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Administrative & Professional Faculty Senate

Purpose & Goals

Upon the arrival of ODU's ninth President, Brian O. Hemphill, interest in forming an AP Faculty Senate was expressed by several stakeholder groups.

This body will serve as a liaison between ODU's Administrative and Professional Faculty and the university administration to responsibly advocate for and represent the diverse needs of AP Faculty.

Working Group Phases & Timeline

  • Research on AP Faculty Senate Groups at other universities in the Commonwealth and neighboring states was conducted
  • Members of the Working Group reviewed the research which included the bylaws and structures of the AP Faculty Senates
  • Members of the Working Group chose two universities (Virginia Tech, Radford) to investigate further. This included engaging the leaders of the AP Faculty Senates with members of the Working Group.
  • Following the conversations with representatives from Virginia Tech and Radford, the Working Group was divided into two teams to develop the bylaws. A writing team and review team was formed.
  • The bylaws were submitted to President Hemphill and University Counsel for review and have been approved.

Working Group Membership

Veleka S. Gatling, AVP Diversity and Inclusive Excellence - Chair

  • Tancy Vandecar-Burdin, Director- Social Science Research Center
  • Christopher Fleming, Interim Associate Vice-President for Enrollment Management
  • Daniela Cigularova, AVP Academic Success Center
  • JaRenae Whitehead, Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice President for Administration
  • Karen Eck, AVP Research
  • Harold Williams, Director of Annual Giving
  • Karen Centeno-Casillas, Education Librarian
  • Anna Makhorkina, Associate Director for Regional Transfer Center
  • Donna Meeks, University Policy Manager and Executive Secretary to the Board of Visitors
  • Lisa Mayes*
  • Lesa Clark*
  • Andy Casiello*

*Initial members, but no longer with the university.

FAQs

What is the purpose of AP Faculty Senate?

Administrative and professional (AP) faculty of the university by virtue of their particular competence, are essential participants in the development and implementation of administrative policy. Establishment of the AP Faculty Senate is proposed to be a representative body of the AP faculty, deriving its authority from the AP faculty of the university. This body will serve as a liaison between ODU's Administrative and Professional Faculty, university administration, and the broader university internal and external stakeholder community. As such, it shall exercise the authority of the AP faculty with respect to policy on administrative matters and the professional affairs of AP faculty and perform such other functions as are delegated to it by the AP faculty of the university. Specifically, the AP Faculty Senate shall represent this classification of faculty of the university in recommending policies to the president and other appropriate individuals and bodies on compensation and classification structures, professional development, recognition/rewards, benefits administration, AP faculty status, and related matters.

How will the AP Faculty Senate function in the overall structure of leadership of the campus?

It will serve as a body established to responsibly advocate for and represent the diverse needs of AP faculty members.

Who is eligible to be a part of the AP Faculty Senate?

See Section 1 - Eligibility

What areas will be represented in AP Faculty Senate?

See Section 2 - Composition

What is the timeline for implementation of the AP Faculty Senate?

Information Sessions will be held during the months of May and June 2023. A call to action will be a part of the information sessions that will include asking AP Faculty Members to volunteer to be considered as senators and represent their respective VP Area. The officers shall be elected no earlier than August 1, 2023 to assist in implementation Fall 2023.

How can I become an officer in the AP Faculty Senate?

Officers will be determined by the membership of senators.

How do I propose items for the AP Faculty Senate?

This structure will be designed upon election of the officers.

What is the meeting schedule of the AP Faculty Senate?

The schedule will be designed upon election of the officers.

How will the AP Faculty Senate be involved in policy development?

See Article II - Purpose

Will the AP Faculty Senate have a budget?

A budget will be developed and presented to university leadership for consideration.

How will the AP Faculty Senate interface with the Employee Resource Group (ERG) of AUA?

The leadership of the AP Faculty Senate and AUA will have quarterly meetings to discuss policies, programming and opportunities for collaboration.

Next Steps

AP Faculty Senate Informational Sessions

Date Location Time
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Virtual - ZOOM
Please RSVP to receive the link		 8:30am-9:30am
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Webb Center - Senate Chambers 1:30pm-2:30pm
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Webb Center - Senate Chambers 8:30am-9:30am
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Virtual - ZOOM
Please RSVP to receive the link		 2:00pm-3:00pm
Monday, June 12, 2023 Virtual - ZOOM
Please RSVP to receive the link		 9:00am-10:00am

Contact

Dr. Veleka S. Gatling
apfacultysenate@odu.edu

AP Faculty Senate Bylaws

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