1. Structure and Function
   
   The Faculty Council consists of chair, vice chair, recording secretary, and two members-at-large.
   
   The primary function of the Faculty Council is to ascertain the concerns of the faculty and to implement programs of improvement at the direction of the faculty. It serves as an informational body to which any faculty member may raise issues of interest that can be considered at faculty meetings. It may formulate recommendations or concerns of the faculty to faculty meetings for discussions and appropriate action. It accepts referrals from the faculty for further consideration. It serves, when feasible, as a liaison council among the faculty, the administration, and the Board of Trustees. It reflects, when necessary, public opinion on behalf of the faculty. Specifically, the Council concerns itself with all matters of faculty welfare, including compensation, faculty evaluation, social activities, and spiritual vitality.
   
   
2. Elections
   
   Elections of the Council and its officers are held each spring at a faculty meeting. Faculty Council elections take place before the faculty committee elections. A slate of 12 candidates is prepared by a nominating committee. The nominating committee consists of a representative from each academic department/school and the library. Incumbent Faculty Council members represent their own departments/schools. Departments/schools with no member on the Council select a representative and notify the current Faculty Council chair of the selection prior to March 1. The current chair serves as chair of the nominating committee.
   
   No member may serve more than two successive years.
   
   Elections are by ballot at a duly announced faculty meeting. Ballots will be held until at least two members are elected by a majority vote of those present and voting. For each of the first two ballots, the candidates (there may be more than 2) receiving the two lowest numbers of votes will be dropped. Starting with the third ballot and continuing until at least two members are elected by a majority vote, the candidate (there may be more than 1) receiving the lowest number of votes on the previous ballot will be dropped. For the first ballot after at least two members have been elected by a majority vote, the candidates with the lowest vote total (or totals) will be dropped and the remaining candidates will be ranked by each voter (1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd preference) and points will be assigned (1-1^st, 2-2^nd, 3-3^rd, and 4 points for each unranked candidate). The points will be added from each ballot. The remaining members on the Faculty council will,be the candidates with the lowest point totals. In the case of a tie, the candidates that are tied will be ranked again (1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd if necessary) to determine the remaining member on faculty council. Separate elections for chair and vice chair are also by ballot, in the same manner as the ranking ballot above.
    
   
3. Relationship to Other Committees

The Faculty Council interrelates with a number of committees.

1. The Faculty Council chair serves on the Agenda Committee.
2. The Faculty Council chair serves as a representative to the Board of Trustees.
3. The Faculty Council designates a Council member to serve on:
   • Faculty Resources
   • Faculty Status
   • Nominating Committee
   • Strategic Planning and Advising

These representatives are intended as liaisons and therefore will not be nominated for committee chair.