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 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 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.