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UofM Research Council Bylaws

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this council shall be the University of Memphis Research Council (UMRC).

ARTICLE II - OBJECT

The UMRC is the primary liaison between faculty researchers and university leadership on all issues related to our research environment, research policies, research compliance and strategic research directions. The UMRC serves in a consultative role and reviews research and compliance policies, contemplates growth opportunities, identifies areas of excellence, catalyzes cross-disciplinary and trans-institutional collaborations, and unifies divergent goals and objectives of local research and exploration thrusts with institutional mission and priorities. In the spirit of faculty governance, it also serves as an important feedback loop for the University’s research efforts. Members of the Council also help to promote research discourse at the local level and serve as local champions for research in their respective units.        

ARTICLE III

Section 1: REPRESENTATION

The UMRC which will be comprised of 36 faculty member representatives as follows:

  • Associate Dean(s) for Research or designees from the University’s Colleges or Schools, appointed to 2 year terms by the respective Deans:
    • College of Arts and Sciences,
    • College of Communications and Fine Arts,
    • College of Education,
    • Fogelman College of Business and Economics,
    • Herff College of Engineering,
    • Lambuth Campus,
    • Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law,
    • Loewenberg College of Nursing,
    • Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management,
    • School of Communication Sciences and Disorders,
    • School of Health Studies,
    •  School of Public Health, and
    • University College.
  • Three (3) representatives nominated by the President of the Faculty Senate for 2 year terms.
  • Three (3) representatives of the Chairs of Excellence and Centers of Excellence (two Chairs of Excellence and one center representative to be nominated by EVP Research based on consultation). These individuals will also serve two year terms.
  • Faculty representatives elected by the general faculty of the academic colleges or schools based on their relative level of sponsored research activity. These individuals shall be elected to two-year rotating terms. Unit allocations are based on the total number of sponsored research projects from each college or school, with a minimum of one and a maximum of four representatives from each college or school.

The Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation along with members of the Division’s leadership team shall serve on the Council as ex-officio members. They will provide regular progress reports to the Council and will serve without a vote.

Meetings of the UMRC shall be chaired by the EVP for Research and Innovation. In the EVP’s absence, an ex officio member designated by the EVP will chair the meeting. 

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

Section 1: REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meetings will be held at least three (3) times per year. Meeting notes will be recorded, transcribed, posted online, and made available to all interested parties. Meetings of the UMRC are open to all University of Memphis faculty members.

Section 2: ABSENCE OF MEMBERS

If for any reason a member of the UMRC cannot attend a meeting, another Council member may be designated as proxy for voting purposes. The designation shall be presented in writing to the chair at the time of the meeting.

Section 3: QUORUM

Eleven (11) voting members of the UMRC shall constitute a Quorum.

ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES

Standing or special committees and task forces shall be appointed by the chair as necessary to carry out the detailed work of the UMRC.

ARTICLE VII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1: PROCEDURE

The rules contained in the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the UMRC to the extent that they are not inconsistent with these bylaws or with any special rules of order the UMRC may adopt.

Section 2: OPEN MEETINGS

Meetings of the UMRC are open to all faculty members. If confidential issues are on the table, then the chair has the right to call the UMRC into executive session.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS

These bylaws can be amended at any meeting of the UMRC by a two-thirds vote, provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting.

ARTICLE IX - APPROVAL

All motions and actions of the UMRC will be subject to approval by the EVP for Research & Innovation and the President of the University.