Faculty Senate constitutional amendments finalized
July 21, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University trustees approved at their July 16 meeting amendments to the Faculty Senate constitution, effectively broadening the membership of one council and creating a new council with an international focus.
The first change increases the number of members on the Graduate Studies Council from 15 to 17, with one additional member coming from the graduate faculty and another representing graduate students. The increase in student membership is expected to help facilitate better communication among graduate students, faculty and administrators.
Two other amendments establish the International Education Council and make provisions for its membership. Formerly, a subcommittee of the Undergraduate Studies Council advised the council and reported to it on international education and related programs. But with the shift in world events, as well as the revised University mission and goals, a separate council for international education is more likely to receive greater visibility and support, according to members of the Faculty Senate.
The new council will be comprised of at least 16 members, including administrators from the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for International and Area Studies, Office of International Affairs, International Student and Scholar Services and WMU's Study Abroad Program. The Senate will elect faculty members and the Graduate Student Advisory Committee and the Western Student Association will each select one member.
Media contact: Gail Towns, 269 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu