Faculty Senate 'guards' academic life

It is an honor and privilege to serve my faculty colleagues as chair of the Faculty Senate for the 2000-01 academic year. In the 18 years I have been on the faculty, there have been many changes. One constant during that time, and in the more than 30-year history of the senate, has been the commitment and dedication of faculty senators to serve the principles of academic excellence and integrity, academic freedom, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge in their respective fields. Through all this, a sense of community through self-governance and shared-governance has given the faculty a role in shaping the university.

At the heart of the mission of the Faculty Senate is its role in promulgating academic policy and being the "guardian" of the academic life of the university. Whether it be existing degrees, the core curriculum or new academic initiatives, the senate is central to the approval and oversight of the academic life of UNT.

The senate also plays a crucial role in communicating the needs, concerns and achievements of faculty to the central administration. Through regular monthly meetings with administrators, issues of vital importance to the faculty are discussed in a candid and productive way. These discussions serve as a catalyst for growth and change in all aspects of the university community.

The Faculty Senate is currently pursuing a wide range of issues through committees and the senate as a whole. These ongoing initiatives and other current issues can be accessed at www.unt.edu/facsenate/facultysenate.htm by clicking on Senate Committees and Current Issues.

The elected members of the Faculty Senate represent all schools, colleges and academic units of the university at regular meetings, which are held the second Wednesday of each month. While these meetings are designed for the senate to conduct its ongoing business, they are open to all members of the university community. Faculty members are encouraged to communicate needs and concerns with their elected representatives. This communication is vital to the senate as it continues its mission to serve the interests of academic programs, units, departments, schools and colleges and provide the most productive learning environment for our students.

Dennis Fisher (dfisher@music.cmm.unt.edu ) is professor of music and chair of the Faculty Senate.

Other web resources:

• University of North Texas Faculty Senate

Other featured articles in this issue:

• Fire damages Speech/Drama Building
• Athletic director resigns
• Students approve referendum to build new recreation center
• Weather closing information
• Presentation gives insights into NSF
• Web site created for parents
• Awards presented at sack lunch
• Fast food is becoming the family cook despite shortcomings
• TAMS students advance in science competition
• Answerline

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