1.1.4 Structure of the Governance Handbook

The Governance Handbook outlines the structure of the governance system, the personnel who participate in that system, and the committees that make up the system. The handbook is divided into three parts:

  • Charter
    The parts of the handbook that describe the general purpose and/or philosophy of the governance system or some portion thereof make up the charter.
  • Bylaws
    The parts of the handbook that describe the rules and regulations by which the governance system operates make up the bylaws. No provision of the bylaws may supersede the charter.
  • Procedure
    The parts of the handbook that describe the process by which the rules and regulations are followed and by which the governance system functions make up the procedures. Procedures derive their authorization from the charter and bylaws, and no provision of the procedures may supersede a provision of the bylaws or charter.

To maintain clear and consistent language within the Governance Handbook, the Governance Handbook Committee will maintain a list of terms and definitions (see Glossary of Handbook Terms) to describe actions taken by committees and campus groups operating under the authority of the Governance Handbook.