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College Elections

Frequently Asked Questions about Academic Governance Bodies

What are Faculty Senate and University Council?
The Faculty Senate is a deliberative, representative, and legislative body for Michigan State University faculty. As such, the Faculty Senate is the major, regularly meeting body in which curricular issues, faculty tenure and promotion issues, and faculty salary and benefits issues are presented. The Faculty Senate’s role is to communicate its position to the administration on these issues.

The University Council brings together faculty, student, and administration representatives to discuss issues that involve the entire University. While the Faculty Senate may seek input from the University Council on proposals regarding curricular issues, faculty tenure and promotion issues, and faculty salary and benefits issues, the primary focus of discussion in the University Council is on other issues that are not the core responsibility of the Faculty Senate. Its membership includes all faculty senators, all deans, all university-level standing committee chairpersons, all associate provosts, and several key administrators, among others. 

How often do Faculty Senate and University Council meet?
Faculty Senate holds one regular meeting per month during the academic year. These meetings are generally on the third Tuesday of the month from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Special meetings sometimes occur, including over the summer and in December.

University Council holds one regular meeting per month during the academic year. These meetings are generally on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If I'm elected to Faculty Senate, am I also a member of University Council?
Yes! If elected, you are expected to attend both meetings every month. 

Is there an attendance requirement?
Per section 1.4.3. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance, members who miss three meetings in an academic year are eligible for removal. However, if you have to miss a meeting, you can send a designee “with the same eligibility and constituency” (see 1.4.2.) without having your attendance record affected.

What is the length of the term? When would it begin?
Elected faculty senators serve two-year terms that begin and end on August 16th.

Who is eligible to be elected to Faculty Senate/University Council? 
The following types of people are eligible to be elected if they 1) hold faculty status in the college electing them and 2) are engaged in academic activities of the university: 

  • Tenure-stream faculty members, both with tenure and without
  • Health professions faculty members
  • FRIB/NSCL faculty members
  • Full-time fixed-term faculty members
  • Full-time academic specialists

 

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists. Persons must be engaged in academic activities of the University (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

How does the CAC chairperson factor in?
Once each college’s 2024-2025 College Advisory Committee chairperson has been elected, that person will automatically become a Faculty Senate/University Council representative. Please make sure to stress to CAC chairperson candidates that the CAC chairperson is a member of both Faculty Senate and University Council. The CAC chairperson's term on Faculty Senate/University Council will last for the entirety of their term as CAC chairperson. Please be advised that the Office of Academic Governance highly discourages designating someone else to serve as the CAC's designee and highly discourages electing co-chairs. Feel free to contact acadgov@msu.edu with any questions.

How is the number of representatives to the Faculty Senate determined?
Section 3.3.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance says, "Each college shall have at least two representatives, one of whom will be the Chairperson of the College Advisory Committee. Each college shall have one additional representative for every additional fifty voting faculty in excess of one hundred not to exceed five total representatives.”


 

What is the University Committee on International Studies and Programs? 
The University Committee on International Studies and Programs provides for broad-based participation by the University faculty and students in the policy making of the Office of International Studies and Programs. The committee serves in an advisory-consultative capacity on all matters pertaining to the work of the dean’s office including undergraduate and graduate study abroad programs, foreign student affairs, exchange relationships with foreign institutions, international comparative and area studies, international contractual projects and other relationships. 
The committee consults and advises the dean of international studies and programs with respect to the coordination of the university's overseas projects with the university's academic program; the types of recruitment and retention of qualified MSU faculty and staff for such projects; the contribution of such projects to the research, service, and educational goals of the University; the academic propriety of current and proposed overseas projects; types of overseas projects in which the university shall engage; and qualifications for employment of non-university project members. The committee also serves as the principal channel of communication at the policy level between the Office of International Studies and Programs and faculty and students. 

What are the time obligations like?
UCISP meets every third quarter in the academic year. The dates and times of the meetings will be determined based on members’ availability.

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2024 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2027. Because this is an advisory-consultative committee, members serve two-year terms.

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

What is the University Committee on the Libraries? 
The University Committee on the Libraries provides for broad-based participation by university faculty and students in the policymaking of the Libraries. The committee also serves as one of the channels of communication between the Libraries, the faculty, and the students. 

What are the time obligations like?
UCL meets once a month between September and April for one hour. Specific dates and times are chosen based on members’ availability.

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2028.

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

What is the University Committee on Academic Governance?
The University Committee on Academic Governance is responsible for reviewing, interpreting, and recommending amendments to the Bylaws for Academic Governance. The committee’s decisions are subject to review by the University Council and the Board of Trustees. UCAG also reviews college bylaws for consistency with the Bylaws for Academic Governance. Every college’s bylaws are reviewed at least once every five years.

Additionally, UCAG conducts a continuing review of best practices for dean reviews, reviews unit appeals involving cases between units, and helps coordinate the membership of various other academic governance bodies.

What are the time obligations like?
UCAG meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Meetings are held every month between September and April.

What is the length of the term?
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2028.

Who is eligible to vote in the election?

Who is eligible to vote in the election?

The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

Who is eligible to be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

Furthermore, to be elected to UCAG, a person must have previously served on at least one of the following academic governance bodies at Michigan State University:

  1. Faculty Senate
  2. University Committee on Academic Governance
  3. University Committee on Curriculum
  4. University Committee on Faculty Affairs
  5. University Committee on Faculty Tenure
  6. University Committee on Graduate Studies
  7. University Committee on Student Affairs
  8. University Committee on Undergraduate Education

What is the University Committee on Curriculum? 
The University Committee on Curriculum exercises the faculty’s delegated authority to review and approve or reject all changes in undergraduate curricula and degree requirements recommended by the University Committee on Undergraduate Education, and to review and approve or reject changes in graduate and graduate-professional curricula and degree requirements recommended by the University Committee on Graduate Studies. In addition, UCC exercises the faculty’s delegated authority to review and approve or reject all undergraduate and graduate courses proposed by academic units.

What are the time obligations like?
UCC meets once a month on Thursdays from 1:30–3:00 p.m. All members are assigned to a subcommittee. Subcommittee D meets from 3:00–4:00 p.m., immediately following the full committee’s meeting. Subcommittees A, B, and C alternate meeting the other Thursdays from 1:30–5:00 p.m.

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2028.

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?

The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

What is the University Committee on Faculty Affairs? 
The University Committee on Faculty Affairs makes recommendations to the Faculty Senate on issues related to the university budget and reports annually to a meeting of the Faculty Senate on academic budget allocations and adjustments in salary and other forms of economic benefits. The committee shares responsibility, consults, and advises the provost on the formulation of faculty grievance procedures and rights and responsibilities of faculty, personnel policies relating to faculty, and the formulation of the university’s annual budget request to the State of Michigan. 

What are the time obligations like?
UCFA meets every other Tuesday from 1:00–3:00 p.m. between September and April.

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2028.

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

What is the University Committee on Graduate Studies? 
The University Committee on Graduate Studies has authority on grading policy for graduate and graduate-professional students. The committee reviews changes in graduate and professional academic programs and recommends approval or rejection to the University Committee on Curriculum.  
UCGS has shared responsibility with the dean of the Graduate School to consult with the provost on the establishment, moratorium, discontinuance, or merger of graduate programs; on policy pertaining to methods of instruction, evaluation of instruction, advising and counseling; and admissions and retention of graduate and graduate-professional students. UCGS also consults with the provost on other policies pertaining to administration of graduate and graduate-professional programs.
UCGS has shared responsibility with the dean of the Graduate School to advise the provost on the coordination of graduate and graduate-professional programs, policies pertaining to financial aid and employment of graduate students, and on the use and distribution of educational and research resources for graduate and graduate-professional programs and students. UCGS also works with the vice president for research and innovation on policies relating to research development as they pertain to graduate and graduate-professional education. 

What are the time obligations like?
UCGS meets one Monday a month from 3:00–5:00 p.m. Members assigned to a subcommittee have additional meetings. Meetings begin the first full week of classes and end before finals.

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2028.

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

What is the University Committee on Faculty Tenure? 
The University Committee on Faculty Tenure advises the Provost on the formal and procedural rules for the award and revocation of tenure and on policies relating to tenure. It also makes recommendations to the Faculty Senate on such rules and on policies. Additionally, UCFT hears and acts on all cases for exceptions to the rules of tenure, and its decisions on the matters are binding on the administration and on the faculty member 

What are the time obligations like?
UCFT meets bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Meetings begin the first full week of classes and stop prior to exam week. 

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025 and end on August 16, 2028.

Who is eligible to vote in the election?

The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

 
Who is eligible to be elected? 
Eligibility to serve on UCFT is limited to those appointed under the rules of tenure and holding the rank of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor, as well as all persons appointed as librarians. At least three members of UCFT must be non-tenured but appointed under the rules of tenure. Please refer to your college’s specific election instructions that were provided by the Office of Academic Governance to find out if your college needs to elect a non-tenured member.

What is the University Committee on Undergraduate Education? 
The University Committee on Undergraduate Education exercises the faculty’s delegated authority on grading policy for undergraduate students and the use of grades and grade point averages for undergraduate admissions and for advancement in or graduation from undergraduate academic programs. UCUE reviews all changes in undergraduate academic programs proposed by academic units and recommends their approval or rejection to the University Committee on Curriculum. 
UCUE has shared responsibility with the dean of Undergraduate Studies to consult with the Provost on the establishment, moratorium, discontinuance, or merger of undergraduate academic programs; on policies pertaining to curriculum revision, methods of instruction, evaluation of instruction, and advising and counseling for undergraduate students and programs and on other policies pertaining to undergraduate education. UCUE also has shared responsibility with the dean of undergraduate studies to consult with the provost on policies pertaining to admissions and retention, financial aid, and the use and distribution of educational and research resources for undergraduate students and programs. 
UCUE also advises and consults with the dean of undergraduate studies and the provost and makes recommendations to the University Council on all other matters of academic policy affecting undergraduate students.

What are the time obligations like? 
UCUE meets bi-weekly on Thursdays from 10:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Meetings begin the first full week of classes and stop prior to exam week.

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2028.

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

What is the University Committee on Honors Programs? 
The University Committee on Honors Programs is a venue for broad-based participation by university faculty and students in the establishment and implementation of Honors College policies and procedures. The committee reviews, evaluates, and recommends programs, opportunities, and activities for honors students within the colleges and departments of the university, including the Honors College. It consults with and advises the dean of the Honors College on policies and procedures respecting those programs and opportunities. It also recommends to the University Council appropriate standards for the granting of honors degrees. Its members report activities of the committee to their respective colleges and communicate ideas, concerns, and suggestions from colleagues to the committee.

What are the time obligations like?
UCHP meets twice in fall semester and twice in spring semester, as needed. The specific dates and times are based on members’ availability.

What is the length of the term? 
Terms for candidates elected in the spring semester 2025 elections will begin on August 16, 2025, and end on August 16, 2027. Because this is an advisory-consultative committee, members serve a two-year term.

Who is eligible to vote or be elected?
The eligible faculty in the election of university-level councils and committees shall be those appointed under the rules of tenure, librarians, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed-term faculty and full-time academic specialists (section 1.1.2.1. of the Bylaws for Academic Governance).

Per section 1.1.2.1.1., “Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.”

Please also see section 3.3.1.2.6. of the Bylaws that notes that a faculty member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms as a representative of the same constituency.

Background

The Michigan State University faculty elects five faculty members (at-large members) to serve as representatives on the Steering Committee, which also includes the chairpersons of the university-level Standing Committees, the president, the provost, and students. They represent the faculty as a whole to the president, provost, and Board of Trustees.

Unlike most representatives in academic governance (whose constituencies are the colleges that elected them), the at-large members represent the entire faculty. At-large members also serve on the Faculty Senate and the University Council.

Leadership Responsibilities

The chairperson and the vice chairperson of the Steering Committee and the Faculty Senate are elected by the Faculty Senate from among the five at-large members.

The chairperson and vice chairperson hold those roles for one year on the Steering Committee and Faculty Senate.

Duties

At-large members identify challenges faculty face, explore potential solutions to those challenges, voice them to the Steering Committee, and help enact Steering Committee decisions. They also provide oversight for the Office of Academic Governance and leadership for university-level academic governance as a whole. The role is time-intensive but influential.

At-large members attend all of the following monthly meetings during the academic year:

• The Steering Committee

• Faculty Senate

• University Council

• Other monthly meetings, including with the Board of Trustees, the other at-large members, and the president and the provost.

Compensation

At-large members receive an administrative increment of $3,000 per year. The chair of the Steering Committee and the Faculty Senate receives an administrative increment of $15,000 per year.

Terms

At-large members serve two-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Terms begin on August 16 of each year. The terms are staggered so that three at-large members are elected one year and two the next.

Eligibility

The following types of faculty are eligible to be elected:

1. Those appointed under the rules of tenure, whether or not they have tenure

2. Librarians

3. Health professions faculty

4. FRIB/NSCL faculty

5. Full-time fixed-term faculty

6. Full-time academic specialists