Description of PP&R Committee
DESCRIPTION AND ROLE
The Personnel Planning & Review (PP&R) Committee is a subcommittee of the Faculty Senate that consists of twelve members, at the rank of Professor, elected by and from the eight Colleges, the University Library and Division of Student Affairs, plus the President of the Faculty who constitutes the thirteenth member. Each of the units elect their own members to represent them on PP&R. The Committee is charged by the Faculty Senate with making recommendations concerning academic personnel policies and procedures, including those which, if adopted, are incorporated in appropriate sections of the Administrative Manual.
In executing its mission, PP&R’s overarching goal is to serve and protect the interests of the faculty by being an advocate of faculty shared governance. As a faculty advocate, its role is to provide policy-related guidance and support to faculty, both individually and collectively, so that they can thrive in their careers at CSUN. This effectively translates into a wide range of responsibilities and expectations of PP&R members as elaborated below.
PP&R: A CALL TO SERVICE
PP&R Committee is one of the most influential bodies shaping the academic experience at our university. As a faculty-led committee, PP&R safeguards the principles of shared governance by ensuring fair, transparent, and consistent academic personnel policies and procedures. The committee's work directly impacts the professional lives of faculty, from retention and tenure decisions to broader policy recommendations that define faculty roles and responsibilities.
Beyond its administrative responsibilities, PP&R is also an advocate for faculty interests and academic integrity. It is the body that ensures our policies remain relevant, our processes remain just, and our colleagues are supported in their professional journeys. Serving on PP&R is not just about interpreting policy—it is about shaping the future of faculty at our institution.
WHY SERVE ON PP&R
Through various functions, the PP&R strives to support a fair, transparent, and effective system for managing academic personnel matters, ultimately fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service. Key responsibilities of the PP&R Committee include:
1. Championing Faculty Rights and Fairness
Faculty careers are built on clear, consistent, and equitable policies. PP&R plays a vital role in ensuring that personnel policies are applied fairly across departments and colleges, mitigating inconsistencies and advocating for best practices.
PP&R’s work ensures that policies are not only compliant with university and legal standards but also responsive to the evolving needs of faculty and students. Through thoughtful policy development, we (a) champion faculty rights, (b) enhance professional opportunities, and (c) strengthen the academic mission of the university.
By serving on PP&R, you will help protect the integrity of faculty advancement and ensure that decisions are made in accordance with both university policy and the collective bargaining agreement.
2. Influencing the Future of Faculty Policies
Higher education is an evolving landscape. PP&R members have a unique opportunity to shape the policies that guide faculty hiring, retention, promotion, and professional development. As the guiding body for interpreting Section 600 of the Administrative Manual, PP&R ensures clarity, fairness, and consistency in academic personnel matters.
Our role safeguards the integrity of the academic personnel process, fostering a system that upholds shared governance and institutional accountability.
By serving on PP& R you will help to empower faculty, administrators, and staff to navigate policies with confidence.
3. A Voice in Critical Faculty Appeals
One of PP&R’s most consequential responsibilities is its role in reviewing faculty appeals related to retention, tenure, and promotion. These cases are not merely procedural—they have a profound impact on the careers and livelihoods of faculty members.
PP&R’s work not only protects faculty rights but also reinforces a culture of academic excellence and professional growth.
By serving on PP&R, you will help ensure that appeals are handled with fairness, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to due process.
4. Supporting Faculty Development and Equity
PP&R is more than a policy-review body—it is a guiding force in faculty development. From advising on sabbatical applications to ensuring fair implementation of faculty evaluation procedures, PP&R fosters a culture of growth and accountability.
Our work not only supports faculty advancement but also upholds principles of equity, fairness, and access to professional opportunities.
By serving on PP&R, you will help shape policies that promote balanced workloads, equitable evaluation practices, and an inclusive academic environment where all faculty can thrive.
5. An Investment in the Academic Community
PP&R’s work extends beyond individual cases—it strengthens the university’s foundation of fairness, transparency, and academic excellence. Every policy refined, every case reviewed, and every guideline established contributes to a stronger, more just academic environment.
Our work not only safeguards institutional integrity but also ensures that future generations of faculty inherit a university that values shared governance and faculty rights.
By serving on PP&R, you will play a vital role in shaping an institution that prioritizes faculty success, upholds academic standards, and fosters a thriving intellectual community.
THE COMMITMENT: A WORTHY INVESTMENT
Serving on PP&R requires dedication, with regular meetings throughout the academic year and additional subcommittee responsibilities. However, the time invested is well spent, as members gain deep insights into faculty governance, institutional policy, and academic leadership. It is an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across campus and to develop a comprehensive understanding of how faculty affairs are managed at the university level.
A CALL TO ACTION
Shared governance is only as strong as the faculty who participate in it. PP&R is a cornerstone of faculty advocacy, ensuring that policies are applied with fairness, transparency, and integrity. If you believe in upholding the rights of faculty, shaping academic policy, and strengthening our institution’s commitment to excellence, we urge you to consider serving on PP&R. Your voice, experience, and expertise are needed to ensure that our faculty community thrives.
Be a part of the process. Shape the future. Serve on PP&R.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SERVICE EXPECTATIONS
Through various functions, the PP&R strives to support a fair, transparent, and effective system for managing academic personnel matters, ultimately fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service. Key responsibilities of the PP&R Committee include:
Core Responsibilities
1. Policy Review, Development and Recommendation
- Develop and propose new academic personnel policies where needed.
- Review and recommend revisions to existing policies to ensure alignment with institutional goals, compliance with legal requirements, and relevance to current best practices.
- If adopted by the Faculty Senate, recommendations are integrated into the Administrative Manual.
2. Interpretation of Sections 600 and Section 700
- Interprets Sections 600 and 700 of the Administrative Manual and provides guidance to faculty and administrators on complex personnel matters.
- Assists faculty, administrators, and staff with implementing policies fairly and consistently.
- As the need arises, review and develop special policies such as Equal Employment Opportunity, Professional Responsibilities for Lecturers, and guidelines for avoiding predatory journals.
3. Academic Personnel Appeals
- Serves as an appellate body for personnel decisions made by department and college-level reviewers, including Retention, Tenure, and Promotion (RTP) appeals.
- Ensures fairness and consistency in applying personnel policies across the university.
4. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Compliance
- Monitors updates in laws and regulations and recommends policy revisions as necessary to maintain compliance and alignment with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Regularly reviews Sections 600 and 700 to keep personnel policies current and in alignment.
5. Campus Education, and Training
- Advises university leadership on personnel policy matters.
- Provides workshops and information sessions to educate the academic community on changing personnel policies and procedures, including guidance on preparing sabbatical applications, RTP roadshows, and post-tenure reviews.
6. Special Assignments
- Undertakes additional duties as outlined in Section 600 of the Administrative Manual, addressing emerging personnel challenges and issues within the academic community.
Additional Responsibilities
Members of PP&R may also participate in or lead sub-committees focused on specific areas, including but not limited to:
- Retention, Tenure, and Promotion (RTP) Appeals: Review appeals of negative decisions to ensure policies have been applied correctly and consistently, and then make recommendations to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- Administrative Search and Screen Committees: Serve on search committees for high-level administrative positions such as President, Provost, Deans, Directors or AVPs.
- Review of Department and College Personnel Procedures: Review and provide feedback to department and colleges for updating their personnel procedures, by-laws, and departmental policies to ensure alignment with university standards.
- Exceptional Service to Students Awards: Review applications from lecturers and make recommendations to the Provost for candidates to receive this award.
- Evaluation of GRIF and Sabbatical Policies: Periodically assess and provide recommendations on grant-related instructional faculty (GRIF) policies and sabbatical leave applications to ensure they are in alignment with university guidelines.
- Academic Year and Range Elevation Calendars: Annually review and update the Academic Year Calendar of Personnel Procedures and the Range Elevation Calendar.
- Emeritus Faculty: Annually review and approve applications from faculty for Emeritus status.
TERM OF SERVICE
- The standard term of service for PP&R members is three academic years. Members can serve multiple terms if re-elected by their college or academic unit.
TIME COMMITMENT
Regular Committee Meeting Schedule:
- PP&R meets on Wednesdays from 1-5pm. In the Fall semester, members can expect approximately 9 meetings (bi-weekly) from August to December. In the Spring semester, there are approximately 4 regular bi-weekly meetings from January to March and approximately 8 more weekly meetings from March to May. Total of twenty-one (21) meetings per academic year.
- Additional Meetings: In addition to the regular committee meetings, members can expect to spend time in additional subcommittee meetings to discuss subcommittee assignments and prepare things like visuals, flow charts, or drafts of policy language to present for discussion at full committee meetings. There are approximately ten (10) meetings per year.
- Some search committee work may extend into June, July, and August, and is allocated on a voluntary basis.
Policies
The most current Administrative Manuals, Search and Screen Manuals, and Department and College Personnel Procedures can be found on the Policies page on the Faculty Affairs website.