Shared Governance groups in CLAS

The University of Iowa and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have a long tradition of shared governance through which our on-campus community consults with and advises administrators, shaping the policies and processes that affect us all. 

Shared governance ensures that diverse perspectives and a collective wisdom inform our actions, providing a strong foundation for the success of our institution. CLAS faculty, staff, and students have opportunities through appointed committee service and elected governance bodies to understand issues facing the College and University and to contribute to the decision-making process.

The Executive Committee, composed of the Dean and of nine members elected from and by the tenured Faculty of the Electoral Voting Groups, advises the Dean on administrative decisions, faculty welfare, and college policies. They also oversee departmental reviews, faculty appointments, and the establishment or disestablishment of programs. More information is available in the Manual of Policy and Procedure and current membership will be listed on the CLAS Resource Site.

The purpose of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Staff Council is to provide a venue for staff members to participate in collegiate and university-level shared governance. The CLAS Staff Council:

  • facilitates communication within and between the academic and service divisions about challenges to staff members
  • advises the Dean on collegiate policies and decisions that affect staff
  • provides a conduit for staff to voice concerns to CLAS administration
  • recognizes staff members for their service
  • ensures staff involvement in committees and discussions that affect the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences represented staff

The Faculty Assembly is the representative body of the faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at the University of Iowa. It serves as a forum for discussing and making recommendations on academic and professional concerns of the faculty, including faculty welfare, educational policies, curriculum, diversity, and facilities. The Faculty Assembly is composed of elected faculty members from various disciplines and representatives from departments and units within CLAS. More information is available in the Manual of Policy and Procedure and current membership will be listed on the CLAS Resource site.

The Undergraduate Educational Policy and Curriculum Committee (UEPCC) is a committee within the University of Iowa's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) responsible for overseeing undergraduate educational policies and curriculum. They review and make recommendations on proposals for new courses, curriculum changes, and general education requirements. The UEPCC also plays a role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of undergraduate education within CLAS. More information is available in the Manual of Policy and Procedure and current membership will be listed on the CLAS Resource site.

The Graduate Educational Policy Committee (GEPCC) advises and assists the dean and associate deans in formulating policies and procedures related to graduate programs. The GEPCC's responsibilities include making recommendations on curriculum, teaching, graduate student welfare, degree programs, admissions standards, and evaluating the success of graduate programs. It also monitors and evaluates the success of graduate programs and advises on graduate student funding proposals. More information is available in the Manual of Policy and Procedure and current membership will be listed on the CLAS Resource site.