Department Heads & School Directors Committee — Terms of Reference

Purpose and Authority

The purpose of this committee is to:

Recommend to the Faculty Executive Committee feedback on matters arising from other academic committees or units, particularly as they pertain to the academic responsibilities and functions of departments and schools, and provide innovative and collaborative thought leadership.
Recommend to the Dean feedback on matters arising from other administrative committees or units, particularly as they pertain to the administrative responsibilities and functions of departments and schools, and provide innovative and collaborative thought leadership.

Composition

This committee is made up of ex officio members:

Dean, Faculty of Medicine (chair) (1)
Executive Vice Dean (1)
Executive Associate Deans (3)
Department Heads and School Directors (22)
Regional Associate Deans (4)
Associate Dean, Health Professions (1)
Executive Director, Communications (1)
Executive Director, Development and Alumni Engagement (1)
Executive Director, Faculty Affairs (1)
Executive Director, Finance & Operations (1)
Special Advisor, Government Relations (1)

Guests may be invited to join specific meetings or portions of specific meetings at the chair’s discretion.

Appointment Process

Ex officio members are members by virtue of their administrative appointment.

Term

Ex officio members are members as long as they hold their administrative appointment.

Chair

Chaired by the Dean, Faculty of Medicine. The Executive Vice Dean is the alternate chair, as needed.

Meeting Schedule and Administration

Normally meets approximately every month and at the call of the chair.

All members are expected to attend all meetings in person or via videoconference or phone.

A staff member from the Office of the Dean will capture meeting minutes. Minutes will be circulated to all members.

Records will be maintained in accordance with UBC and Faculty of Medicine records retention procedures.

Quorum and Decision Making Process

Meetings will normally be cancelled if fewer than half of members can attend.

This committee provides recommendations and advice based on the input of all members. Members typically reach consensus, but may convey multiple perspectives if consensus does not emerge.

Lines of Accountability and Communication

This committee:

Provides recommendations and advice to the Faculty Executive Committee and to the Dean.
Reviews and recommends feedback on recommendations made by other committees to the Faculty Executive Committee and to the Dean.
Meets with other individuals or groups for discussion of issues of mutual importance.

Representatives of this committee liaise with other academic and administrative committees and advisory councils, as needed.

Responsibilities