The Faculty Senate was founded in 1983 to serve as the faculty voice at Texas A&M, a role it still serves today. Faculty members are eligible to serve as senators, an elected position that gives them voting power in the group.
Some university regulations must be reviewed by the senate before being submitted to the president and approved, such as policies dealing with curriculum and instruction, academic standards, scholarships and hiring, tenure and personnel evaluation.
Senators also help facilitate university proceedings through committees, such as the Budget Information Committee, which studies and recommends action relating to the university's finances.
In the past, the Faculty Senate has played a large role during university scandals. Last year, during A&M's failed hiring of Kathleen McElroy as director of journalism, former President M. Katherine Banks was summoned to face the group.
The president lied to the faculty members and faced calls for an investigation, leading to a highly publicized confrontation that spurred negative media articles and additional criticism. Two days later, Banks stepped down.
For the minor and certificate eliminations to succeed, the Faculty Senate must approve them. The opposition Provost Alan Sams met last senate meeting suggests the road ahead will be difficult for all involved.
