Faculty Assembly & Faculty Governance Council, School of Medicine

Faculty Assembly

The Faculty Assembly serves as the primary forum for faculty input and shared governance at MU CFVH School of Medicine. It ensures all faculty members have the right to freely express opinions and participate in shaping policies that affect the School of Medicine.

Key Roles

  • Promote a culture of excellence and compassion.
  • Guide academic and conduct policies for students.
  • Recommend faculty appointments and promotion policies.
  • Support faculty research and scholarship.
  • Advise the Dean on academic and institutional matters.
  • Elect members to governance councils and committees.

Membership

All ranked faculty are members. Voting rights are extended to all except Clinical Instructors and Instructors. Deans serve as ex-officio, non-voting members (except to break ties when chairing a committee).

Meetings

Held twice annually (October & April), with remote participation available. Meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order and include committee updates, planning, elections, and faculty recognition.

Faculty Governance Council (FGC)

The Faculty Governance Council (FGC) is the leadership body of the Faculty Assembly at  MU CFVH School of Medicine and upholds the principles of shared governance in alignment with Methodist University’s Faculty Senate. The FGC oversees Faculty Assembly activities, coordinates faculty elections, and serves as a liaison between the faculty and the Dean’s Council.

Council Structure

The FGC consists of five elected members: Chair, Chair-Elect, Immediate Past Chair, and two Members-at-Large, each serving staggered 3-year terms.

Key Responsibilities

  • Organize and lead Faculty Assembly meetings
  • Communicate faculty business and distribute meeting agendas and minutes
  • Represent faculty in leadership forums
  • Coordinate nominations and faculty elections
  • Form and oversee short-term faculty committees or task forces

All major FGC decisions are submitted to the Faculty Assembly for approval. Administrative support is provided by the Faculty Affairs & Faculty Development Office.

Standing Committees

The Standing Committees of the Faculty Assembly support the governance of the School of Medicine by reviewing and developing policies that advance the institution’s missions in education, research, clinical care, and community engagement. Committees are composed of voting faculty in good standing and report their activities annually to the Dean of the School of Medicine and the Faculty Assembly.

  1. Curriculum Committee
    Oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of the medical school curriculum to ensure academic excellence and compliance with accreditation standards.
  2. Appointments and Promotions Committee
    Reviews and recommends faculty appointments and promotions at the associate and professor levels, ensuring alignment with institutional standards and values.
  3. Admissions Committee
    Manages the selection of applicants for admission to MU CFVH, ensuring a holistic process that reflects the school’s mission and promotes a diverse student body.
  4. Medical Student Promotion and Professionalism Committee
    Monitors academic progress and professionalism of medical students and recommends advancement or remediation as needed.
  5. Faculty Honors and Awards Committee
    Identifies and recommends faculty for internal and external awards and maintains an inventory of available honors.
  6. Women in Medicine and Sciences Committee
    Supports the advancement of women faculty and trainees through mentorship, networking, advocacy, and career development opportunities.
  7. Faculty Appeals Committee
    Convenes on an ad hoc basis to hear appeals related to appointment and promotion decisions, ensuring fairness and adherence to established policies.