Faculty Senate > Role of the Senate

Role of the Senate at Washington State University

Article I, Sections 1 and 2 of the Faculty Senate Constitution:

Section 1: Purpose

The purpose of the Faculty Senate is to exercise the legislative powers delegated to it and to make recommendations to the President and appropriate administrative officials of the University and through the President to the Board of Regents on matters affecting the general welfare of Washington State University and its educational, research, and service activities.

Section 2: Powers and Duties

In its role in shared governance with the university administration and the Board of Regents, the Faculty Senate will have legislative powers and the power of recommendation.

A. Legislative Powers

The Faculty Senate shall serve as the legislative body of the faculty in all matters requiring faculty action or approval of curricular and education policies of Washington State University including:

  1. Standards of admission
  2. Curricula and courses to be offered and the amount of credit for each course
  3. Standards of scholarship
  4. Requirements for graduation
  5. The academic calendar

B. Power of Recommendation

The specific duties of the Senate shall also include, but not limited to, the formulation of recommendations to the system president and the appropriate administrative officials of the University regarding the following:

  1. Development and review of plans and policies to strengthen the educational program of the university.
  2. Review of the budget of the university to assess its general conformity with policies and priorities established or endorsed by the Senate.
  3. Review of the master plan for the physical and educational development of the university.
  4. Protection and enhancement of academic freedom of members of the university community.
  5. Preservation and extension of academic responsibility of members of the university community.
  6. Promotion of the general welfare of the university community.
  7. Review of policies concerning the university’s relations with its supporting community throughout the state of Washington.
  8. Review of policies concerning the university’s relations with outside agencies.
  9. Review of rules and procedures of the university concerning the conduct of its members.

The Faculty Manual, available on the Faculty Senate website, contains more detailed information on these topics.