The Faculty Senate is the chief policy-recommending body of the General Faculty (as defined in 3.02, Article I, Section I of the Faculty constitution).  As such, it provides for Faculty participation in the governance and decision-making process of the university. The Faculty Senate operates under the provisions of the Faculty constitution and bylaws. An individual Faculty member may initiate proposals concerning policy matters through the appropriate council of the Faculty Senate, through departmental, college, or General Faculty committees, through individual members of the Faculty Senate, through the Chair of the Faculty, and through normal administrative channels. Proposals may concern a change in existing policy, a new policy, a call for the correction of actions contrary to an existing policy, or a call for interpretation of policy. Proposals should be presented in writing after due reflection, study, and consultation.

Proposals may be considered by the appropriate Faculty committees, the appropriate Faculty Senate councils, the Faculty Senate, and the General Faculty. Recommendations will be considered by the Chancellor for action. If action by the Board of Trustees is required, the Chancellor will make recommendations to the Board. The only proper communication channel leading to the Board of Trustees is via the Chancellor of the university.

As chief administrative officer, the Chancellor will direct policy implementation through the members of the Chancellor’s staff, vice Chancellors, and other administrative officials.

The committees of the General Faculty and the councils and committees of the Faculty Senate and their responsibilities are contained in the bylaws of the General Faculty and in the bylaws of the Faculty Senate. Lists of the Faculty senators as well as council and committee memberships are issued annually.