Academic Advisory Board

Owner: Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer

1. Introduction and Purpose

   In accordance with University System of Maryland Policy I - 6.00 Policy on Shared Governance in the University System of Maryland, approved on August 25, 2000 by the Board of Regents, UMGC has developed an Academic Advisory Board to allow input from and provide information to faculty about significant academic decisions.

   The Academic Advisory Board (AAB) at UMGC serves as an advisory body committed to providing advice that is representative of the views of faculty constituencies across the university for the purpose of improving the academic experience at UMGC. The AAB strives to enhance stewardship of the curriculum such that the student learning experience is continuously improved, enhanced, and optimized. The AAB also serves as a liaison between the university leadership and the university-wide faculty constituency for the purpose of keeping faculty informed about academic issues.

2. Areas of Participation

   The UMGC administration may solicit advice from the AAB in the following areas:

   1. Curriculum design and delivery, including learning and learning evaluation, implementation of technologies, pedagogies, and tools;

   2. The implementation of policies and processes that impact faculty, teaching, and the learning experience;

   3. Policies and processes related to the student learning experience;

   4. Other specific academic issues and/or insights given their special knowledge and expertise;

   5. Changes in the academic/higher education landscape, affecting the learning environment, the competitive framework, or learning science.

3. Composition

   The AAB is comprised of both elected and appointed members. The majority of the elected members are Maryland-based 12 month faculty ("Full Time Faculty"). Overseas faculty, adjunct faculty and librarians will also be represented by at least one seat each on the AAB.

   The Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer (SVP/CAO) will appoint at least one member of the AAB who will serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member.

   Committees – The AAB may appoint ad hoc committees comprised of members of the university-wide faculty community to evaluate specific substantive academic issues that require deeper analysis for advice to be given on a relevant short-term basis. These ad hoc committees are to address specific academic issues, can only present their results to the full AAB, and do not take on any agenda-setting or voting roles within AAB.

4. Bylaws and Meetings

   The AAB is governed by a set of bylaws which may be amended with the approval of the President. The AAB convenes regularly and consults with university administration, including the SVP/CAO as set forth in the AAB bylaws.