Faculty Council

Purpose. This policy establishes operating procedures of the Faculty Council and defines its role as an independent forum responsible for expressing ideas and concerns of academic and governance matters to the President, MCU.
Background. A fully engaged faculty is essential for the ongoing intellectual development and governance of Marine Corps University. Faculty input in the form of creative ideas and innovative policy recommendations are absolutely critical to the future growth and development of the University. Consequently, the Faculty Council was established in July 2002 in order to give a voice to the unique character of the input MCU’s civilian scholars and outstanding military professionals bring to the University community, and to take better advantage of the resources that this body collectively provides while serving as a vehicle for faculty input to the President, MCU.
Scope. Within the University’s predominantly military culture, civilian faculty and educational staff members offer academic excellence that broadens and deepens the character of the educational experience for students, faculty, and administrators alike. Conversely, military faculty provide a wealth of real-world, relevant operational expertise and leadership experience. It is important to have both civilian and military faculty on the Council given their complementary strengths and experiences.
Voting Members. The voting membership of the Faculty Council will consist of one representative from each educational program of MCU, and one each from the Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning (CAOCL) and the library and archives branches of the Alfred M. Gray Marine Corps Research Center. Schools and colleges with more than five civilian and five military faculty members (a minimum of ten faculty members) will be represented by one civilian and one military voting representative on the Faculty Council (for a total of two voting representatives).
Chair. The Chair of the Faculty Council, chosen by its membership for a two-year term (academic year), will serve on the PPC. One way the Chair presents faculty concerns and recommendations to the President, MCU is through the meetings of the PPC. The Chair of the Faculty Council, or his/her designated representative, will be invited to attend MCU Board of Visitors meetings.
Meeting Schedule and Scope. Meetings of the Faculty Council will be held at least twice a year, once between January and June, and once between July and December. Meetings should occur prior to the scheduled President’s Planning Council (PPC) meetings, in order to develop faculty concerns and recommendations that may warrant presentation to the President, MCU during the PPC. Procedures will be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order. Meetings of the Faculty Council will generally be open meetings, with minutes prepared. Minutes from the Faculty Council meetings will be submitted through VPAA to the President, MCU for consideration at the PPC meeting. Any MCU faculty member can attend and observe the proceedings; however, voting will be in accordance with established Faculty Council By-Laws.

By-Laws. By-Laws for the Faculty Council are independently developed and subsequently approved by its voting members and so attested to by signature of the Council Chair. The By-Laws outline the purpose of the Council, its goal, function, and its internal organization and processes, including procedures for amendment.