POLICY 08:01:00

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIPS

This policy pertains to standing, collegewide committees and councils. The existence of thesebodies does not preclude the creation of temporary committees, working groups, or teams within or among departments and divisions. Please refer to committee membership for individual members.

1. Academic Appeals and Misconduct Committee Hears appeals from students who have been charged with academic misconduct by an instructor or a student appeal of a course grade. Upon student appeal, this committee reviews evidence provided by the academic dean and the student and either upholds or overturns the sanction imposed by the instructor. The committee is composed of five faculty members, who serve two-year terms, and two students, nominated by the dean of students or designee. Committee members are appointed by the president. If any member of the Academic Misconduct Appeals Committee is involved in a case presented to this group, he or she will be replaced by another member of his or her respective representative group. Should an appeal occur when classes are not in session and/or a committee member(s) is (are) not available to participate, the president will appoint an alternate committee member(s) on an ad hoc basis.
   
   
2. Accessible Informational Materials & Technologies Committee The Accessible Information Materials and Technology (AIMT) Committee provides advocacy, promotion, and training to faculty and staff to assist the institution in meeting best practices and standards. The AIMT Committee oversees the creation and implementation of the Accessible Informational Materials and Technology Plan (AIMT Plan) and is responsible for establishing institutional standards for AIMT compliance. Additionally, the AIMT Committee will take the lead in administering Academic Audits and Reviews as requested by the college.
   
   
3. ADA Advisory Committee Advises and makes recommendations regarding matters of concern to persons with disabilities on campus to ensure equal access and opportunity. Assesses needs and plans for faculty development related to disabilities. Provides a forum for students with disabilities to share their needs so they will be enabled to function as independently as possible. Identifies and advocates for changes in college policies and procedures relative to persons with disabilities as needed.
   
   
4. Administrative Council Composed of the administrative staff of the college except for the president and vice presidents. Primary responsibilities include reviewing and recommending policies and establishing procedures and processes to improve overall administration/operation of Pellissippi State. Provides input on special initiatives, budget priorities, goals, and other activities relating to the mission of the college and makes recommendations to the president and president’s staff.
   
   
5. Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) Assists in providing a safe academic environment for faculty, staff and students. Representing a cross section of college departments, the BIT is not punitive and is not a disciplinary board but rather serves as the central point of contact for threat assessments. Responds to reports of disruptive, problematic or concerning behavior or misconduct; conducts an investigation; performs a threat assessment; determines the best mechanisms for support, intervention, warning/notification and response; then deploys appropriate college and community resources and coordinates follow-up. The team also identifies patterns of concern for a student or group of students across all campuses. The committee will report annually to the senior staff.
   
   
6. Conflict of Interest Committee Reviews disclosures made under Section 8 of TBR Policy No. 1:02:03:10 Conflict of Interest. The committee evaluates conflict of interest disclosures and makes determinations regarding actions that may be required to manage, reduce or eliminate conflicts of interest. Written minutes forwarded to the senior staff.
   
   
7. Consumer Information Committee The Consumer Information Committee meets periodically (typically twice a year) to ensure student consumer information is up-to-date and meets federal regulatory requirements. It includes a member from each of the following departments or roles: Financial Aid, Webmaster, Student Account Services, Registrar/Records, Career Development, Police, and Athletics.
   
   
8. Critical Incident Management Team Ensuring that the College can operate effectively in the event of a crisis, a Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) convenes to determine the course of action to be taken. The Chief of Police leads this team. The composition of the Critical Incident Management Team can vary, depending upon the type of crisis and which division or area of the college it involves. However, the core of the team remains the same and includes the following members: president, vice presidents, director of Facilities, Chief of Police, manager of Environment Health & Safety, executive director of Marketing and Communications, executive director of Workforce and Community Development, and campus deans. Various college personnel may be called upon to serve as members of the CIMT, depending 
   
   
9. Cross-Functional Talent Development Team The Cross-Functional Talent Development Team consists of stakeholders from across the institution who serve as training advocates for all employees and students. This team coordinates training and professional development opportunities aligned with the institutional vision, mission, core values, and Path to Excellence competencies.
   
   
10. Curriculum Development Committee Recommends new policies or courses of action related to educational programs. Encourages proposals for innovative curricula and new programs designed to meet the needs of the service area. Reviews new curricula, new programs, or substantive changes in existing curricula and programs. Supports and monitors the curriculum process. Two representatives from each academic department serve two-year terms, and the committee chair is a faculty member.
11. Employee Recognition Committee Oversees faculty/staff awards process to include recognition of retirees, years of service, foundation awards, and all other forms of formal recognition. Initiates and oversees nominations and selection process. Regularly reviews and revises processes and awards criteria. Coordinates on-campus celebrations and entertainment.
    
    
12. Faculty Senate Serves as the primary avenue for the effective participation of the faculty in the governance and development of the college; as the representative governing body of the faculty; as the means by which faculty establishes reciprocal communication with all segments of the college regarding college programs, policies, and procedures; as a setting for initiation, formulation, discussion, and recommendation of academic and related policies affecting the academic unit of the college. Assumes the responsibility to study, report, advise, and make recommendations to the president and through him/her to the Tennessee Board of Regents on matters of college policy and procedure in areas of primary concern.
    
    
13. Faculty and Staff Sick Leave Bank Boards Appointed by the president to administer the Faculty and Staff Sick Leave Banks for those who have elected to participate.
    
    
14. Grievance Committee Hearing Pool Provides a prompt and fair hearing for any grievance subject to committee review in accordance with college procedure. Members will receive training on the college grievance procedure. Members are appointed by the president in consultation with the executive director of HR.
    
    
15. Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) The main goal of IACUC is similar to that of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). It is to provide guidance in research using vertebrate animals as subjects and ensure their humane treatment during research. There are five IACUC members: the IRB Chair, two IRB scientist members, an IRB external member, and an Animal Science/Animal Care Expert selected by the NBS Dean. The members review research proposals with animals as subjects and accept or reject such proposals.
    
    
16. Institutional Effectiveness Committee This committee, formerly the Strategic Planning Committee, serves as the central planning committee for the overall effectiveness of the institution and the ongoing development and implementation of the college’s strategic plan. The committee is organized into eight working teams: Vision Team, Strategic Planning Team, Data Team, Community Team, Student Enrollment & Communication Team, Assessment Team, and Shared Learning Team. Full committee meetings alternate with individual team meetings. The committee reviews pertinent data and information, planning assumptions, issues, and input, and functions as a task force in approving planning goals, objectives, and institutional budget. All committee members are responsible for collecting input and sharing information within their assigned team, with the larger committee, and collegewide. Annual activities associated with this planning process include (1) developing or updating unit goals and objectives (by divisions, departments, and programs); (2) assessing the outcomes of activities for achievement of goals and objectives; (3) reporting on progress and achievements; (4) incorporating planning and progress information into performance appraisal, including setting of individual objectives; (5) allocating or reallocating resources based on assessment results/priorities; and (6) finalizing the strategic plan for the college. Composed of the president, vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, deans, executive directors, directors, presidents of Administrative and Support Councils and Faculty Senate, faculty and student representatives, and other stakeholders.
    
    
17. Institutional Review Board (IRB) PSCC IRB reviews all proposals to conduct research at Pellissippi State or using Pellissippi State employees or students as subjects, unless the case for exemption from review is made by the researcher(s) and approved by the IRB chair. In addition, the PSCC administration may request that PSCC IRB provide input on certain research projects that are reviewed by the TBR IRB as specified in the TBR IRB Procedures in order to make decisions about participation in the proposed research project. PSCC IRB is registered with the Office for Human Research Protections of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
    
    
18. Institutional Review Panel for the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (Remove) Reviews appeals submitted by students who have lost their Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship. Makes decisions regarding scholarship renewal based on the documentation provided by the student.
    
    
19. Instructional Development Committee Supports and monitors the instructional development process. Solicits proposals for classroom approaches aimed at closing equity gaps. Reviews new developments in education technology and provides information to the faculty concerning such developments. Promotes student retention through curriculum and instructional development. Report annually to senior staff.
    
    
20. International Education Committee (Reconsider) Develops, promotes, and supports international and/or intercultural initiatives at Pellissippi State. In addition, the IEC administers a robust scholarship program that supports study abroad programs offered through the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS).
    
    
21. IT Steering Committee The IT Steering Committee will be the bridge addressing the IT concerns of the school to each college division. The committee will serve as the core implementation team overseeing all planning, installations, and updates for the IT needs of the college. The committee will consist of one representative from each division, Internal Audit, one faculty member, and all IT directors/managers.
    
    
22. Online Leadership Team The Online Leadership Team (OLT) serves as a recommending body to the college on matters related to online and other distance education courses including online student support and success, online faculty support and training, online education policies and procedures, and other areas pertaining to distance education that promote the mission of Pellissippi State Community College. The committee will be chaired by the Director of Distance Education (non-voting) and consist of one faculty member from each academic department as well as one representative from PACE and a staff member from the Distance Learning Department. Committee members will serve a term of at least three years. Meetings will be held monthly and at other times as needed. New committee members will be required to go through external online certification through Online Learning Consortium or another approved certification program.
    
    
23. President’s Council Meets quarterly to review, revise and approve college policies. Provides IT governance and receives quarterly reports of IT activities and plans. Composed of the president, the vice presidents, the presidents of the Administrative and Support Councils and Faculty Senate, and a Student representative.
    
    
24. Program Advisory Boards Assist the college with assessing current occupational needs within the community; review and recommend improvements in career program curricula, resources, and services available to support quality career programs; and serve as a link with the community to foster positive relations with business/industry and the general public. Membership lists are maintained by the department deans and the office of the vice president of Academic Affairs.
    
    
25. Strategic Enrollment Planning CommitteeThe purpose of this committee is to develop and manage the enrollment and retention plans for Pellissippi State. The committee is chaired by the Vice President of Student Affairs.
    
    
26. Student Disciplinary Hearing Body Sits as the college’s official body to consider the charges lodged against a student, to weigh the evidence presented, and to make decision(s) or recommendation(s) regarding the disposition of the case. The committee is composed of three faculty members, two staff members and two students. The faculty and staff members serve two-year terms. The students serve one-year terms. All members are appointed by the president. If any member of the Student Disciplinary Hearing Body is involved in a case presented to this group, he or she will be replaced by another member of his or her respective representative group. Should an appeal occur when classes are not in session and/or a committee member(s) is (are) not available to hear the appeal, the president will appoint an alternate committee member(s) on an ad hoc basis.
    
    
27. Student Government Association Student Government Association (SGA) is a group of student leaders elected to represent the diverse student interests within the community of Pellissippi State Community College. SGA contributes to student success by mentoring, advocating for the student body, and facilitating engaging co-curricular activities and programs that promote learning and personal development. In addition to serving on college and TBR committees, SGA provides valuable partnership with the college administration regarding student issues and concerns. Annual report to the senior staff.
    
    
28. Support Staff Council Emphasizes and initiates opportunities for professional development; establishes a forum and support group to create an atmosphere in which work-related problems can be discussed and explored various councils/committees; initiates opportunities to become better informed relative to activities in all department/areas of the college; and reviews and makes recommendations to the president on policies or areas of concern affecting the support staff.
29. Technology Access Fee CommitteeDevelops and monitors the three-year campus plan for expenditures of Technology Access Fees (TAF), in compliance with the TBR Guideline B-060 #VII Expenditure Guidelines for Technology Access Fee. Membership on this committee consists of three faculty members, one student, a representative from Student Life, a representative from the Business Office, and the vice president for Information Services.
    
    
30. Wellness CommitteeThe Wellness Committee is an institution-wide team who provides health, safety, and wellness education and programming, as well as coordinates and collaborates on events with campus and community partners to address holistic wellness topics. Our mission is to grow a healthier community and to strategically create a culture that embraces wellness in everything we do, including how we educate, engage, and serve our college community.

Approved: Executive Council, March 4, 1991
Approved: Executive Council, July 7, 1993
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, September 9, 1997
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, February 27, 2001
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, August 27, 2001
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, December 3, 2001
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, April 1, 2002
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, January 24, 2005
Editorial Changes, August 9, 2006
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Staff, April 14, 2008
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, April 14, 2008
Editorial Changes, May 12, 2008
Editorial Changes, May 21, 2009, July 1, 2009
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Staff, October 11, 2010
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, October 11, 2010
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Staff, October 25, 2010
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, October 25, 2010
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, August 29, 2011
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, August 29, 2011
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council October 31, 2011
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr. October 31, 2011
Reviewed Recommended: President’s Council, September 24, 2012
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., September 24, 2012
Review/Recommended: President’s Council, April 27, 2015
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., April 27, 2015
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, March 6, 2017
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., March 6, 2017
Editorial Changes: September 5, 2018
Editorial Changes October 16, 2018
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, August 10, 2020
Approved: President L Anthony Wise Jr., August 10, 2020
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, Sept. 14, 2020
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise Jr., Sept. 14, 2020
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, November 28, 2022
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise Jr., November 28, 2022
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, August 28, 2023
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., August 28, 2023
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, November 27, 2023
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., November 27, 2023
Review/Recommended: College Council, June 2, 2025
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise Jr., June 2, 2025