Purpose of the Commission
The Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women exists to enhance the status of all women at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Commission relies on research, focus groups, forums, studies, reports, interviews and the assistance of individuals, groups, departments, and administrators throughout the university to obtain information relating to the status of women at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Using this information, the Commission advises the Chancellor on issues pertaining to gender equity and on specific concerns of women faculty, staff and students at the university. While individual members are free to engage in public advocacy on any issue, the Commission, as a commission, best serves its purpose through regular, confidential dialog with the Chancellor.
Commission Confidentiality
The Commission and each Council adhere to a policy of strict confidentiality. Conversations with the Chancellor are advisory and confidential. In addition, members of the university community should feel free to consult with members of the Commission and to express their opinions in confidence. The Commission shall not disclose to the Chancellor, or to others, any communication requested to be kept confidential by a member of the university community unless the content involves a topic that legally requires reporting.
Commission Objectives
The objectives of the Commission and each of the Councils are as follows:
- Increase the UNL administration's awareness of gender equity issues and their implications for the UNL campus administrative agenda.
- Serve as a campus liaison to the Chancellor for women's issues.
- Provide a forum for the open exchange of ideas.
- Coordinate the Chancellor's Outstanding Contribution to Women Awards to recognize outstanding faculty, staff and student efforts to create a climate that encourages women to succeed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Work closely with the Chancellor's Commission on the Status of People of Color, the Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Gender and Sexual Identities, and other diversity initiatives to monitor campus climate and recommend improvements to create a more equitable environment.
- Advise the Chancellor and other administrators, as appropriate, on the collection of pertinent data needed to track hiring, salaries, rank, promotion, tenure, job classifications, or other related issues for women employed at UNL.
- Advise the Chancellor and other administrators, as appropriate, on the collection of pertinent data needed to measure the status of undergraduate and graduate women students at UNL.
- Advise other members of the campus administration as the Chancellor deems appropriate.
Councils and Membership
The Commission shall consist of 27 members, divided into three Councils: The Council of Faculty, the Council of Staff, and the Council of Students. Each Council shall be diverse and shall represent a broad range of women from across the university.
The Council of Faculty shall consist of 9 persons, as follows:
- Two faculty members who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- Four faculty members who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges within Academic Affairs.
- The Director of the Women's Studies Program or a representative designated by the Director.
- The Past-Chair may serve in an ex-officio advisory position.
- A representative from the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor may attend in an ex-officio advisory role.
The Council of Staff shall consist of 9 persons, as follows:
- Four managerial/professional employees who, as much as practical, represent different Divisions within the university. One M/P member shall be a representative from UAAD.
- Four office/service employees who, as much as practical, represent different Divisions within the university. One O/S member shall be a representative from UNOPA.
- The Director of the Women's Center.
- The Chancellor's Chief of Staff may attend in an ex-officio advisory role.
The Council of Students shall consist of 9 persons, as follows:
- Five undergraduate students who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges and different Classes.
- Four graduate students who, as much as practical, represent different Colleges and include one Masters and one PhD candidate.
- The Director of the Women's Center, or their designee, shall coordinate and advise the Council in a non-voting role.
Selection and Appointment of Members and Chairs
Appointments
Members of the Council of Faculty shall be appointed by the Chancellor, with the advice and consent of the Academic Senate Executive Committee and after consultation with the current Council of Faculty.
Members of the Council of Staff shall be appointed by the Chancellor. Current Council of Staff members shall review applications and make recommendations to the Chancellor for his review.
Members of the Council of Students shall be appointed by the Chancellor with the advice and consent of a panel including, at minimum, two current student members and the director of the Women's Center.
Terms
Members of the Council of Faculty and Council of Staff shall be appointed for three year, staggered terms. Members of the Council of Students shall be appointed for two year, staggered terms. Members may request to be reappointed for one additional term. Applications will be due by March 15 and appointments forwarded to the Chancellor by April 15 of each year. Terms shall begin on August 15 of each year, but members may serve until their successors are confirmed.
Chairs
Each Council shall elect one of its members to serve as Chair of the respective Council. The Chair of the full Commission may be one of the Council chairs, or may be a member of any of the three councils. The Commission may also elect a Chair-Elect who will succeed the Chair the following year.
Meetings
The Commission, or any Council, may meet on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May, or on such basis as its membership determines, or at the call of either the Chancellor or the respective Chair. The full Commission shall meet at least once per year to discuss issues common to faculty, staff and students. The Chancellor shall attend at least one annual meeting of the Commission. The Councils shall meet at least once per semester, or more if the members so choose. The Chancellor shall attend at least two meetings of each Council annually.
Changes to these Guidelines are subject to the approval of the Chancellor.
Revised April 2019