Governing Documents

Plan of Organization & Senate Bylaws

The University of Maryland Plan of Organization for Shared Governance is the University'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.

While the Plan outlines broad principles and systems of shared governance, the Bylaws of the University Senate provide more detailed information on how the Senate operates. Information on Senate election procedures, the agendas and procedures for Senate meetings, the purview of the Senate Executive Committee, and detailed committee jurisdictions can be found in the Bylaws. The Bylaws may not contradict the principles of the Plan, but may provide more information on how those principles are applied. The Bylaws can be revised as needed by a two-thirds vote of the elected members of the Senate.

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.