Rice-BCM Merger: Faculty Petition On March 26, 2009 the governing boards of Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding that laid out a broad framework for formal negotiations about a possible merger of the two institutions. The undersigned, faculty members at Rice University, are gravely concerned about the proposed merger, and the lack of substantial consultation with the faculty on the benefits, costs, and risks of the proposed merger. The undersigned believe that an action that would change the character of Rice University irrevocably requires an engaged discussion by the faculty. Town meetings and faculty forums cannot substitute for a formal faculty meeting. Thus, the undersigned wish to invoke Section 5 of the Constitution of the Faculty Senate and call for a special meeting of the University Faculty to discuss the concerns expressed in this petition.