Information for Senators

2024 Senate Orientation

The 2024 Faculty Senate orientation was held on Wednesday, October 2, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., via Zoom.

See the orientation here!

Goals: Learn about the structure of governance and provide information about responsibilities and best practices for senators and alternates

11:00 am Welcome by Li Chiao-Ping, University Committee chair

11:05 am Introduction to Shared Governance by Li Chiao-Ping, University Committee chair

• Role of Shared Governance on Campus
• Campus Governance Structure
• Faculty Governance Structure
• Connection between University Committee (UC) and Senate
• Duties of a Senator

11:20 am Introduction to Senate Meetings by Heather Daniels, Secretary of the Faculty

• Review of Meeting Agendas
• Review of Meeting Materials
• Emails and Communication
• Role of the Secretary of the Faculty Office

11:35 am Final Thoughts on the Importance of Governance by University Committee members

Adjourn

Shared Governance Structure Graphic

Faculty Governance Structure Graphic

Information on Motions & Resolutions

• Senators are the voice for the department in the senate
• Senators represent their departmental colleagues (1 senator for every 10 faculty)
• Senators should have a regular place on the departmental meeting agenda and should engage colleagues in discussion about the senate agenda
• Senators should encourage their colleagues to identify new issues of importance to the faculty
• Before the senate meeting, senators should:
  • Read the agenda materials
  • Present the issues on the senate agenda to their colleagues at their department meeting and solicit input
  • Be prepared to ask questions and participate in debate

A senator may be represented by their named alternate. Subsequent changes in alternates may occur at any time except in the week preceding a senate meeting, and shall be reported immediately to the district chair and to the secretary of the faculty. In the event an alternate is unable to exercise this function, another named alternate from the same district may do so. A senate seat becomes vacant if a senator is absent (and is not represented by their named alternate) from four consecutive regular meetings of the senate.

The office of senator shall become vacant on incapacity or resignation, or the absence of a senator from four consecutive regular meetings of the senate. The district chair shall call a special election to fill an existing vacancy.

• Members of the faculty and full-time members of the academic staff may speak at meetings of the senate, but only senators may offer motions, second motions, or vote. When an individual rises to speak at a meeting or to make a motion from the floor, they should state their name and district. Lengthy motions should be given to the secretary in writing so the presiding officer can repeat the motion if necessary during debate.
  • All agenda items are open for discussion by any faculty member present
  • Any issue may be raised during the question period in the early part of the meeting
  • Questions filed in writing at least three days prior to the meeting will be distributed at the door
  • No action may be taken unless an item is on the formal agenda
  • Robert’s rules of order, newly revised 11th edition, govern the proceedings of the senate; senators will be more effective if they are familiar with those rules

• Registration for attendance: Senators, alternates attending as voting members for absent senators, and University Committee members should scan their university ID or complete a paper form at the door
• Seating: Senators (or alternates attending as voting members for absent senators) and University Committee members sit in the front section of the auditorium. Votes will only be counted from this section. When a senator is present, their alternate should not sit in the members’ section.

see Faculty Policies and Procedures 2.04.F. for the rule about senate attendance: “The office of senator shall become vacant on incapacity or resignation, or the absence of a senator from four consecutive regular meetings of the senate. The district chair shall call a special election to fill an existing vacancy.”