At the turn of the 20th century, when the university was young, the faculty's business could be transacted quite satisfactorily in general meetings and presidential committees. In the 1960's, however, the need for faculty governance became obvious. The President of the University, Ernest W. Hartung, expressed great confidence in the faculty and urged it to assume the responsibilities given to it by the territorial legislature and the state constitution, which entrusted "the immediate government of the University of Idaho to the faculty." The tradition that the faculty, the president and the regents are jointly responsible for governing the University of Idaho has continued to the present.
Faculty Senate
The senate is empowered to act for faculty in all matters pertaining to the immediate government of the university. The senate is responsible to, and reports to, the faculty and, through the president, to the regents. Visit the Faculty Senate website for more information.
Staff Council
Staff Council advocates for staff by working with university administration in the development and/or revision of university policies, employment benefits and other matters where staff are directly affected. Learn more by visiting the Staff Council website.
Faculty Staff Handbook (FSH)
The Faculty Staff Handbook contains policies that cover many areas affecting students, faculty and staff, including both educational and employment (governance, evaluations, consulting, etc.) issues.
Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
The Administrative Procedures Manual contains policies and/or procedures that provide criteria, guidance and instructions for properly conducting and complying with institutional financial, administrative and select operational requirements.
University Committees
The effective operation of faculty governance at the University of Idaho depends on the willingness of faculty and staff members to take an active role in university-level committees. The function and structure of each of the committees are described in the Faculty Staff Handbook, Sections 1620 and 1640. You may also visit the University Committees website for a summary of each committee and a roster of its members.
Institutional Planning and Effectiveness Committee (IPEC)
Formed as part of the university’s 2015-2025 Strategic Plan, IPEC advises the President and the State Board of Education on a variety of matters, and coordinates multiple processes to ensure progress toward meeting the goals and aspirations of the plan. Learn more about IPEC and the Program Prioritization process mandated by the Idaho State Board of Education.