Preamble

Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) at the University of Arizona provide students with outstanding educational and research opportunities and faculty mentorship, in areas requiring the integration of knowledge and ideas spanning many different disciplines. GIDPs fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Vice President of Research. The Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs Advisory Council (GIDPAC) is the elected body that oversees the operation of GIDPs and advises the Director of Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs, and Vice President for Research on all matters pertaining to the well-being of these programs.

1. GIDPAC Membership

   1. The Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs Advisory Council (GIDPAC) shall consist of six GIDP members elected by faculty members of all GIDPs via an annual secret ballot. Each member is elected for a term of three-years with terms staggered for the purpose of renewal and continuity. A call for nominations to GIDPAC membership is placed every October to all GIDP faculty members. Elections are held every November. Newly elected members take office on January 1.
   2. Each GIDPAC member shall have one vote. A Quorum shall constitute one-half of the membership.
   3. A GIDP graduate student elected through the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) will be a non-voting representative to GIDPAC.
2. GIDPAC Responsibilities
   1. Budgetary
      1. GIDPAC has developed a set of guidelines known as “The Statement of Principles for GIDP Funding.” These guidelines were adopted by GIDP Chairs and they serve as the primary ideology for funding GIDPs and their related activities. GIDPAC will continually review the Principles, suggest changes as necessary, and propose them for adoption by the GIDPAC Chairs.
      2. GIDPAC reviews budgets and funding proposals, submitted by the individual GIDPs, for the GIDPs, and makes recommendations to the Director of Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs, as well as the Vice President for Research about distribution of resources.
      3. In order to promote and support interdisciplinary activities within the GIDP system, GIDPAC administers account 205640, GIDP Admin. Summer Session, in Department 2501. (Funds in this account are primarily generated from GIDP courses and students during summer session registration.)
   2. Changes in GIDP Programs
      GIDPAC serves as the college-level committee for all GIDP curriculum and New Program proposals, program closures, admissions hiatus, program transfers, and program reorganizations.
   3. Promotion and Tenure and Sabbatical Leaves
      GIDPAC acts as the college-level Promotion & Tenure committee to deal with P&T considerations and with requests for sabbatical leaves for faculty whose tenure lines are in GIDPs.
   4. Representing the GIDPs
      1. GIDPAC represents the GIDPs, and proposes and assists in enactment of solutions to problems impeding the effectiveness and growth of the programs. On these issues, GIDPAC works with GIDP chairs and faculty, on the one hand, and with the Director of Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs, the Vice President for Research, and the Provost, on the other, to develop policies and procedures and to advocate for the GIDPs.
      2. GIDPAC serves as a strong advocate for strengthening and promoting interdisciplinary graduate education and interdisciplinary research at the University of Arizona.
      3. GIDPAC shall hold at least eight Council meetings annually, and additional meetings, as needed, with the Provost, Vice President for Research, Director of GIDPs, and other administrators.
      4. GIDPAC shall also hold GIDP-wide meetings (to include the chairs of the GIDPs and administrative assistants) at least once a year.
   5. Interaction with GIDP Administrative Office
      The Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs Administrative Office serves as liaison to GIDPAC, facilitating the work of GIDPAC, gathering and providing needed information, arranging for meetings, and disseminating information as needed by GIDPAC.

    

   Approved:

Richard C. Powell, Vice President
Research, Graduate Studies, and Economic Development

G. Tim Bowden, 2003 Chair Advisory Council
Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

06/10/03

06/10/03