1.6.6 School Councils

1.6.6.5 ITHACA COLLEGE SCHOOL OF MUSIC, THEATRE, AND DANCE BYLAWS

Article I.             Preface

The bylaws are the policies and procedures for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. In any instance where the policies and procedures are not specifically articulated in these bylaws, the Ithaca College Policy Manual will be the governing document. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance bylaws codify the philosophy of shared governance endorsed and practiced by this school.

Article II.           Mission & Aims

Section II.1     Mission

To equip our students to thrive in their professional pursuits and as agents of positive change by cultivating a vibrant and inclusive performing arts community.

Section II.2     Aims

A.    Provide a rigorous, inspiring, and transformational learning environment for our students.

B.     Equip our students to embrace new perspectives, critical thinking, interdisciplinary possibilities, entrepreneurial insights, and artistic and pedagogical best practices.

C.   Promote artistic excellence and expression as outlets for creativity, empathy, understanding, and wonder, and as agents for social justice.

D.    To ensure that what our students learn, practice, and engage with as a community reflects our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Article III.         Shared Governance, People, Voting, and Quorum

Section III.1    Shared Governance

The School of Music, Theatre, and Danceis built around a model of shared governance. With that in mind, it is the responsibility of the centers, departments, standing committees, and ad hoc committees to consult appropriate stakeholders for feedback on issues that pertain to their areas. On matters that affect a broader contingent, or when specified in the bylaws, proposals and motions will be brought forward for discussion and/or vote.

Section III.2     Faculty and Staff

A.    The faculty members of this body are all full-time and part-time, tenured and non-tenured faculty in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. The faculty’s responsibilities and rights are as specified in the Ithaca College Policy Manual, volume IV. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance bylaws also specify faculty responsibilities and rights.

B.     The staff members of this body are all non-faculty personnel, including those with teaching responsibilities. The staff’s responsibilities and rights are specified in the Ithaca College Policy Manual.

C.   The faculty and staff are responsible for administering and supporting school policies and procedures.

Section III.3     Quorum

A.    The school defines quorum as the minimum number of members necessary at a meeting to make the proceedings of that meeting valid.

B.     In order to constitute a quorum for the school or school committee meeting, a majority (over 50%) of eligible voting members must be present physically, or via proxy, or via technology (conference phone, Zoom, etc.).

C.   All meetings must be made publicly known to all members of the committee.

Section III.4     Decision Making / Voting Procedures

Each decision-making body may conduct business by building consensus, voting or both. It is an incumbent responsibility that every eligible member of the body vote on seconded motions. Abstentions are considered a refrain from voting and not counted. If at any point a conflict of interest exists, those who have such conflict should recuse themselves from the entire process, including discussion, quorum, and voting, thus removing themselves as an eligible voter.

A.    Voting Procedures

1.     Any member of a decision-making body may put forward a motion to be voted on.

2.     A motion must be seconded by another member of the decision-making body before it can be voted on.

3.     An opportunity for discussion will be offered after a motion is seconded.

4.     All votes are cast by anonymous and secret electronic ballot.

5.     For any motion to pass, a majority of votes must be in favor of the motion, either in person or by proxy.

B.     Voter Eligibility. As a general principle, constituents have the responsibility to vote on matters that affect or impact their appointment, responsibilities, and role.

1.     On operational matters, all members of the MTD Faculty and Staff may vote.

2.     On academic matters, faculty and those staff who have teaching responsibilities are eligible to vote.

3.     On faculty evaluation, only tenured faculty may vote.

Article IV.        Organizational Structure

Section IV.1   Centers & Departments

A.    The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance consists of The Center for Music and The Center for Theatre and Dance under the Dean of The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

B.     The Center for Theatre and Dance consists of three departments as well as an Associate Dean.

1.     Department of Theatre and Dance Performance

2.     Department of Theatre Studies

3.     Department of Production and Management

C.   The Center for Music consists of three departments, a minor, and Graduate Studies as well as an Associate Dean.

1.     Department of Music Education

2.     Department of Music Performance

3.     Department of Music Theory, History, and Composition

4.     Programs in Music – Cross Departmental

Section IV.2   Associate Deans

A.    Each center will have an Associate Dean who holds the rank of Associate or Professor and is a full-time faculty member in their respective center.

B.     The Associate Dean serves at the discretion of the Dean in a central administrative position and escalates matters to the Dean as warranted.

C.   The Associate Dean serves as the Dean’s delegate on college-wide service committees. The duties of the Associate Dean are defined by the Dean and include but are not limited to:

1.     Manage the curriculum, schedule, compliance with accreditation

2.     Manage assessment procedures

3.     Personnel relations

4.     Lead advising Initiatives, academic policy, and implement measures towards Student Success

5.     Manage operating budget lines and facilitate submission procedures

6.     Manage operations and administration

7.     Manage recruitment and admissions

D.    If the Associate Dean position becomes open the Dean makes a call for nominations including self-nominations.

E.     The Associate Deans are ultimately appointed by the Dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

F.     The reassigned time and compensation of the Associate Dean is determined in consultation with the Dean and Provost.

G.   The Associate Deans serve ex-officio on the MTD Leadership Team.

Section IV.3   Department Chairs

A.    The Department Chairs are full-time faculty members, normally tenured, with the rights and responsibilities as outlined by the Ithaca College Policy Manual, volume IV, including service and scholarly/professional activity.

B.     The reassigned time and summer stipend of the Chairs is determined in consultation with the Dean and Provost. 

C.   The Chairs serve and represent the faculty, staff, and students in an administrative position. Chairs are responsible for the operation of the department within the school.

1.     The Chairs are appointed by the Dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance upon the call for nomination, vote, and recommendation of the department.

2.     The term of office of the Chair is three years and the work extends over the summer, for which there is compensation.

3.     The Department Chairs serve ex-officio on the MTD Leadership Team.

4.     Responsibilities of the Chair are defined by the Dean and include, but are not limited to:

a.    Curriculum Development

b.    Assessment

c.    Personnel Relations

d.    Student Success

e.    Budget Submission on behalf of faculty of the department

f.      Administration and Governance

g.    Recruitment and Admissions

5.     In the case of resignation, a new Chair is determined by the nomination and voting process outlined in these bylaws. The Dean may appoint an interim until the vote and new appointment is finalized.

Article V.          Groups & Committees

In order to complete the substantial amount of work associated with the daily operation and strategic planning of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, and to guarantee representation of each area in the decision-making process, it is the expectation that each member of the MTD Faculty and Staff will participate in the shared governance of the school. This participation may take the form of service in standing or ad hoc committees.

Standing committees and groups are permanent sub-groups of the MTD Faculty and Staff, some of which are elected and some of which are predetermined and formed to do their assigned work on an ongoing basis.

Elections for vacant school committees, leadership positions, and school representation on college-wide committees typically take place at the end of the academic year. The mechanics of the voting procedure is facilitated by an administrative staff member in the Dean’s Office.

Section V.1    MTD – Faculty & Staff Forum

A.    The purpose of the Faculty & Staff Forum is to consider and vote on motions regarding the operations, agenda, strategic planning, and shared governance of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

B.     Membership: The membership is composed of the administrators, faculty, and staff of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

C.   Recorder: The Assistant to the Dean serves as the recorder and minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

D.    The Dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will call for meetings and or retreats. The Dean calls for and sets the agenda items, including items from MTD Committees. The Dean facilitates the meetings.

Section V.2    MTD – The Leadership Team

A.    Charge: The Leadership Team serves as a liaison and communication conduit between college, school, and department administration and makes recommendations on operational matters, including resource allocation to the Dean.

B.     Membership: The Dean, Associate Deans, and Chairs of all departments and the Director of Graduate Studies within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

C.   Recorder: The Assistant to the Dean serves as the recorder. Minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

D.    The Dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will call for meetings and agenda items. The Dean facilitates the meetings.

A.    m the dean’s office will serve as the recorder. The minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

B.     Terms: The term for each representative is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge.

Section V.3    MTD Faculty Senate (updated 23.12.18)

A.    Charge: The MTD Faculty Senate serves to represent and make recommendations to the Dean about matters that affect the faculty. Additionally, the Faculty Advisory Group will ensure that MTD faculty are represented at all school-wide and college-wide committees by holding nominations and elections for such.  

B.     Membership: To ensure representation of all faculty, each academic department will have one representative. The department calls for nominations, votes, and appoints. The Dean will attend these meetings ex-officio. 

C.   Chair: The Chair is appointed by the group at the first meeting of the year. 

D.    Recorder: An administrative from the dean’s office will serve as the recorder. The minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access. 

E.     Terms: The term for each representative is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge. 

Section V.4    MTD Staff Senate (updated 23.12.18)

A.    Charge: The MTD Staff Senate serves to represent and make recommendations to the Dean about matters that affect the staff, including recommendations on professional development.

B.     Membership: To ensure representation of all staff, there will be one teaching staff representative, one administrative staff representative, one production staff representative and one representative at large. The Dean will call for nominations and a vote will be held amongst staff. The Dean will attend these meetings ex-officio.

C.   Chair: The Chair is appointed by the group at the first meeting of the year.

D.    Recorder: An administrative from the dean’s office will serve as the recorder. The minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

E.     Terms: The term for each representative is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge.

Section V.5    MTD Student Senate (updated 12.12.18)

A.    Charge: The MTD Student Senate serves to represent and make recommendations to the Dean about matters that affect the students.

B.     Terms: TBD by Dean in consultation with student reps from each center.

C.   Membership: TBD by Dean in consultation with student reps from each center. The Dean will attend these meetings ex-officio.

D.    Recorder: An administrative from the dean’s office will serve as the recorder. The minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

E.     Chair: TBD by Dean in consultation with student reps from each center.

Section V.6    MTD – Faculty Support & Mentoring Network

A.    Charge: The Faculty Support & Mentoring Network serves to orient new faculty and support returning faculty in all the various facets and responsibilities of faculty work.

B.     Composition: This forum is required for all new faculty and open to all returning faculty.

C.   The Dean and Associate Deans will call for suggestions from the faculty for content and scope and then set the agenda and facilitate.

Section V.7    Assessments Committee

A.    Charge: The charge of the Assessments Committee is to review annual assessment efforts at the course and program level as carried out by the chairs and/or degree coordinators, managed by the Associate Deans, and serves to liaise with the All-College Policies Assessment Committee.

B.     Membership: There should minimally be four faculty members with representation across the school. The Associate Deans will serve in an ex-officio capacity.

C.   Chair: The Chair is appointed by the group at the first meeting of the year.

D.    Recorder: The recorder will be one of the MTD administrative staff and minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

E.     Terms: The term for each representative is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge.

Section V.8    Curriculum Committee

A.    Charge: The charge of the Curriculum Committee is to steward all curricular matters of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, liaise with the Associate Dean and All College Policy Curriculum Committee.

B.     Membership: In order to ensure representation of all faculty, each academic department will have one representative, there will be one CM and one CTD student representative. The Associate Deans will serve in an ex-officio capacity.

C.   Chair: The Chair is appointed by the group at the first meeting.

D.    Recorder: The recorder will be one of the MTD administrative staff and minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

E.     Terms: The term of each representative is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge.

F.     Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

1.     In collaboration with Department Chairs and Associate Deans, review, consult and facilitate school wide votes on all curriculum proposals forwarded by departments in accordance with the guidelines provided through the all-college policy committee.

2.     Review and make recommendations around school-wide academic policies.

3.     Coordinate school wide votes on curricular matters that are presented by academic departments.

Section V.9    Graduate Studies Committee

A.    Charge: The charge of the Graduate Studies Committee is to steward all graduate matters of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, including facilitating the development of curriculum, and making recommendations to the Dean on new or revised graduate programs and initiatives.

B.     Membership: There should minimally be at least four members with representation across the school. One of the Associate Deans will serve in an ex-officio capacity.  

C.   Director of Graduate Studies: The Director is appointed by the Dean after seeking nominations including self-nominations.

D.    Recorder: The recorder will be selected at the first meeting and minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

E.     Terms: The term is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge.

Section V.10  Guest Artist, Performances, and Events Committee

A.    Charge: The charge of the Guest Artist, Performances, and Events Committee is to facilitate requests, shepherd the request and review process for school-wide guest artists, discuss logistical needs for performances and events and communicate needs to help coordinate marketing for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, ensuring alignment with the vision and mission of the school.

B.     Duties:

1.     Determine which fund source (endowed series, discretionary funds or other guest artist budget streams) is most appropriate given the request and make recommendations to the Dean.

2.     Ensure a diverse range of guest artists.

3.     Review the school wide events calendar and make recommendations with an eye on the overall schedule.

4.     Identify a point person for each guest artist, usually the initiator of the original proposal, to host, coordinate, and publicize the guest visit.

C.   Membership: There should minimally be four members with representation across the school, including the Concert and Facilities Manager and the Production Manager/ Technical Supervisor, as well as one of the Associate Deans.

D.    Chair: The Chair is appointed by the group at the first meeting.

E.     Recorder: The recorder will be selected at the first meeting and minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

F.     Terms: The term is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge.

Section V.11 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging (IDEA-B) Committee

A.    Charge: To assess and make recommendations about the advancement of IDEA-B across all academic and operational aspects of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.  Strategic initiatives and measures of success for accelerating IDEA-B within MTD will be prioritized by the committee at the beginning of each academic year in consultation with the Dean.

B.     Membership: There should minimally be four members with representation across the school, two students from the MTD student advisory group, as well as the Dean.

C.   Recorder: The recorder will be selected at the first meeting and minutes will be held in the dean’s office and posted for general access.

D.    Terms: The term of each representative is two years – staggered to help ensure historical knowledge.

Section V.12  Ad-Hoc Search Committees

When any position becomes available for a faculty member (FTT, Adjunct, NTEN, or Tenure Eligible), a staff member, or exempt staff member who teaches, a search committee will normally be convened to facilitate the search and selection process within an established timeline and to ensure a diverse pool of candidates. In the case of FTT positions or part time per credit needs, there may be instances when it is impractical to convene a committee and for these circumstances the chair of the department for which the vacancy is housed will coordinate with the dean’s office on a process which ensures equity and a diverse pool of applicants. For any faculty search, the committee will follow the Guidelines for Search, Appointment, and Orientation of Faculty as outlined in the Ithaca College Policy Manual, volume 4.10.

A.    Search Committee Charge – Make a recommendation in ranked order of selected candidate(s) to the Dean, providing rationale in line with the job description.

B.     Membership

1.     Each search committee will have three to five members, at least one of whom must be tenured. When possible, at least two of the committee members will regularly teach and/or advise in the area where the successful candidate will teach. The other committee members will come from the MTD faculty and staff with the goal of creating a representative group. If the search is for a tenure-eligible position, at least two of the committee members will be tenured.

2.     To ensure student participation there will be an opportunity for students to engage with each finalist in a forum or other activity as deemed appropriate to the pedagogy, and a mechanism will be provided to collect anonymous student feedback. The feedback will be reviewed by the search committee members and the Dean.

3.     There should be one member of the search committee who serves as a diversity advocate.

4.     All members of the search committee are expected to uphold accountability, best practices, and training to ensure a process free of unconscious and/or conscious bias.

5.     There may be other members as required by the Provost’s office.

6.     There will be one administrative staff who serves as a non-voting member of the committee and facilitates the administrative process of the search, including: taking notes for the Dean’ office, scheduling meetings, filing the position requests, coordinating between the Dean and the Office of Human Resources, generating position advertising copy, the distribution of advertising, and the scheduling and accounting of semi-finalist and final on-site interviews.

C.   Nominations for the Search Committee - the Dean’s Office calls for nominations for open positions. Eligible members can self-nominate or be nominated by another member, Department Chair, or the Dean in consultation with the Leadership Team, with the nominee’s consent. The Dean, in consultation with the Leadership Team, appoints the committee. The search committee and the timeline of the search will be announced to the MTD Faculty and Staff once formed.

D.    Meeting Times – The Dean’s Office determines an appropriate meeting time for each committee and calls the first meeting. Thereafter, it is the duty of the search committee chair to call meetings and adhere to the established timeline. If the chair of a committee is absent, neglects, or declines to call meetings, it is the duty of the committee to meet on the call of any two of its members.

Section V.13  Ad-Hoc Committees

A.    Charge - Ad Hoc Committees are sub-groups of the MTD Faculty and Staff formed on a temporary basis to complete a specific task. The Dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance considers suggestions from faculty and staff about the potential needs and initiates the formation of the committee. The Dean also articulates the charge of the committee and solicits nominations from the MTD Faculty and Staff.

B.     Nominations - The Dean defines the criteria for and composition of the committee and calls for nominations for open positions at least one week before the election meeting. Eligible members can self-nominate or be nominated by another member with nominee’s consent.

C.   Elections - The election will follow the voting procedures as outlined in these bylaws. The members of the ad hoc committee will elect a chair at their first meeting from the members who have self-identified as willing to serve as chair.

D.    Meetings - The Dean’s Office determines an appropriate meeting time for each committee and calls the first meeting. Thereafter, it is the duty of the chair to call meetings. If the chair of a committee is absent, neglects, or declines to call meetings, it is the duty of the committee to meet on the call of any two of its members.

Article VI.        Center for Music (CM) Specific Structures and Roles

Section VI.1   CM Faculty and Staff Community of the Whole

1.     Charge: To facilitate ongoing communication, consider relevant operational issues and topics, and vote on motions regarding shared governance within the Center for Music. All faculty and staff of the Center for Music may vote on non-academic matters. Faculty, and staff who teach, may vote on curricular matters. The Associate Dean of Music serves as the non-voting chair of this committee and will seek agenda items from the faculty, staff, and students within the Center for Music and across campus in advance of meetings. The agenda will be set by the Associate Dean through an open call that will go out at least one week in advance of each meeting. The Dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is invited to attend as needed. The Administrative and Communications Coordinator serves as recorder and distributes minutes to the Center for Music Faculty and Staff Community of the Whole.

2.     Membership:All faculty and staff who have appointments within the Center for Music departments and offices are members of the Faculty and Staff Community of the Whole.

3.     Frequency of Meetings: The Center for Music Faculty and Staff Community of the Whole will meet on a periodic basis, normally once a month, and at least two times a semester.

Section VI.2   CM Student Advisory Committee

1.     Charge: To discuss issues, questions, ideas, and concerns pertaining to the student experience in the Center for Music. It coordinates with the MTD Student Advisory Group to facilitate communication and planning across the School. There will be at least one music student who is elected to both bodies.  The Center for Music Student Advisory Committee elects a student chair and a recorder who puts out a call for agenda items and takes and distributes minutes and agendas. The student chair coordinates with the Associate Dean on agenda items and follow up initiatives.

2.     Membership:The Center for Music Student Advisory Committee is made up of one student representative from each of the Private Studio Performance Classes. The election processes in each studio will work to ensure there is adequate representation from the BA, BMO, Music Ed, Performance, and Music Ed and Performance majors. There will also be a student elected within the Jazz Rep and Ped class(es), and one representative from Composition SRT. Elections will be held each academic year at the beginning of the fall semester.  If the elected representative leaves for a semester or cannot attend a meeting within that year, an interim student will attend in their place. The Associate Dean from Music attends the meetings of the Center for Music Student Advisory Committee. 

3.     Frequency of Meetings: Meetings are normally held once each month of the academic year..  The expectation of elected students is that they will attend all meetings, and if they cannot, they will send an interim student. If an elected student misses 2 meetings in any semester without planning or communicating with the student chair, the studio class or major has the right to run a new election.

Section VI.3   CM Conductors and Directors Planning Committee

1.     Charge: To facilitate open dialogue, communication, coordination, collaborative planning, and budgetary advisement relevant to the academic pursuits of the ensembles. Consensus is a goal, and if needed votes may be held anonymously. The Administrative and Communications Coordinator serves as recorder and distributes minutes and communications to the committee. The Center for Music Conductors and Directors Planning Committee will elect a chair at the first meeting to serve for the academic year.  Additionally at the first meeting, working groups and shared direction for the year will be determined. This committee will meet with the Center for Music Production Staff Team before the start of each semester or as needed.

2.     Membership: All faculty members who conduct or direct ensembles as part of their faculty load, the Concert and Facilities Manager, the Music Performance Department Chair, and the Associate Dean of Music serve on the Center for Music Conductors and Directors Planning Committee. The Center for Music Student Advisory Committee will elect one student to represent the students and attend Center for Music Conductors and Directors meetings as needed pertaining to agenda topics.

3.     Frequency of Meetings: The Center for Music Conductors and Directors Planning Committee will meet on a periodic basis, as needed, but at least once prior to each semester.

Section VI.4   CM Production Staff Team

1.       Charge:To facilitate dialogue, coordination, and planning including schedule, resources, and budgetary allocations pertaining to performances and events in the Center for Music. The Music Production Staff Team will work collaboratively with the Center for Theatre and Dance to coordinate events, marketing, and schedules.

2.       Membership: The Center for Music Production Staff Team is made up of the Associate Dean, the Concert and Facilities Manager, the Recording Services Manager, the Webcast Services Coordinator, the Music Ensemble Librarian, the Administrative and Communications Coordinator, the Instrument Repair Technician, the Scheduling and Events Assistant, and the Music Librarian. The Center for Music Student Advisory Committee will elect one student to represent the students at the Center for Music Production Staff Team who will attend meetings as needed pertaining to agenda topics

3.     Frequency of Meetings:Meetings are normally held once each month.

Section VI.5   CM Leadership Team

1.     Charge: To discuss operational, cross-departmental questions and concerns, advise and advocate on matters for the Center for Music, and administer the operations for the Center for Music. Updates from this group will be shared regularly as updates, communications, and agenda items in meetings.

2.     Membership: The Center for Music Leadership Team includes Music Department Chairs and the Associate Dean of the Center for Music. Members of this team also serve on the MTD Leadership Team. The Associate Dean serves as the chair of this committee. Frequency of Meetings: Meetings will normally be held on a bi-weekly basis or as needed.

Section VI.6   CM Faculty Town Hall

1.     Charge: To hold a space for all faculty to communicate openly on relevant issues pertaining to faculty. A faculty member will be elected at the first meeting of each year to serve as moderator for the meetings for that academic year. The moderator will solicit agenda items through an open call that will go out at least one week in advance of each meeting. Any faculty member who submits an agenda item will facilitate the discussion of that item. The Faculty Town Hall will be supported administratively by the Administrative and Communications Coordinator.

2.     Membership:The Faculty of the Center for Music

3.     Frequency of Meetings: The Center for Music Faculty Town Hall will meet on a periodic basis, normally once a month, and at least two times a semester.

Article VII.       Center for Theatre and Dance (CTD) Committees and Roles

Section VII.1 CTD Committees

A.    CTD Faculty and Staff Committee

1.     All faculty and staff who have appointments within the CTD’s departments serve on the Faculty and Staff Committee.

2.     The charge of the committee is to consider and vote on motions regarding shared governance of the CTD.

3.     All faculty and staff of the CTD may vote on non-academic matters. Faculty, and those staff who teach, may vote on curricular matters.

4.     The Associate Dean of Theatre and Dance serves as chair of this committee.

5.     The Coordinator of Theatre Operations serves as recorder and distributes minutes to the committee of the whole.

6.     The Faculty and Staff Committee will meet on a periodic basis, at least two times a semester.

B.     CTD Chairs & Degree Coordinators Committee (CDCC)

1.     The charge of the CDCC is to administer the operations of the CTD.

2.     Membership of the CDCC includes all degree coordinators, department chairs, the coordinator of theatre operations and the Associate Dean for the CTD.

3.     The Associate Dean serves as the chair of this committee.

 C.   CTD Student Advisory Group

1.     The charge of the CTD Student Advisory Group is to discuss issues, questions, ideas, and concerns pertaining to the student experience in the Center for Theatre and Dance. It coordinates with the MTD Student Advisory Group to facilitate communication and planning across the School.

2.     Membership of the CTD Student Advisory Group includes one student representative from each degree program selected from the CTD student body at the beginning of each academic year. The associate dean serves on the committee ex officio.

a.    There will be at least one theatre and dance student who is selected to both  the Student MTD Advisory Group and the CTD Student Advisory Group.

b.    The CTD Student Advisory Committee elects a student chair and a recorder who puts out a call for agenda items and takes and distributes minutes and agendas.

c.    The student chair coordinates with the Associate Dean on agenda items and follow up initiatives.

D.    CTD Production Laboratory Planning Committee (PLPC)

1.     The charge of the Production Laboratory Planning Committee (PLPC) is to craft the production and performance practicum experiences according to the current student population and the stated learning outcomes for all degree programs for the upcoming academic year.

2.     Membership of the PLPC includes:

a.    Voting members typically include one representative from each of the degree programs and a senior student elected by the student body, as well as a representative Director of Opera and Musical Theatre or a designated proxy.

b.    The Producing Associates serve as non-voting co-chairs of the committee.

c.    The coordinator of theatre operations serves as a non-voting member, providing administrative support.

d.    Each representative has a responsibility to represent the views of their area, considering the resources and pedagogical goals of the unit.

 E.     CTD Field Studies Committee

1.     The charge of the field studies committee is to organize the annual senior field studies event, which typically occurs the week before spring break.

2.     Membership of the field studies committee typically includes one representative from each area, selected by that area and ratified by the committee of the whole at the August faculty/staff meeting:

a.    Performance

b.    Theatre administration

c.    Theatre studies

d.    Theatre production and design

e.    Stage management

f.      The coordinator of theatre operations

3.     Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

a.    Setting a budget for activities, accommodations, and travel;

b.    Determining a diverse slate of shows which the group will attend;

c.    Advising students on the advantages of attending;

d.    Reaching out to alums and industry professionals to solicit participation in events;

e.    Fielding responses from alums and industry professionals to determine appropriate programming and schedule, keeping in mind the alumni engagement aspect of the project;

f.      Determining the content of events for the students in their area, ensuring a variety of subjects and perspectives;

g.    Organizing a schedule of events for the students in their area, including the presenters. Events may include:

i.       Theatre, shop, and facility tours

ii.      Workshops

iii.     Panels

iv.    Other types of events as appropriate

h.    Collaborating with other committee members to determine crossover events;

i.       Collaborating with other committee members to coordinate facilities usage;

j.       Attending major-specific scheduled events and acting as host/moderator as needed, including the alumni reception at the end of the week;

k.     Networking with alumni at events;

l.       Following up and thanking all participants in a timely manner.

 F.     CTD Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee (IDEA)

1.     The charge of the CTD’s IDEA Committee is supporting a community of anti-racism and equity by assisting colleagues in the ongoing development and implementation of substantive change in unit curriculum.

2.     Responsibilities of the IDEA committee include, but are not limited to:

a.    Share IDEA initiatives with faculty and staff involved in casting and production laboratory planning.

b.    Facilitate workshops and colloquia for faculty, students, and staff on building and maintaining an IDEA-focused curriculum and community. This could include inviting scholars and artists with expertise in the intersection of IDEA and theatre.

c.    Manage the budget and funding for IDEA initiatives.

d.    Update Center records regarding IDEA initiatives (this includes keeping minutes of meetings and maintaining an online repository).

3.     Membership is made up of no less than three members of the faculty and teaching staff. Additionally, the student body should be encouraged to elect up to two student representatives to the committee.

a.    Typically, the chair of the IDEA committee is elected to a two-year term of office from and by faculty and staff members of the committee.

b.    All other members are elected on an annual basis.

c.    When deemed necessary, this committee may invite membership of college faculty or staff outside the CTD holding expertise in IDEA initiatives. These outside-center members will serve in an advisory capacity on the committee

4.     The work of this committee directly impacts student experiences in the Center through curriculum and production. However, the IDEA committee is not responsible for addressing bias-related incidents in the Center or college community. Currently, these concerns should be directed to the Ithaca College Bias Impact Resource Team.

G.   CTD Ad-Hoc Committees

1.     Charge - Ad Hoc Committees are sub-groups of the CTD Faculty and Staff Committee formed on a temporary basis to complete a specific task.

a.    The Associate Dean for CTD considers suggestions from faculty and staff regarding potential needs and initiates the formation of the committee.

b.    The Associate Dean also articulates the charge of the committee and solicits nominations from the CTD Faculty and Staff.\

2.     Nominations - The Associate Dean defines the criteria for and composition of the committee and calls for nominations for open positions at least one week before the election meeting. Eligible members can self-nominate or be nominated by another member of the nominee’s consent.

3.     Elections - The election will follow the voting procedures as outlined in these bylaws. The members of the ad hoc committee will elect a chair at their first meeting from the members who have self-identified as willing to serve as chair.

4.     Meetings - The Dean’s Office determines an appropriate meeting time for each committee and calls the first meeting. Thereafter, it is the duty of the chair to call meetings. If the chair of a committee is absent, neglects, or declines to call meetings, it is the duty of the committee to meet on the call of any two of its members.

Section VII.2 CTD Administrative Roles

 A.    CTD Associate Dean

1.     The duties of the associate dean in the School of Music and Dance are outlined in the MTD Bylaws, Article 4.

B.     CTD Chairs - Additional Duties

1.     The duties of chairs in the School of Music and Dance are outlined in the MTD Bylaws, Article 4.

2.     The chairs in CTD will maintain and administer CTD guest artist funds allocated for departments.

3.     The chair of theatre and dance performance maintains the casting history for current students.

B.     CTD Degree Coordinators

1.     The degree coordinators are full time faculty members from within the program for which they serve in the CTD. The degree coordinator serves as a primary representative and advocate for the degree program they serve.

2.     The term of office of the degree coordinator is two academic years, beginning in August. The degree coordinator is nominated, with their prior consent, and elected by the degree faculty.

3.     Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

a.    Chairing the degree program faculty & staff meetings.

b.    Serving as a point of contact for current students within the degree program.

c.    Liaise with the student representative on the CTD Student Advisory Committee.

d.    Coordinating pre-registration group advising as needed by the area.

e.    In collaboration with program faculty, the chair, and the Dean's Office, determining faculty teaching loads and the scheduling of all program classes.

f.      In conjunction with the chair, serve as liaison, as needed, between the production classroom and the areas on academic matters, which may include review status, health issues, or disciplinary action.

C.   CTD Producing Associates

1.     There are two CTD Producing Associates.

2.     The associates are full-time faculty members who have served for a minimum of three years in the CTD.

a.    The associates serve and represent the CTD faculty, staff, and students in an advisory role, executing the school’s mission as it applies to the production season.

b.    The chairs of the departments are ineligible for this appointment.

c.    When one of the associates is a member of the creative/production team on a production, the other associate serves as a replacement for that production.

3.     The term of office of an associate is two academic years, beginning in August.

a.    The terms of the two associates are staggered, with one position up for election each academic year.

b.    Nominations are solicited from the CTD faculty and staff by the coordinator of theatre operations two weeks prior to the November CTD faculty/staff meeting during the second year of an associate’s term.

c.    The vote on the recommendation to elect an associate occurs at the December CTD faculty/staff meeting during the second year of the associate’s term.

4.     If at any time an associate is unable to carry out the duties of their position, the Associate Dean may call for the election of a replacement.

5.     Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

a.    Sitting, ex officio, on the Production Laboratory Planning Committee (PLPC) in an advisory, non-voting role.

b.    The following duties will be divided equitably between the associates:

                                                      i.         Facilitating the production process:

                                                     ii.         Serve as a liaison, as needed, between the IDEA committee and the production laboratory.

                                                    iii.         Serve as liaison, as needed, among the creative/production team.

                                                   iv.         Serve as liaison, as needed, between the production classroom and the areas on academic matters, which may include review status, health issues, or disciplinary action.

                                                    v.         Serve as liaison, as needed, with outside entities, in relation to the production laboratory planning.

                                                   vi.         Facilitating the audition process by managing exemptions and exception requests by students in consultation with the chair of theatre and dance performance and the stage management mentor.

                                                  vii.         Provide input and serve as arbitrator at casting meetings, in consultation with the acting and/or musical theatre program coordinator(s), with the charge of looking at casting from a departmental/programmatic level.

                                                 viii.         Organizing and facilitating the audition and casting process by providing logistic support for students to submit their materials and making information to performance faculty.

                                                   ix.         Support the creation of the production calendar to ensure planning is aligned with the mission and vision of the school and center.

                                                    x.         Facilitating a humane and progressive production process that is aligned with the mission and vision of the school and center.

Article VIII.     Changes MTD Bylaws

Minor amendments to these bylaws that do not substantively modify the content, but rather pertain to grammar or editorial matters will be done through the MTD Leadership Team.

Section VIII.1                  Changes to Article 1-VI MTD Bylaws

Proposals for permanent changes to Article I-V must be presented at a meeting of the MTD Faculty and Staff and voted on by the MTD Faculty and Staff at the subsequent regularly scheduled meeting.

Section VIII.2                  Changes to Article VI Center for Music Specific Structures & Roles

Proposals for permanent changes to Article VI must be presented at a center for music meeting of faculty and staff and be voted on according to center policies.

Section VIII.3                  Changes to Article VII Center for Theatre and Dance Specific Structures & Roles

Proposals for permanent changes to Article VII must be presented at a center for theatre and dance meeting of faculty and staff and be voted on according to center policies.

Section VIII.4                  Changes to Policies for Evaluation of Faculty

Proposals for permanent changes to Policies for Evaluation of Faculty must be presented at a meeting of the MTD Faculty and Staff and voted on by the tenured faculty.

Last Updated: January 14, 2024