Governance Practices Committee

Terms of Reference

The Governance Practices Committee is a small, consensus committee with the responsibility to ensure fair and appropriate governance through relevant, consistent, and clear bylaws, policies, and procedures.  In addition to the review of Senate bylaws, policies, and procedures, the Committee assists Senate in the review of University (Board) bylaws, policies, and procedures, where, under legislation, the University is required to consult with Senate.  The Committee also assists Senate in the review of faculty bylaws, policies, and procedures.  The Committee’s specific responsibilities are as follows:

• Routine and cyclical review of Senate bylaws for relevance, appropriateness, and clarity
• Routine and cyclical review of Senate and other policies and procedures for relevance, appropriateness, and clarity
• At the direction of Senate, advice to Senate on the creation, amendment, or dissolution of Senate bylaws, policies, and procedures
• At the direction on Senate, advice to Senate on the creation, amendment, or dissolution of faculty bylaws, policies, and procedures
• Advice to Senate on Senate committee structures (upon request)
• Development of expertise on Senate governance practices, and advice on Senate governance practices (upon request)
• Routine reporting to Senate on its activities
• Other duties, as assigned