Texas State University--San Marcos, University Council records

The University Council at Southwest Texas State University (subsequently Texas State University-San Marcos) was created in 1992 by then University President Dr. Jerome Supple. The University Council was intended to provide a broad forum for discussing major issues affecting the University and to serve as an advisory board to the President and to the President’s Cabinet. The University Council was tasked with reviewing significant institutional policies and actions including requests made by University departments and organizations and making recommendations to the President. It was composed of between 56 and 60 voting and non-voting members from the campus community, including members of a number of University groups, departments, and organizations such as: the Office of the University President (including the President and the Special Assistant to the President), Academic Deans, Staff Council, the Office of Finance and Management, the Division of Student Affairs, University Advancement, the Office of Information Technology, the Division of Academic Affairs, Faculty Senate, faculty members, Associated Student Government, School Council, graduate students, and undergraduate students. The University Council generally met once a month during the Fall and Spring academic semesters. According to its charter, the Council had the authority to consider matters of educational policy; student life; requirements for admissions, honors, or degrees; catalogue changes; and reports of special and standing committees. The University Council also included a number of its own specialized standing committees. These included the Executive Committee, responsible for the administration of the University Council, and the Transportation Services Advisory Council, among others. The Council was disbanded in 2014 as the meetings had become informational and lacked decision making. Additionally, the addition of the position of Provost to the administration left less need for a university wide committee.

Sources: University Council Charter, 1992; University Council minutes, September 17, 1992; Draft of By-laws of the University Council, 12/4/1992; University Council Bylaws, 2000; “University Council Disbanded to Streamline Communication,” University Star, November 11, 2014.