Nov 02, 2024  
University Catalog 2022-2023 
    
University Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Councils, Committees, Commissions


The President and the appropriate Vice President are ‘ex-officio’ members of all councils and committees.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PLANNING COUNCIL. Purpose: Serves as the comprehensive review, assessment, and planning Council for Louisiana Tech University. The Council is chaired by the President, and the membership includes administrators representing all areas of the University. Members: Les Guice (Chair), Terry McConathy, Brooks Hull, Jim King, Lisa Cole, Sam Wallace, Hisham Hegab, Donald Kaczvinsky, Gary Kennedy, Christopher Martin, Don Schillinger, Sheryl Shoemaker, Angela Dunnington, Dickie Crawford, Tommy McClelland, Tonya Oaks Smith, Dave Norris, Ramu Ramachandran, Sumeet Dua, Sam Speed, Stacy Gilbert, Donna Johnson, Johnette Magner, Justin Kavalir, University Senate President, SGA President, Carrie Flournoy (ex-officio), and Ryan Richard (ex-officio).

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW BOARD. Purpose: Hears only appeals from recommendations of the Behavioral Standards Committee, and is vested with appellate jurisdiction only. Members: Vice President for Student Advancement (Chair), Provost, and Dean of the College in which the student is registered.

ACTIVE LEARNING COMMITTEE. Purpose: Enhance communications among faculty about campus instructional technology capabilities and about experimentation with instructional techniques and to schedule development programs to meet identified needs of the faculty. Members:  (Chair) Jo Ann Dauzat, Kerri King, Jennifer McCoy, Dustin Hebert, Kirk St. Amant, Mike Watson, Michelle Martin, Larry Jarrell, Lisa Dick, Jan Fuller, Donny Dreyer, Donna Johnson, Darrell Eddy, Danny Schales, Mike Colyar, Christopher Coleman, and Beth Hegab.

AESTHETICS COMMITTEE. Purpose: To review proposed campus projects and make recommendations to the President as to the aesthetic merit of the proposed project and its conformity to standards of tradition and appearance of the campus. Members: Ryan Richard (Chair), Carrie Flournoy, Tonya Oaks Smith, Jim King, Brooks Hull, and Sam Wallace.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COUNCIL. Purpose: Established to review issues relative to compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to forward recommendations to the appropriate administrative level, and to serve as a grievance review board for appeals. Members: Coordinator, Special Programs (Chair); Assistant Dean, Student Development; Director, Testing and Disability Services; Coordinator, Testing and Disability Services; Director, Counseling and Career Services; and representatives from Academic Affairs, Admissions, Graduate School, Human Resources, Residential Life, SGA, Campus Engineering, Behavioral Sciences, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitative Services.

ASTRONOMY ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Purpose: Oversees astronomical observing activities and serves in an advisory role to the observatory at Louisiana Tech University. The Committee arranges star parties and observation of interesting astronomical events such as eclipses and comets, and is available to serve as a source of information. Also aids in improving the equipment at the observatory. Members: William Deese, and Lee Sawyer (ex-officio).

ATHLETICS COUNCIL. Purpose: Reviews intercollegiate athletic programs and activities and makes recommendations to the President for his consideration. Athletics Council members are appointed by the President. Members: Donna Thomas (Chair), Lisa Cole, Steve Davison, Sean Dwyer, Marvin Green, Gary Kennedy, Terry McConathy, Judith Roberts, Sam Speed, Heath Tims, SGA representative, Mary Kay Hungate (non-voting), and Thomas McClelland II (non-voting).

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE. Purpose: Serves as the disciplinary agent of the University in cases referred to it by the Vice President for Student Advancement or his representative. The Committee has appellate jurisdiction by a student from an adverse decision of the Vice President for Student Advancement which directly affects the complainant in his individual capacity. Members: The Committee members shall be selected from a roster composed from the following: twelve faculty members appointed by the Provost; twelve staff members appointed by the Vice President for Student Advancement, six SGA upperclassmen and six underclassmen appointed by the President of the University, and four chairpersons appointed by the Vice President for Student Advancement. Four rotating committees, composed of faculty, staff, students and a chairperson, meet to hear discipline cases involving students.

BIOSAFETY AND RADIONUCLIDES INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE. Purpose: Ensures that all hazards associated with teaching and research are identified, monitored, and controlled. Members: Don Braswell (Chair), Danny Eddy, William Green, Patrick Hindmarsh, Kevin Holly, Melissa Hughes, Thomas Larry, Patrick O’Neal, Ramu Ramachandran, Neven Simicevic, Michael Stroud, and Jay White.

CAMPUS COMPUTING SERVICES COORDINATING COMMITTEE. Purpose: Assess the campus needs for computing services and assign priorities to those needs. Members: (Chair), Jim King, Bala Ramachandran, Sam Wallace, and Mike Colyar.

COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE. Purpose: Reviews activities associated with the graduation ceremony and make appropriate recommendations to the President. Members: Joshua Chovanec, Joseph Mansour, Sara Johnston, William Deese, Chrystal Guin, Gerald Jordan, Jeff Pike, and Ryan Richard .

CONTRACT REVIEW COMMITTEE. Purpose: Reviews all contracts between a state university and a member of its faculty or a company in which faculty members have an ownership interest under specified circumstances, and certify to the Board of Regents, semiannually, that entering into the contract will contribute to economic development of the state and serve the public interest. Members: Les Guice (Chair), Melissa Dobson, Rich Kordal, and Lisa Cole.

COUNCIL OF ACADEMIC DEANS. Purpose: Coordinates academic programs and policies for the University. The Council considers actions taken by the Instructional Policies Committee and the Graduate Council. Recommendations of the Council of Academic Deans are forwarded to the President for consideration and final approval. Members: Provost (Chair), Dean of each academic college, Dean of the Graduate School, Executive Director of Library Services, Associate Vice President (IE, IR, Planning), Assistant Vice President (Academic Advancement & Patnerships), and University Registrar.

ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL. Purpose: Monitors, evaluates, and makes recommendations on matters related to recruiting and retention of undergraduate students. Members: (Chair), Associate Deans for Undergraduate Studies, Student Success Specialists from College of Business and Engineering and Science, Associate Registrar/NCAA Academic Compliance, Associate Registrar/Records & Registration, Computing Center representative, Comptroller’s Office representative (Bursar), Dean of Student Life/Auxiliary Services, Director of Financial Aid, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Director of International Student and Scholar Services, and a student representative.

The RETENTION COMMITTEE is a subcommittee of ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL and consists of all of the Enrollment Management Council members plus the following additional members: College of Education representative, Director of the Career Center, Department of Mathematics representative, General Studies representative, and representatives from the various departments in the Bulldog Achievement Resource Center.

The ACADEMIC RENEWAL COMMITTEE is a subcommittee of the ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL. Members: Joan Edinger (Chair), , Donna Hood, Heath Tims, and  Bob Vento.

The DEVELOPMENTAL SUSPENSION APPEALS COMMITTEE is a subcommittee of the ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT COUNCIL. Members: Stacy Gilbert (Chair), Joan Edinger, Melanie Peel, and the Associate Deans for Undergraduate Studies.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM. Purpose: Provides important information in the event of an emergency or natural disaster that occurs within Louisiana Tech University or the general area and impacts normal university operations. The team works to anticipate emergencies and helps to initiate the appropriate response. Members: Les Guice, Terry McConathy, Jim King, Don Braswell, Ron Cathey, Joshua Chovanec, Dickie Crawford, Bill Davis, Carrie Flournoy, Tonya Oaks Smith, Randal Hermes, Casey Ingram, Annie Jantz, Joe Peel, Sam Speed, Bob Vento, and Sam Wallace.

EQUIPMENT DONATIONS COMMITTEE. Purpose: Reviews all proposed equipment donations to any part of the University (including the Foundation). Members: Jim King, Don Kaczvinsky, Ramu Ramachandran, and Ann White.

FEE COMMITTEE. Purpose: Serves to review proposals regarding University fees and to make recommendations regarding fees to the President and the University of Louisiana System, as appropriate. Members: Provost; Vice President for Student Advancement; Vice President for University Advancement; Vice President for Research and Development; Assistant Vice President for Finance; Assistant Vice President for Administration & Facilities; University Senate representative; and SGA President.

FINANCIAL PLANNING TASK FORCE. Purpose: Advisory group to the President and to the Administrative and Planning Council on budget matters and budget priority funding. Members: President Les Guice, Vice President Terry McConathy, Vice President Jim King, Vice President Brooks Hull, Vice President Stanley Napper, Assistant Vice President Lisa Cole, Assistant Vice President Sam Wallace, SGA President, University Senate President, and Carrie Flournoy.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE. Purpose: Assess the effectiveness of the General Education Requirements as mandated by the Board of Regents and to forward recommendations relative to Tech’s General Education Requirements as appropriate. Members: Jeffery Hankins (Chair),  Dawn Basinger, Rob Blackstock, Janet Pope, Heath Tims, and Bryan Zygmont.

GRADUATE COUNCIL. Purpose: Reviews and recommends proposals for graduate courses and curricula, and may initiate or consider recommendations concerning instructional policies of the Graduate School. Members: Ramu Ramachandran (Chair), Chrystal Guin (Assistant), Jamie Newman, Simone Camel, Donna Johnson, Bruce Alford, Bill Mccumber, Dawn Basinger, Steven Toaddy, Weizhong Dai, Collin Wick, Robert Gehl, Bryan Zygmont, Boris Teske, Sheryl Shoemaker, and Josh Chovanec (ex-officio).

GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE. Purpose: Provides for an independent body to consider the grievances of faculty and other unclassified personnel. This committee is composed of nine selected/elected members and a chairperson (non-voting) appointed by the President of Louisiana Tech University. The Executive Committee of the University Senate shall select six faculty members (one from each College and one from a designated College on a rotating three-year basis) to serve on the University Grievance Committee. The divisions of Louisiana Tech University (Academic Affairs, Research and Development, Finance and Administration, Student Affairs, and University Advancement) shall be represented by three elected representatives to the University Grievance Committee. Only unclassified staff personnel may be elected to represent the divisions. Members: Rob Pullis (Chair), Joe Pullis (Recorder), Bruce Alford, Kim Theodos, Frank Igou, Justin Kavalir, Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez, Sven Eklund, Jeremy Mhire, Elizabeth Womack, and Jennifer Riley.

HEALTH SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Purpose: Addresses collective issues relating to health care education and serves in an advisory capacity to the Provost. Members: Dean of Applied & Natural Sciences (Chair), Representatives of the Departments of Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Kinesiology, Health Informatics and Information Management; Directors of programs in Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD - HUMAN USE COMMITTEE. Purpose: Ensures that the University follows the regulations for the protection of human research subjects as set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services. All research projects involving human subjects, both sponsored and non-sponsored projects, must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board for Use of Human Research Subjects before the research project is initiated as well as periodically during the conduct of the research project. Members: Rich Kordal (Chair), Dena Abbott, Laura Colvin, Marcia Dickerson, Ed Griswold, Rick Hohlt, Kevin Holly, Davy Norris (ex officio), Patrick O’Neal, LaToya Pierce, Doug Postel, Gary Stokley, and Amy Yates.

INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE. Purpose: Oversees the welfare of any animals used in experimental research, their care and facilities, as directed by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health. Members: William Green (Chair), Don Braswell, Kevin Holly, Steven Jones, Yuri Voziyanov, William Wolf, Sumeet Dua (ex oofficio) and one community representative.

INSTRUCTIONAL POLICIES COMMITTEE. Purpose: Considers problems of college life in the areas of courses, curricula, and instruction in undergraduate studies. Also, serves as an instrument of control to avoid course duplication and proliferation. Members: Chairperson elected each September. Two representatives from each academic college, one representative from the library and TECH-Barksdale, a student representative from the SGA, and the University Registrar.

INSURANCE AND RELATED BENEFITS COMMITTEE. Purpose: Periodically reviews and makes recommendations to the President regarding new benefit programs and changes to existing plans in order to keep the University’s fringe benefit program competitive. This Committee is designated as the plan administrator for the University’s Cafeteria (Section 125) Plan. Members: Sheila Trammel (Chair) and all University Vice Presidents

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE. Purpose: Oversight of intellectual property, policies, and procedures for the University. Members: Rich Kordal (Chair), Leon Iasemidis, Justin Kavalir, Gary Kennedy, Jamie Newman, Bob Sweitzer, Jennifer Riley, and a student representative.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC COMMITTEE. Purpose: Responsible for the establishment and annual review of the parking and traffic regulations as set forth in the University “Vehicle Regulations Manual.” This committee is also charged with reviewing appeals, proposals, and recommendations submitted by members of the University community pertaining to parking and traffic concerns. Members: Vice President for Student Advancement or his designee (Chair), Chief of University Police, representative from Division of Student Affairs, representative from the Physical Plant, one representative from each of the five academic colleges, two members of the Student Government Association appointed by the SGA President, and one student Housing Representative and a University Senate representative.

PREMEDICAL/PREDENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Purpose: Advises Premedical and Predental students, conducts personal interviews of applicants to medical and dental school and prepares recommendations for these applicants. Members: William Wolf (Chair), Marilyn Cox, Sven Eklund, Rebecca Giorno-McConnel, Bryant Hollins, Michelle Jimmerson, Steven Jones, D’eane Sheehan, Jeffry Shultz, and Joel Stake.

RESEARCH COUNCIL. Purpose: Coordinates the research activities of the University, strengthens interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research, serves as a vehicle for discussion of problems involving the administration of research projects and grants, recommends to the University administration policies concerning research and other sponsored programs, and fosters, stimulates, and advances the research effort of the University. Members: Sumeet Dua (Chair), Ramu Ramachandran, James Palmer, Lindsey Keith-Vincent, Jamie Newman, Courtney Jarrell, Julie Rutledge, Melinda Bryan, Bryan Zygmont, Selwyn Ellis, Tony Inman, Pedro Derosa, and Dawn Basinger.

SEXUAL ASSAULT TASK FORCE. Purpose: Coordinates with the Board of Regents to ensure the university’s implementation of best practices and policies in order to address the reporting of sexual assult on campus, the prevention of such crimes, and the medical and mental health care needed for victims. Members: Randal Hermes (Chair), Carrie Flournoy, Dickie Crawford, Sheila Trammel, Mary Kay Hungate, Justin Kavalir, Annie Jantz, SGA President, and on faculty member.

SPACE UTILIZATION COMMITTEE. Purpose: Ensures that all campus space is usable by all members of the campus community who can justify its use in total consideration of the nature of the space. Members: Academic Affairs, Office of the Provost, Vice President for Student Advancement, Vice President for Finance, and Associate Vice President for Administration and Facilities.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE. Members: Terry McConathy (Chair), Les Guice, Donald Kaczvinsky, Jim King, Rich Kordal, Davy Norris, Brooks Hull, Tommy McClelland, University Senate President, and SGA President.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTEE. Purpose: Serves as the governing committee for all matters involving student organizations. Members: Director of Student Development (Chair), Faculty/Staff member appointed by the Vice President for Student Advancement, University Senate Representative, Interfraternity Council President, Panhellenic President, SGA President, Chief of University Police, IFC Advisor, Panhellenic Advisor, Director of Multicultural Affairs, and Union Board President.

STUDENT SELF-ASSESSED FEES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. Purpose: Monitors and evaluates the need for student self-assessed fees. Members: One student representing the SGA, one student representing the Union Board, one student representing KLPI, one student representing Multicultural Affairs, one graduate student representing Housing Operations, two faculty members appointed by the President, one staff person representing the Assistant Vice President for Finance, one staff person representing the Assistant Vice President for Administration & Facilities, two staff persons representing the Vice President for Student Advancement, two ex-officio members, and Chief Business Affairs officer and Chief Student Affairs officer.

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY FEE BOARD. Purpose: Serves as the final recommending body for expenditures from the Student Technology Fee. Members: President Leslie K. Guice (Chair), SGA President, SGA Vice-President, Senior Class President, Junior Class President, Sophomore Class President, Freshman Class President, Lisa Cole, Terry McConathy, Mike Colyar, David Hall, Jim King (ex officio), and Carrie Flournoy (ex-officio).

THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM. Purpose: Serves as a central network and clearinghouse for identification and early intervention of students exhibiting indications of extreme distress or those engaging in harmful or disruptive behaviors. Members: Dickie Crawford (Chair), Ron Cathey, Tara Haskins, Randal Hermes, Jim King, and Donna Thomas.

TRADITIONS COMMITTEE. Purpose: Defines the traditions of Louisiana Tech University and enhances the culture of the University. Members: SGA President (Chair), Dickie Crawford, Brooks Hull, Union Board President, University Senate Representative, Library Representative, and Athletic Department Representative.

UNDERGRADUATE ASSOCIATE DEANS COMMITTEE. Purpose:  Helps integrate University policy across colleges, improve communication, and facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation. Members: undergraduate associate deans from each academic college.  Chair is elected by members.

UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE. Purpose: To review unit reports and develop a summary report and feedback for the ADMINISTRATIVE PLANNING COUNCIL. Members: Terry McConathy (Chair), 2 representatives from each college; 2 representatives each from VP Academic Affairs, VP Student Affairs, VP Finance, and AVP Administration.

UNIVERSITY BRANDING AND LICENSING COMMITTEE. Purpose: To support and advise the Department of University Communications in matters related to the licensing, merchandising, and reproduction of official Louisiana Tech visual marks (i.e. logos, institutional and athletics team names/references, photographic and video images, etc.). Members: Tonya Oaks Smith (Chair), Elena Parker, Marco Born, Tom Soto, Barnes & Noble representative, and a CLC representative.

UNIVERSITY CATALOG COMMITTEE. Purpose: Charged with the responsibility to review the catalog to insure accuracy of approved policies and procedures prior to printing. Members: Bob Vento (Chair), Adam Abercrombie, Dawn Basinger, Aimee Baxter, Joshua Chovanec, Jen Cowden, Richard Crawford, Tree George, Stacy Gilbert, Courtney Jarrell, Barry Morales, Janet Pope, Sam Speed, Heath Tims, Collin Wick, Bryan Zygmont, and a Student Representative.

UNIVERSITY COMPUTING POLICY AND PLANNING COUNCIL. Purpose: Makes final decisions concerning the allocation of computer related resources for the University. Members: Les Guice (Chair), Jim King, Terry McConathy, Davy Norris, Lisa Cole, and Sam Wallace.

UNIVERSITY HONOR COUNCIL. Purpose: Provides due process in cases involving violations of the Louisiana Tech University Honor Code. Members: Three faculty members appointed by the Provost; one staff member appointed by the Vice President for Student Advancement; five students with three being upper-class undergraduates appointed by the SGA President, and 2 graduate students appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School; and one faculty chairperson appointed by the Provost.

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Purpose: Studies library needs in view of the academic program and advises the Director of Libraries on matters of general library policy, the development of library resources, and upon means which may integrate the library program with other academic activities of the University. The Committee serves as a liaison group between the faculty and the Library. Members: Angela Dunnington (Chair), Laura Flurry, Daphne Jewell, Mary Livingston, Mike Luehlfing, Taylor Mack, Teresa Murray, Ramu Ramachandran, Amy Vessel, Steve Webre, a Librarian from Prescott Memorial Library (rotates), one undergraduate student and one graduate student.

UNIVERSITY REACCREDITATION LEADERSHIP TEAM. Purpose: Assessment and self-study leadership panel for reaccreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Members: President Leslie K. Guice (Chair), Provost Terry M. McConathy, Sheryl S. Shoemaker (SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison), Carrie M. Flournoy (Executive Assistant, Title IX, and Compliance Coordinator).

UNIVERSITY SAFETY COMMITTEE. Purpose: Reviews and recommends the adoption of University safety standards. The Committee works through safety representatives to inform departments of new procedures and to assist in the implementation of safety regulations. Members: Environmental Safety Officer (Chair), Director of Nuclear Center, Director of Physical Plant, Director of Human Resources, Department Head of Chemistry, Director of the School of Biological Sciences, Director of University Housing, Chief of University Police, Director of the Division of Nursing, and AVP Administration.

UNIVERSITY SENATE. Purpose: Promotes the general welfare of the University; discusses and expresses views on matters of general concern to the faculty; effectively communicates between the faculty and the administration; initiates policy proposals; makes recommendations on policy proposals submitted to it by the administrative officials of the University; and requests, through appropriate channels, from the administrative officials of the University, information which might influence policies and recommendations of the Senate. Members: The membership includes elected representatives from the Faculty who are employed full time and professional personnel engaged in Specialized Academic Services. Members shall serve for a term of three years.

UNIVERSITY SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMMITTEE. Purpose: Hears and considers testimony and other relevant evidence to make findings of fact, to determine whether the University’s policy on sexual harassment has been violated, and if so to recommend appropriate relief and disciplinary action(s). Members: James M. King (Chair), Dickie Crawford, Randal Hermes, Sheila Trammel, Mary Kay Hungate, Justin Kavalir, Annie Jantz, and Carrie Flournoy (ex officio).

UNIVERSITY TENURED FACULTY COMMITTEE. Purpose: Provides due process in cases involving action taken by the University which could result in the discharge, termination of contract, or demotion in rank of a tenured faculty member. Members:  (Chair), Jeffery Hankins, Donna Hood, Tony Inman, University Senate President, and University Senate Vice President.

UNIVERSITY TOUR COMMITTEE. Purpose: Ensures that any tour recommended by the University falls within the mission of the University, that is, teaching, research and public service. Members: Don Kaczvinsky (Chair), Dan Erickson, Lisa Cole, Sam Wallace, and SGA President.

WORKLIFE POLICY COMMITTEE. Purpose: