| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.81 |
| Liaison | Christa Rieck |
| Submission Date | Jan. 4, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Houston
PA-3: Participatory Governance
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 3.00 |
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Part 1
Yes
Do the institution’s students have an elected representative on the institution’s highest governing body?:
Yes
If yes to either of the above, provide:
The Student Government Association (SGA) is a duly elected body of student representatives through which the student body can influence and change policies, which all students can participate in.
http://www.uh.edu/sga/
In 2018 UH SGA voted on a bill to remove styrofoam from the campus Chick-fil-a, as well as pushed for fair wages for university staff.
http://thedailycougar.com/2018/09/19/wages-sga-supports/
The Sustainability Advisory Committee has student appointees from SGA that serve as voting members. Additionally,the committee accepts open nominations from all students. All nominations are reviewed by the Sustainability Manager and Assistant Vice President for University Services. The AVP for University of Services then appoints two students to the task force from the open nominations pool.
http://www.uh.edu/af-university-services/sustainability/campus-initiatives/Sustainability%20Committee/
The UH System Student Regent is a student body representative nominated by the Student Government Association that has the same powers and duties as the members of the board of regents of the system, including the right to attend and participate in meetings of the board of regents, except that the student regent: (1) may not vote on any matter before the board or make or second any motion before the board; and (2) is not counted in determining whether a quorum exists for a meeting of the board or in determining the outcome of any vote of the board.
https://www.uh.edu/studentregent/
http://www.uhsystem.edu/board-of-regents/board-members/teoh/index.php
Do the institution’s staff members have a representative body through which they can participate in governance (e.g. a staff council)?:
Yes
Do the institution’s non-supervisory staff members have an elected representative on the institution’s highest governing body?:
No
If yes to either of the above, provide:
The University of Houston Staff Council is an advisory body to the President of the University and the University administration. Staff Council consists of elected staff members from each division who represent the entire staff body; Only benefits eligible staff can run for office and vote in elections. Council representatives participate on a variety of standing university advisory committees including the Sustainability Task Force.
More information at: uh.edu/sc
Do the institution’s teaching and research faculty have a representative body through which they can participate in governance (e.g. a faculty senate)?:
Yes
Do the institution’s teaching and research faculty have an elected representative on the institution’s highest governing body? :
No
If yes to either of the above, provide:
The Faculty Senate is the governing body for UH faculty. A statement from the Faculty Senate Constitution: "Shared governance is the collective commitment of the faculty and administration at the University of Houston to work cooperatively, together with other University constituencies, to achieve a common vision of excellence for the University.
Faculty Senate sends weekly informational mailings to all faculty. It operates its own website which provides contact information for all the Senate officers and committees. Faculty Senate meetings are open to all and notice of meetings is sent to all faculty.
More information at: fs.uh.edu
Part 2
No
A copy of the written policies and procedures:
The policies and procedures:
For capital projects, UH has a Campus Facilities Planning Committee (CFPC) composed of UH faculty, students, and staff. The facilities, construction and master planning committee has oversight of policy and performance related to the physical assets, including reviewing the Chancellor's recommendations on capital priorities. It also provides oversight of physical master plans for each location. Campus and external stakeholders are engaged through the committee for projects impacting the campus and surrounding community. Community members engage the committee
CFPC protocol is to regularly engage with the local municipality (City of Houston), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County regarding the development of the campus as it pertains to planning, transportation, and on-going capital projects. Additionally, representatives from the UH Real Estate department meet with surrounding community members through town halls to discuss capital projects or land acquisitions that affect the communities.
http://www.uh.edu/af/committees/facplan.htm
The committee is reviewing the current bylaws and proposing policy changes. The current bylaws are attached.
Does the institution have formal participatory or shared governance bodies through which community members representing the interests of the following stakeholder groups can regularly participate in institutional governance?:
| Yes or No | |
| Local government and/or educational organizations | No |
| Private sector organizations | Yes |
| Civil society (e.g. NGOs, NPOs) | Yes |
If yes to one or more of the above, provide:
Private Sector:
The Energy Advisory Board engages industry experts and leaders to advance energy education and research. The Energy Advisory Board is a volunteer board appointed by President Renu Khator. The Energy Advisory Board lends strategic guidance, external coordination, and resource development for UH Energy, and strengthens the University of Houston’s reputation across the industry. Members participate in committees to develop and to execute actionable plans in the areas of energy education, innovative research, and technology incubation. The focus is on four core areas: 1) upstream, 2) midstream and downstream, 3) alternative energy, and 4) environmental sustainability. Members include representatives and executives from energy companies located in Houston. The board reports directly to the UH President.
http://www.uh.edu/uh-energy/about-uh-energy/advisory-board/
Civil Society:
The University of Houston’s Board of Visitors is a leadership group of private sector opinion leaders and University advocates that serves to advance the University of Houston and improve the University’s image in Houston and throughout the region. Board of Visitors members represent a broad array of expertise, interests and connections and serve as ambassadors and strategic partners for the University. Members include representatives from religious groups, foundations, and other NPOs. The board reports directly to the UH President.
http://www.uh.edu/board-of-visitors/
https://www.uh.edu/president/office/
Optional Fields
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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