Resolutions 2017-2018

Table of Contents

Resolution 2017-2018-1 Availability of Lactation Rooms for UCF Women

Whereas, UCF currently has 7 publicly available lactation rooms: one is on the College of Medicine campus at Lake Nona, one is in Research Park at the College of Nursing University Tower building, and five on the main campus. The main campus rooms are located in the Global UCF Building, Physical Science Building, Engineering 1 Building, COHPA, and the Recreation and Wellness Center. On the main campus, these rooms are clustered on the north and east sides of the campus; and

Whereas, UCF Human Resources procedures document entitled, “Break Times and Locations for Nursing Mothers, Effective December 2010”, states that the University of Central Florida will provide a supportive environment to enable breastfeeding employees to express their milk during working hours; and

Whereas, UCF currently does not provide sufficient and equitable access to lactation rooms for large population of UCF women who may need to express their milk post-delivery, including UCF women faculty (782), UCF women staff (2363), and UCF women students (35,508); and

Whereas, this lack of lactation rooms has economic implications for UCF, as reported by the 2010 University of Rhode Island report of “College and University Lactation Programs”, including a $3 cost savings for every $1 invested in breastfeeding support, parental absenteeism is 3X higher for formula-fed infants compared to breastfed babies, companies with an employee lactation support program experience less turnover and lower losses of employees after childbirth, and companies with lactation rooms are also rewarded with higher satisfaction, loyalty and morale; therefore

Be it Resolved that the Faculty Senate encourages the administration to follow the guidelines put forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, US Office of Personnel Management, and National Institute of Health as well as the US Department of Labor for working women which recommends 6 lactation rooms for every 1000 women employees (Attachment 1), and there be lactation room access within a 5-minute walk for the employee. At a minimum, UCF should attempt to triple the number of lactation rooms available to women employees on the main campus through designating space in planned constructions and retro-fitting rooms in existing buildings, especially on the west and south sides of campus; and

Be it Further Resolved that the Faculty Senate additionally recommends that the lactation rooms at the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing (Research Park) be maintained, and will work to identify space both at the Rosen College and at regional campuses where UCF has a presence (if not currently available), and rooms be added to the new downtown campus construction designs based on expected campus enrollment and employment projections.

Attachment 1:

Recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and National Institute of Health for working women (womenshealth.gov)

The number of spaces needed depends on many factors. For example, companies will want to consider how many women are employed, the number and size of buildings, and the work schedule and job settings of employees. A general rule is to provide at least one permanent milk expression space for every 50–100 women employed by the company, and adjust as employee needs increase. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) compiled a formula for identifying the number of spaces needed, and estimate that at least six milk expression stations for every 1000 female employees should be the general rule. This number is based on a pregnancy rate of 5–7 percent among the female population, a breastfeeding initiation rate of 75 percent, and an assumption that most nursing women cluster milk expression periods around a similar period from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during a standard work day. The chart below is based on their general guide:

Milk Expression Spaces
Number of Female Employees	Number of Stations Needed
Under 100	1
Approximately 250	2
Approximately 500	3
Approximately 750	4
Approximately 1000	6
For every additional 1000 employees	6 additional stations

Seek locations that employees can reach within a 5-minute walk. This means that spaces should be evenly distributed within large buildings, as well as evenly distributed across a large campus in easily accessed locations. Limiting an employee’s travel time minimizes the overall amount of break period women need to express milk. Centralized locations also make it possible for the greatest number of employees to access the space. Within a building, spaces can be located near a central bank of elevators, the entrance to a facility, or the employee lounge or eating areas. Look for space near running water for washing hands and breast pump parts.

Women will feel comfortable and safe when the door into the milk expression room can be locked. A keypad l ock or electronic key provides privacy, and nursing moms can use a key, key card, or code to enter the room. If a lockable door is not possible, provide a sign outside the door with a well-communicated policy to help prevent others from entering the space. Curtains or partitions by the door might be needed to provide an additional layer of privacy when the door is opened from the outside.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on August 24, 2017.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on August 25, 2017.
Approved by the Provost on October 13, 2017.

Resolution 2017-2018-2 Faculty Senate Bylaw Change, Undergraduate Policy and Curriculum and Undergraduate Course Review Committees

Whereas, the duties and responsibilities of the Undergraduate Policy and Curriculum and Undergraduate Course Review committees have not been updated to reflect university organizational or process changes since 2010; and

Whereas, the College of Undergraduate Studies would like to modify the duties and responsibilities to clearly reflect the committees duties and responsibilities; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Bylaws of the Faculty Constitution be amended as follows:

Undergraduate Policy and Curriculum Committee
1. Duties and Responsibilities.
  1. To study, review, and provide recommendations on undergraduate academic policies, instruction, and standards.
  2. To study, review, and provide recommendations on university-wide undergraduate degree requirements, including the General Education Program (GEP), foreign language requirements or proficiency, admission standards, instruction, and baccalaureate academic honors.
  3. To study and review recommendations from the University Common Program Oversight Committee on changes to the General Education Program and to transmit recommendations to the Faculty Senate vice provost for Teaching and Learning and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies for approval.
  4. To review and make recommendations on all proposals for planning and implementation of new undergraduate degree programs, minors, and elimination of existing programs that will be submitted by the committee to the Office of Academic Affairs prior to submission to the Board of Trustees for final approval.
  5. To review the university program review reports and make recommendations on any policy or curriculum changes that might appear warranted based on the program review.
  6. To review and make recommendations on all proposals for revisions to existing degree programs, and certificates.
  7. To review and make recommendations on the allocation of the Equipment Fee to the vice provost for Teaching and Learning and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, who submits his/her recommendations to the provost and executive vice president.
  8. vii. To transmit its recommendations to the vice provost for Teaching and Learning and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, who submits his/her recommendations to the provost and executive vice president. The committee may also make recommendations to the Steering Committee of the Faculty Senate.
Undergraduate Course Review Committee
1. Duties and Responsibilities.
  1. To review all undergraduate course additions, revisions or deletions, and special topics course requests and transmit its recommendations to the vice provost for Teaching and Learning and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies (or designee) for approval. The vice provost for Teaching and Learning and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies will inform the Undergraduate Policy and Curriculum Committee of any related mandated curricular changes.
  2. To review recommendations from the Undergraduate Common Program Oversight Committee regarding course proposals related to the General Education Program.
  3. To make recommendations on the allocation of the Materials and Supplies Fee to the vice provost for Teaching and Learning and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, who submits his/her recommendations to the provost and executive vice president.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on November 16, 2017.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on November 17, 2017.
Approved by the Provost on January 10, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-3 Faculty Senate Bylaw Change, Undergraduate Common Program Oversight Committee

Whereas, the duties and responsibilities of the Undergraduate Common Program Oversight Committee has not been updated to reflect university changes since 2010; and

Whereas, the College of Undergraduate Studies would like to modify the duties and responsibilities to clearly reflect the committees duties and responsibilities; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Bylaws of the Faculty Constitution be amended as follows:

Undergraduate Common Program Oversight Committee
1. Duties and Responsibilities.
  1. To monitor that students fulfill common undergraduate program requirements such as General Education Program, diversity, Gordon Rule, and foreign language, and CLAST as outlined in the undergraduate catalog.
  2. To monitor university-wide undergraduate curriculum requirements such as the General Education Program, diversity, Gordon Rule, foreign language proficiency, and to review any changes, additions, or deletions to those curriculum requirements.
  3. To review, monitor, and make recommendations to the vice provost for Teaching and Learning and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies on that all courses and syllabi submitted to fulfill the university diversity requirement meet the established definition of diversity.
  4. To review and approve alternative diversity plans for those units in which some students cannot meet the diversity graduation requirement via the General Education Program or a course in the major.
  5. To make recommendations to the Undergraduate Policy and Curriculum Committee on changes to the General Education Program.
  6. To make recommendations to the Undergraduate Course Review Committee regarding course proposals related to the General Education Program.
  7. To work with the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, The Burnett Honors College, the Office of Diversity Initiatives, and other units as appropriate to develop lectures, workshops, and other opportunities to permit faculty development related to the diversity requirement.
  8. To oversee the creation of survey instruments and other assessment materials regarding the General Education Program and to work with the deans and chairs to incorporate the results into the General Education Program.
  9. To review initiatives directed towards enhancing undergraduate academic experience.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on November 16, 2017.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on November 17, 2017.
Approved by the Provost on January 10, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-4 Faculty Senate Bylaw Change, Admissions and Standards Committee

Whereas, During the 2014 Legislative Session, the passage of House Bill 433 amended Florida Statutes 1012.56, eliminating the obsolete option of achieving a passing score on the CLAST to satisfy the general knowledge requirement; and

Whereas, the requirement for CLAST expired June 2009; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Bylaws of the Faculty Constitution be amended as follows:

Admissions and Standards Committee

Duties and Responsibilities.
1. To consider all undergraduate student admissions that do not meet the minimum university admissions standards and that are referred to it by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
2. To consider all undergraduate student appeals of readmission decisions or academic standing.
3. To consider undergraduate student appeals of decisions that have been made by the College of Undergraduate Studies concerning late withdrawals, late drops, late adds, and medical withdrawals.
4. To consider continuation of undergraduate students who fail to meet CLAST requirements in accordance with appropriate rules and regulations.
5. To consider graduate student appeals of decisions that have been made by the College of Graduate Studies concerning late withdrawals, late drops, late adds, and medical withdrawals.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on November 16, 2017.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on November 17, 2017.
Approved by the Provost on January 10, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-5 Faculty Senate Bylaw Change, Governance in Academic Units

Whereas, the Faculty Senate Constitution contains Article VII. Governance in Academic Units, specifying that each academic unit of the university shall provide for non-administrative faculty representation in its governance; and

Whereas, the Bylaws do not provide details regarding governance in Academic Units; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bylaws of the Faculty Constitution be amended as follows to include a new Section IX. Governance in Academic Units with the Constitution Article VII. automatically updated to reflect, as set forth in Senate Bylaws, Section IX:

SECTION IX:
Governance in Academic Units

Operation and Bylaws
Each academic unit, and departments and schools whose leader holds an administrative appointment, must operate according to written bylaws approved by a majority of the unit’s general faculty. The unit’s general faculty is defined in Faculty Senate Bylaws Section I. Definition of Faculty and typically includes the leader of the unit. The unit’s bylaws will be approved by the unit faculty, the unit leader, and appropriate Dean (or equivalent). The Dean will have the Office of Faculty Excellence review the bylaws to ensure compliance with university policy. When fully approved, the bylaws will be posted electronically by the Office of Faculty Excellence in a manner accessible and easily navigable by all unit faculty. The unit bylaws will be reapproved and revised (as needed) every five years or whenever requested by a majority of the unit faculty.
The unit bylaws shall at least include the following topics:
1. Frequency of Meetings – Meetings of Department/School faculty will be regularly called by and presided over by the leader. Their frequency will depend on the needs and usages of the units. At least one meeting per semester shall be held. Chairs and directors in colleges with multiple units should meet at least monthly with the college dean.
2. Meeting Rules – Unit meetings should run according to the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, or other rules as specified in the unit’s bylaws (note the quorum and recusal rules therein).
3. Faculty-called Meetings – The faculty in a Department/School shall be entitled to call a special meeting with a specific agenda upon presentation to the appropriate leader of such a request of one-third of the Department/School faculty. The special faculty meeting shall occur within five business days of the presented request if reasonably possible.
4. Membership and Voting – All general faculty should attend and participate in unit meetings. The unit bylaws must designate voting rights.
5. Records – Proposed meeting agendas must be provided to the faculty by the leader in advance of the meetings. Minutes must be circulated to the members before the next meeting and offered for approval at the next meeting. Agendas and approved minutes must be posted electronically in a manner accessible and easily navigable by all unit faculty. A shared drive or unit intranet is the preferred means for information sharing.
6. Except for records deemed confidential under law or university policy, leaders must not keep unit records confidential from unit faculty. As requested by unit faculty, records must be posted electronically in a manner accessible to all unit faculty.
7. Unit policies and bylaws; unit budgets; formal plans; unit meeting agendas, minutes, and exhibits; unit committee records (including membership, agendas, minutes, and exhibits); as determined by a majority of the faculty of each unit, must be posted online in a manner accessible and easily navigable by all unit faculty.
8. Upon the request of unit faculty, other public data relevant to unit members should be posted electronically in a manner accessible and easily navigable by all unit faculty.
Steering Committee
Each unit is strongly encouraged to have a steering or executive committee of senior faculty to advise the unit leadership.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on January 25, 2018.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on February 2, 2018.
Approved by the Provost on February 26, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-6 Endorsement of University of Chicago Statement on Freedom of Expression

Whereas, the University of Central Florida firmly supports academic freedom and free speech on campus; and

Whereas, multiple events on university campuses across the country over the past several years, but especially 2017, have raised questions about status of free speech on American university campuses; and

Whereas, the free speech policy statement produced by the Committee for Freedom of Expression at the University of Chicago has become a model for university affirmations of free speech and academic freedom across the country since its publication in 2015; and

Whereas, the Chicago Statement has been adopted or endorsed by a growing number of faculty bodies and institution across the United States; therefore

Be it Resolved that the Faculty Senate endorses the following statement on freedom of expression, adapted from the University of Chicago statement:

Because the University of Central Florida is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, it guarantees all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. Except insofar as limitations on that freedom are necessary to the functioning of the University, the University of Central Florida fully respects and supports the freedom of all members of the University community to discuss any problem that presents itself.

Of course, the ideas of different members of the University of Central Florida community will often and quite naturally conflict. But it is not the proper role of the University to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive. Although the University greatly values civility, and although all members of the University community share in the responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect can never be used as a justification for closing off discussion of ideas, however offensive or disagreeable those ideas may be to some members of our community.

The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not, of course, mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. The University of Central Florida may restrict expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the University. In addition, the University may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the University. But these are narrow exceptions to the general principle of freedom of expression, and it is vitally important that these exceptions never be used in a manner that is inconsistent with the University’s commitment to a completely free and open discussion of ideas.

The University of Central Florida’s fundamental commitment is to the principle that debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the University community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. It is for the individual members of the University community, not for the University as an institution, to make those judgments for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose. Indeed, fostering the ability of members of the University community to engage in such debate and deliberation in an effective and responsible manner is an essential part of the University’s educational mission.

As a corollary to the University of Central Florida’s commitment to protect and promote free expression, members of the University community must also act in conformity with the principle of free expression. Although members of the University community are free to criticize and contest the views expressed on campus, and to criticize and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on campus, they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. To this end, the University has a solemn responsibility not only to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation, but also to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on October 19, 2017.

Resolution 2017-2018-7 Faculty Senate Bylaw Change, University Promotion and Tenure Committee and Procedures

Whereas, the university has, in recent years, markedly increased the number of tenure-line faculty hired, resulting in an increase from 43 to 79 applications reviewed by the University Promotion and Tenure committee between 2015-2016 and 2016-2017; and

Whereas, Faculty Excellence projects the University Promotion and Tenure committee’s caseload to steadily increase to over 120 applications by 2020-2021; and

Whereas, the University Promotion and Tenure Committee estimates the maximum number of applications to review to be around 50 for a reasonable caseload; and

Whereas, one of the primary roles of the University Promotion and Tenure Committee is to advise the Provost about applications that have received conflicting evaluations and votes at earlier steps of the review process; and

Whereas, applications forwarded to the University Promotion and Tenure Committee having received unanimous positive votes at all previous levels comprise a substantial percentage of the University and Promotion Committee’s caseload (38 out of 79 in 2016-2017) and would not need this committee’s evaluation of conflicting evaluations; and

Whereas, all applications between 2013-2017 that received unanimous positive votes at all levels before the University Promotion and Tenure Committee review were approved by the Provost and UCF BOT; and

Whereas, bypassing the University Promotion and Tenure Committee for all applications that have received unanimous positive votes at all previous levels—that is, forwarding such cases directly from the Dean’s review to the Provost—would enable the University committee to maintain a reasonable workload and focus on applications that most need its evaluation; therefore

Be it Resolved that beginning in the 2018-2019 promotion and tenure cycle, all tenure-line promotion and tenure cases that receive unanimously positive votes at all levels before the University Promotion and Tenure Committee will bypass this committee and be forwarded directly from the Dean’s review to the Provost. The Provost may still ask the University Promotion and Tenure Committee to review any such tenure-line cases if he/she needs the committee’s advisement about them; and

Be it Further Resolved that the Bylaws of the Faculty Constitution be amended as follows:

Section VIII. Joint Committees and Councils
University Promotion and Tenure Committee

Duties and Responsibilities.
1. To review and evaluate all assigned applications for promotion and tenure and make recommendations to the provost and executive vice president.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on January 25, 2018.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on February 2, 2018.
Approved by the Provost on February 26, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-9 Faculty Participation on University Committees

Whereas, the University of Central Florida and its Faculty Senate strive for open communication and shared participation on university committees; and

Whereas, it has been recommended to improve faculty morale through broad communication, particularly by faculty involvement in decision making that affects them, and developing a communication plan that considers how faculty get information; and

Whereas, aspiring institutions maintain a clearinghouse of university committees to promote participation, communication, and visibility; and

Whereas, it is the role of the Faculty Senate to serve as the voice of the faculty in university matters; and

Whereas, many university committees do not consult or use the Faculty Senate as a vehicle to identify or solicit the faculty most directly impacted by the committee’s charge for university committees, task forces, and/or working groups; therefore

Be it Resolved that the administration develop a process for:

Identifying all university committees, task forces, and working groups.
Creating a clearinghouse of all university committees, task forces, and working groups as identified in 1. above.
Soliciting faculty participation on university committees, task forces, and working groups as identified in 1. above with the approval of the Faculty Senate Committee on Committees.

Tabled by the Faculty Senate on January 25, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-11 Guidelines for Centers and Institutes at the University of Central Florida

Whereas, in 2016-2017 the Faculty Senate passed resolution 2016-2017-14 Guidelines for Academic Structure at the University of Central Florida; and

Whereas, these guidelines emphasized the need for tenure to be granted in Departments and Schools within the academic unit structure at UCF (Colleges); and

Whereas, faculty traditionally have tenure homes in academic departments or similar units; therefore

Be it Resolved that the Faculty Senate supports tenure being granted only within established Departments or Schools that fall within an academic college (including Graduate Studies and Undergraduate Studies) at UCF, in line with the previous resolutions of the Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate urges the administration to work with faculty who are tenured or tenure-earning in a research center or institute to find a tenure home within an academic unit (Department or School within a College); and

Be it Further Resolved that the reorganization of tenure homes under this resolution shall not be a means for removing tenured faculty from the university, for revoking tenure, or for forcing departments to accept members without the support of their existing faculty. Thus, any tenured faculty who have made their best efforts to find appropriate tenure homes, but who have not been accepted into appropriate academic units by those units’ faculties, shall be retained with tenure in their existing units or in units created for this purpose and to which no other members may be added; and

Be it Further Resolved that the Faculty Senate supports the following guidelines for centers and institutes at UCF, and that these guidelines be appended to the original guidelines for academic structure at the University of Central Florida. In addition these guidelines are supplementary to the definitions of centers and institute in BOG Reg 10.015 and UCF Reg 2.035.

Definitions of Centers and Institutes

Existing Definitions from BOG Reg 10.015 (repeated in UCF Reg 2.035)

State of Florida Institute or Center: An entity with statewide mission, that may include two or more State universities, established to coordinate inter-institutional research, service, and teaching across the State University System. State of Florida institutes and centers must be approved by the Board of Governors. State of Florida institutes and centers’ operational budgets reside within the bases of their host institutions; additional budget requests must be reviewed by the Council of Academic Vice Presidents (CAVP), and only those with a positive recommendation are carried forward to the Board of Governors for consideration.
University Institute or Center: An entity that is generally established by a single university to coordinate institutional research, service, and/or educational/training activities that enhance existing instruction, research, and service at the university. The budget of a university institute or center and any requests for additional funding are wholly within the purview of the host university.
Exclusions: There are entities that use the term “Institute” or “Center” in their titles, as well as some other service units, that are excluded from this policy. Examples of these units include the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS); the University of Florida Health Sciences Center; the University of South Florida Health Sciences Center; the Florida State University Health Sciences Center; the Florida Mental Health Institute; incorporated institutes and centers with university affiliations, such as the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; and university advising, student health, computing, and certain other centers. However, excluded entities such as IFAS and the health sciences centers may have institutes or centers under their purview that are covered by the policies referenced in this document.

Note that exlcusions listed include major university medical divisions and student service units. The definitions also exclude faculty support units and auxiliary units.

Proposed Criteria and Definitional Language for Centers and Institutes
UCF’s centers and institutes are formally recognized university entities established to enhance research and possibly educational and/or public service efforts to fulfill the university’s mission and goals. They generally meet the following criteria:

The unit coordinates and supports research and/or creative activities (and, accordingly, fits the definition of an organized research unit), and can also conduct instruction/training, public service, and/or other activities.
The unit has a distinct mission and activities that are closely tied to the university’s mission and goals.
The unit conducts continuing work in a well-defined area, and work that would be more difficult to undertake if the unit did not exist.
The university has existing strengths aligned with the unit.
The unit’s budget and operations are overseen by the university, and the unit is typically supported, at least in part, by recurring external funding (e.g., from grants/contracts or legislative appropriations).
Faculty are not tenured in the unit unless it is also an academic unit such as a college or school.

UCF uses the following definitions to generally distinguish between centers and institutes:

Centers are single or multidisciplinary units organized to support research and, in some cases, other interdisciplinary activities around a specific topic or issue. They are typically characterized by a narrower scope and less autonomy than institutes, they are typically located within colleges/schools or institutes, and they typically have recurring external funding. Some also have dedicated administrative staff, commitments from faculty (FTE), and evidence of long-term sustainability.
Institutes are generally multidisciplinary units organized to support research and, in some cases, other interdisciplinary activities around a cluster of related topics or issues. Institutes are generally characterized by more organizational stability, research program autonomy, and a broader scope of focus than centers. They often have recurring external funding from multiple sources, dedicated administrative staff, commitments from faculty (FTE), and evidence of long-term sustainability.

Types of UCF Centers and Institutes
UCF acknowledges the following four types of centers and institutes, distinguished in part by their levels of registration and oversight.

Type 1: State of Florida Centers and Institutes
These centers and institutes meet the definition and requirements listed in “a” from BOG Regulation 10.015 (see above). In some instances they are established as a result of legislative intent. If hosted by UCF, they must be approved by the Office of Research and Commercialization (ORC), the UCF provost, the UCF president, the UCF BOT, and the BOG. They must be registered with the BOG, and are overseen at UCF by ORC. They must submit annual reports to the BOG and to ORC and the UCF provost (or designee), and they must undergo cyclical review at least every five years.

Type 2: State University System (SUS) Centers and Institutes
These centers and institutes meet the definition and requirements listed in “b” from BOG Regulation 10.015 (see above). They must be approved by ORC, the UCF provost, and the UCF president. They must be registered with the BOG, and are overseen at UCF by ORC. They must submit annual reports to the BOG and to ORC and the UCF provost (or designee), and they must undergo cyclical review at least every seven years. These units generally have a primary research, development or capacity building, and/or commercialization mission; some may additionally have a service delivery mission. They are generally supported by legislative line-item appropriations and/or other recurring external funding.

Type 3: UCF Recognized Centers and Institutes
These units are recognized by UCF as centers and institutes and meet UCF’s criteria (see above), but they do not meet the BOG definition and therefore are not registered with or report to the BOG; accordingly they do not submit annual BOG reports or undergo BOG-required cyclical review.

They must be approved by ORC. They must submit annual reports to UCF accounting for their mission and location; ORC determines with their home colleges (and other units, if applicable) the appropriate lines of reporting and oversight. Their range of primary missions includes research and/or creative activity, public service/outreach, and dual research and public service.

Type 4: Exclusions
Because they do not meet BOG and UCF definitions and criteria, UCF views these units as centers or institutes in name only. Accordingly, they do not require state or university-level registration or oversight. However, any unit not already using and wishing to use the term “center” or “institute” in their names must seek and receive approval from Academic Affairs to do so. They are overseen by and report to their UCF home unit (e.g., college, school, and/or department).

Examples of excluded centers and institutes include service units that primarily provide services to the UCF community, research support units for UCF faculty, units that provide student awards and exchanges, public service units without a significant research element, auxiliary units, and buildings or facilities. Existing excluded centers and institutes, and units wishing to use the term “center” or “institute” in their names are strongly encouraged to consider whether the unit meet’s UCF’s definitions and criteria (see above) and whether one of the following designations would be more suitable:

Research groups, collaboratives or alliances are generally groups of investigators aligned around a shared topic or set of topics, but are less formally and tightly connected than clusters.
Initiatives are generally units organized to complete limited-term projects or efforts with specific foci and objectives. They typically do not have separate administrative structures but can involve members of multiple units and distinct resources, budgets, and lines of funding. (e.g., UCF Literacy Initiative)
Offices are generally permanent units organized to oversee and administer a specific set of ongoing duties and/or services. They can range from university-level administrative or support units to units that support colleges or departments.
Consortia are generally partnerships among institutions (higher ed, public, private) that cooperate and/or combine resources around a shared problem or issue. (e.g., Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities)
Programs
Laboratories

The following table summarizes UCF’s types of centers and institutes and their corresponding registration, approval, oversight, and reporting requirements:

Level	Registered with BOG?	Approval/Disbandment	Oversight	Reporting
State of Florida	Yes	ORC/Provost/President/CAVP/BOT/BOG	ORC/Provost (designee)	BOG, Annual & 5
SUS	Yes	ORC/Provost/President (Notify BOG)	ORCProvost (designee)	BOG, Annual & 7
UCF Recognized	No	ORC	ORC/College	Annual (Internal)
Exempt	No	AA	Internal Unit	Internal Unit

Approved by the Faculty Senate on February 22, 2018.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on February 23, 2018.
Denied by Interim Provost Elizabeth Dooley on April 16, 2018. See Response.

Resolution 2017-2018-12 Personal and Family Benefits for Out-of-Unit Faculty

Whereas, a number of personal and family benefits, including paid parental leave, available to in-unit faculty are not available to out-of-unit faculty; and

Whereas, “personal and family polices” was identified in the last COACHE survey as an area that needs improvement at UCF; and

Whereas, a large and growing number of faculty, including in the College of Medicine, are designated as out-of-unit; therefore

Be it Resolved that personal and family policies, including paid parental leave, afforded to in-unit faculty be extended to all out-of-unit faculty.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on February 22, 2018.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on February 23, 2018.
Denied by Interim Provost Elizabeth Dooley on April 16, 2018 with the following comments:

“As you know, the UFF and UCF BOT collectively bargain all benefits for in-unit faculty. This includes personal and family policies, paid parental leave, and other benefits. These are carefully negotiated based on the available funds we have each year, with respect to the number of faculty these collectively bargained benefits would pertain to. Often times, we are asked to provide many more benefits than we can afford, and we must negotiate requests to fit the funds we have available, given the number of people who would be eligible for the benefit. If these benefits were extended to other out of unit faculty, we would immediately be in a deficit. In addition, after conferring with human resources and UCF General Counsel, they feel that opening up this policy to out-of-unit facilty would also create a precedent where all out-of-unit staff would request to be granted parity on these benefits. This would be an untenable situation, financially. While UCF remains committeed to providing a supportive workplace for all employees, we remain respectful of the collective bargaining agreement, and those employees that fall within those parameters.

Resolution 2017-2018-13 Emeritus Policy Revisions

Whereas, the November 28, 2016 policy changed the application for Emeritus status to occur within five years after retiring; and

Whereas, these and other policy changes resulted in unintentional consequences for faculty continuing their involvement with the University after retirement but before official retirement status, such as serving on graduate committees; and

Whereas, the ability for our distinguished emeritus faculty to maintain their ongoing research, academic, and service endeavors for the improved image of the University after retirement requires the continued use of the email address they have used throughout their careers; and

Whereas, the unit voting for Emeritus was not clear; therefore

Be it Resolved that UCF Policy 4-502.2, Emeritus Status be revised as attached.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on March 22, 2018.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on March 23, 2018.
Approved by Interim Provost Elizabeth Dooley on April 16, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-14 Faculty Participation on University Committees

Whereas, the University of Central Florida and its Faculty Senate strive for open communication and shared participation on university committees; and

Whereas, aspiring institutions maintain a clearinghouse of university committees to promote participation, communication, and visibility; and

Whereas, it is the role of the Faculty Senate to serve as the voice of the faculty in university matters; and

Be it Resolved that the administration develop a process for:

Identifying all university committees, task forces, and working groups.
Creating and maintaining a single website that lists the membership and committee charge of all university committees, task forces, and working groups.
Soliciting faculty participation on university committees, task forces, and working groups.
Collaborating with the Faculty Senate Committee on Committees to enable faculty participation on these committees, task forces and working groups.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on February 22, 2018.
Transmitted to Provost A. Dale Whittaker on February 23, 2018.
Approved by Interim Provost Elizabeth Dooley on April 16, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-15 In Honor of John C. Hitt, president of the University of Central Florida

Whereas, John C. Hitt became the fourth president of the University of Central Florida on March 1, 1992, and has led UCF to become a major metropolitan research university of global impact and a great success story in higher education; and

Whereas, the enrollment of UCF during President Hitt’s tenure has increased significantly to more than 66,000 students while the quality of academic programs, faculty, and students has increased dramatically; and

Whereas, President Hitt’s drive to establish UCF as America’s Leading Partnership University resulted in many collaborations to advance progress and prosperity in Central Florida, including the UCF College of Medicine and the Medical City at Lake Nona, Direct Connect to UCF, the Florida High Tech Corridor, the Central Florida Research Park, and UCF Downtown; and

Whereas, President Hitt has propelled UCF to become the nation’s leader in the overall conferring of degrees and he has awarded more degrees within the State University System of Florida than any other president in state history; and

Whereas, President Hitt’s years at UCF coincide with the completion of a 45,000-seat football stadium and a 10,000-seat arena, the graduation of UCF sports to NCAA Division I, and a leading academic success rate of student-athletes among national public universities; and

Whereas, President Hitt has helped UCF gain recognition as a 21st-century model for providing a high-value education that is accessible, affordable, and life changing; and

Whereas, President Hitt has championed diversity and inclusion while helping to transform countless lives and livelihoods through the power of higher education; and

Whereas, President Hitt over these past 26 years has inspired faculty, staff, students, and the community to dream big and to reach for the stars; therefore

Be it Resolved that the Faculty Senate expresses its deepest appreciation to President Hitt for an extraordinary tenure and for his vision, innovation, inspiration, and leadership that will positively influence the future of UCF and Central Florida for generations to come.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on March 22, 2018.

Resolution 2017-2018-16 In Honor of Martha Hitt, First Lady of the University of Central Florida

Whereas, Martha Hitt has graciously, eloquently, and honorably represented the University of Central Florida since March 1, 1992, as the First Lady; and

Whereas, Martha Hitt has been a tireless advocate and mentor for women faculty, staff, students, and members of the community; and

Whereas, Mrs. Hitt has been actively involved in the UCF Town and Gown to strengthen relationships between the University of Central Florida and the community; and

Whereas, as an unwavering supporter, Mrs. Hitt has brought recognition and respect to UCF women’s athletics; and

Whereas, as the First Lady, Mrs. Hitt has hosted numerous university functions and events over the past 26 years at the Burnett House; and

Whereas, the First Lady has served on numerous committees involving the university, including the selection committee for students who serve on the President’s Leadership Council; and

Whereas, Mrs. Hitt has been a long-time ex-officio member of the board of directors of the Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) at UCF and one of the non-profit organization’s greatest cheerleaders; and

Whereas, Mrs. Hitt is an honorary chairwoman of the University Women’s Club; therefore

Be it Resolved that the Faculty Senate expresses its deepest appreciation to Martha Hitt for 26 years of honorably representing the University of Central Florida and as a generous benefactor to the University.

Approved by the Faculty Senate on March 22, 2018.