On March 5, 2024, the Faculty Senate of the University of Notre Dame passed the following resolution:
Academic freedom is a hallmark of a free society and is a requirement for excellence in higher education. When government officials insert themselves into the conduct of basic academic activities such as teaching and research, they endanger academic freedom. For this reason, the Faculty Senate is deeply concerned about the potential impact of Indiana SB 202 on the state’s public universities and about the dangerous precedent this legislation would set. We stand with our colleagues at public institutions who are urging Governor Holcomb not to sign SB 202 into law.
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 Administrative Affairs committee is constantly evolving to address issues brought forth by the faculty. Currently, the committee is working with the administrative partners to improve classroom safety and broad issues around faculty safety including from harassment and cyber harassment. Beyond safety issues, the committee is also working to understand the role of faculty in oversight related to gifts given to the University and in technological decisions.
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 facilities 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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
