Procedural Policy of the Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate will meet in plenary session once per quarter and more frequently, if necessary, subject to the decision of the presiding officer in conjunction with the Agenda Committee. A simple majority of the total membership shall constitute a quorum.
The Faculty Senate will forward recommendations and reports to the University President with appropriate comments. Certain routine matters, however, may be forwarded at the discretion of the Senate to an appropriate administrative body through the Office of the University President.
The Faculty Senate, at its discretion, may refer matters under consideration to referendum by either the general University faculty or the college faculties. Such referenda shall be binding on the Senate, provided that at least two-thirds of those eligible shall have participated in the voting.
All faculty, students, staff, and administrators may attend non-executive sessions of the Faculty Senate, but will not be permitted to vote. Only Senators and those holding faculty rank may be present when the Senate meets in executive session. The Senate shall meet in executive session when
1. the Agenda Committee designates such a session in advance, and
2. during a meeting a simple majority vote cast in secret ballot orders it. (A motion on the Senate floor to move into executive session shall be nondebatable and always in order during debate.)
At all sessions of the Senate the floor may be yielded to a non-Senator, who is legitimately present, by any member of the Senate unless this procedure is expressly suspended by a simple majority vote cast in secret ballot. Yielding the floor to a non-Senate member shall not be construed as in any way limiting the right of debate of the yielding Senator.
The Faculty Senate, through its authorized committees or representatives, shall receive information that it needs for its studies from the staff offices of the University.
The rules or procedures in Senate meetings, except as otherwise specified, shall be those presented in Robert's Rules of Order (Revised or Newly Revised).
The Faculty Senate may adopt rules and regulations for its own operation not inconsistent with the bylaws of the University or the bylaws of the Senate as set forth above.

Top