ARTICLE I - Name

The name of this organization shall be "FACULTY SENATE"
HEREINAFTER referred to as the SENATE.

ARTICLE II - Purpose

The purpose of the SENATE is to represent the faculty of
Texas State Technical College, Harlingen Campus, and
to provide a means for the faculty to work with the Campus
Administration in the planning, decision making, and
implementing, of college goals and objective. By mutual efforts,
better communication, cooperation, and understanding will
result in a stronger and growing college.

ARTICLE III - Objectives

Section 1:

To enable faculty members to participate in the governance of Texas State Technical College.

To provide an orderly process for improving educational programs.

To enable faculty members to participate in the planning, decision making, and implementation of policies and procedures involving instructional programs.

To provide an orderly process for improving communication, understanding, cooperation and unity within the college

Section 2:

These objectives shall not be construed as limiting the authority of the administration, nor to discharge the authority and responsibilities delegated to the administration by the Board of Regents.

The SENATE constitutes the principal faculty advocacy body with the college.

ARTICLE IV - Organization

Section 1:

The SENATE, through elected representation, will work with the Campus Administration in the development of the policies, procedures, guidlines, priorities, instruments, curriculum, and facilities, and will assist in the implementation thereof.

Section 2:

The SENATE will establish an internal structure consisting of an Executive Committee, Standing Committees, and Ad Hoc Committees to accomplish the purposes of the SENATE.

Section 3:

The SENATE will hold regularly scheduled open meetings to consider matters of general interest or concern. The SENATE will also consider items submitted in writing by any faculty member. Any faculty member may attend SENATE meetings and may be allowed to participate in the meeting at the pleasure of the SENATE, but shall not vote on any matter put before the SENATE.

Section 4:

Membership of the SENATE shall not exceed sixteen (16) members. Members shall be selected according to the provisions of the SENATE By Laws.

Section 5:

Members elected to serve on the SENATE shall serve two year terms. Terms shall be staggered so that the terms of one-half of the SENATE members expire each year.

ARTICLE V - Adoption & Amendments

Section 1:

This Constitution shall be adopted and become effective immediately upon its adoption by the faculty by a majority vote of the faculty voting by secret ballot.

Section 2:

Amendments to this Constitution shall become effective upon adoption by a majority vote of the faculty voting by secret ballot or by a two-thirds vote of the total membership of the SENATE. All SENATE votes on amendments shall be by roll call vote of the SENATE members.

Section 3:

Proposals for an amendment, or amendments, to the Constitution must be presented to the faculty at least one month in advance of the vote.