Faculty Advisory Committee reports to the faculty of the University of Georgia
In 1988, the University Statutes established the Faculty Advisory Committee, consisting of 18 professors or associate professors elected by the faculty of the various schools and colleges, to provide for an "orderly voicing of suggestions regarding matters of concern to the university" and to furnish a "channel for communication between the faculty and the administrative officers of the university." Its purpose is not to replace normal academic governance procedures but rather to act as a sounding board for the president. Committee members strive to represent the academic community as a whole and to give the president insight into opinions and perceptions that faculty hold on positions the president might take as chief officer of the university.
The Faculty Advisory Committee meets with the president at least once a month during the academic year.
It seems appropriate that the committee report to the university faculty on its activities during President Knapp's tenure. Because the issues discussed were usually timely and occasionally confidential, the committee is describing for the university community its relationship with President Knapp rather than the actual matters discussed. Those who would like to learn more may contact any of the committee members listed below.
Most of the committee members over the past nine years found the meetings with President Knapp to be productive. When important issues arose, individuals felt free to engage in vigorous debate with President Knapp and with each other. Even when individuals disagreed with President Knapp, never did they feel that he wanted them to express anything other than their best judgment. His attitude encouraged frank and honest exchange of opinion. Committee members offered plenty of advice, some of which President Knapp followed, some of which he did not, all of which he considered thoughtfully.
We believe that the Faculty Advisory Committee has functioned well, to the benefit of the whole university community. Both faculty and the president should recognize that it is in their mutual best interests for this conduit of communication to be maintained.
The 1996-97 representatives to the committee from the various schools and colleges were as follows:
- JoBeth Allen, College of Education
- William Barstow, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
- Betty Jean Craige, Graduate School
- Ron Ellington, Law School
- Deborah Godwin, Family and Consumer Sciences
- John Hollingsworth, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
- James Hook, Extension Service
- Robert Hoyt, Terry College of Business
- Jeffrey Kotzan, College of Pharmacy
- Ronald Lane, Extension Service
- Tricia Lootens, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
- Larry Nackerud, School of Social Work
- James Okey, College of Education
- Linda Piper, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
- Katherine Prestwood, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Beverly Sparks, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Richard Westmacott, School of Environmental Design
- Robert Warren, Warnell School of Forest Resources
--The Faculty Advisory Committee
