Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate shall be the legislative body of the university thereby providing a forum for mutual exchange of ideas between senior administrators and faculty. In this capacity, the Senate shall take cognizance of, and may legislate with respect to matters which concern colleges, schools or other major academic units, or which are otherwise of general university interest. In exercising its legislative function, the Senate shall make such rules, regulations, and bylaws as it may deem advisable for the fulfillment of its duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Faculty Senate operates according to the principles of shared governance. The Senate serves as the main channel of communication between faculty members and the central administration of the university. The Senate constitutes the principal advisory body to the president and provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. In this capacity, the Senate has the responsibility to review and make recommendations to them concerning decisions of the university on all matters pertaining to the welfare of the university, focusing particularly on those related to the academic mission. Senators shall report Senate activities regularly to their constituencies.

The Senate may discuss and take a position on any subject of university concern, and may initiate policies on these matters, either directly or through its committees. The Senate appoints faculty members to serve on the Senate committees as well as joint committees and councils; these committees carry out much of the work of the Senate. Faculty members are afforded an opportunity each year to participate in committee service. The Senate has a significant role in the appointment of academic administrators, as well as the periodic performance reviews of such administrators.

Meeting Schedule

The Faculty Senate meets in regular session each month during the fall and spring semesters and as necessary during the summer term or as specified by the bylaws of the Senate. Resolutions brought forward by Senate committees or councils are processed during the regular session.

The Faculty Senate meets on Thursday from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m..

2019-2020 Faculty Senate Meeting Schedule