1. Purpose of the Commission
The general purpose of the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Gender and Sexual Identities is to enhance the status of LGBTQA+ identified people at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.
Using this information, the Commission advises the Chancellor on issues pertaining to the specific concerns of faculty, staff, and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, and additional identities relevant to sexual orientation, gender identity & expression (SOGIE) at the University. While individual members are free to engage in advocacy on any issue, the Commission best serves its purpose through regular, confidential dialogue with the Chancellor.
2. Commission Confidentiality
The Commission and any sub-committees will adhere to a policy of strict confidentiality. Conversations with the Chancellor are advisory and confidential. Members of the university community should feel free to consult with members of the Commission and to express their opinions in confidence. The Commission will not disclose to the Chancellor, or to others, any communication requested to be kept confidential by a member of the University community.
3. Commission Objectives and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Commission and any sub-committees are to:
- Advise the Chancellor on University matters, policies, and practices relating to LGBTQA+ faculty, staff, and students and on other matters as appropriate.
- Advise other members of the campus administration as the Chancellor deems appropriate.
- Suggest to the Chancellor issues relating to LGBTQA+ people that should be part of the campus administrative agenda.
- Communicate to the Chancellor the perspectives of LGBTQ+ people on University policies, practices, and decisions.
- Assist the Chancellor in addressing issues related to SOGIE and LGBTQA+ people.
4. Membership and Representation
The Commission will ideally consist of 21-28 faculty, staff, and students representing a broad range of LGBTQA+ individuals (including allies) from across the University. All members of the Commission will meet as a whole, with sub-committees developed to address topics and concerns related to SOGIE, taking into consideration how status as faculty, staff, student, and alumni as well as other intersecting identities may be a factor.
The Commission will ideally have faculty, staff, and student representation representing different Colleges, Divisions or Programs within Academic and Student Affairs.
a. Representation of Members:
It must be acknowledged that not all LGBTQA+ Faculty, Staff, and Students are out or live openly; and serving on this Commission may not be of interest to all members of the campus community. Therefore, balanced representation, while desired, may not be possible. The goal is to have LGBTQA+ identified individuals and supporters serve on the Commission who are committed to enhancing the status of LGBTQA+ faculty, staff, and students. Ideally, there will be a wide range of SOGIE identities represented on the Commission.
The Commission will be chaired by a triumvirate with a Faculty, Staff, and Student co-chair.
i. Faculty representatives:
Two faculty members who, as much as possible, represent different Colleges within the Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources.
Three Faculty members, who as much as is practical, represent different colleges within Academic Affairs.
A representative from the Women’s and Gender Studies Program who is part of the LGBTQ/Sexuality Studies Minor faculty.
The past co-chair will serve in an ex-officio position.
ii. Staff Representatives:
Four managerial/professional employees who, as much as is practical, represent different Divisions within the University
Two office/service professionals who, as much as is practical, represent different divisions within the University.
The Director of the LGBTQA+ Resource Center
iii. Student Representatives:
Four undergraduate students who, as much as possible, represent different identities, different Colleges, and different classes.
Three graduate students, who as much as practical, represent different identities, different Colleges, and different Classes, and include on Masters and one Ph.D. candidate
The Director of the LGBTQA+ Center shall assist with student-led sub-committees
iv. At-large Representatives
Additional members representing LGBTQA+ identities or areas on campus can be appointed to the Commission by the Chancellor, with the advice and consent of the Commission Co-Chairs and Director of the LGBTQA+ Resource Center, after consulting with the current Commission members.
b. Selection and Appointment of Members and Co-Chairs
Faculty members will be appointed by the Chancellor, with the advice and consent of the Commission Co-Chairs and Director of the LGBTQA+ Resource Center, after consulting with the current Commission members.
Staff members will be appointed by the Chancellor after consulting with UNOPA and UAAD. Staff representatives do not have to be members of UNOPA or UAAD to serve on the Commission as representatives.
Student members shall be appointed by the Chancellor with the advice and consent of the Commission Co-Chairs and Director of the LGBTQA+ Resource Center, after consulting with the LGBTQA+ RSOs on campus. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and ASUN may also be consulted.
5. Terms
Commission members will be appointed for three-year staggered terms. Members may be reappointed for additional terms. Ordinarily, appointments will be made in April of each year, with terms beginning on August 15.
6. Chairs
The Commission members will select a faculty, staff and student co-chair. Sub-committees will also have the ability to designate a member as the chair of the sub-committee.
7. Meetings
The Commission or sub-committees may meet on such basis as its membership determines or at the call of the Chancellor or one of the Co-Chairs. The Commission shall meet a minimum of once a semester to discuss issues common to LGBTQA+ faculty, staff, and students. The Chancellor shall meet with the Commission at least twice a year.