Loyola University Chicago

Memo from Fr. Garanzini

Faculty Handbook Committee Appointed

As many of you know, the Faculty Handbook has not been revised since 1993. Over the past eleven years, many things have evolved here at Loyola rendering the handbook in need of revision and updating. For this reason, I have appointed Dr. Kim Dell'Angela, chair of the Faculty Council; Dr. Paul Jay, chair of the Faculty Affairs UPC; Dr. John Frendreis, Vice Provost; Ms. Paula DeAngelo, Assistant General Counsel; and Ms. Donna Halinski, Director of Faculty and Administrative Services, to prepare a revised handbook. Dr. Dell'Angela and Ms. DeAngelo have agreed to co-chair the Faculty Handbook Committee (FHB Committee).

These five individuals were specifically chosen because of their intimate knowledge of the faculty and their concerns, as well as those concerns arising from the administration of the faculty contract. The FHB Committee is being limited to five members because a revision process such as this requires a willingness to work long hours and involves a considerable amount of word-smithing which is best accomplished in a small group. Furthermore, while wide consultation is imperative, such a process is best coordinated by a smaller group who "owns" the process. Also, in keeping with the spirit of our governance charter, their expertise is more important than simple representation. I think this group accomplishes both.

Let me share with you the process the FHB Committee will follow in order to ensure broad input:

The committee is expected to consult with a wide variety of individuals and groups, especially those who "use" the handbook on a regular basis, e.g. the Faculty Council and deans. As the process gets underway, the committee will offer an opportunity for individuals and groups to comment on what issues deserve attention.

The committee will then prepare a new draft of the handbook. The goal is to develop a single manual for all full-time and part-time faculty. In general, any policy document that purports to set the parameters, expectations, and ideals for the faculty will find its way into this one handbook, either explicitly re-stated or by reference as an attached protocol.

When the committee has a solid draft to present, the committee will then seek additional comments and suggestions of everyone previously consulted.

The committee will then present its suggested handbook to the Faculty Affairs UPC for its review and recommendation to the President.

Before approving the new handbook, the President will seek the input from the Provost, the Vice President for Health Sciences, and the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board.

Following this, and before promulgating the new handbook, the President will report to the Faculty Affairs UPC any changes and suggested revisions of the handbook they reviewed.

These steps should give us a sufficient number of checks and balances to ensure that those most affected will have had the opportunity to be amply consulted and have their views considered before the new handbook is finally and formally put in place.

I want to thank the members of the Faculty Handbook Committee for their willingness to serve on this important committee.