On November 26, 1890, by act of the General Assembly, the state of Georgia "established in connection with the State University, and forming one of the departments thereof, a school for the education and training of Negro students." The Commission on the School for Negro Students was established as Board of Trustees and directed to procure the grounds and buildings and to prescribe a curriculum to include studies required by the Morrill Land Grant Acts of 1862 and 1890. The school held a preliminary session during the summer of 1891, in Athens, Georgia. The following year it moved to its present site in Savannah and was named the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth.

Major Richard R. Wright was appointed the first president. He served until 1921. Since that time, the institution has enjoyed the tenure of numerous distinguished individuals in that post: C. G. Wiley (1921-1926), Benjamin F. Hubert (1926-1927), James A. Colston (1947-1949), W. K. Payne (acting then permanent, 1949-1963), Timothy C. Myers (acting, 1963), Dr. Howard Jordan, Jr. (1963-1971), Dr. Prince A. Jackson, Jr., (1971-1978), Dr. Clyde W. Hall (acting, 1978-1980), Dr. Wendell G. Rayburn (1980-1988), Dr. Wiley S. Bolden (acting, 1988-1989), Dr. William E. Gardner, Jr., (1989-1991), Dr. Annette K. Brock (acting, 1991-1993), Dr. John T. Wolfe, Jr., (1993-1997), and Dr. Carlton Brown (1997).

The institution has undergone many changes during the hundred plus years of its existence. After its inception as a land grant institution with a high school curriculum, it added a normal, that is, teacher training department. It admitted women students as boarders in 1921 and conducted its first summer session in 1922. The school became a four-year college operating as a unit of the University System of Georgia in 1931, and began offering bachelor’s degree programs. The institution ceased to be a land grant institution in 1947 and was renamed Savannah State College in 1950. At that time the curriculum was expanded and the college became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A graduate studies program in elementary education was initiated in 1968. In 1971 and 1973, respectively, the college was accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Engineers Council for Professional Development. In 1979, in compliance with a desegregation plan, the Division of Education moved from Savannah State to Armstrong and the Division of Business moved from Armstrong to Savannah State. The institution adopted its current organization plan of three schools (now colleges) during this time. The undergraduate social work program was accredited in the 1980's, and a master’s degree in public administration was first offered in 1986. The faculty approved the creation of a faculty senate in 1996. The institution achieved university status during that year 1996 and changed its name to Savannah State University.

Chartered by the State of Georgia in 1890 as a department of the State University for the education and training of Negro students, Savannah State University now serves a diverse student population as a senior college of the University System of Georgia. The University serves a primarily African-American student population enriched by a diversity of traditional and non-traditional students from other countries, cultures, and races.

The university mission is to graduate students prepared to perform at higher levels of economic productivity, social responsibility and excellence in their chosen field of endeavor in a changing global community. This educational goal is realized through program offerings in the College of Business, the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and the College of Sciences and Technology, which lead to associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.

Savannah State University, located in a coastal, urban, port city setting, serves residential and commuter students from diverse educational, geographical and racial backgrounds. In a beautiful and unique setting of a live oak forest next to a salt marsh estuary, the university is well situated for the study of commercial, technological, environmental and urban issues. The university mission is consistent with the core missions of the University System of Georgia and the state universities in the system.

Savannah State University shares with the University System of Georgia the following characteristics:

• a supportive campus climate, necessary services, and leadership development opportunities, all to educate the whole person and meet the needs of students, faculty and staff;
• cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in faculty, staff, student body, supported by practices and programs that embody the ideals of an open, democratic and global society;
• technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education;
• collaborative relationships with other system institutions, state agencies, local schools, and technical institutes, and business and industry, sharing physical, human, information and other resources to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.

Savannah State University shares with other state universities in the University System of Georgia these characteristics:

• a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within the scope of influence defined by the needs of an area of the state, and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics that have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;
• a commitment to the teaching/learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional excellence, serves a diverse and college-prepared student body, promotes high levels of student achievement, offers academic assistance, and provides learning support programs for a limited student cohort;
• a commitment to a high quality general education program supporting a variety of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and professional programming at the baccalaureate level, with selected master’s and educational specialist’s degrees, and selected associate degree programs based on area need and/or interinstitutional collaborations;
• a commitment to public service, continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities that address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational level within the university’s scope of influence;
• a commitment to scholarly and creative work to enhance instructional effectiveness and to encourage faculty scholarly pursuits, and a commitment to applied research in selected areas of institutional strength and area need.

The continuing commitment of Savannah State University to academic excellence is expressed through the following characteristics:

• the tradition of serving the educational needs of African-American students as well as those of all other students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or culture;
• the historical tradition as an African-American institution which defines the university as a unique cultural and educational resource for the interpretation and transmission of the African-American legacy;
• the guiding principle of the faculty and staff, which is service to students expressed by quality, student-centered instruction, scholarship, research and effective support services that nurture the intellect and value honesty and human sensitivity;
• a high quality general education offered through the core curriculum in humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social and behavioral science;
• associate degree offerings in technology, baccalaureate degree offerings with a dynamic mix of liberal arts programs that address the study of the humanities, the social sciences and the sciences; professional programs that address the study of commerce, entrepreneurship, communications, social services, technology and environmental sustainability; master’s degree offerings that address the study of the social and behavioral sciences, and natural sciences; and initiatives to provide new programs and levels of service to meet the ever-changing needs of a coastal urban area;
• a commitment to excellence in the area of engineering technology;
• learning support services that provide educational access and opportunity for students, and service programs, offered singly and collaboratively, to enhance student satisfaction and academic success;
• an active community service function that is carried out through collaborative partnerships with business, private and governmental agencies, public schools and other institutions in the university system.

Savannah State University intends to increase the scope and quality of service to diverse populations by focusing and developing an array of excellent and accessible programs supported and delivered through instructional technology and distance education to all who seek our programs and services.

The charter of the Board of Regents consists of the original charter of the Trustees of the University of Georgia as approved in the Act of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia on January 27, 1785, and modified by a subsequent Act of the General Assembly in 1931. The Board of Regents consists of one member from each congressional district in the state and five additional members from the state at large, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The term of office of each member is seven years. The Board of Regents has the exclusive authority to create new public colleges in the state subject to approval by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The government, control, and management of the University System of Georgia and of all of the institutions of the system are vested in the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

As the chief administrative officer of the university, the president is the chief spokesperson for the institution, and provides leadership in setting goals, in the initiation of new programs, and in the implementation of existing programs. Among other duties, powers, and responsibilities, the president shall:

1. Be the ex-officio chairperson of the faculty and faculty senate and preside at meetings of both groups;
2. Exercise such supervision and direction as will promote the efficiency of the work of every school and department of the university, insuring its proper management and operation within the policies and procedures of the Board of Regents;
3. Be the official medium of communication between the faculty and students and the Board of Regents;
4. Prepare the annual report of the programs and needs of the university for the Board of Regents;
5. Prepare the annual budget for presentation to the Board of Regents;
6. Recommend to the Board of Regents suitable persons to fill vacancies, and, in cases of exigency, make appointments subject to the confirmation of the Board of Regents;
7. Recommend to the Board of Regents, leaves of absence for faculty members, either with or without pay;
8. Confer degrees and certificates upon recommendation of the faculty;
9. Appoint special or standing committees other than those appointed by the faculty senate to advise regarding the administration of the university or to assist in the performance of his/her duties;
10. Have suspensive veto power over any legislative action of the faculty or any council or committee; provided that on the exercise of such veto power, the presiding officer of such body may request the president to explain his/her reasons for the veto;
11. Have the authority to execute and deliver on behalf of the Board of Regents research or service agreements between the university, as a unit of the University System of Georgia, and other agencies of state government or any political subdivision of the state of Georgia, whereby the institution, for monetary compensation or other good and valuable consideration, agrees to perform certain institution-oriented research or other personal services for another state agency or political subdivision of the state of Georgia within a time period of one year or less. Copies of such agreements shall be promptly forwarded to the Board of Regents;
12. Follow Board of Regents Policy, Section 803.02 and faculty handbook policy in searches for major faculty and administrative positions: chaired professors; vice presidents; deans; department chairs, registrars; chief admissions officers; head librarians; directors of institutes, centers, experiment stations; directors of continuing education; and directors of cooperative divisions;
13. Serve as the presiding chair of the faculty senate as provided by Board of Regents policy; and
14. Perform other such duties and exercise other powers that may be set forth in policies of the Board of Regents.

The vice president for academic affairs is appointed by the president with the approval of the Board of Regents and shall hold office at the pleasure of the president. The vice president for academic affairs shall serve as the president's deputy in all matters delegated to him/her and shall direct the work of the faculty.

Among the responsibilities of his/her office, the vice president shall:

1. Be responsible for the direction and supervision of all academic programs of the university and for the execution of policies established by the president or faculty;
2. Establish, with the full cooperation of the faculty and consistent with Board of Regents policy, admissions standards and criteria that appropriately link with institutional mission and historical traditions;
3. Establish, in cooperation with the admissions and records personnel, policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy, privacy, and maintenance of student records and to meet the student information needs of the university and the Board of Regents;
4. Conduct periodic reviews of all academic programs to determine needs for new programs, deactivation of existing programs, and revitalization of programs;
5. Serve on the curriculum and new programs committee of the Faculty Senate.
6. Develop, in consultation with the chief financial officer, the annual budget for the areas under his/her supervision;
7. Ensure that the allocation of resources for all academic programs and their support services is predicated on reasonable and consistent performance measures;
8. Develop in consultation with other senior officers, deans, and department chairs initiatives that effectively provide for systematic improvement in overall retention and graduation rates;
9. Evaluate the performance of all personnel reporting to him/her;
10. Ensure the annual evaluation of faculty, including student evaluations following the guidelines set forth in the faculty handbook;
11. Transmit to the president recommendations for promotion not later than January 15 and tenure not later than February 25 of each year;
12. With the concurrence of the president, appoint special committees to advise him/her on university policies, procedures, academic programs, and support services;
13. Provide for the orientation of new faculty and administrative personnel;
14. Prepare and submit to the president an annual report on academic affairs by August 1;
15. Communicate and collaborate routinely with other vice presidents in the conduct of divisional and university business;
16. Supervise academic computing; and
17. Perform other such duties as designated by the president.

The vice president for business and finance is appointed by the president, with the approval of the Board of Regents and shall hold office at the pleasure of the president. The vice president for business and finance is the chief financial officer of the university, and is responsible for the business operations of the university. These include budget, accounting, payroll, financial aid, business services, purchasing, warehouse, auxiliary services, physical plant, and public safety. The vice president supervises the directors of these units.

The vice president for business and finance shall:

1. Direct the business and financial administration of the university;
2. Maintain custody and control of all university funds and securities;
3. Install and provide administrative direction for all accounting procedures, and assure that the books are kept in accordance with general accounting procedures for not for profit organizations, including the preparation and interpretation of all financial reports;
4. Maintain proper books of account fully setting forth the financial condition and transactions of the university, including general supervision over all accounts which deal with the receipt and disbursement of funds;
5. Maintain adequate records of all contracts and leases, compile cost analyses and supervise the preparation of business and financial statistical reports. Examine all contracts before the execution thereof and with the approval of the president, affix his or her official signature thereto;
6. Receive all funds paid to the university and give receipt thereof in the name of the university and sign checks against all funds deposited in the name of the university;
7. Examine all accounts, claims, and demands against the university to ensure that no money shall be drawn from the treasury for payment of them unless they are found to be correct and unless there shall be money in the treasury legally available for such payment;
8. Supervise the accounting and business management of all income producing activities of the university. All auxiliary enterprises shall be under the direct financial management and control of the vice president for business and finance;
9. Recommend and/or approve for employment persons in the business and finance units;
10. Ensure that all persons in the division are fairly evaluated annually;
11. Determine, in consultation with the director of human resources and department heads, the hours and wages of all classified personnel in accordance with general policies established and promulgated by the Board of Regents;
12. Prepare and submit to the president all budgets for the university;
13. Provide operational controls to ensure compliance with approved budgets;
14. Provide appropriate reports comparing budgets to actual expenditures;
15. Provide proper maintenance and security for the physical assets of the university, to include proper insurance coverage and inventory systems;
16. Serve as financial advisor to the president in all policy decisions; and
17. Ensure that appropriate and necessary hardware and software are available for administrative computing;
18. Perform such other duties as the president may designate.

The vice president for student affairs is appointed by the president, with the approval of the Board of Regents, and holds office at the pleasure of the president. The vice president for student affairs is responsible for all functions and matters relating to student affairs and services.

The director of counseling services, the director of the student center and student activities, the director of resident life, the director of career planning and placement, and the director of health services report to and are directly responsible to the vice president for student affairs.

In fulfilling the responsibilities of this office, the vice president for student affairs shall;

1. Interpret policy and procedures involving student government, student organizations, student activities, fraternities and sororities, and programs dealing with student life;
2. Collaborate with the professional staff in the area of student development on all aspects of student life, with specific emphasis on resident life and dormitory rules and regulations;
3. Coordinate and promote programs of student leadership, student development, conduct and behavior, and human relations as they relate to overall student development concepts;
4. Ensure that a professionally trained and adequately prepared student affairs staff in available to support the work of the division;
5. Develop innovative ideas for the enhancement of student support services under his or her aegis with particular emphasis on retention, residence life, student activities, counseling, career services, and budget management, including the student activities budget;
6. Serve on the student affairs committee; work with the committee to develop a recommended budget for student activity funds that ensures equitable distribution of those funds;
7. Serve on the committee for recruitment and admissions to establish procedures for recruiting admitting, retaining, and managing records, and graduating students;
8. Consult and confer with students, parents, and faculty as may be necessary on all student affairs matters;
9. Provide for the orientation of all new students to the university.
10. Monitor the condition of students who are ill or hospitalized and provide information as may be appropriate;
11. Exercise jurisdiction over all social clubs, fraternities, sororities, societies, the student government association and other such organizations by administering and enforcing university policies, rules, and regulations governing and concerning such student organizations and requiring from each detailed annual reports of their activities;
12. Approve all social functions sponsored by student organizations;
13. Work with the student affairs committee of the faculty senate to ensure the accuracy, currency, revision, compilation, and publication of the Student Handbook Code of Conduct;
14. Prepare and submit to the president an annual report on student affairs by August 1; and
15. Perform other such duties as designated by the president.

The vice president for institutional advancement and university relations is appointed by the president with the approval of the Board of Regents and shall hold office at the pleasure of the president. The vice president for institutional advancement and university relations is the chief advancement and development officer of the university after the president. The chief advancement officer is responsible for the development, administration, and management of all functions and matters relating to fund raising programs, their support services, and relations with alumni, the media, and the community.

The director of alumni affairs, the director of development, and the director of public relations report directly to the vice president for institutional advancement and university development.

In carrying out the responsibilities of the office, the vice president shall:

1. Be responsible for the planning, direction, coordination, and supervision of all fund raising programs of the university;
2. Supervise the offices of alumni affairs, development, and public relations;
3. Identify, through consultation with the president, vice presidents, and deans, the long-range fund raising needs and opportunities for the university;
4. Establish, through consultation with the president, annual fund raising goals and objectives;
5. Develop, through consultation with the president, and administer a plan for university fund raising;
6. Communicate and collaborate routinely with other vice presidents in the conduct of business;
7. Develop and initiate marketing strategies to highlight the positive aspects of the university;
8. Promote the development of outreach programs which involve the university with the community;
9. Establish, generate, build, and monitor an endowment;
10. Develop and manage the university’s giving program, including, but not limited to annual fund drive, deferred, corporate, foundation, gift, and planned;
11. Account for and acknowledge all gifts received by the university;
12. Develop, in cooperation with the director of institutional research, policies and procedures to provide information and data on the university to faculty and administrative officers;
13. Prepare, analyze, and maintain statistical data on giving to the university from all sources;
14. Provide an annual report identifying all sources of contributions;
15. Develop, in cooperation with the directors of alumni affairs and public relations, policies and procedures for disseminating information and news about the university for encouraging alumni support and for informing the general public about programs, services, and activities using the various forms of media;
16. Develop, administer, and manage the annual budget for the division;
17. Evaluate the performance of all personnel reporting to him or her;
18. Serve as the principal liaison between the university and the Savannah State University Foundation;
19. Prepare and submit to the president an annual report on academic affairs by August 1; and
20. Perform other such duties as designated by the president.

This section will be added.

The deans are appointed by the president with the advice of the vice president for academic affairs and with the approval of the Board of Regents. They shall hold office at the pleasure of the president. The deans of the several colleges are responsible to the vice president for academic affairs for the programs and activities of the colleges over which they preside. In fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this office, each dean shall:

1. Preside at all regular and called meetings of the faculty of the college;
2. Recommend the appointment, salary, tenure, promotion, and dismissal of faculty members after consultation with appropriate chairs of departments;
3. Coordinate the curricula, courses, and methods of instruction and work cooperatively with the faculty to establish and implement processes that ensure quality instruction;
4. Present to the Curriculum and New Programs Committee those actions of the faculty that require consultation or approval;
5. Serve as the medium of communication for all official business of the college with university authorities, and students;
6. Implement the purposes of the college, consistent with the purposes of the university and the policies of the Board of Regents;
7. Nominate candidates for degrees and certificates;
8. Empower faculty and provide support so that faculty may perform well their responsibilities consistent with the university mission;
9. Coordinate the activities of the faculty, staff, and students of the college;
10. Coordinate with and support department chairs in the implementation of their responsibilities designed to accomplish the mission of the university;
11. Administer and coordinate the program of academic advisement and the scheduling of course offerings;
12. Develop, in consultation with the vice president for academic affairs, the annual budgets for the areas under supervision;
13. Serve as liaison to the other administrative units of the university to promote university-wide endeavors;
14. Prepare for the vice president an annual report describing the work of the college; and
15. Perform such other duties as designated by the vice president for academic affairs.

The department chairs are appointed by the president with the advice of the deans of the colleges in which they are employed, after consultation with the vice president for academic affairs and with the approval of the Board of Regents. They shall hold office at the pleasure of the president.

As the leaders of the basic units of academic organization of the university, department chairs shall:

1. Give direction and supervision to the work of their departments, and in consultation with the members of their departments, be responsible for the formulation and execution of departmental policies, in conformity with those of the Board of Regents, the university, and their colleges;
2. Be responsible for the quality of instruction offered in the department; consulting with faculty members regarding the nature, scope, and quality of their work;
3. Be responsible for the supervision of the faculty's preparation, revision, and distribution of outlines and syllabi for all departmental courses.
4. Prepare for the dean of the college a suggested schedule of duties for staff members;
5. Be responsible for recommending the ordering of basic textbooks which are prescribed for courses offered by their departments;
6. Be responsible for the administration of an effective student advisory program and the maintenance of accurate student records and files in their departments;
7. Serve on the policy making committee of their respective colleges;
8. Prepare schedules of classes offered by their departments each semester;
9. Prepare for the dean of the college an annual report describing the work of their departments;
10. Develop, in consultation with the dean, the annual budget for the areas under their supervision;
11. Prepare for the annual report of the president a section on the status of its faculty. Numbers of tenured and non-tenured faculty, by rank, shall be furnished. Faculty members who have been retained for seven years or longer without the award of tenure shall be listed and justification for their retention provided; and
12. Perform such other duties as designated by the dean.

The director of library and media services shall be appointed by the president with the advice of the vice president for academic affairs, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents. The director of library and media services shall hold office at the pleasure of the president.

The director of the library shall:

1. Have charge of the university library and serve as custodian for all books, periodicals, films, tapes, documents, and other materials in the library's collection;
2. Direct and supervise the staff of the library;
3. Select, plan, and organize the collections of the library; and
4. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the vice president.
5. Prepare and submit to the vice president an annual report on the work of the Library.

The registrar, who holds faculty status, is responsible for the official care and maintenance of all students’ records following their admission to the institution. The registrar verifies student enrollment, produces transcripts and is the local Veterans’ Affairs liaison. The registrar compiles and publishes class schedules and catalogs, conducts registration, produces reports based upon student demographic data. The registrar prepares class rolls and final grade report forms for faculty use, and certifies students for graduation.

The director is responsible for designing and implementing plans to recruit traditional, non-traditional and international students. The director is responsible for processing all applications for admission according to criteria established by the faculty and the System. The director evaluates transfer credit. The director begins the official file on each student. That file is transferred to the Registrar following the student’s enrollment.

The director of institutional research and planning is appointed by the president. The director is responsible for the development of the university planning process, the coordination of external data requests, the development of internal research projects, and the writing and editing of a broad array of university reports and presentations. The director shall:

1. Provide to key administrators and management groups information and analysis of management problems facing the university;
2. Maintain, report and analyze data and information on the university;
3. Provide support and direction for the President's Cabinet and overall university planning efforts;
4. Coordinate planning and institutional research activities with the Institutional Effectiveness Committee;
5. Respond to external requests for data from educational groups, the chancellor's office, the federal government and numerous information data bases on higher education;
6. Perform specific research projects, such as: enrollment projections, academic productivity, enrollment trends, cost studies, student retention and student characteristics;
7. Serve on, and act as staff to, the President's Cabinet;
8. Write and edit grant proposals, reports to external groups, and reports of university committees and commissions.

The Director of Title III is appointed by the president, with the approval of the Board of Regents. The Director assists the president with liaison between the university and the United States Department of Education and procure and administer federal funds allocated by the Department for the purpose of strengthening developing institutions under Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Title III awards single multi-year grants to ensure that developing institutions can better accomplish their goals and missions.

The director shall:

1. Procure, administer, and monitor all Title III funded activities;
2. Coordinate, with the vice president for business and finance, all Title III budget preparations and expenditures;
3. Coordinate the internal and external Title III funded activities for the president;
4. Submit periodic status reports on Title III funded activities to the president;
5. Approve all requests for operational expenses under Title III funding; and
6. Perform other such duties as designated by the president.

Executive assistant to the president shall:

1. Meet with university officials on matters that do not require direct attention of the president;
2. Meet with students and student groups on matters that do not require the direction of the president;
3. Assist in the collection of data and the preparation of reports;
4. Represent the president at events and meetings that do not require his presence;
5. Serve as a adviser to the president;
6. Compile data and write the annual report of Savannah State University;
7. Prepare and write speeches and position papers for the president;
8. Serve as Chairman of the Savannah State University Desegregation Monitoring Committee;
9. Design, edit, and write copy for the President's Report; and
10. Perform other duties assigned by the president.

Candidates for all administrative positions must be located through a proper search procedure as defined in the approved monograph titled Recruitment Procedures: Administrators, Faculty and Staff (January 20, 1995), which is on file in both the office of human resources and the office of the affirmative action officer. All searches must begin with the completion of an "Approval to Recruit" form available in the office of human resources. The president will be responsible for the time frame of all administrative searches.

The president shall appoint the search committee that shall consist of tenured faculty, representing each unit equally, and two (2) students. For positions that also involve supervising staff, two (2) staff members shall also be appointed to serve. The president shall appoint a chair. The chair shall appoint a recorder. The committee, in consultation with the president, shall formulate a description of the position available, including minimal academic credentials required, minimal experience required, responsibilities, and salary range. The description will identify the application procedures and shall note that all application materials be submitted to the office of human resources for initial processing. Following the deadline for applications, the director of human resources shall forward all application packages to the chairperson of the search committee.

When the description of the position is complete, the office of human resources shall then publish the notice of the vacancy in appropriate professional journals, including The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Applicant Clearing House, and post the notice on campus bulletin boards. The search committee must give final approval to the job description copy before publication.

When completed applications have been received and reviewed by the entire search committee, the committee shall determine which of the applicants to invite to campus for a personal interview and shall notify all applicants of their status in this regard. The minimum number of applicants to be interviewed shall be seven (7). The committee shall then schedule the necessary interviews, conducting them all within two weeks if at all possible. All interviews shall afford faculty members the opportunity to meet with the candidates. Information regarding interview times shall be publicized in advance of the interviews.

When interviews are completed, the committee shall forward to the president its recommendation of three ranked nominees for the position. Should none of the interviewees prove acceptable to the committee, the committee shall declare the search null and void and shall begin the search process anew. Should the president find none of the three ranked nominees suitable, the search shall be declared null and void. At no time shall any applicant that is not recommended by the search committee be offered a permanent position.

Faculty members have the right and responsibility to evaluate administrators (cf. Section 2.7.8). These evaluations shall be conducted yearly as a means of improving performance of job responsibilities and as a basis for support or termination of continued service as an administrator.

Assistant/Associate Dean--Associate or assistant deans are responsible for organizing and supervising the courses of instruction offered by the college, for distribution of the teaching and research load, for care of equipment assigned to or in the custody of the college, and for supervision of funds. This officer makes recommendations to the dean for appointments, promotions, and salaries of members of the faculty, and transacts official business with the dean.

Associate Director of Budget--The associate director of budget is responsible for managing the institutional budget. This office prepares budget amendments that reflect changes to revenue and expenditures and prepares the budget with recommendations from the departments and chief administrators.

Chief of Police--The chief of police is responsible for overseeing campus security and for security of university property and personnel.

Director of Alumni Affairs--The director of alumni affairs is responsible for the overall management and direction of alumni activities including identifying, recruiting, and supporting a diverse group of alumni, developing and overseeing publications and other communications to promote the role and accomplishments of alumni, and fostering positive relationships with Savannah State University’s alumni and the university community.

Director of Athletics--The director of athletics is responsible for the total operation of the intercollegiate athletics program. This officer will administer all aspects of the athletics program including: developing goals, monitoring adherence to established budgets, overseeing all internal financial and administrative operations, coordinating the scheduling of events that involve conference participation or revenue-generating contracts, and negotiating and administering radio and television contracts. In addition, the director is responsible for directing the coordination and supervision of the coaching staff, setting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with NCAA rules and regulations, and ensuring the highest levels of academic achievement for student athletes.

Director of Business Services--Requested, but not made available.

Director of Career Services--Requested, but not made available.

Director of Comprehensive Counseling--The director of comprehensive counseling is responsible for leadership of counseling center staff and manages all matters relating to the operation of the facility. This officer formulates counseling service policy, collaborates with both health services and residence hall staff to ensure appropriate responses to student needs, ensures that optional educational and prevention workshops are available to students, and administers the First Year Student Program.

Director of Computer Services and Information Technology--The director of computer services and information technology is responsible for the overall management of academic computing, instructional technology, administrative computing, networking, and telecommunications. This includes design, development, and maintenance of computer support systems and management of technology in support of administrative and instructional goals of the university. This officer also supervises support services for the Computer Learning Center and library automation.

Director of Contracts and Grants--The director of contracts and grants is responsible for overseeing financial administration of all grants and contracts. This officer monitors all sponsored expenditures to ensure compliance, interprets policy, and assists in the preparation and negotiation of indirect cost rates with federal, state, and private grant agencies.

Director of Educational Talent Search--The director of educational talent search is responsible for talent search proposals, activities (in consultation with project staff and university officials), evaluation of outcomes, coordination of relevant program agencies, staff training, participant eligibility, participant record keeping, and supervision of project staff.

Director of Financial Aid--The director of financial aid is responsible for campus employment, federal work study, off-campus community service employment, financial aid packaging, and family/student financial planning and counseling. This officer develops and maintains thorough knowledge of government regulations and other sources of financial aid compliance procedures, oversees all student employment activity, and administers the federal work study program.

Director of Financial Services--The director of financial services is responsible for managing the operations of business services. This officer oversees procurement, logistical services, records management, postal services, and central receiving and warehousing.

Director of Human Resources--The director of human resources is responsible for planning, directing, and administering human resources programs and services. This officer consults with university administrators on employment, benefits, wage and salary administration, compensation, employee relations, employee assistance, training and development, and human resource information systems.

Director of the Division of Learning Support--The director of learning support is responsible for the supervision of faculty and staff in the division and for overseeing curricula and instruction for those students scoring below 77 on the Collegiate Placement Examination (CPE) or those lacking college preparatory curriculum prerequisites. This officer also supervises academic advisement for undecided majors as well as for non-traditional students scoring below 77 on the CPE.

Director of Physical Plant--The director of physical plant is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating maintenance, security, housekeeping, and communication functions of the institution.

Director of Public Relations--The director of public relations is responsibility for enhancing the university’s national, regional, and local identity. This officer will develop strategies and produce media-related materials to promote and market Savannah State University, direct a unified, comprehensive communications program, and serve as the designated spokesperson for the university.

Director of Public Safety--No description exists.

Director of Research and Sponsored Programs--The director of research and sponsored programs is responsible for providing university wide leadership for all aspects of pre-award grant activity including dissemination of grant information, proposal development, and grant management. This officer will work with faculty to encourage research and scholarly activity.

Director of Testing--The director of testing is responsible for coordinating and administering required testing program as stipulated by the university system. This officer also serves as coordinator and administrator of national standardized tests programs.

Director of the Infirmary--The director of the infirmary is responsible for administering student health care services, including the infirmary and staff. This officer also provides health-related information to students.

Director of University Development--The director of development is responsible for all public fund raising activities or programs of the university. This officer provides liaison between the university and the Savannah State University Foundation and all other groups created to support Savannah State University.

Director of Upward Bound--The director of upward bound is responsible for proposal writing, budget, recruitment and training of staff, curriculum design, measurement of outcomes, liaison with the United States Department of Education, university administration, local board of education and other community agencies, participation in state, regional, and national conferences.

Manager of Logistical Support--The manager of logistical support is responsible for central receiving, property control, and records management.

Manager of the Bookstore--The manager of the university bookstore is responsible for operating the bookstore as a self-sustaining, capital producing entity. Services are provided to address academic needs of students and faculty by selling a wide variety of books, audio visual aids, and special tools for learning. The manager reports to the director of auxiliary services for the conduct of the business and other affairs of the university bookstore.

Manager of the Print Shop--The manager of the print shop is responsible for administration, supervision, and development of the university-wide network and graphics print shop. This officer is also responsible for in-house publications, reports, schedules, and newsletters.

Manager of the Radio Station (WHCJ 90.3 FM)--The radio station manager is responsible for the daily operation and supervision of the station, including student workers and interns. This officer also initiates new programs and oversees free airtime provided to university personnel.

Project Director for Student Support Services--The project director for student support services is responsible for developing proposals, achieving program objectives, serving as liaison between federal agencies and the university, managing the budget and submitting reports.

The faculty shall consist of two classes of members: the corps of instruction, and specified administrative officers.

The corps of instruction shall include all professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructors, special lecturers and other teaching personnel approved by the Board of Regents, who hold appointments to full-time positions. In addition, full-time research and extension personnel and duly certified librarians shall also be included in the corps of instruction on the basis of comparable training. Persons holding adjunct appointments or other honorary titles shall not be considered to be members of the faculty.

Administrative officers having faculty status are the following: president, vice president for academic affairs, vice president for business and finance, vice president for student affairs, vice president for institutional advancement, academic deans, director of planning and institutional research, director of admissions, registrar, and director of learning support.

A faculty member who has academic rank and rights of tenure in the corps of instruction and who accepts an appointment to an administrative office shall retain his academic rank and rights of tenure as an ex officio member of the corps of instruction but shall have no rights of tenure in the administrative office to which he has been appointed. The additional salary, if any, for the administrative position shall be stated in the employment contract and shall not be paid to the faculty member when he or she ceases to hold the administrative position. An administrative officer having faculty status shall have all the responsibilities and privileges of faculty membership.

In the spring semester, the faculty shall elect one tenured member holding one of the senior ranks to serve as faculty secretary. The term of office shall be two years; the secretary is eligible to be reelected.

The faculty secretary shall:

1. Take minutes at university faculty meetings;
2. Present minutes for faculty approval;
3. Send a copy of approved minutes to the chancellor's office no later than three days after approval;
4. Chair the committee to revise the handbook;
5. Collect and keep secure all materials pertaining to faculty grievance proceedings.

Logistical support for the faculty secretary will come through the office of the vice president for academic affairs. The faculty secretary shall be given three hours of released time each semester.

The faculty shall meet in full assembly a minimum of once per semester and at such other times as may be determined by the president and/or executive committee of the faculty senate. The president or his/her designee shall preside.

The vice president for academic affairs shall compile the agenda and distribute it to faculty members at least three days prior to the meeting. Any faculty member may ask to have items included on the agenda. These should be submitted to the office of the vice president for academic affairs.

Business at meetings of the faculty shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised unless otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. A simple majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. At the call to order, the faculty secretary shall determine whether a quorum is present.

The faculty have the right and responsibility to make rules and regulations for its governance and for that of the students. Faculty, thus, are responsible for developing these rules. This involves providing such committees as may be required; prescribing regulations regarding admission, suspension, expulsion, classes, courses of study, and requirements for graduation; and making such regulations as may be necessary or proper for the maintenance of high educational standards. The faculty will also prescribe rules for the regulation of student publications, athletics, intercollegiate games, musical, dramatic and literary clubs, fraternities and sororities, and all other student activities and affairs, subject to the approval of the president of the university, the chancellor and the board. In the event that there is disagreement regarding these rules and regulations, the spirit of shared governance shall prevail in that, unless the rules and regulations oppose those of the Board of Regents, the parties will discuss and reach agreement for the best interest of the university. In all negotiations, the well-being of the institution shall be foremost.

The faculty have authorized the Savannah State University Faculty Senate and the Board of Regents has approved the creation of this body. It has been delegated legislative authority on behalf of the faculty. A copy of the senate’s constitution and bylaws has been filed with the chancellor. The meetings of the senate are conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

Logistical support for the faculty senate shall come from the office of the vice president for academic affairs until such time as a separate budget is allocated.

The faculty of Savannah State University is committed to teaching and learning. Its primary goal is to protect, defend and promote the integrity of the learning process for both student and teacher in a community of scholars. To meet this goal, members pledge to fulfill all the rights and responsibilities of the faculty as delineated in the Board of Regents policy manual.

All faculty members shall be able to express themselves in open meetings and shall support and respect each other’s stand on the vital issues of the institution. Similarly, the faculty shall speak to and work with students, staff, and administration with the professional respect and cooperation that must be the operating norm of professional relationships in a democratic institution.

The faculty shall not allow itself or any other constituency to attack or undermine the professional and academic integrity of Savannah State University. For this reason, among others, the senate exists to mediate whatever problems or disputes that arise so that the integrity of the institution is preserved.

The instructional program of Savannah State University is organized under the vice president for academic affairs into three colleges and one division:

The College of Business Administration

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

The College of Sciences and Technology

The Division of Learning Support

Each of the colleges is headed by a dean and the Division of Learning Support by a director who is appointed by the president with the approval of the Board of Regents. Each unit head is responsible to the vice president for academic affairs and serves as the medium of communication for all official business of the unit with university authorities, students, and the public.

The units are not configured in the same manner. The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Sciences and Technology are divided into departments and have chairs who direct, supervise, and administer these departments. The College of Business Administration does not have departments. Throughout this document, wherever department chair is specified as an operative, it is to be understood that the dean or director will serve that same function in units without department chairs. It is also understood that where "dean" is used to refer to the head of a unit, the action specified also applies to the director of a unit. Where "college" is used to refer to a unit, it is also understood to mean division.

Faculty handle matters dealing with admission, discipline, promotion, graduation, and formulation of rules and regulations pertaining to students of the university, working within the framework of regulations of the Board of Regents. Students violating rules and regulations of the institution may be punished, suspended, excluded, or expelled as indicated in the university’s Handbook for Students, which has been approved by the faculty.

Classified employees shall consist of professional and administrative personnel and staff as defined in Personnel Policies and Procedures, Section I, A of the Business Procedures Manual of the Board of Regents, Volume 3A.

The Board shall meet monthly on the second Wednesday in the Office of the Board of Regents at ten o'clock in the morning. The members are responsible for the operation of the University System of Georgia as provided by the Constitution of the State of Georgia and laws enacted pursuant thereto. The Board is organized into ten standing committees that meet monthly on the day preceding the meeting of the Board unless otherwise determined by the committees. These committees are the following:

Executive Committee

Committee on Buildings and Grounds

Committee on Desegregation

Committee on Education

Committee on Finance and Business

Committee on Health Professions

Committee on Organization and Law

Committee on Research and Extension

Committee on Visitation

Committee on Liaison to the State Board of Education

The time and place of these meetings is determined by the chairman of each committee. The president of an institution of the university system, with the approval of the chancellor, may appear before the appropriate committee of the Board concerning matters affecting his institution. Anyone desiring to appear before a committee of the Board shall make a request in writing to the executive secretary of the Board at least seven days before the scheduled meeting of the committee at which he wishes to appear. The executive secretary shall inform the person or persons of the chairman's decision to entertain a visit.

Much of the work and governance of the university is conducted through its committees. The duties, responsibilities and composition of standing committees shall be specified in the bylaws. Special committees may be appointed from time to time by the president, but such committees may neither circumvent nor usurp duties properly belonging to standing committees. Service on committees is one of the ways in which faculty members, staff, students, and administrators participate in the governance of the university and such service is an important part of the work of faculty members.

Administrative committees include the President’s Cabinet, President’s Planning and Budgeting Group, Athletic Committee, Board of Review, Campus Safety and Security Committee, Committee for Recruitment and Admissions, Computer Utilization Committee, Facilities Management, and Institutional Effectiveness Committee.

The cabinet consists of those persons who report directly to the President. It meets as needed to review specific problems and advise the President.

The president’s planning and budgeting group consists of those administrators who report directly to the president, a faculty member elected by the faculty, and one student appointed by the president. This group shall be responsible for reviewing long range plans and budgets submitted from the units of the university and shall recommend to the president a priority order for these plans as a step in the process of developing a university-wide planning document. This committee shall be chaired by the president and shall meet as required by the president. The president shall present the university-wide plan in writing to the faculty.

The Athletic Committee shall consist of the athletic director, eight faculty members (two from each of the four units), the faculty representative to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) one student appointed by the Student Government Association, and one alumnus appointed by the National alumni association. All members shall serve one-year terms and shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment. The chair will be a faculty member elected by the committee.

The committee shall make recommendations to the president concerning the operation of the intercollegiate athletic program. Included in these recommendations must be academic accountability regarding players' eligibility and notations concerning financial management of the athletic programs.

The committee shall meet at least once each semester and shall report in writing to the faculty senate and/or faculty annually at a spring faculty meeting.

The Board of Review shall hear and make disposition of matters of grievance. Its composition, procedures, powers, and responsibilities shall be specified by a grievance procedure (cf. Section 2.19) approved by the faculty.

The Campus Safety and Security Committee consists of four faculty members with one from each unit, three students appointed by the Student Government Association, the two staff members appointed by the Faculty Senate. The committee shall elect a chairperson from among the faculty members. This committee reviews the operation of the campus police department and other issues relating the safety of students and employees of the university. The committee shall report yearly to the faculty senate and/or faculty.

The Recruitment and Admissions Committee shall consist of the director of admissions; the registrar; the vice president for student affairs; the minority recruitment officer; and four faculty members, one from each academic unit as defined in 1.9.4, elected for three year terms, with one being elected each year. The committee shall elect its chairperson from among the faculty members elected to the committee.

The committee shall recommend rules and regulations relative to the recruitment, admissions, and retention of students, and shall advise the faculty in regard to the application of such rules. It shall also make recommendations concerning the readmission of students who have been suspended for academic or other reasons, and decide issues concerning transfer of credit from other institutions. The committee shall meet at least twice per semester and shall give an annual written report to the faculty at a spring faculty meeting.

The Computer Utilization Committee shall consist of four faculty members (one from each unit), the director of computer services, and the vice president for academic affairs. The chair shall be a faculty member elected by the committee. All members shall be appointed for a one-year term and shall be eligible for re-appointment. Operating within the guidelines of the vice chancellor for computing services and the State Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Committee, the members of the committee shall make recommendations for the use of computers owned by the university and the purchase of computer hardware and software. It shall prepare the university's annual "Three-year EDP Plan." The committee may also examine issues such as the physical environment for computing and the maintenance of computers and make recommendations concerning these matters to the president.

The Facilities Management Committee shall consist of four faculty members (one from each of the four units), two students appointed by the Student Government Association, two staff members appointed by the Faculty Senate, and the director of plant operations. All members shall be appointed for one-year terms and shall be eligible for re-appointment. The committee shall elect the chairperson from among the faculty members.

The committee shall monitor the use of all university facilities to secure the most efficient use of all buildings and properties, shall recommend changes in the use of facilities, and shall recommend to the president and other administrative officers appropriate policies for the use of all facilities.

The committee shall meet at least once each semester and shall give report in writing to the faculty senate and/or faculty.

The committee shall consist of eight faculty members (two from each of the four units) and two staff members. The members shall be appointed by the faculty senate, serve two-year terms, and be eligible for reappointment. The committee shall elect one of the eight faculty members to serve as chair.

The Committee on Institutional Effectiveness will review objectives and expected educational results for instruction, research, public service, educational support services and administrative operations. Specifically the committee will coordinate institutional effectiveness at the institutional level. The committee will review the appropriateness of the university’s statement of purpose, the consistency of educational goals with the purpose, and the adequacy of procedures for evaluation. The committee then will input the results of this work into the planning process of the institution. The committee will evaluate the institutional research function of the university.

Except where noted, membership will include senators but is not limited to senators only. Membership shall, as much as possible, be representative of race and gender. Any committee (including ad hoc committees) dealing with promotion and tenure, retention and dismissal of faculty, and grievances by or against faculty shall consist of tenured faculty only.

Committees of the faculty senate include the Executive Committee, Committee on Committees, Committee on Faculty Affairs, Committee on Student Affairs, Committee to Revise the Faculty Handbook, Curriculum and New Programs Committee, Distinguished Teacher Selection Committee, Evaluation Committee, Faculty Development Committee, International Students, Programs, and Activities Committee, Legal Advisory Committee, Library and Education Media, Scholarship Committee, Scholarship Committee, and Statutes, Bylaws, and Rules Committee.

The Committee on Committees consists of four senators (one from each of the units) appointed by the senate’s Executive Committee for two-year terms. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms. The members shall select a chairperson.

The committee shall nominate, for faculty election, members of university-wide committees and shall recommend prospective appointees to the Faculty Senate. In making such nominations and recommendations, the committee shall take care so that no person is a member of more than two committees, though exceptions to this guideline may be allowed when written justification is provided to the senate.

The committee shall from time to time review the senate's committee structure and make recommendations for changes in such structure if they are deemed advisable.

The committee shall first meet in the spring semester so that all committees may begin operations during the fall, but terms for all committee members shall end only when new appointments are made or new elections are held.

The Faculty Affairs Committee shall consist of two faculty members elected by the faculties of each unit. Members shall be chosen at the beginning of the fall semester, and will serve one-year terms. Members shall be eligible for re-election. A convener shall be designated by the chair of the faculty senate. The committee shall elect the chairperson.

The committee shall consider any matters that are of special concern to the faculty, including but not limited to academic freedom, professional growth, research opportunities, and economic status. The committee shall be responsible for periodic revision of the faculty/peer evaluation and student evaluation instruments as specified in Section 2.7.3 and Section 2.7.4.

Proposals for new standing committees of the faculty may be submitted to the Faculty Affairs Committee that will consider them and present them to the faculty senate and/or faculty with a recommendation for adoption or rejection.

The committee shall meet at least twice each semester and shall report in writing to the faculty senate and/or faculty each semester.

The Student Affairs Committee shall consist of the vice president for student affairs; four faculty members elected by the faculty; and three students appointed by the president of the Student Government Association. In May, each unit will elect its representative for the forthcoming year. These members will assume their position in September. A faculty member, selected by the committee, will serve as chairperson. All members shall serve for one year and shall be eligible for re-election.

The committee shall assist in developing activities and programs which will facilitate the academic, personal, cultural, and social growth of students, make recommendations to the president through the vice president for student affairs regarding the distribution of student activity funds, establish policies for student health services, provide supervision for Greek-letter organizations, advise administrative officers with regard to all student organizations and activities, and provide advice and guidance for the Student Government Association. The committee shall also monitor the organization, implementation and evaluation of a program of intramural activities.

The committee is responsible for developing a student handbook, for presenting this handbook to the faculty senate for approval, and for periodic revision of the handbook at least every two years.

The committee shall meet at least once each semester and shall report in writing to the faculty senate and/or faculty at least once each semester.

All revisions of this manual will be first presented to the Handbook Committee. Procedures to revise the Handbook are found in Section 1.11 below. The faculty senate will elect this committee of five (at least one from each school) at the fall faculty meeting. Members will serve for a period of one year and will be eligible for re-election. The secretary of the faculty will serve on this committee and will serve as the chairperson.

The committee is responsible for modification of the Handbook to conform to Board of Regents' policy revisions and is responsible for presenting all substantive changes of the Handbook to the faculty senate for approval (cf. Section 1.11). The process of revision should be ongoing.

The committee shall meet monthly and shall report to the faculty.

The Curriculum and New Programs Committee shall consist of the vice president for academic affairs, the academic deans; the registrar and two faculty representatives from each unit. Faculty shall be elected in May of each year, to take office the following September. The chairperson shall be one of the eight faculty representatives. The committee will elect the chair.

1. The Curriculum and New Programs Committee shall assume leadership in the development and coordination of sound and progressive academic programs for the university which are in conformity with practices followed in the University System of Georgia and by regional and professional accrediting bodies.
2. It shall consider the recommendations of all colleges and committees relating to instructional matters and forward all curricula modification proposals, with a recommended action, to the university faculty or faculty senate for action.
3. It may recommend to the faculty such rules, program modifications, and regulations as will, in its opinion, facilitate and improve the academic operations of the university.
4. All proceedings of the Curriculum and New Programs Committee, except those dealing with routine matters, shall be promptly communicated in writing to and acted upon by the university faculty senate and/or faculty.
5. The Curriculum and New Programs Committee shall meet at least twice each semester and at such other times as the presiding officer shall deem necessary. The committee shall report to the faculty at each meeting.

The Faculty Development Committee shall consist of eight members, two elected by the faculty of each academic unit (cf. Section 1.9.4). The committee shall elect the chair from among its members. The Faculty Development Committee shall meet at least once each semester, and shall report, in writing, to the entire faculty and/or faculty senate at least once each semester.

The Faculty Development Committee shall coordinate the dissemination of information concerning faculty development opportunities and shall occasionally conduct workshops, seminars, and conferences that shall contribute to the professional development of the faculty. The committee shall devise strategies and programs enabling faculty to pursue mid-career adjustments in either professional areas or fields of interest, as will be beneficial to the overall program of the university. International travel, research opportunities, and other faculty-strengthening activities ought to be publicized and fostered by the committee.

The Faculty Development Committee, in its capacity as the patent/copyright committee, shall recommend to the president or his designee the rights and equities in copyrightable materials. Division of income from royalties and other use shall be agreed upon by employees and appropriate administrative personnel in accordance with policies of the copyright committee in advance of the use of the institution's personnel or facilities. In the event of a disagreement as to the ownership and use of such materials, the institution's policies shall provide for an appeal procedure within the institution with final appeal to the Board of Regents.

The Committee on International Students shall consist of the vice president for student affairs or his/her designee, the director of international student programs and services, four faculty members (one from each of the units), and three international students appointed by the director of international student programs and services. The chair shall be a faculty member elected by the committee.

The committee shall assist in the recruitment and retention of international students, promote programs for such students, provide advisory and counseling services for such students, and make recommendations to departments and colleges about curricula offerings in the area of international studies.

The committee shall promote awareness of international issues through the use of guest speakers, panel discussions, and other cultural activities.

The committee shall meet at least once each semester and shall report in writing to the faculty senate and/or faculty annually at a spring meeting.

The Faculty Senate Constitution provides for this committee, but its duties have at yet not been defined by the Committee on Committees or the senate.

The Library and Education Media Committee shall consist of the director of library and media services, one faculty member elected from each of the four units, and one student appointed by the president of the Student Government Association. All members shall serve one-year terms and shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment. The chair will be a faculty member elected by the committee.

The committee shall advise the director and the faculty regarding the composition of the library collections, distribution of funds for purchases, rules and regulations for library use, and development of projects to stimulate use of the library.

The committee shall meet at least twice each semester and shall report in writing to the faculty senate and/or faculty annually at a spring faculty meeting.

The Scholarship Committee shall consist of eight faculty members (two from each of the four units) and the director of financial aid. The members shall serve for one-year terms and shall be eligible for re-appointment. The committee shall elect the chair from among the eight appointed faculty members.

The committee shall serve as an advisory body to the vice president for institutional advancement, the associate vice president of enrollment management, and the director of financial aid.

The committee shall determine policies for administering financial aid, supervise all scholarship programs, be responsible for developing forms, and help identify sources of financial assistance. At the request of the vice president for student affairs, the vice president for institutional advancement, or the associate vice president for enrollment management, the committee shall act as a review board in matters regarding financial aid, especially those involving students requesting exemption from university regulations. Except for appeals to the president of the university, the committee’s decisions shall be final and shall be furnished to the president as information.

The committee shall meet at least once each semester and give an annual written report to the faculty at a spring meeting.

The Faculty Senate Bylaws provide for this committee, but its duties have at yet not been defined by the Committee on Committees or the senate.

An elected or appointed committee chairperson shall:

1. Schedule meetings and notify the members;
2. Prepare the agenda for each meeting (a copy to be filed with the report);
3. Preside at committee meetings and keep accurate attendance records;
4. Present written committee reports to the faculty, including in the reports attendance and participation records.
5. Appoint a recorder, assure that the committee elects a recorder, or accept a volunteer committee member as recorder. 

An elected, volunteered, or appointed recorder shall take notes at committee meetings, keep accurate attendance records, and prepare and present minutes to the committee and other individuals/groups as requested.

The various units of the university may appoint committees as needed so long that these do not usurp the powers of standing committees.

No college committee may address issues for which there is a university-wide faculty committee.

Each college may establish such committees as may be necessary for its functioning. Each college shall have an educational policies committee and a personnel committee.

Educational policies committees shall be responsible for the quality and evaluation of the instructional program, co-curricular activities, and graduation standards. Individual educational policies committee functions shall be determined by the bylaws of each unit.

Membership shall be limited to faculty in at least their second year of employment. Members of the individual educational policies committees shall be elected from and by the faculty of each college, division, or unit. All faculty should participate in the election of the committee annually, preferably at the first fall faculty meeting in each college, division, or unit.

The educational policies committee shall meet at least once each semester and shall report its proceedings to the college's faculty.

Personnel committees shall be responsible for policies and procedures relating to promotion and tenure. Individual personnel committees function shall be determined by the bylaws of each college or division.

Personnel committees shall make recommendations concerning promotion and tenure to the deans after careful review of each faculty member's work and shall be governed by the policies of the Board of Regents, the university, and the college.

Membership is limited to tenured faculty (cf. Section 2.8.2). Members of the personnel committee shall be elected from and by the faculty of each college, division, or unit. All faculty should participate in the election of the personnel committee annually, preferably at the first fall faculty meeting in each college, division, or unit.

As necessary, the president, the vice presidents, or the faculty senate, after determining that no standing committee has jurisdiction, may create temporary committees for specific purposes. The creating authority shall determine the composition and function of the committee and select its members.

The life of a temporary committee, though ordinarily no longer than twelve months, shall be determined by the task. Temporary committees shall not infringe upon the proper rights and duties of the standing committees of the faculty senate.

Faculties of each of the colleges and instructional departments shall transact such business as relates to their respective areas. Deans and department chairs shall serve as presiding officers of their respective faculties.

Periodically, the faculty shall examine their course offerings, course outlines, teaching methods and materials, testing instruments and procedures, grading practices, enrollment/graduation/exit statistics and other phases of the instructional program to insure that these are appropriate. Changes in curricular offerings must be recommended to the Curriculum and New Programs Committee through faculties of the units (cf. Sections 2.14.4 and 2.14.5).

Each department shall establish and maintain a student advisement program in accordance with the objectives of the university’s advisement program and regulations.

Department faculties shall meet at least once each semester.

College faculties shall meet at least once each semester.

Amendments to this handbook may be initiated by any member of the faculty.

All proposed amendments will be submitted in writing to the secretary of the faculty who shall present them to the committee charged with revising the handbook at either the next scheduled meeting or at a called meeting. Those amendments proposed to assure conformity to Regents' Policy would be presented to the faculty for information. Those amendments requiring faculty approval in terms of Board Policy, Section 203.0305 will be presented to the faculty only as a part of the following procedure:

1. The committee must first ensure that locally proposed amendments do not conflict with existing Board Policy and that amendments have been formulated in accord with proper procedures for revising the Handbook.
2. The committee will prepare a draft of the amendment and will circulate it to the faculty senate prior to the next scheduled senate meeting.
3. If the faculty senate approves the amendment, the committee shall forward the amendment to the president with the faculty senate's recommendation that the amendment become a part of the Handbook. If the president approves the proposed amendment, it will be sent to the chancellor for review and approval.
4. When the approved amendment is returned to the president, the president will notify the secretary of the faculty who will distribute copies of the amendment to each faculty member for inclusion in his/her copy of the Handbook.

Savannah State University operates the Savastate Federal Credit Union. This credit union offers all employees of the university an opportunity to save and borrow using payroll deductions. Interest on savings and loan rates is very competitive. Savings are federally insured up to $100,000 by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the United States government.

Faculty participate in an annual State Charities Program campaign conducted in the fall.

Individual units, either colleges or departments, may establish a mechanism for honoring retirees.