Dear Ken:

I am the Chair-Elect of the Rules of Procedures Committee of the School of Engineering.  A question arose in our recent Committee meeting regarding voting rights in a Department.   The School of Engineering Bylaws states that "Voting members of the faculty of the school shall be those faculty members who occupy 50 percent or more of a position in the current budget of the School of Engineering".  The University Regulations has a similar language.

This has led to a great deal of confusion since some of Dean Klein's recent appointments have been 50-50 appointments in two departments.  Thus, they can claim voting rights in both departments.  The problem with this is that those who hold 100% voting rights in only one of the two  departments have no reciprocal say in matters of the other department.  Also, it is often difficult to verify the claim of a 50-50 appointment without University Administration involvement.  Moreover, theoretically, the 50-50 appointees can vote twice on School of Engineering issues, once in each department.

I would like to propose for Senate consideration that the wording in the University Regulations be changed to: "Voting members of the faculty shall be those faculty members who occupy more than 50 percent of a position in the current budget, and of those holding 50-50 appointments, a declaration shall be made by the faculty member at the time of initial appointment as to the department the voting right shall reside".

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Cordially,

Prof. George K. Shoane
Dept. of Biomed. Engin.