1. Authority

The committee functions under the authority of the Ê×Ò³| Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Faculty Senate as provided in Section 8 of the Faculty Senate Constitution and Sections 5 and 6 of the Faculty Senate Bylaws.

2. Membership

Membership of the committee is determined by Section 5 of the Faculty Senate Bylaws. Membership of the committee may only be altered by a vote of the Faculty Senate.

3. Operational Procedures

  • 3.1 - Meetings are scheduled regularly during the Fall and Spring semesters, usually no less than monthly.
  • 3.2 - Members of the committee who are unable to attend shall send a proxy and complete the appropriate paperwork for substitution.
  • 3.3 - Members who are absent more than two meetings without sending a proxy may be removed and replaced.
  • 3.4 - A quorum shall be 6 members for consideration of policy issues and petitions
  • 3.5 - A simple majority vote is required for action.
  • 3.6 - The Chair will submit to the Faculty Senate an annual report on the activities of the committee.

4. General Functions

The committee’s responsibilities are defined broadly in Section:

  • 4.1 - The committee shall periodically review policy regarding general education, recommending revisions in the current policy whenever desirable. It shall also be responsible for:
    • 4.1.1 - Ruling on exemptions to the general education requirements and if necessary granting modifications in the core requirements sufficient to restore previously existing graduation requirements in programs, departments, or colleges.
    • 4.1.2 - Reviewing content areas in the general education core, adding or deleting courses or content as necessary
    • 4.1.3 - Monitoring the general education program to ensure appropriate implementation.
  • 4.2 - The committee considers individual petitions in a timely manner. Decisions on petitions are forwarded by the Chair to the Faculty Senate Secretary.
  • 4.3 - Evaluation of transfer courses that do not correspond to specific UNLV courses for general education credit shall be conducted by the Registrar’s Office under the direction of the General Education Committee. Those decisions can be appealed to the General Education Committee.
  • 4.4 - The committee considers UNLV Faculty/Department/College petitions requesting that (non-transfer) courses be accepted as alternate UNLV core general education courses. The following criteria and procedures are observed:
    • 4.4.1 - The course must be an approved course (listed in UNLV catalog or accepted by the UNLV Curriculum Committee).
    • 4.4.2 - The committee must be notified 14 days in advance of presenting petition
    • 4.4.3 - No action will be taken at the meeting when petition is first presented
    • 4.4.4 - Committee members will obtain feedback from their respective colleges prior to voting.

5. Delegation to the Chair

  • 5.1 - Power is given to the Chair to provide prompt response where required.
  • 5.2 - If an issue for which there is an established policy or precedent is brought to the committee, the Chair or their designee is authorized and instructed to act for the committee.
  • 5.3 - The Chair may consult with the membership electronically before taking action.
  • 5.4 - If an issue demanding immediate action is not covered by established policy or precedent, the Chair is empowered to call an emergency meeting, securing the participation of those voting members available. Any action taken, and the reason therefore, will be reported to the full Committee at the next regular meeting for discussion, possible changes and final approval.