Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

September 13, 2002

Components of the new faculty conduct policy

Following are key considerations in Iowa State's new faculty conduct policy. The policy is available online at: http://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty.

Mediation. Both parties must agree to mediation. A list of mediators is available in the Provost Office. A mediator facilitates discussion between the two sides and helps develop a written plan of what should be done. If the person with the complaint is dissatisfied, a formal complaint can be filed.

Formal complaint. Once the provost receives a formal complaint, a preliminary investigation begins and the provost decides if interim action is needed. A faculty review board then decides what else needs to be investigated and reviews any interim actions. Once the investigation is complete, both parties respond to a report before the board determines whether minor or major sanctions are likely to be involved. The provost must agree if the board determines major sanctions are likely.

Minor sanctions. The faculty review board holds a hearing, then prepares a report. Both sides respond; then the board sends its final report and recommendations to the provost. The board may recommend the case be dismissed, suggest minor sanctions or indicate the case warrants major sanctions (see procedure below). The provost either accepts the recommendations or meets with the board for further discussion. The final decision rests with the provost, who must issue a report detailing the decision and any sanctions. Public announcement of the findings and recommendations is made at the provost's discretion.
An appeal of the decision goes to the university president.

Major sanctions. A major sanction committee is convened and reviews any interim actions. The accused responds to the charges, then a formal hearing is held. The committee issues a report, both parties respond and a final report with recommendations is sent to the president. The committee can recommend the case be dismissed, or suggest minor or major sanctions. The president either accepts the recommendations or meets with the committee for further discussion. The final decision rests with the president, who issues a final report detailing the decision and any sanctions. Public announcement of the findings and recommendations is made at the president's discretion.
An appeal of the decision goes to the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.