The Committee on Privilege and Tenure provides the most formal level of conflict resolution. The committee hears complaints from officers of instruction regarding various matters of academic privilege, appointment, tenure, and promotion. The Committee on Privilege and Tenure has jurisdiction over three categories of cases:
- grievance cases, in which a member of the Senate claims injury through the violation of his/her rights and privileges covered under the Faculty Code of Conduct;
- disciplinary cases, in which a member of the Senate is accused of having violated the Faculty Code of Conduct; and
- early termination cases, in which a Senate or non-Senate faculty member challenges that there is good cause for his/her early termination.
In cases of personnel review involving tenure, promotion, or reappointment, such grievances may be based only on allegations: (a) that the procedures were not in consonance with the applicable rules and requirements of the University or any of its Divisions, and/or (b) that the challenged decision was reached on the basis of impermissible criteria, including --but not limited to-- race, sex, or political conviction. The committee is empowered to determine the validity of the grievances under (a) or (b) but is not empowered to re-evaluate the academic qualifications or professional competence of the grievant.
The hearing process is outlined in the systemwide Academic Senate Bylaws 335 – 337The process is initiated by submitting a complaint in writing to the chair of the committee. A member of the Panel of Counselors can assist faculty in the preparation of the complaint. Faculty members should consult the Faculty Ombudspersons and the Panel of Counselors before submitting a formal complaint to the Committee on Privilege and Tenure.
Each committee member has agreed to abide by the Committee's recusal policy in the event that their ability to serve on a case demonstrates a conflict of interest.