The mission of the Faculty Senate at Georgia Southern University is to provide a process for faculty to play an active role in academic governance. The Faculty Senate is essential in guiding the University by initiating, reviewing, evaluating, and recommending policy.
The Faculty Senate, which operates according to the principles of shared governance, serves as the main channel of communication between faculty members and the central administration of the University. The Senate has the responsibility to consider, legislate, and advise on all matters of general University interest, focusing on those related to the academic mission.
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Members & Committees
The Faculty Senate draws its membership from the various academic units within the university, including the University Libraries. Faculty members are elected to the Faculty Senate through a general election process each spring. This involves soliciting nominations from full-time permanent faculty, verifying eligibility, and then conducting an online ballot.
The Faculty Senate uses both standing committees (with ongoing purposes) and ad hoc committees (for specific tasks) to carry out its responsibilities. Faculty are selected for these committees through a combination of appointments by the Senate Executive Committee and elections within their individual academic units. All full-time faculty are eligible to serve.
Current Senate Business
Visit the Current Senate Business page for recent agendas, minutes and current initiatives.
Resources
Links indicated with an asterisk (*) require MyGeorgiaSouthern login credentials to access.
- Faculty Election Resources*
- Standing Committee Agenda Template
- Faculty Grievance Procedures
- Standing Committee Sample Agenda
- Faculty Handbook 2024-2025 (includes Faculty Senate Bylaws)
- Standing Committee Minutes Template
- Faculty Senate Referral Process
- Standing Committee Sample Minutes
- Robert’s Rules of Order (Parliamentary Procedures)
- Faculty Senate Archives