Article II - Preamble (Purpose)

     Traditionally in an academic community in general and of Virginia Commonwealth University in particular, the faculty, students and administrators participate in the governance of the University. It is recognized that the legal authority to guide and regulate the University is vested by the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Board of Visitors and the President. It is also recognized that as a corollary of academic freedom, the University community has a collective responsibility for guiding the scholarly pursuits of the University. The University Council, as a representative body of faculty, classified staff, students and administrators is established to communicate its views on University-wide issues to those exercising authority over the institution. To that end, the University Council serves to aid communication and understanding among the faculty, staff, students, and administration, and thereby to assist the President of the University to develop and evaluate University programs and policies.