The Faculty Council would like to thank everyone for attending our first meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Three highlights are below.

Recap of the Opening Message from Presiding Officer, Elena Grigorenko

Presiding Officer Elena Grigorenko emphasized the importance of balancing institutional priorities with faculty expertise, fostering a governance culture that values both tradition and innovation. She highlighted the need to integrate the perspectives of both experienced and new council members to create a more collaborative, adaptive decision-making process. She also announced three initiatives of the Council’s Executive Committee: (1) a talk series on the future of higher education; (2) strengthening communication between the Council and the Colleges and Professional Schools; and (3) engaging with the UH 4-Year Graduation Culture initiative by documenting and recognizing faculty excellence in supporting this effort. In her closing remarks, Dr. Grigorenko expressed appreciation for faculty engagement and called for a forward-looking mindset—one that honors the past, embraces change, and reinforces a shared commitment to academic excellence and collective progress.

Initiatives: Developing a 4-Year Graduation Culture by Teri Longacre

Dr. Teri Longacre’s presentation on Developing a 4-Year Graduation Culture emphasized the importance of aligning institutional practices to promote timely degree completion. She shared trend data highlighting undergraduate progress and underscored the university’s Guiding Principles—that student success is a shared responsibility, that data inform continuous improvement, and that a student-centered, service-oriented culture drives results. Dr. Longacre outlined Strategic Focus Areas designed to advance these goals, including signature learning experiences, bold enrollment strategies, cutting-edge academic programs, proactive advising and mentoring, technology-driven solutions, faculty and staff development, and the removal of barriers within a vibrant, engaging campus environment.

Merit and Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) presented by Kristi L. Santi, Secretary

Under Texas law, salary increases for university faculty must be based on merit and performance, as required by the General Appropriations Act and Texas Education Code §51.908, which directs governing boards to establish compensation policies that, to the greatest extent possible, align faculty salaries and benefits with those of comparable national institutions. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are not automatic and may occur only through legislative authorization and appropriations, while merit increases are determined at the institutional level based on individual performance, productivity, or equity.

To learn more about the meeting, please visit: https://www.uh.edu/faculty-council/resources-and-publications/previous-fs-minutes-agendas/ for the full minutes.

Each week, we shine a light on a key SAM or MAPP policy that directly affects faculty. This week’s focus: Outside Activities/Interest Disclosures. 

Faculty who wish to engage in paid consulting or other professional activities related to their university expertise must first obtain prior written approval using the university’s Outside Activities Form. These activities should not exceed 8 hours per week (32 hours per month) and must not interfere with university responsibilities or create any conflict of interest or commitment. Certain scholarly activities—such as reviewing manuscripts, presenting at conferences, or serving on professional committees—are pre-approved and do not require prior authorization, provided they do not create a conflict. This policy ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment of all paid external work with the university’s ethical and professional standards.

Related Links

02.A.08 – Outside Activities/Interests Disclosures

Outside Activities Form (PDF) – University of Houston System

02.A.29 – Ethical Conduct of Employees

The Faculty Engagement and Development (FED) center is a one-stop resource that supports faculty success at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re looking for quick teaching tools, research support, leadership development, or opportunities to connect with colleagues across campus, the FED offers flexible, high-impact programs that fit even the busiest schedules. Explore upcoming workshops, resources, and on-demand materials at https://www.uh.edu/fed/events.

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