Senate Plan of Organization
The University of Maryland Plan of Organization for Shared Governance is the University Senate’s main governing document, which spells out our principles of shared governance. The Plan outlines a system of governance in which faculty, staff, students, and administrators work together on issues that affect the campus community at all levels. The Plan of Organization clearly states that such principles of shared governance should be instituted at each level of governance at the University, including by each College or School within the University. This has facilitated increased communication between the various University constituencies, and has provided an opportunity for everyone to have a voice and exercise leadership in decisions that help shape the University.
Review of the University of Maryland Plan of Organization for Shared Governance
The University of Maryland Plan of Organization for Shared Governance states that a review of the current Plan be undertaken at least every ten years by a committee composed of members elected by the Senate. The Senate Executive Committee may institute a review of the Plan in the fifth or subsequent year following a review, if in its judgment there have been changes in the University significant enough to justify a review.
The Plan of Organization Review Committee (PORC) is charged with conducting a thorough review of the University's Plan. Any proposed revisions must be approved by a majority vote of the University Senate and submitted to an institution-wide referendum. Passage of revisions on an institution-wide referendum require a majority of the votes cast within each of two of three major constituencies. Final approval of the revised Plan lies with the President of the University.