FAQ
The work of the Senate affects you. Shared governance includes you. Issues, including but not limited to compensation and classification, leadership searches, benefits changes, academic program additions and changes, and administrative policies, are discussed and debated through the framework of the University Senate.
Being involved with shared governance allows you to introduce your ideas or proposals, voice your opinion on proposed or existing policies, and to become more informed about policies that impact your work at the University. The Senate and subsequent Council/Committee meetings are the principal forums for discussing and improving the collective life of faculty, staff, and students here at UAlbany and lending those constituencies a voice in University affairs.To ensure that these Councils and Standing Committees serve their intended purpose, it is essential that a broad and diverse range of teaching and professional faculty participate.
General
When and where does the
University Senate meet?
The Senate meeting schedule is posted here.
Who is the Senate
leadership?
The Officers of the Senate include the Chair, Vice Chair, Immediate Past Chair,
and the Secretary. For further information and current leadership please see Membership.
How can I serve as a
senator or member of a Council or Standing Committee?
Elections occur in Spring and are conducted online through MyUAlbany through
mid-May. Stay tuned for emails inviting your participation! Senators should
attend all Senate meetings and serve on at least one Council. For further
details see Membership.
Where can I find a list
of Senate Councils and/or Standing Committees?
To learn more about each one, their charges, and current memberships, please
see Councils/Committees.
Resources
Where can I access
historical documentation (i.e. Senate records)?
This can be accessed in this library
database.
Where
can I find the Senate Handbook, Charter and/or Faculty Bylaws? Each
can be accessed on the right side of the Senate website.
Who can I speak with
regarding a concern about academic freedom?
Please see The
Committee on Academic Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Community
Responsibility.
Which Council/Committee
addresses policies related to faculty/staff work life, benefits and retirement?
These policies are addressed by The
University Life Council.
Where
can I find meeting schedules for Senate Councils and/or Committees?
They can be found on each Council’s
page.
Common Questions
Who is responsible for
developing academic standards, which establish standards pertaining to dean’s
list and graduation with honors requirements?
The
Committee on Curriculum & Honors. This Committee is also responsible
for adjudicating all appeals by students for denial of honors designation.
What resources are available to assist faculty with a conflict resolution?
Committee
on Mediation and if it involves a student – The Office of Community
Standards.
Which Council handles
the tenure and promotion of our faculty?
The
Council on Promotions and Continuing Appointment is responsible for
evaluating dossiers. For academic policies and procedures regarding faculty
tenure and promotion, see the Office of the
Provost website.
Who oversees campus
research policies?
The
Council on Research (COR) is responsible for research policies as well as
campus research activities and the allocation of research resources.
SENATE MEETINGS/PROCEDURES
What Is Parliamentary
Procedure?
It is a set of rules for
conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and to make decisions
without confusion. Please see the Senate Handbook on the right of the University Senate
page for further detail.
Why is Parliamentary
Procedure Important?
Because it's a time tested method of conducting business at meetings and public
gatherings. The University Senate uses Robert's Rules of Order (newly revised)
as the basic handbook of operation which is available on the right side of the University Senate
page.
