Faculty Senate Social Justice Committee
(FS Bylaws, Article 3.5)

Membership of Faculty Senate Social Justice Committee

3.5 Social Justice Committee

The membership of the committee shall be appointed by the president of the Faculty Senate and approved by the Faculty Senate. One tenured/tenure track faculty member will be appointed to the committee to represent each of the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences and Visual and Performing Arts. A tenured/tenure track faculty member representing the College of Law and a tenured/tenure track faculty member representing University Libraries may be appointed upon their expression of interest in service on the committee. A clinical faculty member may be appointed upon their expression of interest in service on the committee. In addition, one student, one instructor, one operating staff member and one supportive professional staff member will also be appointed. A committee chair will be appointed from the tenured/tenure track faculty members. 

3.5.2 Duties
The committee shall be a primary voice of tenured and tenure track faculty and advise the Faculty Senate on matters and issues to include:

3.5.2.1 Identify the intersecting structures contributing to racism, sexism, classism, ageism, transphobia, homophobia and ableism at NIU, particularly within policies, procedures and practices; and create strategic plans and take actions to correct them operating within appropriate shared governance procedures. All substantive policy recommendations are subject to Faculty Senate approval.

3.5.2.2 Coordinate and communicate with other campus entities to pursue social justice initiatives.

3.5.2.3 Report to Faculty Senate and provide guidance and input on issues related to institutional racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

3.5.2.4 Facilitate discussions on social justice issues and community engagement for faculty, staff and students.

3.5.2.5 Work with relevant units/committees to strengthen anti-racism and social justice curriculum at NIU.

3.5.2.6 Evaluate progress on an annual basis with summative reviews every five years.

The SJC Committee meets in person on Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
2025-26 dates: Sep 17, Oct 15, Dec 10, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 8, May 6.