A61.4: Teaching Enhancement Committee

Approved by: Faculty Senate
Effective: April 28, 2020
Responsible Faculty Committee: Teaching Enhancement Committee
Office Responsible for Administration: Office of the University Secretary

Policy Rationale

The Teaching Enhancement Committee is one of four (4) committees that comprise the Faculty Senate Academic Council, which is charged with oversight of the teaching and curricula of the University of New Mexico (UNM) including the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.

Policy Statement

The purpose of the Teaching Enhancement Committee (TEC) shall be to encourage and support quality teaching and its funding as the primary role of UNM, including all its established units. The TEC will in no way infringe upon the academic freedom of faculty members in searching for and imparting knowledge. The functions of the Committee shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) initiating, formulating, and recommending policies regarding teaching resources, support staff members, and faculty members;

(2) recommending UNM policy regarding the granting of awards and stipends for outstanding teaching and scholarly achievements;

(3) overseeing selection of all Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) awards;

(4) awarding funds to be used as incentives to enhance teaching methods and curriculum development through the Teaching Allocations Subcommittee;

(5) reviewing and recommending the use of research-based methods for teaching;

(6) serving as an advisory committee to the CTL;

(7) evaluating, formulating, and recommending policy concerning teaching support services provided by computer facilities, libraries, media services, and other support organizations; and

(8) meeting formally with the Deans' Council and the Senate Operations Committee at least once each year to discuss current problems and exchange information concerning teaching; encouraging and supporting inclusive teaching to support its diverse student body.

Committee membership includes eleven (11) faculty members, including one (1) member from a branch community college, appointed by the Faculty Senate; one (1) graduate student appointed by the Graduate Professional Student Association (GPSA); one (1) undergraduate student appointed by the Associated Students at the UNM (ASUNM). The Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, the Associate Provost for Faculty Development, the Vice President of the Division of Equity and Inclusion, the Executive Director of CTL, the Associate Director of CTE, and the Associate Director of the Center for Digital Learning (CDL) shall be ex officio members of the committee. The terms of office shall be three (3) years set up on a staggered basis, and the committee members shall elect the chair. Student terms are usually one (1) year.

Applicability

All UNM faculty, including the Health Sciences Center and Branch Community Colleges.

Definitions

No specific definitions are required for the Policy Statement.

Who should read this policy

• Academic chairs, directors, and deans
• Non-academic managers and directors
• Vice presidents and other executives

Related Documents

Regents’ Policy Manual Policy 1.6 “Special Recognition and Awards.”

Faculty Handbook:

• Policy A51 “Faculty Constitution”
• Policy A53 “Development and Approval of Faculty Policies”
• Policy A60 “Faculty Senate Bylaws”
• Policy A61 “Academic Council”

Contacts

Direct any questions about this policy to the UNM Office of the University Secretary.

Procedures

The Teaching Enhancement Committee will schedule regular meetings. The Committee Chair will report Committee recommendations through the Academic Council for consideration by the Faculty Senate.

History

• August 17, 2022 - Updated administrator titles per FHB Policy A53 procedures.
• April 28, 2020 - Amended by Faculty Senate
• March 22, 2011 – Approved by Faculty Senate