The University of Washington system of shared governance makes it a responsibility of faculty to share with the administration the day-to-day governance of the university. There are four institutions of faculty governance with different sets of responsibilities: Faculty Senate, Secretary of the Faculty, university faculty councils, and schools, colleges & campuses.
Meetings
The Faculty Senate and Senate Executive Committee meet eight times during the academic year. The agenda for each meeting is sent the week before and the minutes are approved at the following meeting.
Legislation
Legislation amending the Faculty Code and Scholastic Regulations is passed by the Faculty Senate and approved by voting faculty.
Faculty Code
The Faculty Code outlines the rights and responsibilities of faculty and administrators.
The Faculty Code can be amended by the faculty through Class A legislation.
Faculty Councils & Committees
There are 12 standing Faculty Councils that meet during the academic year and are an integral part of shared governance.
The Faculty Senate also creates ad hoc committees to address specific issues. These committees complete their charge and then report to the Senate.
Schools, colleges & campuses
The governing body of a campus, college, or school is its elected faculty council. These elected bodies shall advise their respective deans or chancellors on matters of faculty promotion and tenure. The faculty determine the organization and structure of its council and the procedure by which members are elected by establishing bylaws.
Dispute resolution information
All university faculty have rights and responsibilities that are protected under University rules, regulations, and policies. When disputes arise relating to those rights and responsibilities, the Faculty Code provides various processes and options for addressing them.
News
Faculty Senate Chair Louisa Mackenzie's Welcome Message
October 15, 2024
Dear Colleagues, Welcome to the new academic year. I’m writing to introduce the Faculty Senate, and myself, as I have the honor of serving as your Senate Chair this year. The Senate represents you. It is the legislative and deliberative body of the UW faculty as we work with executive administrators in shared governance. My…
Faculty Senate Meeting Summary 5/30/24; Year in Review
June 11, 2024
Faculty Senate Meeting Summary 5/30/24; Year in Review Dear Colleagues, The final meeting of the Faculty Senate for AY 2023-24 was held on 5/30/24. This report contains the usual meeting summary, and a brief year in review. Full text of remarks and reports from 5/30 can be found on the agenda. Senate Chair’s Remarks: Chair…
Recording: Pen America Discussion on Robust Conversations in the Classroom - Academic Freedom and Inclusion, 5/16
May 16, 2024
Colleagues, The recording of the Pen America discussion titled, "Robust Conversations in the Classroom - Academic Freedom and Inclusion" can be found on OneDrive. Cindy Dougherty Chair, Faculty Senate