The Academic Senate offers several resources to assist faculty in the resolution of conflicts on campus. Conflicts may arise over regulation, policy or procedural interpretations, interpersonal disagreements, or academic differences. Senate members provide support for other faculty experiencing conflict, from confidential consultation and informal mediation, to case preparation and formal hearing.
The three primary conflict resolution resources that the Senate provides are: the Faculty Ombudspersons, the Panel of Counselors, and the Committee on Privilege and Tenure. The scope and duties of each of these committees is outlined in the following sections.
- The Panel of Counselors is the appropriate contact point for matters related to: grievances for violations of the Faculty Code of Conduct and the rights and privileges protected under that code; disciplinary actions being charged against you; or cases of proposed termination of employment (for Senate and non-Senate faculty).
- All other types of conflict (e.g., disputes between faculty members) should contact the Faculty Ombudspersons as your first point of contact for advice.
- The Committee on Privilege and Tenure is specifically empaneled to adjudicate formal grievances, disciplinary charges, and early termination cases. For the sake of protecting unbiased proceedings, they should not be a resource of advice for faculty beyond any questions regarding procedures.
While members of these committees may be available to provide confidential consultations, they do remain Responsible Employees as described under the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy.