meetings

The University Faculty shall in regular session meet at least once a year upon the call of the President. At this meeting the President shall report on the state of the University. The President shall also call a meeting of the University Faculty upon petition of 100 University Faculty members or after majority vote of the University Council.

Section 3: Secretary

The Secretary of the University Council shall be the Secretary of the University Faculty. The Secretary shall publish the minutes of each faculty meeting on the University web site within three days of the meeting.

ARTICLE V: THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

Section 1: Name

The name of the body hereby constituted shall be the University Council.

Section 2: Powers and Jurisdiction

1. General Educational Policy

   The University Council shall exercise legislative power on matters of general educational policy and, consistent with Policies[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Academic Affairs, § 3.0.]] of the Board of Regents, shall make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper for the promotion of the educational interests of the University. Recommendations made by any school or college regarding the establishment, major modification, or discontinuance of any degree or program must be approved by the Council before being submitted to the President for transmission to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents for approval.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Curriculum, § 3.3.]]

2. Welfare of Entire University

   The University Council shall exercise legislative power on matters dealing with the general welfare of the entire University and, consistent with the Policies of the Board of Regents,[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Presidential Authority and Responsibilities, § 2.5.]] [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Faculties, § 3.2.2.]] shall make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper for the promotion of the general welfare of the University.

   The University Council shall not adopt regulations affecting the internal action of any school, college or any institutionally-related entity (e.g., the UGA Athletic Association, the UGA Research Foundation, the Arch Foundation) except insofar as such action may be necessary to protect the interest of the University as a whole or the interests of another school or college. However, any action of a school, college or division thereof or institutionally-related entity that in the judgment of the Council seriously affects the interests of another school or college, or adversely affects the general interests of the University, may be set aside by the University Council. Each school or college faculty concerned shall be given an opportunity to be heard by the University Council, through representatives from that school or college appointed for that purpose, before final action is taken.

   Since the creation, abolition, or major restructuring of a school or college necessarily affects the educational interests and the welfare of the entire University, any proposal for the creation, abolition, or major restructuring of a school or college shall be presented to the University Council for its recommendation to the President.

3. Regulation of Student Conduct and Activities

   The University Council shall have power to make general regulations regarding student conduct and other phases of student life and activities. It shall also have power to establish rules governing all forms of student organizations, including sororities and fraternities, insofar as they are properly subject to the jurisdiction of the University.

4. Faculty Conference

   The Faculty Conference shall provide a forum for the discussion of issues of concern to the University Faculty. It is composed of all elected University Council faculty members and those faculty members of the University Council who are appointed by the Executive Committee. It shall elect a chair and a secretary. Meetings shall be called by the chair or upon petition of 10 members of the Conference.

5. Faculty Grievance

   The University Council shall elect a Faculty Grievance Committee from the University Faculty. This committee shall be a standing committee. Any member of the University Faculty or any group of members of the faculty shall have a right of access to this committee prior to final rulings by the President. The committee and its delegates shall have the authority to conduct inquiries into faculty grievances and to attempt the resolution of these grievances in consultation with the parties involved, and to issue reports and recommendations to the President regarding the grievances it has considered.

   The President, prior to rendering a final decision on the matter, may refer to the committee for review and recommendation the complaint of any faculty member. However, final rulings by the President may be appealed only to the Board of Regents.[[University Statutes, Article XV.]]

6. Creation of Committees

   The University Council shall have power to create such committees as may be needed for the orderly and efficient handling of its business, and on matters of urgency it may vest authority in an executive committee (or such other committee as it may designate) to take immediate action which shall be binding until reversed or modified at a subsequent meeting of the University Council. It shall elect or provide for the appointment of the members of the Executive Committee and of such other committees as it creates. The number of those serving on each standing committee, the manner of their election, the duties of each committee, and the term of service of each member of a committee shall be set forth in the Bylaws of the Council which shall be available to all members of the University Faculty and to the students of the University. Members of the University Faculty other than members of the Council may be appointed or elected to standing or special committees of the Council as provided for in the Bylaws.

7. Rules of Procedure

   The University Council shall have power to establish rules of procedure and to determine all matters pertaining to its own meetings. Such general regulations as may be established regarding procedure shall be clearly set forth in its Bylaws.

8. The Secretary of the University Council shall publish promptly to all University Faculty members, students and staff a record of all actions taken at each meeting of the Council and shall forward to the Chancellor a copy of the actions of each meeting.
   
   

Section 3: Ex Officio and Appointed Members

Voting ex officio members of the University Council shall be as follows:

• The President of the University (who shall be the chair and presiding officer of the Council),
• No more than six of the Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents, as designated in Article III,
• The Deans of the Schools and Colleges,
• The Associate Provost and University Librarian,
• The Registrar (who shall be the Secretary of the Council),
• The President and Vice President of the Student Government Association,
• The President of the Graduate School Association,
• The President of the UGA Staff Council,
• The President of the UGA Postdoctoral Association, and
• The President of the UGA Alumni Association.

Voting ex officio members of the Council together shall not exceed 32 of the total membership. The Executive Committee may appoint a maximum of six additional members to staggered three-year terms to help rectify imbalances regarding race, ethnicity or gender.

Non-voting Ex officio members of the University Council shall be as follows:

• Vice President of the Student Government Association, and
• Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations

Section 4: Elected Members

The remainder of the University Council shall consist of members of the faculty elected by faculty, staff elected by the staff, and of students elected by the students.

Section 5: Eligibility

1. Faculty

   Any member of the faculty shall be eligible for election to the University Council.

2. Students

   Any student shall be eligible for election to the University Council if he/she is a regularly enrolled full-time student of sophomore level or above in one of the schools or colleges of the University and is in good academic and disciplinary standing as defined by the Council and the individual schools and colleges.

3. Staff

   Any staff from the classified personnel[[University System of Georgia Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual.]] or other regular non-faculty status employees shall be eligible for election to the University Council as outlined in the University Council Bylaws.

Section 6: Ratio of Membership

1. Faculty

   There shall be one member elected by the faculty with academic rank of each of the several schools and colleges. Faculty members holding academic rank shall vote in the school or college in which they hold academic rank. A number of extra members shall be elected by the faculties of each of the schools and colleges. The number of the extra elected members shall be determined by electing one member for each twenty full-time faculty members, other than county extension personnel, rounded to the nearest multiple of 20. Multiples of 10 that are not multiples of 20 shall be rounded down. The number of the extra members from each school and college under this formula shall be determined annually by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. For each of the offices of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Vice President for Instruction, Vice President for Research, Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, and Vice President for Student Affairs the members of the corps of instruction who do not hold academic rank (e.g., public service, research associate and librarians) shall each have two Council members elected from and by faculty from the corps of instruction who do not hold academic rank (e.g., public service personnel, research associates, librarians, etc).  A number of additional members shall be elected by the faculties of each Administrative Unit, one for each 20 faculty members rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 (multiples of 10 that are not multiples of 20 shall be rounded down).

2. Students

   Student members of the Council shall be students elected by students from their respective schools or colleges as outlined in the Bylaws.

3. Staff

   Staff members of the Council will be elected by staff serving on the UGA Staff Council as outlined in the University Council Bylaws.

Section 7: Time of Elections

The elected members of the University Council shall be elected in the Spring before their term of service on the Council begins.

Section 8: Term of Elected Members

Student members of the University Council shall serve for a term of one year. Elected faculty and staff members shall normally serve a term of three years. The term of a faculty member elected for three years shall not be cut off by reason of a diminution in the total number of representatives assigned to the school or college.

Section 9: Vacancies

Vacancies upon the University Council shall be filled by special election held during the academic year after 10 days notice in the school or college affected. The dean of the school or college concerned shall be responsible for the conduct of the election. Staff vacancies upon the University Council shall be filled by special election held by the Staff Council during the academic year after 10 days notice.

Section 10: Regular Meetings

The Council will schedule at least three meetings each semester of the regular academic year. The time and place of the regular meetings shall be determined by the presiding officer.

Section 11: Special Meetings

The presiding officer or the Executive Committee of the Council shall have authority to call a special meeting, or a special meeting shall be held upon written petition, addressed to the Executive Committee and signed by twenty members of the Council.

Section 12: Quorum

A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum.

Section 13: Notice of Meeting

1. Notice of a regular or special meeting shall be sent by the Secretary to each member of the University Council and all faculty, students, and staff 10 days in advance of the meeting, but delay in delivery of such notice shall not invalidate any action at the meeting.

2. All notices pertaining to special meetings shall specify the matters to be discussed and acted upon at such meeting, and no other business shall be transacted.
   
   

ARTICLE VI: FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Section 1: Name and Size

The name of the body hereby constituted shall be the Faculty Advisory Committee

Section 2: Purpose and Function

1. Purpose

   The Faculty Advisory Committee shall provide for the orderly voicing of suggestions regarding matters of concern to the University community and shall furnish a channel for communication between the faculty and the administrative officers of the University.

2. Reports

   The Faculty Advisory Committee shall make such reports to the President or the University Faculty as it deems appropriate.

Section 3: Members

The faculty with academic rank from each school or college of the University shall elect one member of the Faculty Advisory Committee, except that four members shall be elected from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, two members shall be elected from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and two members shall be elected from the College of Education.

Section 4: Eligibility

Any faculty member of full or associate professorial rank is eligible for election to the Faculty Advisory Committee.

Section 5: Time and Method of Elections

Members of the Faculty Advisory Committee shall be elected in the spring semester preceding their term of service. The dean of each school or college shall conduct an appropriate election of Advisory Committee members and shall provide to the faculty with academic rank 10 days advance notice of such election. The election shall involve printed or electronic nominations and ballots.

Section 6: Term of Service

Members of the Faculty Advisory Committee shall serve for a term of three years, commencing with the fall semester following their elections. After inception of the Faculty Advisory Committee, the members shall classify themselves into a system of overlapping terms under which there shall be six new members elected annually.

Section 7: Vacancies

Vacancies upon the Faculty Advisory Committee shall be filled by special election held during the Academic year after 10 days notice in the school or college affected. The dean of the school or college affected shall conduct the special election.

Section 8: Chair

The Faculty Advisory Committee shall elect a chair from among its members at its first meeting after the beginning of fall semester. The chair shall serve a one-year term.

Section 9. Regular Meetings

The Faculty Advisory Committee shall meet with the President once each month of the regular academic year. The time and place of the regular meetings shall be arranged by the Chair and the President.

Section 10: Special Meetings

The chair shall have authority to call special meetings of the Faculty Advisory Committee, or special meetings shall be held upon written petition to the chairperson of four Advisory Committee members or upon the request of the President of the University.

ARTICLE VII: DEANS OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Section 1: Appointment

A dean of each school or college within the University shall be appointed by the President and shall hold office at the pleasure of the President.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Presidential Authority and Responsibilities, Personnel Policies, § 2.5.3.]] The recommendation of the President relating to the appointment of a dean shall be made after consultation with a representative committee of faculty members.

Section 2: Powers

The Dean shall be the chief executive officer of the school or college and shall have the following powers and duties:

1. The Dean shall be responsible for the coordination of the academic programs and instructional activities of the school or college, and shall exercise general supervisory responsibility for its research and service programs.

2. The Dean shall formulate and recommend proposed policies for the school or college and present them to the faculty for consideration. The Dean shall administer the rules and regulations enacted by the faculty.

3. The Dean shall present to the University Council those actions of the faculty that require confirmation or approval of the University Council before becoming effective.

4. The Dean shall recommend the appointment, reappointment, and promotion of members of the faculty of the school or college and of the administrative staff. In the case of recommendations regarding Department Heads, the Dean shall act only after consulting with the faculty of the department concerned. In recommending appointments to faculty positions within a department, the Dean shall act only after receiving the recommendation of the Department Head. Consistent with tenure policy and the Policies of the Board of Regents, the Dean may recommend the dismissal or nonrenewal of the contract of any member of the faculty.

5. The Dean shall make recommendations regarding persons for appointment to classified positions and shall oversee, control, and direct the work of employees of the school or college.

6. The Dean shall, after consultation with the members of the faculty and appropriate administrative assistants, prepare annually a budget of the school or college. Where departments exist, the Dean shall ask each Department Head to recommend a departmental budget.

7. The Dean shall oversee the academic activity of the students of the school or college. The Dean or a designated representative shall advise students regarding the selection of courses and the choice of major and minor fields of study. The Dean shall be responsible for the administration of regulations affecting student scholarship. In discharging this responsibility, the Dean shall give special attention to students registered in the school or college who excel or who are deficient in their studies. The Dean is required to reprove or dismiss students in accordance with the regulations of the University Council or of the school or college faculty affecting scholastic work.

8. The Dean shall, on the basis of the records and reports of the Registrar’s Office, certify to the compliance by individual students with the requirements for graduation.

9. The Dean shall be responsible jointly with the Director of the Center for Continuing Education and the directors of similar instructional, research, and public service units for programs operated for the school or college.

10. The Dean shall, subject to the general authority of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, be custodian of the buildings and other University property occupied or used by the school or college, and shall be responsible for the proper use thereof.

11. The Dean shall serve as the medium of communication for all official business of the school or college with other University authorities, the students, and the public.

12. At the close of each academic year, the Dean shall submit to the President a report covering details of the work of the school or college during that year.

Section 3

An evaluation of the Dean every five years shall be taken by the faculty of each school or college and forwarded to the President for consideration in the overall evaluation of the Dean’s performance.

ARTICLE VIII: FACULTIES OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Section 1: Members

The faculty of each school and college, with the exception of the Graduate School, shall consist of the President, the designated Senior Vice Presidents, the designated Vice Presidents, and its Dean, professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and instructors.

The Graduate Faculty shall consist of ex officio members and appointed members. The ex officio members shall be the President of the University, the designated Senior Vice Presidents, the designated Vice Presidents, the Dean of the Graduate School, the Director of Libraries, and the Dean of each school or college currently authorized to offer programs leading to graduate degrees. The appointed members shall be those members of the faculties of the various schools and colleges of the University appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Dean of the Graduate School.

Section 2: Powers

The faculty of a school or college shall have the fullest measure of autonomy consistent with the maintenance of general University educational policy and standards, and of correct academic and administrative relations with the governing authorities of other divisions of the University.

Subject to the right of revision by the University Council on all matters affecting general University policy, the faculty of each school and college shall have authority to determine the entrance requirements for its own students; to prescribe and define courses of study for them; to determine the requirements for such degrees as may be offered by the school or college; to enact and enforce rules for the guidance and government of its students in their University work; to recommend for degrees such candidates as have fulfilled degree requirements; and, in general, to exercise jurisdiction over all other educational matters in the school or college.

The Graduate Faculty shall determine Graduate School policy through the Graduate Council, and shall operate under Bylaws adopted by the Graduate Faculty.

Section 3: Budgetary Changes

All changes in the program of a school or college or other budgetary unit which involve budgetary questions shall be submitted for approval to the President through the appropriate vice president.

ARTICLE IX: DEPARTMENTS AND DIVISIONS

Section 1: Department Defined

A department is an administrative subdivision of a school, college, or other unit of the University organized for the purpose of conducting programs in instruction, research, and service.

Section 2: Membership

The faculty of a department shall consist of all professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and instructors employed to do work of an instructional, research, or service nature in the department.

Section 3: Meetings

The faculty of a department shall meet at least once each semester. At all meetings of the departmental faculty, the head of the department shall be the presiding officer.

Section 4: Responsibilities

Subject to the direction of the faculty of its school or college, the faculty of a department shall be responsible for the programs of study offered by the department, and shall have power to determine such matters as do not affect relations with other departments.

Section 5: Head

The Head of a department shall be recommended for appointment in accordance with Regents’ Policy. The Head shall be recommended for appointment after the Dean of a school or college has consulted with the faculty of the department. Such consultation shall include a vote of the faculty of the department, the results of which shall be forwarded with the Dean’s recommendation. A Department Head shall hold office at the pleasure of the President. The Head’s powers shall be as follows:

1. The Head shall have general direction of the work of the department. The Head shall formulate and recommend proposed policies for the department and present them to faculty of the department for consideration. The Head shall administer the rules and regulations enacted by the faculty of the department. The Head is charged with the responsibility for the execution of departmental, University, and Regents’ policies insofar as they affect the work of the department.

2. The Head shall be the representative of the department in all official communications with the President, the Senior Vice Presidents, the Vice Presidents, the Deans, and other officers of the University, and also in all departmental communications with students.

3. The Head shall be responsible for the quality of the instruction, research, and service programs conducted in the department.

4. The Head shall make teaching assignments within the department and maintain insofar as possible an equitable and mutually agreeable distribution of courses and sections.

5. The Head shall, after consultation with the appropriate members of the department, recommend appointments, reappointments and promotions, nominations for graduate faculty status, and, consistent with tenure and Regents’ Policy, recommend dismissals or nonrenewals of the contracts of the faculty of the department. The Department Head’s written recommendations concerning these actions shall be forwarded with the collective recommendation of the appropriate faculty of the department with regard to the same proposal.

6. The Head shall, after consultation with the faculty members of the department, prepare the annual budget for the department and submit it to the Dean of the school or college.

7. The Head shall be responsible for the expenditure of departmental funds and the care and use of departmental property.

8. The Head shall report annually to the Dean of the school or college on the teaching, research, service programs of the department. These reports shall include assessments of the performance of faculty members in the department, giving special attention to qualities of teaching excellence exhibited by faculty members.

9. The Head shall be evaluated by the faculty of the department at least every three years; the evaluation shall be conducted by the Dean who shall notify the President of the results for consideration in the overall evaluation of the Head’s performance.

Section 6: Divisions

1. Upon the recommendation of the Dean or Deans affected, the President may seek approval of the Board of Regents to create a divisional form of organization embracing those departments whose work is closely related. The Divisional Head shall be recommended for appointment in accordance with Regents’ Policy. The Divisional Head shall be recommended for appointment after the Dean has consulted with the faculty of the departments involved. Such consultation shall include a vote of the faculty of the departments involved, the results of which shall be forwarded with the Dean’s recommendation. The Divisional Head shall hold office at the pleasure of the President.

2. The Divisional Head shall be responsible for coordinating the instructional, research, and service programs of departments within the division. In particular the Divisional Head shall be responsible for the scope and quality of courses which cut across departmental lines.

3. The Divisional Head shall be evaluated by the faculty of the division at least every three years; the evaluation shall be conducted by the Dean who shall notify the President of the results for consideration in the overall evaluation of the Divisional Head’s performance.

Footnotes:

Policies of the Board of Regents, Faculties, § 3.2

Policies of the Board of Regents, Additional Policies for Faculty, § 8.3

ARTICLE X: FACULTY MEMBERS

Section 1: Appointments

All appointments and promotions of members of the faculty shall be made by the President in accordance with Policies of the Board of Regents. Recommendations regarding faculty positions shall ordinarily originate with the department and shall be presented to the Dean of the school or college for consideration. Upon approval, the Dean will transmit recommendations to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for consideration and transmission to the President for final approval prior to their initial appointment. Every recommendation of an appointment shall be made solely on the basis of merit and the special fitness of the individual for the work demanded by the position. [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Personnel § 2.5.3.]] [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Personnel, § 3.2.2.]]

Section 2: Ranks

The following academic ranks shall be recognized: professor, associate professor, assistant professor, and instructor.

Section 3: Tenure

Tenure for University Faculty shall be permanent as governed by the Policies of the Board of Regents. Guidelines and amendments to the Guidelines for tenure shall be proposed by the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost and approved by University Council. [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Tenure and Criteria for Tenure, § 8.3.7.]]

Section 4: Promotions

Guidelines for promotion and amendments thereto, in accordance with criteria of the Policies of the Board of Regents, shall be proposed by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost and approved by the University Council. [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Criteria for Promotion, § 8.3.6.]]

Section 5: Academic Freedom

1. University Faculty members are entitled to full freedom of expression in research, teaching, and publishing, subject only to those restrictions that are imposed by professional ethics and respect for the rights of others. University Faculty members have the right to criticize and seek alteration of both academic and non-academic University policies, whether or not those policies affect them directly. University Faculty are free from institutional censorship, discipline, or reprisal affecting their professional careers for exercising freedom of expression.

2. The confidentiality and security of University Faculty files in offices throughout the campus shall be preserved and protected at all times, insofar as is consistent with state and federal law. A University Faculty member shall have the right to examine his/her official records as provided under state and federal law.

Section 6: Conflicts of Interests

Employees of The University of Georgia should avoid actual or apparent conflict of interests between their university obligations and their outside activities.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Appearance of Conflicts of Interest, § 8.2.13.2.]]

Section 7: Outside Activities — Occupational [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Outside Activities-Occupational, § 8.2.15.1.]]

1. Employees of The University of Georgia shall not engage in any occupation, pursuit, or endeavor which will interfere with the regular and punctual discharge of official duties.

2. All full-time faculty, administrators, and other professional staff members employed by the University are expected to give full professional effort to their assignments of teaching, research, and service.

3. Professional employees are encouraged to participate in professional activity that does not interfere with the regular and punctual discharge of official duties provided the activity meets one of the following criteria:

   1. is a means of personal professional development;
   2. serves the community, state or nation; or
   3. is consistent with the objectives of the institution.

4. For all activities, except single-occasion activities, the employee shall report in writing through official channels the proposed arrangements and secure the approval of the President or his/her designee prior to engaging in the activities. Such activities include consulting, teaching, speaking, and participating in business or service enterprises.

Section 8: Outside Activities — Consulting [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Outside Activities-Consulting, § 8.2.15.2.]]

Recognizing that teaching, research, and public service are the primary responsibilities of University Faculty members, it shall be considered reasonable and desirable for faculty members to engage in consulting activities, which are defined for purposes of this policy as any additional activity beyond duties assigned by the institution, professional in nature and based in the appropriate discipline for which the individual receives additional compensation during the contract year.

The guidelines of the University governing consulting activities of faculty members shall include the following:

1. a plan for reimbursing the institution for use of the institution’s personnel, facilities, equipment and/or materials consistent with rates charged outside groups or persons;
2. a procedure for obtaining prior approval of the President or his/her designee; and
3. a procedure for defining and prohibiting conflicts of interest.

Section 9: Leave of Absence [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Leave, § 8.2.7.]]

Upon the request of an individual faculty member, the President may, in accordance with Policies of the Board of Regents, grant a leave of absence, with or without pay.

Leave with pay may be granted for illness, military service, or other reasons as provided by the Policies of the Board of Regents. Leave with pay also may be granted for the purpose of promoting scholarly work and encouraging professional development.The program or project on which the applicant proposes to work will be examined carefully and the likelihood of the applicant’s being able to accomplish the purposes for which the leave is requested will be considered also.

Leave with pay ordinarily will not be granted if the applicant has completed less than three years’ employment in the University. Any person who has been granted a leave of absence with pay shall be required, before beginning leave, to sign an agreement to return the full amount of compensation received while on leave, as well as any other expenses paid by the University during the leave, should the applicant not return to the University for at least one year of service after the termination of leave of less than one year, or should the applicant not return to the University for at least two years after the termination of a one-year leave.

Section 10: Employment and Resignation of Faculty Members [[Policies of the Board of Regents, Notice of Employment and Resignation, § 8.3.4.1.]]

1. Tenured

   All tenured faculty members employed under written contract for the fiscal or academic year shall give at least sixty (60) days written notice of their intention to resign to the President or authorized representative.

2. Non-Tenured

   Academic Rank: All non-tenured faculty who have been awarded academic rank (instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor), are employed under written contract, and who served full-time for the entire previous year have the presumption of renewal of the next academic year unless notified in writing, by the President or authorized representative, of the intent not to renew. Written notice of intent not to renew shall be delivered by hand or by certified mail, to be delivered to the addressee only, with receipt to show to whom and when delivered and the address where delivered.

   Notice of intention not to renew a non-tenured faculty member who has been awarded academic rank shall be furnished, in writing, according to the schedule established by the Policies of the Board of Regents and the University.  The schedule notification does not apply to persons holding temporary or part-time positions, or persons with courtesy appointments, such as adjunct appointments.

   Lecturer Rank: Full-time lecturers and senior lecturers are appointed by institutions on a year-to-year basis. Lecturers and senior lecturers who have served full-time for the entire previous academic year, and who are employed under written contract, have the presumption of reappointment for the subsequent academic year unless notified in writing to the contrary according to the schedule established by the Policies of the Board of Regents and the University.  In no case will the service as lecturer or senior lecturer imply any claim upon tenure or reappointment under other conditions than those above.

   Other Non-tenured Faculty Ranks: Non-tenured faculty members and other non-tenured personnel employed under written contract shall be employed only for the term specified in their contracts. Subsequent or future employment, if any, shall result solely from a separate offer and acceptance requisite to execution of a new and distinct contract.

Section 11: Suspension of Faculty Members

The President may at any time suspend any University Faculty member for cause.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Discipline and Removal of Faculty Members, § 8.3.9.]]

Section 12: Dismissal of Faculty Members

The grounds and procedure for dismissal of University Faculty shall be in accordance with the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, Discipline and Removal of Faculty Members, § 8.3.9.]]

ARTICLE XI: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Athletic Association shall conduct the business of the Intercollegiate Athletic Program of The University of Georgia consistent with the educational policies and general welfare of the University. The Council shall make recommendations to the President regarding this review. The University Council shall designate at least three of its faculty members to serve on the Board of Directors of the Athletic Association.

ARTICLE XII: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The University of Georgia Research Foundation shall promote and coordinate extramural funding for research at The University of Georgia consistent with the educational policies and the general welfare of the University. The Bylaws of the Research Foundation shall be reviewed by the University Council. The Council shall make recommendations to the President regarding this review. The University Council shall designate at least three of its faculty members to serve on the Board of Directors of the Research Foundation.

ARTICLE XIII: STAFF BENEFITS

The University shall provide a full-scale staff benefit program for all University Faculty members and classified personnel and shall participate in the cost of those benefits to the full extent permitted by the Board of Regents. The staff benefit program shall include retirement plans, health insurance plans, death benefits, disability income benefits, sick leave benefits, vacation and holiday provisions, and all other benefits permitted by the Board or Regents.[[Policies of the Board of Regents, General Policies for All Peronnel, § 8.2]]

ARTICLE XIV: AMENDMENT TO THE STATUTES

Section 1

The University Council shall have power to recommend amendments to these Statutes to the President provided that the proposed revisions are approved by a majority of the votes cast by members at two successive meetings of the Council. If the President refuses to transmit the recommended amendments to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents, the University Council may take action in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV of these Statutes.

Section 2

The University Faculty shall have the power to recommend amendments to these Statutes to the President provided that the proposed revisions are accompanied by a petition of support signed by a majority of the faculty with academic rank. If the President refuses to transmit the recommended amendments to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents, the University Faculty, through a designated representative, may appeal to the Board of Regents.[[University Statutes, Article XV.]]

ARTICLE XV: VETO

All actions of the University Council are subject to the approval of the President of the University. Actions of the University Council will be deemed approved unless the President vetoes such action within four weeks. A veto shall be in writing and delivered to the Chair of the Executive Committee. The University Council, by a majority vote taken prior to the end of the subsequent academic semester (excluding summer semester), may direct the Executive Committee to appeal a veto to the Board of Regents.

ARTICLE XVI: INTERPRETATION OF THE STATUTES

The Executive Committee of the University Council shall make all official interpretations of these Statutes. These interpretations shall be made in writing. The Secretary of the University Council shall maintain a file of the official interpretations which shall be made available for reference to interested parties. Official interpretations shall be reviewed by the University Council. All interpretations of these Statutes are subject to the approval of the President in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV.

ARTICLE XVII: THE STAFF COUNCIL

Section 1: Name

The name of the body hereby constituted shall be the Staff Council.

Section 2: Members

The membership of the Staff Council shall be elected by and from the classified personnel, as defined in the Policies of the Board of Regents,[[University System of Georgia Human Resources Administrative Practice Manual.]] and other regular non-faculty status employees.

Section 3: Powers and Jurisdiction

The Staff Council shall participate in the process of University governance by advising the President and by recommending to and consulting with the University Council in the establishment of rules and regulations deemed necessary or proper for the promotion of the general welfare of the University. The Staff Council shall have nine representatives on the University Council.  One of these, the Staff Council President, will be an ex officio voting member of the University Council, and the remaining eight shall be elected by the Staff Council. These staff elected to the University Council will serve three-year terms.[[University Council Bylaws, V. III.]] All actions of the Staff Council which impact on the operation of the University are subject to the approval of the President of the University.

Section 4: Rules of Procedure

The Staff Council shall have the power to adopt bylaws, to establish general rules of procedure and to determine all matters pertaining to its own meetings, membership and internal structure.

ARTICLE XVIII: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STATUTES

These statutes shall be implemented as soon as possible following their approval by the University Council, the President, the Chancellor, and the Board of Regents.

Approved:

• The Council of The University of Georgia – 4/14/88
• The Board of Regents – 5/11/88
• The Council of The University of Georgia – 6/19/89 and 7/12/89
• The Board of Regents – 9/13/89
• The Council of The University of Georgia – 4/30/92 and 6/4/92
• The Board of Regents – 3/3/93
• The Council of the University of Georgia – 10/12/95, 9/21/98, 9/27/98, 9/28/00
• The Board of Regents – 1/10/01
• The Council of the University of Georgia – 12/2/03, 3/18/04, 4/22/04
• The Council of the University of Georgia – 2/17/16
• The Council of the University of Georgia – 10/4/17
• The Council of the University of Georgia – 5/1/19