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September 15, 2008
Guide to Emory governance groups

By leslie king

Six governance groups representing broad constituencies across the University are charged with advising campus administrators on issues of concern to their communities. Elected representatives of each group are expected to carry information and points of discussion back to their constituencies.

Employee Council
What It Does: Facilitates communication between employees and the University administration; advocates for issues of concern for all University employees; and represents the perspective of employees to the administration.

When It Meets: Every third Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m., in the Jones Room, Woodruff Library. First meeting: Sept. 17.

Key Events/Issues: This year’s theme is “Talk to Me: Communication in Community.” Community-building and effective communication will be promoted with part of each meeting devoted to training for better communication in person, via e-mail, in writing.

For More Information: Matt Engelhardt, president; www.employeecouncil.emory.edu

Faculty Council
What It Does: Discusses policies and matters of interest to all University faculty, provides faculty perspective to University administrators, collaborates with administrators to enhance the quality of faculty life. Note: The president of the Faculty Council, Steve Culler, is also the president of the University Senate.

When It Meets: Monthly, 3:15 to 5 p.m. in the Administration Building, Room 400. First meeting: Sept. 16.

Key Events/Issues: A major theme for this year is faculty retention and appreciation. Other issues will be prioritized at the first meeting.

For More Information: Jennifer Thompson, graduate assistant, jthomp8@emory.edu; or www.emory.edu/SENATE

University Senate
What It does: Represents every constituency of the University; serves as a forum on initiatives and proposals that affect the University as a whole. It is comprised of faculty, staff and students.

When It Meets: Monthly, 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Jones Room, Woodruff Library. First meeting: Sept. 23. Note that the first meeting is from 3–4:15 p.m. in the Cox Hall Ballroom and will precede President Jim Wagner’s State of the University address.

Key Events/Issues: Last year’s efforts to make the Senate more vital to the University will continue. The Senate will also follow through on its recycling initiative. A Senate committee is expected to be created to make recommendations for implementing the service resolution that passed last year.

For More Information: Jennifer Thompson, graduate assistant, jthomp8@emory.edu; or www.emory.edu/SENATE

President’s Commission on the Status of Women
What It Does: Serves as an advisory board to the president on issues related to Emory women and seeks to advance women’s interests at the University.

When It Meets: Third Wednesday of each month, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Jones Room, Woodruff Library (Oct. 15 will be held at Yerkes Primate Center). First meeting: Sept. 17.

Key Events/Issues: President Jim Wagner will attend the first meeting and take questions following a brief talk. Subcommittees will be organized on women and leadership; community partnerships; equity action; communications/networking; academic concerns.

For More Information: Joyce King, chair; www.pcsw.emory.edu

President’s Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Concerns
What It Does: Serves as a forum for matters of concern to LGBT persons across the University; advises the president on implementing commission recommendations; conducts studies and develops and supports programs to reduce homophobia and heterosexism.

When It Meets: Third Tuesday of every month from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Jones Room, Woodruff Library. First meeting: Sept. 16.

Key Events/Issues: Implement recommendations from a 2006 proposal to make Emory more transgender-inclusive; host a series of brown bag lunches and events; support education on discriminatory federal guidelines banning gay and bisexual men from giving blood; collaborate with other commissions on campus-wide diversity issues.

For More Information: Jessica Lowy, co-chair; www.emory.edu/PCLGBTC/

President’s Commission on Race and Ethnicity
What It Does: Serves as a forum for discussion and analysis of race and ethnicity on campus and of national import; develops and supports activities that enhance the presence of persons of color and strengthen the community of color at Emory.

When It Meets: Third Monday of every month at 3 p.m. First meeting: Sept. 15 in Administration 400.

Key Events/Issues: The major focus will be collaborating with the other commissions to discuss recommendations made over the last 10 years to see if there are major issues that may need revisiting.

For More Information: Blanche Burch, chair; www.pcore.emory.edu