Statutes
The University Statutes lay out the structure of faculty governance. The Statutes are the highest governing document of the Faculty Senate and may only be amended by the Board of Trustees.
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Article III: University Faculty Governance
Section 1: Faculty Senate
A. FUNCTIONS
The Faculty Senate shall consider, make recommendations, and pass resolutions concerning matters of general University interest, including all educational and research endeavors, policies governing faculty hiring, tenure, promotion, and appeals, and campus life. It is the elected and representative body of the faculty. The Faculty Senate will strive to protect academic freedom, promote excellence, equity, and diversity within the faculty and student body, and advance the general welfare of the University as a whole. On its own initiative it may submit recommendations and resolutions to the Board of Trustees, transmitted through the Provost and President, on any matter affecting the interests of the University.
B. MEMBERSHIP AND QUORUM
Tenured and tenure track faculty are eligible for election immediately upon their University appointment. Non-tenure track full time faculty are members of the Faculty Assembly are eligible for election after one year. Fifty one percent of the elected members of the Faculty Senate constitute a quorum.
C. PRESIDING OFFICER
An elected Chair or his designate will preside over the regular and special meetings of the Faculty Senate and convene the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.
D. BYLAWS
The Faculty Senate shall have the power to adopt and amend bylaws governing its composition, organization, and procedures in manner consistent with University Statutes. The bylaws may provide for such standing and special committees as may be needed.