Responsible Office: Academic Affairs Approved By: Office of the President Approved Date: 5/1/2013 Effective Date: 5/1/2013 Category: Faculty and Staff Description/Purpose: Although the teaching of classes is the basic responsibility of the faculty, the University can truly be a community of scholars only by the participation of each member in those activities that promote the smooth functioning of the institution, that offer opportunities for intellectual exchange, that assist in University governance through the Faculty Senate, and uphold the image of the University in the public eye. Procedures: Consequence: Details: Ceremonies Institutions take their form from a number of celebrations and ceremonies that are woven throughout each academic year. Academic ceremonies are among the definers of an institution of higher learning. Saint Francis University is no exception. Faculty are encouraged to attend. Freshman convocation is held the Friday before the start of each new academic year. The ceremony consists of welcoming statements and encouragements from various members of the faculty and the administration. The President's Awards Convocation is held each year in April. Faculty, dressed in academic regalia, are encouraged to attend. In this ceremony, the President recognizes the efforts of both faculty and students to create and sustain quality teaching, learning and discovery. Outstanding students University wide are recognized, and several major awards for faculty are announced. Faculty finalists for awards should attend, if possible. Departmental and School awards are presented during School specific ceremonies. Commencement is held on the second weekend in May. The ceremonies take place over the course of 2 days to accommodate the different schools. Faculty, dressed in academic regalia, are invited to attend and march in the processional lead by the president of the Faculty Senate. Family Weekend The purpose of Family Weekend is to provide time for students to reconnect with their families, share their college life, and strengthen their bonds. The weekend's events allow families to experience the campus, meet faculty and other families, and learn about the student’s academic and extracurricular activities. The weekend helps to foster a sense of community by connecting families with the university and each other. Faculty are encouraged to participate in those activities of Family Weekend that are particularly relevant to faculty-student relationships. Meetings All full-time faculty members are obliged to attend full-time teaching faculty meetings called by the President of the University, the Chief Academic Officer, the President of the Faculty Senate, or by a majority of the Faculty Senate. The same applies to departmental meetings called by the chair and committee meetings to which faculty have been assigned and which have been called by the committee chair. Faculty members may attend any or all Faculty Senate meetings except executive sessions. As is customary in other legislative bodies, participation in discussions and other official business is restricted to members of the Senate and to those persons invited by the Senate to participate in its deliberations. All other interested persons may attend meetings as spectators but not as participants. Religious Services Catholic members of the faculty are strongly urged to participate in religious services on campus, particularly the Mass of the Holy Spirit, opening Mass for each academic year and the Baccalaureate Mass, dressed in academic regalia, at the Commencement exercises. Non-Catholic members of the faculty, although under no obligation whatsoever, are invited to attend any of these religious functions. Approval: Faculty Senate - 1978; May 2009; Mar 2011, Updated Feb 2026 |