WIU/UPI Agreement 2007-2011

Article 26: Academic Program Elimination Review Committee
Unit A

26.1. When the University is considering eliminating academic programs that would result in the layoff of an employee, it will constitute an Academic Program Elimination Review (APER) Committee composed of and elected by employees in the bargaining unit. The sole purpose of the APER Committee shall be to provide recommendations to the Academic Vice President concerning academic programs being considered for elimination which would result in the layoff of an employee. The Union Chapter President will be notified of the intent to form this committee.

26.2. The APER Committee shall

  1. be composed of no more than five employees,
  2. have representation from each college and the Library,
  3. have a term of appointment appropriate for the anticipated workload, and
  4. be elected in an election conducted by the Faculty Senate.

26.3.

  1. The APER Committee shall receive information on any program being considered for elimination which would result in the layoff of an employee. The information shall include
    1. data on enrollment, majors, and course offerings; and
    2. data on program costs.
  2. The APER Committee may request additional relevant information from the Academic Vice President.

26.4. In the process of developing its recommendations, the APER Committee shall review program costs and enrollment history, contributions of the program to the general education requirements, interdisciplinary and service functions, graduation requirements, the University curriculum, and contributions of the program to the mission and goals of the University.

26.5. Any recommendation to the Board for program elimination which would result in the layoff of an employee under Article 26.1. shall include the recommendation of the APER Committee.

26.6. Any Board decision concerning the elimination of any academic program which would result in the layoff of an employee(s) shall be communicated to the employee(s) in the affected unit.