Final Resolution for Rice University Faculty Meeting of April
23, 2009

We resolve to have a Faculty Merger-Review Committee created from the
membership of the existing Faculty Advisory Committee by the Rice
Faculty Senate, in consultation with the Rice Administration, chaired
by a faculty member, and charged with the following tasks:  (1) to
identify the potential benefits, costs, and risks of the proposed
merger to Rice's academic programs (including potential new programs)
and to suggest actions Rice should take to maximize opportunities and
to minimize risks to these programs if a merger does take place, (2)
to consult broadly, including with the Rice Board of Trustees, the
Administration, the Senate, Rice faculty members, and, if needed, BCM
faculty, and, finally, (3) to offer its advice to the Senate, the
Administration, and the Board of Trustees.

The Faculty realize that a careful and deliberative process is
underway to ascertain the full implications of the proposed merger
and understand that ultimate authority for making the decision
regarding such a merger lies with the Board of Trustees.  They
nevertheless strongly urge the Board and the Administration to work
with and support the Faculty Merger-Review Committee, to share information
with its members to the fullest extent possible, to consult with
them regularly, and to give significant weight to their advice in the
decision-making process that is underway. 
 
Finally, the Faculty resolve that the Speaker of the Senate convene
a special plenary session of the faculty early in the Fall 2009
semester to hear the Faculty Merger-Review Committee report back on its
process and findings within the restrictions of confidentiality.