The College of Education Faculty Council is the voice of the faculty community. Made up of representatives from each academic department, as well as a representative from the dean’s office, student representatives and a University Faculty Senate liaison, the council meets monthly during the academic year. All 2015-16 Faculty Council meetings will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in 221 Chambers Building and are open to the public.

The Faculty Council focuses on four main areas.

The council brings public attention to issues of concern within the college community. Individuals within the college, regardless of status, can contact a council representative to express concern and trust that their names will remain confidential. Concerns are then discussed during monthly meetings with the dean. Likewise, the council also disseminates important information to the college community through various means, such as electronic distribution and town hall meetings.

The council also acts as a consultant to the dean and advises him on various policy and governance issues. It monitors conditions across the college and campus, and acts as a collective voice on matters that affect the faculty community.

“Faculty Council is an important advisory body I hope multiple constituents will access,” said Jeanine Staples, Faculty Council chair and associate professor of education and African-American studies. “Faculty, students and staff who are concerned about shared governance and the maintenance of a just and inclusive community energize the council. I encourage all members to participate, in whatever ways they deem best.”

To learn more about the Faculty Council, visit http://ed.psu.edu/internal/faculty-council online.

If you have a question for the "Glad You Asked" column, send it, along with your name and office phone number, via email to edrelations@psu.edu. Submissions must include a contact name and telephone number so that Connections can verify the source. Requests for anonymity will be honored.