Department Bylaws

CONSTITUTION

DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND HUMANITIES

TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY

The name of this organization shall be "the Department of Philosophy and Humanities," henceforth called "the Department." It is a constituent division of the College of Liberal Arts, Texas A & M University (College Station), and Texas A & M University System.

The Department will assure that people are given equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national/ethnic origin, age, handicap status, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.

Section One - Full Members

A. All persons holding full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty appointment in the Texas A&M University System with an administrative location (AD LOC) in the Department are Full Members.

B. Full members shall have all privileges and responsibilities of membership.

Section Two - Associate Members

A. Emeritus faculty, retired faculty, and faculty with term appointments are Associate Members.

B. Associate members shall have responsibilities of membership appropriate to their association with the Department, and all privileges of membership except voting rights.

Section Three - Adjunct Members

A. Upon recommendation of the Department Head, the Department may designate persons as Adjunct members for a specified period of time.

B. Adjunct members may be given specific privileges within the Department and the University as designated on an individual basis.

Section Four - Honorary Members

A. Upon recommendation of the Department Head, the Department may select persons who have made extraordinary contributions to the program and/or reputation of the Department for the office of Honorary Member of the Department.

B. Honorary members have no specific duties or privileges. However, they may be given privileges and appropriate recognition at the discretion of the Department.

Section One - Head

The Head is the administrative and executive officer of the Department and its spokesperson to the University administration, the University community, and to external society.

Section Two - Associate Head

The Associate Head is appointed by the Head with the advice of the Steering Committee.

Section Three - Director of Graduate Studies

The Director of Graduate Studies is appointed by the Head for renewable terms of two years with the advice of the Steering Committee and the Graduate Faculty.

Section Four - Director of Undergraduate Studies

The Director of Undergraduate Studies is appointed by the Head for renewable terms of two years with the advice of the Steering Committee.

Section Five - Secretary

The Secretary shall be elected at the Annual Meeting.

Section Six - Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian shall be appointed by the Head at the Annual meeting.

Section One

The Department will be considered to be a quasi-political organization with yearly official sessions beginning and ending at the Annual meeting

Section Two - Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Department shall be held in September at a date selected by the Head in consultation with the Steering Committee.

Section Three - Regular Meetings

Regular meetings will be held as often as necessary to conduct the business of the Department provided that they are held at least once each semester.

Section Four - Called Meetings

Meetings may be called by the Head, by a majority vote of the Steering Committee or by petition of 20% of the voting members. The petition will be presented to the Secretary.

Section Five - Notification of Meetings

The Secretary will notify all members of all annual, regular or called meetings at least seven days prior to the date of the meeting.

Section One - Definition

The quorum will be a majority of all full members of the Department excluding members who are on leaves of absence.

Section Two - Attendance

The secretary shall record attendance at all meetings.

Section Three - Proxy Participation

Proxy participation or voting is not permitted.

Section One - Standing Committees

The following standing committees shall be established.

• A. Steering Committee
• B. Graduate Program Advisory Council
• C. Undergraduate Program Advisory Council
• D. Colloquium Committee
• E. Computer and Equipment Committee
• F. Curriculum Committee
• G. Library Committee
• H. Rules Committee
• I. Student Relations Committee
• J. Faculty Annual Evaluation Advisory Committee
• K. Personnel Committees (Committees on Promotion and Tenure) The Personnel Committee is established by and functions in accordance with the procedures and regulations concerning promotion and tenure of Texas A&M University, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department's own 'Guidelines for Personnel Procedures for the Department of Philosophy and Humanites,' which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The parliamentary authority for all meetings of this organization, including, annual, regular, called, special, committee and sub-committee meetings shall be Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, provided that RNR is not inconsistent with the laws and regulations of the State of Texas, The Texas A & M University System, Texas A & M University (College Station), The College of Liberal Arts, the Department Constitution, or the Department Bylaws.

Section One

This Constitution may be amended at any regular or called meeting of this organization by two-thirds of the members present and voting, provided that the amendment has been presented at a previous meeting or has been distributed to the full membership thirty days prior to the meeting.

Section Two

This Constitution may also be amended by a mail vote by a majority vote of all voting members of the organization.

BYLAWS

DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND HUMANITIES

TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY

Section One

The term of the elected officer of the Department, the Secretary, shall be for approximately one year beginning at the Annual meeting in September and ending at the next Annual meeting in September.

Section Two

The terms of the appointed officers of the Department, Assistant Head, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Undergraduate Studies and Parliamentarian shall be determined by the Head in consultation with the Steering Committee.

Section One - Head

1. The Head shall serve as the Administrator of the Department and its staff.
2. The Head shall serve as the Executive officer of the Department.
3. The Head shall preside at all meetings of the Department.
4. The Head shall appoint an Associate Head, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Undergraduate Studies and Parliamentarian.
5. The Head shall serve as Chair of the Steering Committee.
6. The Head shall serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of all Committees and Sub-committees.
7. The Head shall represent the Department to the administration of the College, and where appropriate to the University and System.
8. The Head represents the Department at University functions.
9. The Head represents the Department at public functions.

Section Two - Associate Head

1. The Associate Head shall perform the duties of Head whenever the Head is absent or unable to serve.
2. The Associate Head shall perform such duties as the Head may designate.

Section Three - Secretary

1. The Secretary shall record the business of all regular and called meetings of the Department, including but not restricted to minutes and attendance.
2. The Secretary shall be the custodian of the permanent records of the Department.
3. The Secretary shall promptly call special meetings of the Department, in consultation with the Head and the Steering Committee, upon receiving an appropriate petition.
4. The Secretary shall notify all members of all annual, regular or called meetings at least seven days prior to the meeting.
5. The Secretary shall be a non-voting ex officio member of the Steering Committee

Section Four - Parliamentarian

1. The Parliamentarian shall perform the functions of a registered parliamentarian as formulated by the National Association of Parliamentarians.
2. The Parliamentarian shall be an ex-officio voting member of the Rules Committee

The regular order of business shall be:

A. Opening ceremonies (optional).

B. Determining the quorum.

C. Reading (and approval) of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting.

D. Reports of the Department officers.

E. Reports of the Steering Committee.

F. Reports of Standing Committees.

G. Reports of Special Committees.

H. Special Orders (if any).

I. Unfinished Business - General Orders (if any).

J. New Business.

K. Adjournment.

Section One - Membership of the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee membership shall be composed of the Head, The Associate Head, The Secretary, The Director of Graduate Studies and one member elected from and by each of the following categories of voting members:

1. Full Professors
2. Associate Professors
3. Assistant Professors and Instructors

Section Two - Duties of the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee, as a representative of the Faculty to the Head, assists and advises the Department Head in setting Departmental policies. It advises the Department Head on appointments of Departmental officers, as indicated in these By-Laws; on the date of the Annual Meeting; and on other matters of Departmental business about which the Head seeks its advice.

Section One - Membership of the Graduate Program Advisory Council

The Graduate Program Advisory Council shall be composed of the Director of Graduate Studies, at least one representative from each tenure-track rank represented in the department, and a graduate student representative. Appointment to the Committee is by the Department Head, with the advice and consent of the Steering Committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Section Two: Duties of the Graduate Program Advisory Council

The Graduate Program Advisory Council assists the Director of Graduate Studies in supervising graduate programs. It acts on all policy matters that require no change in the catalog and no change to any standing departmental document concerning graduate programs. It is chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies. All members have voting privileges, except that the graduate student representative does not vote on matters involving individual student evaluations.

Section One - Membership of the Undergraduate Program Advisory Council

The Undergraduate Program Advisory Council shall be composed of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, at least one representative from each tenure-track rank represented in the department, and an undergraduate student representative. Appointment to the Committee is by the Department Head, with the advice and consent of the Steering Committee and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Section Two - Duties of the Undergraduate Program Advisory Council

The Undergraduate Program Advisory Council assista the Director of Undergraduate Studies in supervising Undergraduate programs. It acts on all policy matters that require no change in the catalogue and no change to any standing departmental document concerning undergraduate programs. It is chaired by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. All members have voting privileges, except that the undergraduate student representative does not vote on matters involving individual student evaluations.

Section One - Membership of the Colloquium Committee

The members of the Colloquium Committee shall be five Department faculty, representing a range of research specializations and with at least one representative from each tenure-track rank represented in the Department. The Chair of the Colloquium Committee shall be appointed by the Department Head at the beginning of the spring semester each year with the advice of the steering committee and the previous year's Chair. The other members shall be appointed early in the spring semester by the Head in consultation with the newly appointed Chair.

Section Two - Duties of the Colloquium Committee

The duties of the Colloquium Committee shall be

• A. to arrange a series of Colloquia, including invited as well as local speakers, soliciting input from faculty to insure that the series reflects the diversity of research specializations in academic philosophy.
• B. to see that all related scheduling and reimbursement arrangements are made.

Section One - Membership of the Computer and Equipment Committee.

The Computer and Equipment Committee shall consist of at least two faculty members, appointed by the Department Head, who are knowledgeable about the equipment and computing needs of the Department.

Section Two - Duties of the Computer and Equipment Committee

The Computer and Equipment Committee advises the Department Head on the purchase and maintenance of major items of equipment and computer software.

Section One Membership of the Curriculum Committee.

The Curriculum Committee shall have at least three members and shall include the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Departmental Representative to the College Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee. In the event that two of these offices are held by the same person, the Department Head shall appoint members as needed to bring the number up to a minimum of three.

Section Two Duties of the Curriculum Committee.

The Curriculum Committee shall consider all proposals for changes in the Department=s course offerings or curricular requirements, referring them to the full Department for action as appropriate and as required by College and University procedures.

Section One - Membership of the Library Committee

The Library Committee, which is appointed by the Department Head, shall be chaired by the Departmental Library Representative and include at least two other faculty.

Section Two Duties of the Library Committee

The Library Committee acts as an advisory committee for the Departmental Library Representative and develops policies and recommendations concerning the University Library and its relationships with the Department.

Section One Membership of the Rules Committee

The members of the Rules Committee shall be the Parliamentarian and two other faculty members appointed by the Department Head.

Section Two - Duties of the Rules Committee

The duties of the rules committee shall be:

• A. maintain at all time up-to-date copies of the Constitution, Bylaws, Standing Rules and precedental procedures adopted and/or practiced by the Department.
• B. at least yearly, review the Constitution, Bylaws, standing Rules and precendental procedures and make any recommendations for amendments thereto (if any) deemed to be appropriate. This review will include reviewing all other Departments' bylaws in the College of Liberal Arts.
• C. Review all proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws and present recommendations to the Department regarding disposition of proposed amendments.

Section One - Membership of the Student Relations Committee

The members of the Student Relations Committee shall include the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Advisor of the Philosophy Club, and the Advisor of the Pretheological Society. In the event that two of these offices are held by the same person, the Department Head shall appoint members as needed to bring the number up to a minimum of three.

Section Two - Duties of the Student Relations Committee

The Student Relations Committee develops Departmental policies and actions concerning the recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students and related issues of student welfare.

Section One - Membership of the Faculty Annual Evaluation Advisory Committee

There will be three regular members and one alternate member. All members will be tenured faculty of the Department. Regular members will serve rotating three years terms. (For the first election length of terms, one, two or three years,, will be determined by lot.) The alternate member will serve a one year term.

Section Two - duties of the Faculty Annual Evaluation Advisory Committee

(A) The Annual Evaluation Advisory Committee shall conduct the peer reviews and the post-tenure peer reviews for the Department.

(B) The Committee shall receive from the Department Head a draft annual evaluation of each faculty member and copies of the relevant materials upon which the evaluation was based.

(C) The Committee shall review each annual evaluation in a timely manner and prepare a responsive report to each evaluation. Minority reports from the Committee are permitted.

(D) Reports from the Committee may

1. (1) Report that the Committee concurs with the Department Head's evaluation.
2. (2) Report that the Committee does not concur with the Department Head's evaluation. In this case, the Committee must indicate precisely what part or parts of the evaluation it disagrees with and present an alternate evaluation.

In both types of reports the committee as a whole or individual members of the committee may prepare statements.

(E) The Department Head shall consider the Committee's report(s) as advisory in determining the final evaluation report of each faculty member with one exception. If the draft evaluation if a faculty member presented by the head to the Committee is "unsatisfactory," and the Committee, by majority vote, does not concur, the Department Head may not award an unsatisfactory to that faculty member.

If both the Head of the Department and the Faculty Annual Evaluation Advisory Committee award a faculty member a rating of "unsatisfactory" that faculty member may appeal the evaluation to the tenured faculty of the department, which after considering the basis of the evaluation may either uphold or reject the evaluation.

(F) Members of the Committee will recuse themselves when their own evaluation is being considered by the Committee. At that time the alternate will be seated as a full member of the Committee.

Section Three - Selection of the Faculty Annual Evaluation Advisory Committee

Regular and Alternate Members of the Committee will serve on a rotational basis. An initial list of all tenured faculty members, except the Department Head, will be prepared with order arranged by lot. The first three slots become the first three regular members. The fourth slot will become the first alternate member. The next year the fourth slot will become a regular member. The fifth slot will become the alternate member and so on. After serving on the committee as a regular member, the faculty member's name will return to the bottom of the list. New faculty members' names as they obtain tenure, and department heads' names, when they return to the teaching faculty and research faculty will be added to the list at a random position following the names of all those currently serving on the committee. At least one Professor and at least one Associate Professor must be included among the regular members.

Section One

The Personnel Committee is established by and functions in accordance with the procedures and regulations concerning promotion and tenure of Texas A&M University, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department's own AGuidelines for Personnel Procedures for the Department of Philosophy and Humanities, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Section One

The Steering Committee shall appoint a Nominating Committee of at least three members at the last meeting of the Steering Committee of the Spring Semester.

Section Two

The Nominating Committee shall be representive of the Department in so far as possible.

Section Three

The Nominating Committee shall submit no less than one and no more than three nominations for all officers to be elected at the Annual meeting.

Section Four

Nominees shall be eligible and shall agree in writing to accept the nomination.

Section Five

Election shall be by majority vote. In the event that no candidate obtains a majority vote a run-off election will be held immediately with the candidates in the run-off selected by plurality and the number of candidates in the run-off being twice the number to be elected. However, in the event of a tie for qualification for run-off candidates, all tied candidates will be included in the run-off, even if this results in more than twice as many candidates as positions to be filled. If subsequent run-offs are necessary the same procedure will be followed.

Section Six

The Nominating Committee will assist in conducting elections for and recruiting candidates for The Liberal Arts Council and all college wide or university wide offices selected by Department or for which members of the Department are eligible.

Section Seven

Nominations for office may also be made from the floor at any appropriate meeting.

Section Eight

Elections for office will be by secret ballot.

These Bylaws may be amended at any regular or called meeting of the Department by a majority vote of the members present and voting, provided that the amendment has been presented at a previous meeting.

Section One

In the event of a vacancy in the office of an elected officer by resignation, disability, death, removal from office or other incapacity if a semester or more than a semester remains in the term of office a new election will called using the procedure for the original election. If less than a full semester remains the office will be filled by appointment by the Steering Committee.

Section Two

In the event of a vacancy in the office of an appointed officer by resignation, disability, death, removal from office or other incapacity, the position will be filled by the same process employed in the original appointment.

Section Three

Elected officers may be removed from office for nonperformance of duty. In the case of department-wide elected officers, removal will be by two-thirds vote of members of the Department present and voting at a Regular or Special Meeting called for said purpose. In the case of elected officers representing a specific portion of the Department, removal will be by two-thirds vote of that portion of the Department present and voting at a Regular or Special Meeting called for said purpose. Two weeks' notice by mail will be required.

Section Four

Appointed officers serve at the pleasure of the appointing officers with appropriate consultation.

TRANSITION RULES

Article One

From the current date, January 7, 1994, until the Annual meeting in September 1995 those currently serving on committees, with the exception of the Steering Committee, will continue in service, and the Head will appoint any new positions required by the Constitution and Bylaws, other than the Secretary.

Article Two

An election will be held as soon as possible to select the elected members of the Steering Committee. They will serve for the remainder of the current session.

Article Three

An election will be held as soon as possible to select the Secretary.

Article Four

All sections of the Constitution and Bylaws marked "to be completed by the Spring of 1995," will be completed by the individual committees as soon as possible, presented to the current Bylaws Committee (which will become the Pro Tem Rules Committee until the next annual meeting), for action, and presented to the Department for ratification or amendment at a meeting in the Spring of 1995 at a date to be selected by the newly elected Steering Committee.

Article Five

All sections of the Constitution and Bylaws that can be implemented will become effective immediately upon adoption.

Article Six

All rules, regulations and policies currently in effect in the University, the College and the Department which are not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Department will continue in effect until they are altered by appropriate parliamentary procedure

Article Seven

The relationship of the Music Program and Music faculty, and any other university entity such as Religious Studies and faculty, in the Department will be determined in accordance with currently existing rules and regulations of the College, The Department and the Program. The Rules Committees is instructed to work with the Head, the Program Director and the Dean to prepare any necessary Bylaws, standing rules, or recorded precedence.