The Academic Council serves as the executive body of the Faculty Senate. On 5 October 1971 members of the CalArts faculty called a meeting to hear a draft of a constitution for a proposed ‘Faculty Council’ which was subsequently formed and consisted of two elected representatives from the Library and the Schools of Critical Studies, Theater, Music, Design, Art, and Film. The first meeting of the Council was held 1 June 1972. In the spring of 1974, the faculty voted to constitute bylaws of the Faculty Senate, which included forming a Coordinating Committee—the Faculty Council—whose purpose was “to coordinate the business of the Faculty Senate, looking after its interests, bringing to its attention matters that may affect it, acting in accordance with its instructions, and exercising authority delegated to it” by the Faculty Senate or the articles within the bylaws. In the fall of 1974, the CalArts Board of Trustees approved the bylaws of the Faculty Senate. Between 1975 and 1976 the Faculty Council became known as the Academic Council. Today, the Academic Council comprises seven representatives, one from each of CalArts’ six schools and the library. The Council is responsible for: (1) reviewing all existing artistic/academic policies of the Institute and making recommendations for change when deemed necessary; (2) participating on an equal basis with the Deans Council and to consent in the formation of all new academic programs; (3) participating in determining criteria for appointments and faculty evaluation systems; (4) providing appropriate appeal procedures for all faculty grievances; (5) reviewing policies within each artistic/academic unit to assure there is equality of treatment among the faculties, especially with regard to evaluation procedures, workload, and course support; (6) making recommendations on the conditions for admission and for the granting of degrees; and, (7) approving all candidates for degrees, both actual and honorary.

Sources: Faculty Handbook, “Bylaws of the Faculty Senate,” 5/2015

Institute Archives, California Institute of the Arts Collection, Faculty and Staff, B4:F7; B4:F13