School of Continuing Studies (SCS)

PREAMBLE

Under the authority of the President and the Board of Directors, the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) has the mission to serve adult, part-time, and summer learners seeking to transform their lives and careers by offering degree programs, credit and non-credit courses, certificates, and special programs in non-traditional contexts. Drawing on advanced learning technologies and the faculty expertise of a world-class university, SCS is responsible for extending the overall mission of Georgetown University to people living in greater Washington and beyond.

To accomplish this mission, the President and the Board of Directors authorize the creation of the system of governance for the SCS as specified in this document.

GOVERNANCE

I. THE DEAN

The Dean of the School of Continuing Studies shall be appointed by the President with the concurrence of the Board of Directors and after consultation with the Provost, the Executive Faculty of the Main Campus, the Faculty Senate, and the Decanal Search Committee.

The Dean is the academic and administrative head of the School of Continuing Studies with responsibilities and powers as follows:

The Dean shall report to the Provost for the proper conduct and administration, the development, and improvement of the School. The Dean shall have the obligation of carrying out all relevant University and SCS policies.
The Dean shall submit to relevant officers of the University recommendations and suggestions from the School of Continuing Studies on matters of concern to the School of Continuing Studies.
The Dean shall be responsible and advocate for the development and implementation of innovative non-traditional education programs that foster the mission of the university.
The Dean shall hold membership on all University committees which are directly concerned with policies or problems involving the School of Continuing Studies, with the exception of committees charged with reviewing the School of Continuing Studies and the search committee for the School of Continuing Studies Deanship.
The Dean shall be responsible for preparing and administering the annual budget for the School of Continuing Studies.
The Dean shall chair the Executive Committee.
The Dean shall have the authority and responsibility to appoint such ad hoc committees as may be necessary for the furtherance of the objectives of the School of Continuing Studies. The Executive Committee shall be informed of such committees and their charges, as appropriate.
The Dean shall have the authority and responsibility to appoint the associate deans of the divisions of the School of Continuing Studies.
In accordance with the policies of the University and after duly considering the recommendations of program directors, the Dean shall have final responsibility for the selection and admission of students, appropriate action in cases of unsatisfactory student progress, and the presentation of candidates for degrees and certificates as appropriate.
The Dean shall represent the University in the various associations which are concerned with non-traditional student education, and on such other occasions as may be designated by the President or requested by the Provost.
The Dean shall supervise preparation of material for the School of Continuing Studies Catalogue, the School of Continuing Studies Website, and all other official publications and representations of the School of Continuing Studies, and approve the final versions.
The Dean shall plan and direct or supervise studies of particular problems within the school and shall regularly report pertinent results to the Provost and the Executive Committee of the School of Continuing Studies.
The Dean shall at least once each semester of the regular academic year report to and discuss with the Provost and the Executive Committee the state of the School of Continuing Studies on such matters as enrollments, marketing, operational, organizational and financial performance and other matters of direct interest to the success of School of Continuing Studies and its divisions.
The Dean shall be a full member of the Council of Deans.

II. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

A. Responsibilities

The Executive Committee of the School of Continuing Studies is the principal policy making body of the School of Continuing Studies.

B. Membership

Ex Officio, with full privileges: The Dean (Chair) and Provost.
Six members of either the Main Campus faculty or the SCS teaching staff. Four are appointed by the Dean of SCS in consultation with the associate deans of the divisions. Two are appointed by the Executive Faculty of the Main Campus. At least half of these appointees of the Dean and the Executive Faculty of the Main Campus have to be tenure-line faculty members at Georgetown University. Term of office shall be three years, renewable for one term. In order to stagger terms of office, half of the appointees shall be for an initial two years.
Two full-time faculty members appointed by the Faculty Senate. Term of office shall be three years.
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Executive Committee shall appoint one full-time faculty member. Term of office shall be three years.
In the event that any member of the Executive Committee cannot attend a meeting, he or she may designate a replacement who shall have full privileges.

Replacements for members unable to serve their full terms shall be filled by the same process as regular membership and serve the same term.

C. Meetings of the Executive Committee

The Dean shall call at least two meetings of the Executive Committee each semester of the academic year.
The meeting agenda shall normally be set by the Dean. Any member of the Executive Committee may place an item on the agenda, to be considered not later than the meeting following placement of the agenda item.
Special meetings may be called at the request of one of the following: the President, the Provost, the Dean, or any three members of the Executive Committee.
Six members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

D. Committees

The Dean may create subcommittees of the Executive Committee.

E. Specific Responsibilities

The Executive Committee oversees the quality of all credit programs of the School of Continuing Studies.

In particular, the Executive Committee:

Establishes guidelines for the external and internal review of existing programs or divisions. External reviews of programs and divisions should be conducted at regular intervals. If the external review of a program or division reveals serious problems, the Executive Committee shall conduct its own review.
If the Dean, the Provost, or the Executive Committee determines that a particular program should be reviewed at some time other than on the occasion of a scheduled periodic review, the Executive Committee shall examine the program or division. If necessary, the Committee can call for an ad hoc external review (i.e., one prior to the next regularly scheduled review).
Reviews proposals for new credit programs, divisions, and policy, and recommends either acceptance or rejection of proposals. The Executive Committee shall establish guidelines for the review of proposals. In cases where the Dean does not accept the recommendation of the Executive Committee, reasons for the decision shall be given in writing to the Executive Committee.
Advises the Dean on significant alterations of existing programs or divisions.
Conducts all general program reviews and has the authority to request specific reports on the marketing, operational, organizational, and financial performance of SCS and its divisions.

AMENDMENTS

Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be received by the Executive Committee of the School of Continuing Studies. If passed by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee, the amendment(s) shall be forwarded through the Provost to the President and the Board of Directors for final decision.

Last amended June 4, 2015