Department Representatives are members of the Association who are elected annually from each department (or, in the case of non-departmentalized Faculties, each Faculty). The role of the Department Representative is to maintain two-way communication between the Faculty Association Board of Directors and his or her department.
On a monthly basis, during the academic term, the Department Representatives meet with the President and/or other Officers for a briefing on Association initiatives and important areas of activity. Department Representative meetings are considered closed meetings with only Department Representatives, their alternates, Board of Directors members and Association staff invited to attend.
The Faculty Association’s Department Representatives are established in Article 10 of the by-laws of the Association. In addition, the by-laws provide for up to two Sessional Representatives.
Department Representatives are often approached by members of their departments or units with questions or problems in relation to academic staff matters and asked for advice. Since answers to such questions and problems have complexities, ramifications, and implications legal and otherwise of which the Department Representative may not be aware, the Department Representative is asked to always refer such questions, problems and requests for advice to the Faculty Association office. For similar reasons, if a Department Representative is approached by a colleague for advice and assistance on tenure, promotion or assessment matters, they should refer the colleague to the Faculty Association office.