SGA announces academic committee selection process

SGA Press Release

Academic Committees are an integral part of the faculty governance structure. Most, if not all, of WPI's Academic Policy is originated and manifested within these Committees. The Committee work is then brought to the entire faculty for discussion and approval. The students on each of these Committees serve an important role as a representative of the undergraduate student body. The Committees which now hold undergraduate student representatives are the Committee on Academic Operations, the Committee on Academic Policy, and the Committee on Student Advising. The Student Government Association is responsible for the appointment of two undergraduate representatives for each Committee.

Each of these Committees have distinct responsibilities. The Committee on Academic Operations oversees all procedures for administering existing undergraduate academic, admission, and financial aid policies. The Committee on Academic Policy makes policy recommendations regarding the direction and goals of undergraduate education at WPI. The Committee on Student Advising is responsible for the continuing development of the student advisory and counseling programs.

Since undergraduate representatives to these Committees are very important, it is necessary for the representatives to report back to the SGA during weekly SGA meetings, explaining what issues have been discussed within the Committee. Student representatives are seen by the faculty as informed WPI students and therefore are encouraged by the faculty to bring issues and opinions to the Committee.

The Faculty Awards Committee is comprised of five undergraduate student representatives and five faculty representatives. Their charge is to choose the faculty member that has demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication to the WPI community. All discussion within this committee is privileged and confidential until the final results have been determined.

If you are interested in becoming a representative to one of the Academic Committees or the Faculty Awards Committee, you are encouraged to stop by the Student Government office located on the first floor of Daniels Hall to pick up an application. Applications will be available on Tuesday, April 9 and will be due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 19. Interviews will be scheduled at the time the application is returned. You may sign up for an interview on the sheet posted in the SGA office. If you have any questions regarding Academic Committees or the application process, please contact Student Government Vice President Cindy Vollaro by e-mail (cindyvol@wpi).