University Committees are an integral component of shared governance at South Dakota State University (SDSU). At SDSU, University Committees, as appropriate per committee responsibilities, are populated with representation from university administration, faculty, professional staff, civil service staff and students. Populating committees in this manner provides a structure for university community engagement on decisions and matters of policy and procedure. Appointment of members to university committees will occur through a nomination process to the Office of the President involving leadership of Faculty Senate, Professional Staff Advisory Council, Civil Service Staff Advisory Council and Students’ Association. Charters have been created for each University Committee.
The interworking relationship of each University Committee calls for effective communication among all shared governance entities and a commitment to participation. Administrative liaisons will actively utilize University Committees as a means of gathering important input and feedback to inform decisions.
In shared governance, University Committees are empowered to conduct serious, thoughtful analyses of the issues appropriate to that Committee and to make recommendations to university administration.
Academic Affairs Committee
Provide recommendations on issues surrounding curriculum, general education requirements, academic policy development, assessment, faculty recognition, the awarding of honorary degrees and the Harding Distinguished Lecture series. The Academic Affairs Committee is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Academic Appeals Committee
Provide a forum for and adjudication of disputes involving grades and evaluations between students and faculty by providing objective arbitration and resolution. The Committee shall also establish standards on academic ethics for both students and faculty members. The Academic Appeals Committee is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Access, Opportunity and Belonging Committee
Access and opportunity for all are at the cornerstone of South Dakota State University’s historic land-grant mission. The Access, Opportunity and Belonging Committee will work to review and support efforts to advance access to education and opportunities for all members of the university community.
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee ensures the annual budgetary process, which the university executes according to its budget model, is transparent to the campus community and informed by its input.
Campus Planning and Sustainability Committee
Support and give broad guidance for the orderly and sustainable development, design and aesthetic presentation of the campus. The Campus Planning and Sustainability Committee is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Information Technology Committee
Provide guidance for the overall operation of computing devices, the network, research technologies and policy development surrounding the use of information technology. The Information Technology Committee (ITC) is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Intercollegiate Athletic Board
The Intercollegiate Athletic Board (IAB) serves in an advisory capacity to the University President and Athletic Director on the functioning of the intercollegiate athletics program with respect to the responsibilities outlined in this charter.
International Affairs Committee
Advise on strategic direction and strategy for International Affairs. Explore and develop new international initiatives and strengthen existing programs and services so as to achieve the institution’s mission of providing a global education for all students. This is a joint Committee of the administration and Faculty Senate.
Library Committee
Provide guidance for the overall operations of the library and its various components and programs. The Library Committee is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Parking and Traffic Committee
Review and recommend policy regarding campus parking and traffic regulations. The Parking and Traffic Committee is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Professional Development Committee
Address the training and professional development needs of faculty and staff in their various roles and locations.
Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Committee
Create an institutional research climate befitting a major land-grant university and bring to reality the potential of its faculty in research and scholarly activity. The Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Committee is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Strategic Internal Communications Committee
The Strategic Internal Communications Committee (hereafter “SICC”) will provide guidance to the Integrated Marketing and Communications Council (hereafter “IMCC” on issues related to strategic internal university communications. Strategic internal university communications refer to the exchange of information between various stakeholders (e.g., faculty, students, staff, administration and SDSU Foundation) within the university community. The SICC is a joint administration and Faculty Senate Committee.
Student Success Committee
Provides guidance focused on undergraduate student success at SDSU. A co-curricular approach will ensure that all students seamlessly engage in SDSU’s academic and co-curricular experiences.
Tenure and Promotion Committee
Provide recommendations to university leadership on tenure and promotion applications at SDSU. Advise on tenure and promotion criteria and guidelines. Review all tenure and promotion applications from the university to ensure that institutional standards are upheld. Make recommendations to the Provost and President concerning tenure and/or promotion. This is a joint Administration and Faculty Senate Committee, with faculty elected through a process led by the Faculty Senate.