Our Mission
The Notre Dame Faculty Senate is an assembly elected to represent the faculty as a whole in the formulation of policy on matters regarding the welfare of the faculty and student life. The Senate aims to empower faculty to exercise a collective independent voice in the governance of the University.
Our Work
According to the provisions established in the Academic Articles and the Faculty Senate Bylaws, Faculty Senators are elected for three-year terms, during which they relay the opinions and concerns of colleagues from their department or unit to the Senate. Likewise, Senators inform their constituents about the Senate agenda and engage their colleagues in discussion to identify new issues of importance for discussion by the Senate.
The Senate also takes up proposals — created internally or received externally — that require faculty consideration. The Senate may produce non-binding resolutions and reports which it submits to the Academic Council, the Advisory Council on Academic and Student Life, the Graduate Council, the Campus Life Council, or other relevant committees and/or University officers.
Current Issues
Our Standing Committees investigate and pursue continuing issues relevant to faculty and student life at Notre Dame each academic year.
Administrative Affairs Committee
The Faculty Affairs Committee presented to the Academic Council the final proposal for wording for a Committee on Committees. The wording was accepted and added to the Academic Articles. The Committee on Committees will be established for the 2022-2023 Academic Year and will help ensure faculty input is distributed in University governance. The Committee is also discussing issues including improving staff wages, support for an increasingly diverse student body, and promoting connections with community leaders.
Academic Affairs Committee
The Academic Affairs has worked to have the Academic Council clarify the meaning of "temporary suspension" of an academic program. The Academic Council added language to the Academic Articles clarifying that the temporary suspension of a degree program is not considered a major modification to the degree program...will not exceed two years...and requires the appropriate Dean write a letter to the executive committee of the Academic Council prior to each year of the suspension explaining the reasons for continuing suspension. This empowers faculty by better defining “temporary,” and requiring the Dean to articulate a rationale and criteria justifying suspension.
Benefits, Budgets, and Infrastructure Committee
The Benefits, Budgets, and Infrastructure Committee is pursuing the possibility of access to improved exercise facilities for Faculty. The Committee is also working with failities hosting guests to campus to explore ways of ensuring guests follow required COVID safety protocols.
Student Affairs Committee
The Student Affairs Committee is working with undergraduate and graduate student representatives to explore better, and better access to, mental health and wellness care through Notre Dame.
