University Senate Councils, Committees and Representatives

Council Chairperson: Lauren Carr

The purpose of the  Academic Affairs Council shall be to participate in the formulation of policy positions bearing upon the academic life of the University, such as:

• Threats to academic freedom not covered contractually through the agreement with the faculty/professional staff exclusive bargaining representatives. “Academic freedom,” however, is defined contractually.
• Undergraduate and graduate curricula and degrees
• Undergraduate, graduate and extension programs and courses
• Grading and evaluation of students
• Academic direction and standards for research programs and facilities

Council Chairperson: Susan Nowak

The purpose of the Administrative Affairs Council shall be to participate in the formulation of policy decisions bearing upon the ongoing conduct and the general development and expansion of the University, such as:

• Facilities
• Scheduling and reservations procedures
• Internal and external communications
• Investigation of new programs, needs and opportunities
• Priorities in the fiscal support of University programs
• Budget preparation

Council Chairperson: Pascale Lafountain

This purpose of the Student Affairs Council shall be to participate in the formulation of policy positions bearing upon student life, such as:

• Faculty-student relations
• Student rights and responsibilities
• Investigation of student needs
• University Senate liaison with the Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Organization

The Administrative Performance Feedback Committee conducts peer and subordinate performance feedback for senior-level administrators, following procedures and guidelines approved by the University Senate. The Committee develops and administers feedback surveys, compiles and distributes reports to the administrator and their supervisor, and maintains records of its work. APFC also evaluates the effectiveness of the feedback process and proposes revisions to the Performance Feedback Plan or survey questions for University Senate approval.

• Chair, TBA

• David Trubatch, Chair

   

The Elections Committee oversees University Senate elections and committee staffing, ensuring that nominations, voting, ballot security, tabulation, and election results follow established Senate procedures. It also organizes Executive Board and special elections, resolves election-procedure disputes subject to Senate review, and coordinates nominations and appointments to Senate committees. This committee is Senate-only membership.

• Christina Dilkes, Chair

   

The Committee on Freedom of Expression (COFE) reviews University policies and practices that significantly affect freedom of expression, including academic freedom, curriculum, teaching and research, and non-academic expression. It evaluates these policies based on the University’s mission and commitments, higher-education best practices, shared governance processes, and whether external pressures have influenced restrictions on expression. When warranted, COFE develops recommendations for consideration by the Academic Affairs Council and, through the regular process, the University Senate.

• Ashwin Vaidya, Chair

The Generative AI Committee examines the impact of emerging generative AI technologies on the University community and makes recommendations to the University Senate regarding their use. The Committee engages the University community by sharing information about the benefits and challenges of generative AI while providing opportunities for members to voice concerns. It also develops recommendations on policies, procedures, and best practices for generative AI use in academic and administrative settings.

• Yi Luo, Co-Chair
• Ashwin Vaidya, Co-Chair

The Committee for Just and Sustainable Practices examines the social and environmental responsibility of University business operations and develops recommendations for consideration by the University Senate. Its work includes areas such as investments, energy use, purchasing, vendors, and corporate partnerships, with attention to sustainability, public health, human and civil rights, food and water security, conservation, and economic equity. The Committee also provides a forum for the University community, including student organizations, to raise emerging concerns about the broader social impacts of University policies and operations.

• Erik Jacobson, Chair

The Academic Calendar and Scheduling Working Group develops recommendations to improve course scheduling and align academic resources with student success. Its work includes establishing scheduling policies, room priorities, equitable use of teaching spaces, cancellation timelines, and student-centered approaches to forecasting course demand and capacity. The group also evaluates room utilization and develops strategies for more efficient calendars, teaching space, and program completion, with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Lisa Michalowicz, Chair

The University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UUCC) provides oversight and coordination of the University’s undergraduate curriculum, reviewing and approving proposals for new programs and substantive curricular changes. It evaluates proposals for academic quality, feasibility, sustainability, and impact on the overall undergraduate curriculum, while providing guidance to proposers and reviewing related academic policies. The UUCC also collaborates with faculty, staff, and administrators, advises the Provost and University Senate, and reports regularly on its activities and decisions to promote transparency and accountability.

• Chair, TBA

Marshal Chaifetz

Jim Dyer

Soyoung Lee

David Trubatch

Antonio Talamo

David Trubatch

Christina Rodriguez-Unalt

Emily Augustyn