Faculty Advisory Committees
In October 2021, the Graduate Council voted to approve the formation of the Faculty Advisory Committees to support the work of the Council and the GSAS Dean.
PhD Faculty Advisory Committee
A PhD Faculty Advisory Committee (PhD FAC), chaired by the GSAS Dean, communicates regularly throughout the academic year to execute routine business, to explore new initiatives, and to address problems of immediate and long-range concern to PhD programs. The PhD FAC can also serve helpfully as a sounding board for the Dean. The Graduate Council delegates to the PhD FAC minor policy reviews, the approval of ad hoc committees and prize committees for PhDs, and other relatively minor matters of routine day-to-day business for doctoral programs currently addressed by the Dean alone. All other decisions concerning doctoral degree requirements, changes in governance, major policy reviews, broad vision, etc., will be made by the full Graduate Council. Agendas and notes from the PhD FAC will be added to the Graduate Council Box folder and available to all members of the Graduate Council.
The PhD FAC consists of the GSAS Dean, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Dean of Admissions, and three to four DGSs of Departments that grant PhDs in different Divisions. Members of the PhD FAC normally serve for two (and not more than three) consecutive years, and must rotate off the PhD FAC for at least one year between terms. Appointments are staggered so that only two new members are appointed each year.
Master’s Faculty Advisory Committee
A Master’s Faculty Advisory Committee (Master's FAC), chaired by the GSAS Dean, communicates regularly throughout the academic year to execute routine business, to explore new initiatives, and to address problems of immediate and long-range concern to master’s programs. The Master’s FAC can also serve helpfully as a sounding board for the Dean. The Graduate Council delegates to the Master’s FAC minor policy reviews, the approval of ad hoc committees and prize committees for master’s students, and other relatively minor matters of routine day-to-day business currently addressed by the Dean alone. All other decisions concerning master’s degree requirements, changes in governance, major policy reviews, broad vision, etc., must be made by the full Graduate Council.
The Master’s FAC consists of the GSAS Dean, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Dean of Admissions, and three to four DGSs of Departments that grant Master’s in different Divisions. Members of the Master’s FAC normally serve for two (and not more than three) consecutive years, and must rotate off the Master’s FAC for at least one year between terms. Appointments are staggered so that only two new members are appointed each year.
Committee Membership Nomination Process
Before considering the composition for a new academic year, the PhD and Master’s FAC will invite all DGSs to communicate any nominations, concerns, or categorical preferences. The PhD and Master’s FAC will then present a slate to the Graduate Council for its vote.
Minutes
All minutes for both Faculty Advisory Committees are available in the Graduate Council Box folder. Please contact Abigail Arnold if you need access.