Faculty Governance

The faculty members within the University of Kansas School of Medicine have certain responsibilities and privileges that operate through the system known as faculty governance. This organizational framework manages the business of the faculty and enables faculty members to participate in developing and implementing the policies and procedures of the School of Medicine.

The philosophy and regulations on which faculty governance is based are described in the University of Kansas School of Medicine Faculty Bylaws - (amended March 2013). View PDF of Bylaws. The School has a collaborative governance structure, designed to promote partnership ("cooperative and interdependent activities") between the faculty and the administration in conducting the business of the School.

"The success of this partnership hinges directly upon open communications between all participants since the free exchange of knowledge, experience, hopes, history and plans form the matrix upon which effective governance is based¹".

Faculty governance takes place through a system of committees and councils that attempt to balance inclusiveness with the need to conduct business in a timely manner. All members of the faculty are encouraged to contribute to faculty governance and most meetings are open to all faculty members. The right to vote is generally restricted to faculty members with appointments of at least 50 percent time. Committee membership is also generally reserved for faculty members with at least 50 percent time appointments. Some committees or councils have additional specific criteria for membership.

Faculty Track numbers by Campus:

The University of Kansas School of Medicine has over 600 full-time and 1130 part-time and volunteer faculty members.

Below is the organizational chart of the School of Medicine Faculty Governance. For additional information, please click on the links to the left pertaining to a specific committee or council.

¹Bylaws of the medical faculty of the University of Kansas School of Medicine 2013.

This page last updated April 2013.