Faculty Governance Unit
Understanding the Role of the County Department Head and the Role of the Faculty Governance Unit Chair 
Annual Review Processes for Faculty
Guidance Document When the Department/Unit Head is Not the FGU Chair
Article 4 — The Faculty Governance Unit
-- Agenda
-- Audio Archive
Announcements
In 2009, the Board of Regents approved a change in the UW-Extension Articles of Faculty Governance, which affects the faculty governance structure at the local level.
1. Historically, nearly all of the educators in a county office were faculty members. They would annually cast an advisory ballot indicating their preference for unit chair, and the District Director, in consultation with the County Extension Committee, would appoint an office chair. That practice was consistent with Faculty Governance Article 4, so at the county level, the administrative unit for governance purposes, and the county office for administrative purposes, were operating essentially as a single entity.
2. Over time, there has been a decoupling of faculty governance and administration in the county extension office. County Educators are not exclusively faculty. County Department Heads are not exclusively faculty.
3. Article 4 has been updated to recognize that, and to better define the faculty governance structure at the local level.
4. Change of name – formerly the "administrative unit" is now known as the "Faculty Governance Unit."
5. Election of the chair – formerly an advisory recommendation to administration, now an election by the faculty in the unit.
6. Designation of the unit – formerly the Chancellor defined the administrative unit, now the faculty (UC) define the Faculty Governance Unit
7.
FGU's are subunits of faculty governance, created by formal action of the faculty, and as such are governmental bodies subject to the open meetings law. FGU agendas should be send to judy.ballweg@uwex.edu at least 24 hours prior to the meeting for proper posting of the meeting.
Sample Agenda #1
Sample Agenda #2
Key Points
1. FGU has authority to make recommendations and provide input regarding:
- Appointments
- Non-renewals
- Dismissals
- Rank and promotion
- Salaries
2. FGU elect their own chair – not advisory – could be the County Department Head, but doesn't have to be.
3. Currently no stipend for FGU chair role.
4. Chair election must be held by March 1 – takes office July 1.
5. Small units can be combined – University Committee currently considering 7 FGUs with two or more counties
Election Process
Email announcement to all faculty – will include a ballot
Faculty meet to discuss FGU leadership
Faculty may choose to:
- select a chair and report the results to Secretary of the Faculty
- submit individual ballots to the Secretary and await results