Presidential Lecture & Performance Council
Charge
This Council, established in March of 2007, will advise the president about the selection of performers and lecturers for the Presidential Lecture & Performance Series.
The Council is also authorized to assess the cultural and intellectual atmosphere on campus and to bring forward recommendations that may warrant the president’s consideration.
With staffing from the Office of the President and in cooperation with affected departments or programs as appropriate, the Council will gather and consider suggestions for speakers and performers; propose and organize events; oversee arrangements; and host lectures and performances approved by the president for inclusion in the Presidential Series. This Council, then, is both an advisory group and a working group.
Purpose
The Presidential Lecture & Performance Series exists to enhance academic and artistic opportunities on our campus and in our community. This series supports the university’s four core missions: invest in people, enrich the educational experience, advance research and creative endeavors, and strengthen partnerships.
Lecturers and performers featured in this series will exemplify excellence in their chosen fields, will have the potential to help faculty, staff, and students broaden horizons and clarify thinking, and will offer the university opportunities to refresh its intellectual and cultural aspirations.
Practical Considerations
The President will have final authority to approve speakers and performers recommended by the Council. Maximum expenditures for the series will be established by the President. The allotted funding must cover all expenses related to the series, including but not limited to fees and expenses, publicity costs, venue charges, receptions and other hospitality events, and outreach programs to the community.
Processes for executing contracts and making other arrangements will follow usual university policies and procedures. In general, one or two outside events per semester plus one or two events featuring local speakers or performers per semester would be desirable.
Faculty or staff selected as featured speakers or performers will not ordinarily receive additional compensation for their service, though necessary expenses (e.g., piano tuning or slide preparation) can be covered.
The Council may partner with other campus or community entities in arranging for speakers and performers.
The Council will consult with programs, departments, and colleges likely to be involved in a particular speaker or performer and, as appropriate, will integrate individuals in those programs, departments, and colleges in planning and executing events.
Membership:
The Presidential Lecture & Performance Series Advisory Council will consist of the following:
- One individual recommended by the Provost;
- One individual recommended by the College of Visual and Performing Arts;
- One individual recommended by the College of Arts and Sciences;
- One individual recommended by the Honors College;
- One individual recommended by the Faculty Senate;
- One individual recommended by the Staff Senate;
- One individual recommended by the Student Senate;
- One individual recommended by the Division of Communications;
- One individual recommended by Student Affairs; and
- One to five additional individuals appointed by the President.
Ordinarily, members will serve three year terms unless a shorter term is mandated by their representation of an elected body such as the Student Senate. Six individuals will constitute a quorum. Members unable to attend and participate regularly will be subject to replacement by a presidential appointee. The Council may organize itself into subcommittees or task forces as appropriate for planning and conducting its work.
The descriptions and specifications above may be altered as circumstances warrant with approval of the President.
Current Council Members
Appointment:
All appointments are made by the President. Terms for all appointments are three years except for those whose membership on the Council is through an elected position.
Operating Procedures
The Council shall adopt rules regarding its internal functioning and will provide for regularly scheduled meetings. The chairperson will offer to address the Faculty, Staff and Student Senates once a year to inform these groups of the activities of the Council during the year.
Chairperson:
The Chairperson will be appointed by the President and will serve an indefinite term at the pleasure of the President.