College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences Bylaws

Committees

A committee of the College Assembly of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is any standing or select committee or subcommittee thereof defined in these Bylaws. These are committees to which the College delegates responsibilities in broad areas of concern to the College and whose reports are made directly to the College. Membership of all College Assembly committees and procedures for electing or appointing members are described in these Bylaws. The College Assembly, by appropriate Bylaws, may create or terminate committees vested with such responsibilities as the College Assembly has the power to confer.

The CFANS Faculty Consultative Committee (FCC) shall have the responsibility to issue interpretations of policies that have previously been introduced to the College Assembly and which the College Assembly and the Dean have approved. The FCC may issue interpretations for any policy adopted by any committee that reports to the College Assembly. Those interpretations shall be considered part of the policy (1) once the interpretation has been reported for information at the next meeting of the College Assembly following committee approval of the interpretations, and so long as (2) neither the College Assembly nor the Dean makes objection before or at the meeting. The College Assembly may, by simple majority, vote not to approve the interpretation, in which case it does not become part of the policy. If the Dean objects, the interpretation must be brought back at the following meeting for a vote by the College Assembly. Voting will be done by electronic means during a five-working day period following placement of the ballot issue online after discussion at a meeting of the College Assembly. A quorum shall be 50% of all those eligible to vote unless otherwise specified by action of the CFANS FCC. 

A two-thirds vote of the College Assembly is required to override policy changes implemented by the Dean.

All committees of the College Assembly shall keep minutes of their meetings and proceedings. To facilitate the keeping of minutes and committee logistics, the College will designate a staff support person for each of the standing committees. Copies of these minutes shall be placed on file in the Office of the Dean and shall be available for inspection. Committee minutes must not contain information considered private or confidential under the provisions of state or federal law.

All committees of the College are expected to be committed to diversity and inclusion and providing an environment that provides equal access to and opportunities in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Standing and select committees

The following committees are designated as standing committees: 

• Faculty Consultative Committee 
• Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee 
• Undergraduate Policy and Review Committee 
• Graduate and Research Policy and Review Committee 
• Faculty Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee 
• Collegiate Fees Committee 
• CFANS Health and Safety Committee 
• Undergraduate Student Board 
• Graduate Student Board 
• Post-doctoral Associate Board 

Subcommittees of standing committees are made up exclusively of members of the corresponding standing committee. Select committees are established under the authority of and are responsible to at least one of the standing committees. 

Committees are created, and membership established, in different ways as specified below. In general, the following guidelines shall be followed for standing and select committees, respectively. Throughout, a “double slate” shall mean a list of names numbering twice that of the open positions.

1. Standing Committees
   1. Elected committee members 
      • Elected members shall be for two-year staggered terms unless otherwise noted
      • Elections shall be held before the end of the spring semester 
      • Elected committee members are limited to two consecutive terms 
      • Terms shall be from July 1 to June 30
   2. Appointed committee members 
      • The Dean shall make the appointment of the members as stated in the membership section of each standing committee description elsewhere in the Bylaws
      • Faculty and staff appointments shall be for two-year staggered terms unless otherwise noted 
      • Post-doctoral associate, graduate, and undergraduate student appointments shall be for one-year terms
      • Terms shall be from July 1 to June 30
   3. Committee chairs election 
      • Standing Committees shall elect their own chair for a one-year term.
2. Select Committees 
   • The Dean shall make the appointment of the numbers to select committees from the double slate provided by the FCC, the Undergraduate Policy and Review Committee (UPRC), the Graduate and Research Policy and Review Committee (GRPRC), or designated subcommittees thereof 
   • Faculty and staff appointments shall be for two-year staggered terms unless otherwise noted
   • Postdoctoral associate, undergraduate, and graduate student appointments shall be for a one-year term
   • Appointments shall be from July 1 to June 30. There is no limit to the number of consecutive terms a person can serve unless otherwise noted
   • Unless otherwise noted, the chair shall be elected by the committee before the end of the spring semester. A committee chair may be reappointed unless otherwise noted
3. Committee duties and membership are to be posted on the CFANS website by the start of each fall semester.

4. Attendance at committee meetings 

   Members are expected to attend all committee meetings. A member who cannot attend a meeting should notify the chair before the meeting and, when possible, ask a colleague to attend as a substitute member for that meeting. Substitute members have full voting rights. A member who misses two meetings in one year, without prior notification, will be vacated from the committee and a replacement member will be selected or appointed according to the rules described below.

5. CFANS Committee Structure
   1. Faculty Consultative Committee
      1. Subcommittees:
         1. Faculty Development
      2. Select committees (nominations to the Dean)
         1. Honors and Awards
   2. Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee
   3. Graduate and Research Policy and Review Committee
   4. Undergraduate Policy and Review Committee
      1. Subcommittees:
         1. Curriculum Committee
      2. Select committees (nominations to the Dean)
         1. Student Scholastic Standing Committee
         2. Undergraduate Research Program Committee
   5. Faculty Promotion and Tenure Committee
   6. Collegiate Fees Committee
   7. CFANS Health and Safety Committee
   8. CFANS Undergraduate Student Board (nominated by FCC)
   9. CFANS Graduate Student Board
   10. CFANS Postdoctoral Board

Faculty Consultative Committee – FCC 

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

The Faculty Consultative Committee meets regularly with CFANS administration to discuss educational, research, and outreach implications of CFANS and University policies related to planning, services, personnel, budget and biennial requests, and other issues of faculty and campus-wide concern. Its general operating procedures are as follows: 

• Review and recommend to the College Assembly changes and additions to the College Constitution and Bylaws 
• Advise and assist the Dean on issues, problems, or opportunities for improvement
• Bring action items to the attention of the Dean, other administrative officers of the University, or the College Assembly 
• Consult with CFANS administration on issues of campus-wide concern, including University policies and overall budget and biennial request issues 
• Receive concerns from any faculty member, academic professional, staff, or student that require consultation with CFANS administration
• Coordinate and facilitate the flow of information among committees for the Assembly 
• Establish ad hoc committees 
• Initiate necessary studies to fulfill its consultative responsibilities or request such studies from the CFANS administration or from committees of the College Assembly 
• Inform and make recommendations to the College Assembly on FCC activities and findings
• Review the College’s progress in achieving its stated objectives
• Receive, and respond to annual diversity updates from standing and select committees
• Initiate reviews of College Administrators 
• Receive and review annual reports of College Assembly Standing Committees
• Work with the Dean to establish the time, place, and agenda for the college-wide meeting held at least once a semester 
• Identify from the FCC committee the presiding officer for the College Assembly
• Provide systematic, representative, and thoughtful nominations to CFANS Constitutional, ad hoc committees and the University Senate and other committees to which CFANS provides representatives. In this regard, members of the FCC shall:  
  • Provide nominations for committees from their respective units for the time of their membership on the FCC
  • Prepare a double slate of candidates for the election of CFANS representatives to the University Senate (by April 15) 
  • Prepare a double slate of nominees for appointment by the Dean to the Honors and Awards Committee and Student Board faculty advisors 
  • Administer the election of eligible faculty members to fill open positions on the CFANS Faculty Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee based on nominations by department heads 
  • Announce election results, maintain files of election results, and make those files available for inspection upon request
  • Oversee elections of FCC members from academic units 
  • Work with the CFANS Dean to identify members to all ad hoc committees upon request 
  • Follow the general rule that no faculty member be asked to serve on more than one standing or faculty governance body concurrently 

Membership: 

Elected 

• One representative for each academic unit. Representation from each academic unit shall be determined by a faculty vote of the unit prior to the end of the spring semester. Terms shall be for two years with reelection limited to a second consecutive term. Elections by academic units shall be held in alternate years with approximately half of the units holding elections in any one year to maintain continuity of membership.
• The chair of the out-state Research and Outreach Center Faculty/Staff Consultative Committee shall also serve as a voting member.

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down. 

Faculty Development Committee – FDC 

Subcommittee of the FCC

Responsibilities: 

• Develops information and proposes activities for all faculty members relative to faculty development 
• Reviews leave and sabbatical requests and associated funding, and makes recommendations to the Dean
• Acts as an advisory body to the College Assembly and administration concerning University sabbatical leave policy 
• The Faculty Development Committee shall report upon its activities to the FCC at least once each academic year

Membership: 

• Four (4) faculty – elected by the FCC from the FCC membership for a one-year term 

Ex officio: 

• Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs 
• Administrative Consultant-Faculty Affairs

Honors and Awards Committee – HAC 

Select Committee

Responsibilities:

The committee shall ensure that all significant contributions by members of the CFANS community are recognized by nominations for relevant awards and honors. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Advise the Dean and college leadership on creating, enhancing, or altering CFANS honors and awards programs 
• Work with outside and internal interest groups to generate recognition and support for given awards
• Oversee the maintenance of an up-to-date and thorough website, available to all members of the college community, to ensure that information on award nominations and deadlines is readily available to all
• Facilitate compiling, updating, and publicizing awards received by CFANS members from professional societies, and government agencies. Promote these successes within CFANS, the University, and beyond 
• Compile information on guidelines, deadlines, and awards that are available to members of CFANS. Promote and facilitate the nomination of CFANS members for these awards where appropriate
• Review documentation and select candidates for CFANS honors and awards
• Review documentation and recommend nominees for University honors and awards
• Recommend nominees for honors and awards at the state, national, and international levels as appropriate based on documentation available for successful college and university awardees
• Assist in nominating unit/individuals with the preparation of nomination portfolios to ensure materials are delivered to the appropriate office on or before the deadline
• Develop and incorporate the goals of diversity and inclusion, according to policies of the College and University, into committee work and provide an annual update to the FCC

The Honors and Awards Committee shall report upon its activities to the FCC at least once each academic year.

Membership:

Appointed: In all categories, unless otherwise noted, the FCC nominates a double slate of candidates, from which the Dean appoints members for two-year staggered terms. 

• Four (4) faculty 
• Two (2) CSBU staff 
• Two (2) P&A staff
• Two (2) undergraduate students nominated by the Student Board and appointed by the Dean
• Two (2) graduate students nominated by the GRPRC and appointed by the Dean
• One (1) Postdoctoral Associate 
• One (1) member from a CFANS department and ROCs

Ex officio: 

• One (1) member representing Communications 
• One (1) member representing the Dean’s office 
• One (1) member representing Student Services 
• One (1) member representing Alumni Relations 
• Director of Human Resources 

Subcommittees: The committee shall, at its own discretion, form subcommittees so as to organize the work of the committee.

Votes will be made via email or the simple majority of those present.

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down.

Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee – IEAC 

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

The Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee is charged with providing advice and counsel to the CFANS Faculty Consultative Committee (FCC), Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dean, Departmental Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committees, and other collegiate leadership bodies on initiatives supporting systemic approaches to: 

• Develop recommendations to increase diversity and build an inclusive environment in the workplace (faculty and staff) 
• Develop recommendations and strategies for increasing the presence of and sense of belonging for historically excluded student populations
• Support and communicate efforts in scholarship and activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Forward appropriate policy recommendations to the FCC for inclusion on the docket of the next meeting of the College Assembly
• Assess needs for diversity and inclusion in collegiate programs 
• Select DEI Collegiate Award recipients 
• Support efforts to institutionalize accountability for DEI efforts across CFANS
• Ensure that the CFANS DEI strategic plan and charge is advanced and reviewed on a 3– 5-year basis
• Review and provide a list of opportunities to leverage and increase continuing DEI education, training, and curriculum development in CFANS
• Develop connections with Departmental DEI committees and the CFANS Diversity Community of Practice
• Schedule bi-annual meetings of all Departmental DEI committees to enhance college wide DEI alignment
• Address other issues regarding diversity and inclusion that require attention in a premier institution of higher learning 

Duties/Time Commitment: 

Attend one 90-minute meeting per month during the academic year, with occasional summer meetings/planning retreats, participate in at least one subcommittee, which will meet as needed, and engage in activities initiated by the committee and subcommittees. Actively participate in meetings through discussion and planning. Participation involves discussion and input on issues, initiatives, and policies impacting diversity and inclusion efforts in the college.

Reporting: 

The Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee shall discuss its activities with the FCC and the Deans Council at least once each year, with additional meetings as requested by the FCC, Deans Council, or IEAC.

Membership: 

Appointed: In all categories, unless otherwise noted, the FCC nominates a double slate of candidates, from which the Dean appoints members for two-year staggered terms.

The following four (4) groups should be selected from separate Departments and Centers and be aware of the DEI activities going on in their respective Department or Center: 

• Four (4) faculty 
• Two (2) P&A staff 
• Two (2) CSBU staff 

In addition, members should include: 

• One (1) community or alumni representative 
• Up to five (5) open positions from Departments and Centers not already represented on the committee. 

The following members are appointed for an initial one-year term and may be given preference if seeking reappointment for a second year.

• One (1) postdoctoral associate from CFANS academic units 
• Two (2) CFANS undergraduate students appointed by the Undergraduate Student Board
• Two (2) CFANS graduate students appointed by the Graduate Student Board 

Ex officio members should include: 

• One (1) CFANS Associate Dean 
• CFANS Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down. 

Undergraduate Policy and Review Committee – UPRC 

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

The UPRC advises the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs on matters pertaining to CFANS undergraduate programs. Specifically, it: 

• Develops and recommends policy and policy changes to the College Assembly and overall degree requirements for CFANS programs 
• Acts as an advisory committee to the College Assembly and CFANS administration in matters of University-wide curriculum change and on matters of University-wide class scheduling and academic year issues 
• Advises and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the monitoring and measurement of overall progress on the CFANS Undergraduate Enrollment Management Plan
• Provides oversight for the Student Learning Communities initiative 
• Provides oversight for the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) within CFANS 
• Prepares a double slate of nominees for appointment by the Dean to the Undergraduate Research Program Committee, and the Student Scholastic Standing Committee
• Prepares a slate of nominees (double slate jointly created with GRPRC) for appointment by the Dean to the Collegiate Fees Committee 
• Develops and incorporates the goals of diversity and inclusion, according to policies of the College and University, into committee work and provides an annual update to the FCC

Membership: 

Appointed: 

• One (1) major coordinator from each major serves a three-year term coinciding with the appointment as a major coordinator. 
• One (1) at-large faculty member from each department not represented by a major coordinator serves a 2-year term, nominated by the UPRC and appointed by the Dean
• Two (2) undergraduate students, nominated by the CFANS Student Board, serve a 1-year term.

Ex officio: 

• Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
• Assistant Dean for Student Services and International Programs 
• Representative from St. Paul Campus Career Center 
• CFANS academic advisors 
• Assistant Dean for DEI and CFANS Student Services Coordinators 

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down.

Curriculum Committee – CC

Subcommittee of the UPRC

Responsibilities:

Reviews and approves all course changes within CFANS and recommends approval for action by the UPRC 

• Recommends major curricular changes or additions for CFANS to the UPRC, who then consider for approval and subsequent action by the College Assembly

The Curriculum Committee shall report upon its activities to the UPRC at each UPRC meeting.

Membership: 

• Four (4) faculty – elected by the UPRC from the UPRC membership for two-year staggered terms. 

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down. 

Student Scholastic Standing Committee – SSSC

Select Committee

Responsibilities:

In conjunction with administrative staff and faculty of CFANS, the Committee works with admission, advising, and assessment of academic progress as follows: 

• Sets policy and makes recommendations concerning student advising within the academic programs of CFANS and for interfacing with University-wide advising efforts
• Reviews and approves academic progress policy (including petitions, scholastic standing and scholastic probation) 
• Acts as an appeal committee for students on scholastic issues 
• Works closely with the Office for Community Standards regarding academic integrity cases 
• Serves as liaison to Major Coordinators who are responsible for reviewing student petitions for exceptions for courses in the major 
• Develops and incorporates the goals of diversity and inclusion, according to policies of the College and University, into committee work and provides an annual update to the Faculty Consultative Committee 

The Student Scholastic Standing Committee shall report upon its activities to the UPRC at least once each semester.

Membership: 

Appointed: 

• Three (3) faculty. The UPRC nominates a double slate of candidates, from which the Dean appoints members for three-year staggered terms. At least one must be a member of the UPRC 
• One (1) Academic Advisor nominated by the Director of Academic Advising Ex officio: 
• Assistant Dean for Student Services and International Programs 

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down. 

Undergraduate Research Programs Committee – URPC 

Select Committee

Responsibilities:

• Recommend policies and procedures to the CFANS Undergraduate Policy and Review Committee to integrate the University’s UROP and other research experiences into the curriculum
• Announce to students and faculty the requirements and timeline for submitting proposals for UROP and other undergraduate research programs 
• Facilitate linkages between students and faculty for developing undergraduate research proposals 
• Review and recommend UROP proposals for funding or revision 
• Participate in planning CFANS and/or University research forums, poster displays, and other activities to showcase undergraduate research 
• Recommend funding, policies, programs, or communication strategies for CFANS to engage more undergraduates in our research mission 
• Encourage and facilitate other informal research opportunities such as encouraging faculty to hire undergraduate students to work in laboratories or other research settings
• Develop and incorporate goals of diversity and inclusion, according to policies of the College and University, into committee work and provide an annual update to the Faculty Consultative Committee 

The Undergraduate Research Program Committee shall report its activities to the UPRC at least once each semester.

Membership: 

Appointed: 

• Four (4) faculty. The UPRC nominates a double slate of candidates, from which the Dean appoints members for two-year staggered terms. At least one must be a member of the UPRC.

Ex officio: 

• Assistant Dean for Student Services and International Programs 
• Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs 

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down. 

Graduate and Research Policy and Review Committee – GRPRC 

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

The GRPRC shall advise the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs on existing and proposed policy matters related to research and graduate education. The duties of this committee are to: 

• Recommend and review policies and procedures concerning the administration of graduate programs 
• Recommend and review policies and procedures concerning the administration of graduate fellowship programs 
• Facilitate the review of CFANS fellowships and awards 
• Develop opportunities and procedures for the encouragement and recognition of excellence in graduate studies 
• Provide oversight and policies ensuring the integrity of college-based post-baccalaureate professional degree programs 
• Recommend and review policies and procedures concerning professional development programs for graduate students 
• Recommend and review policies and procedures concerning training programs for graduate teaching assistants 
• Incorporate the goals of diversity and inclusion according to the policies of CFANS and the University 
• Prepare a double slate of graduate student nominees for appointment by the Dean to the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee, Honors and Awards Committee, GRPRC
• Prepare a slate of graduate student nominees (double slate jointly created with UPRC) for appointment by the Dean to the Collegiate Fees Committee 
• Provide regular updates on committee activity and outcomes to the Faculty Consultative Committee 

Membership: 

Appointed: 

• Directors of Graduate Studies (DGS) for all CFANS graduate programs (elected by program faculty) 
• Two (2) graduate students from CFANS programs, nominated by the GRPRC and appointed for one-year terms 
• Two (2) post-doctoral associates from CFANS academic units, nominated by the GRPRC and appointed for one-year terms 
• One (1) at-large faculty member from each department if that department is not represented by a DGS, nominated by the GRPRC and appointed by the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs for one-year terms 

Ex officio: 

• Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs 
• Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
• Graduate Programs Specialist

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down.

Faculty Promotion and Tenure Advisory Committee – P&TC 

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

The Committee shall advise the Dean regarding (1) whether a candidate undergoing promotion and/or tenure consideration meets departmental criteria for promotion and/or tenure; and (1) whether the documentation adequately supports the case. If applicable, the Committee may make suggestions for document improvement. The formal report of this Committee consists of a vote and summary comments regarding the candidate’s qualifications in the areas of teaching (classroom and extension), research and scholarship, and service when applicable according to criteria established by departments and the University. The vote and comments become a matter of record and are to be submitted with the faculty P&T documentation and Dean’s letter of evaluation.

This Committee follows guidelines consistent with Board of Regents Policy: Faculty Tenure, procedures for reviewing candidates for tenure and/or promotion and the respective Departmental Statements as required by Section 7.12 of the Tenure Regulations describing the indices and standards used to evaluate whether candidates meet the general departmental criteria for promotion and Tenure.

Membership: 

Elected: 

• Nine (9) CFANS faculty who have tenure and hold the rank of full professor. Members shall be elected by CFANS faculty for 2-year, staggered, terms. Each year, an alternate representative also shall be elected in the event one committee member is not able to fulfill their responsibilities. The faculty member receiving the most votes after the newly elected committee members are determined shall serve as the alternate representative. There shall be no more than one faculty member per department on the Committee. The FCC will prepare a slate of nominees consisting of one (1) nominee recommended by the Department Heads from all departments not having a representative on the committee. The FCC will administer the election.

Ex officio: 

• Director of Human Resources 
• Faculty Affairs Administrative Staff Person 

Meetings: 

The committee first meets in early November to receive instructions from the Dean, to review the list of faculty going forward for promotion and/or tenure, and to schedule subsequent meetings in November, December, and January (usually two or three meetings are needed). These meetings are to discuss the review of the faculty dossiers and to vote as a committee for or against promotion and/or tenure. The committee then meets with the collegiate deans to discuss their recommendations. 

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down. 

Collegiate Fees Committee – CFC

Standing Committee 

Responsibilities:

The committee is an advisory body to the Dean and is charged with: 

• Developing principles and guidelines for collegiate fees, including the amount of the fees, who pays the fees, and the types of expenses that may be paid from fees to support undergraduate and graduate education in the College that are consistent with University policies and guidelines
• Developing principles and guidelines for how the fees should be used and communicating fee information to collegiate undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff
• Review on alternating years recurring expenses covered by the collegiate fees
• Oversee a competitive grant program for submitting and reviewing proposals to the committee for one-time expenditures from collegiate fees
• Developing and incorporating the goals of Diversity and Inclusion into committee work, according to the policies of the College and University and providing an annual update to the Faculty Consultative Committee

The Collegiate Fees Committee shall report upon its activities to the UPRC and the GRPRC at least once each semester.

Membership: 

Appointed: 

• Five (5) faculty. The FCC shall nominate a double slate of candidates, from which the Dean appoints members to serve two-year staggered terms. At least one must be a member of the UPRC, and one must be a member of the GRPRC. 
• Two (2) undergraduate students nominated by the Student Board and appointed by the Dean. 
• Two (2) graduate students nominated by the GRPRC and appointed by the Dean. Ex officio: 
• Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs 
• Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs 
• Director of Information Technology 
• Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services and International Programs
• Graduate Programs Specialist 
• Chief Financial Officer 

Chair: The chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The chair will serve for a one-year term but may be reelected to serve a second consecutive term. The chair may serve only two consecutive terms.

Co-chair: To promote continuity, a co-chair will be elected from among the committee members before the end of the spring semester. The co-chairs will take over as chair after one year or at such time when the chair steps down. 

CFANS Health and Safety Committee – CHSC

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

This is a college committee to: 

• Ensure that each CFANS laboratory class includes a unit on “laboratory safety” during the first laboratory period of each term 
• Identify safety hazards and work to minimize these risks in work and study environments
• Equip members of this committee to be safety leaders in their home departments. Members should be familiar with the University’s Emergency Response program, OSHA Lab Standard, and Campus Security program. Members should be knowledgeable and empowered to identify and escalate safety concerns, to recommend required safety training, and to connect their internal customers with University Health Safety and Risk Management specialists for individual consultation or informational seminars as needed to support the safe pursuit of the University’s mission
• Work with University Health Safety and Risk Management to provide consulting services, inspections, training programs and regulatory compliance support to prevent accidents, report unsafe conditions and protect the environment for all University community members
• Connect the college community with subject matter experts regarding local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, enabling CFANS faculty, staff, and students to be in compliance with these requirements
• Communicate the latest safety standards to faculty and staff in each academic unit
• Develop policy and procedure recommendations to help create safe work and study environments for CFANS faculty, staff, and students 
• Develop and incorporate the goals of diversity and inclusion into committee work according to policies of the College and University and provide an annual update to the Faculty Consultative Committee 

Membership: 

Appointed: 

• Upon the recommendation of the Head, at least one (1) person (usually the department safety officer) from each academic unit in CFANS will be appointed by the Dean.

Ex officio: 

• Representative(s) of University Health Safety and Risk Management 
• Representative(s) of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station 
• Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs 

Chair: Appointed by the Dean. Term is not limited.

Undergraduate Student Board – SB 

Standing Committee

Responsibilities: 

• To facilitate communication between students, faculty, administration, and the alumni of CFANS 
• To provide students the opportunity to participate in the consideration of the curricula, the instruction, the educational facilities, the policies, and the goals of CFANS
• To provide students with the practical experience of participating directly in decisions concerning their academic and professional life 
• To provide service-learning opportunities for CFANS students through projects to enhance student, campus, and community life
• To provide students with leadership, skills, and professional development opportunities
• To nominate students for other CFANS committees whose work affects students
• The Board shall abide by the applicable rules and policies of the University of Minnesota pertaining to student organizations 

Membership: 

Elected by the CFANS student body: 

• President 
• Vice President 
• Secretary 
• Treasurer 
• Minnesota Student Association Representative 
• Student Senator 

Appointed: 

• One representative from each professional (Department sponsored) club within the College, appointed by clubs. 
• One representative from each of the CFANS Affiliated (non-departmental) Clubs. Nominated by their respective clubs and approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board membership upon original admittance to the Board. 

Ex officio: 

• Two (2) faculty members nominated by the FCC and appointed by the Dean with consultation of the Board. Serve 2-year, staggered terms.
• Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services and International Programs and/or representatives of the college administration as designated by the Assistant Dean
• Director of Alumni Relations 

Chair: The Student Board President

CFANS Graduate Student Board (GSB)

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

This Board will: 

• Represent and serve the graduate students in CFANS in academic matters 
• Facilitate communication between the graduate students, faculty, administration, and alumni of CFANS regarding academic matters 
• Provide CFANS graduate students with leadership, skills, and professional development opportunities 
• Provide networking and social opportunities for CFANS graduate students
• Serve as advocates for all CFANS graduate students to CFANS faculty, staff, and administration regarding academic matters 

Membership: 

Appointed: 

• One representative from each graduate program within the College, appointed by graduate students within that program 
• One alternate representative from each graduate program within the College, appointed by graduate students within that program 

Elected by the Board: 

• Chair 
• Co-chair 
• Secretary 
• Treasurer 

Ex officio: 

• CFANS Graduate Programs Specialist 
• CFANS Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations 
• CFANS Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs 
• CFANS representatives to the U of M Student Senate and Council of Graduate Students shall be afforded permanent ex officio membership to the Graduate Student Board, in accordance with the mission of the Board 
• The Board may request or appoint CFANS graduate student representatives to non-voting ex officio memberships. All appointments in this manner shall be confirmed by a majority vote
• The Board may request or appoint professional staff or faculty to be non-voting advisory members of the Board. Any appointments in this manner shall be confirmed by a majority vote

CFANS Postdoctoral Associates Board

Standing Committee

Responsibilities:

• To represent and serve the postdoctoral associates and fellows of CFANS)
• To facilitate communication between the postdoctoral associates and fellows, faculty, administration, UMN Postdoctoral Association, and alumni of CFANS 
• To provide CFANS postdoctoral associates and fellows with leadership and skills development opportunities
• To provide CFANS postdoctoral associates and fellows with professional development opportunities 
• To provide networking and social opportunities for CFANS postdoctoral associates and fellows 
• To serve as advocates for all CFANS postdoctoral associates and fellows to CFANS faculty and administration

Membership: 

Membership is open to all CFANS postdoctoral associates or fellows or Researcher 4 positions. Elected by the Board: 

• Board Chair 
• Vice Chair 
• Budget Chair 
• Communications Chair 
• Engagement/Social Chair 
• Grants and Awards Chair 

Ex officio: 

• CFANS Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations 
• CFANS Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs 
• The Board may request or appoint student representatives of other organizations to non-voting ex officio membership. All appointments in this manner shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the Postdoc Board at a meeting with two-thirds or higher attendance by voting members. 
• The Board may request or appoint professional staff or faculty to be non-voting advisory members of the Board. Any appointments in this manner shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the Graduate Student Board at a meeting with two-thirds or higher attendance by voting members. 

History

Adopted May 19, 2009 

Amended May 26, 2012 

Amended February 4, 2014 

Amended May 22, 2015 

Amended January 5, 2024