Everything you

always wanted to

know about the Purdue University Senate*

*BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

 

What is the Purdue University Senate?

“The University Senate is the governing body of the faculty.” 

The voting members of the Purdue University Senate include representatives from the faculty of the West Lafayette and regional campuses as well as Purdue Student Governments and three administrators. 


What are the powers and responsibilities of the University Senate?

“It has the power and responsibility to propose or to adopt policies, regulations, and procedures intended to achieve the educational objectives of Purdue University and the general welfare of those involved in these educational processes.”

The faculties through their representatives in the University Senate have the power and responsibility to:

“Fix the academic calendar and the general policies for scheduling classes;

Establish policies for the University and student participation in athletic affairs; and

Review and approve the academic degree titles conferred by the University and the general requirements for the several curricula of the University leading towards academic degrees and nominate all candidates for such degrees.”

The University Senate also advises the Purdue University President and Board of Trustees on a variety of issues.

Are there limitations to the power of the University Senate to establish the curriculum?

“The power to develop curriculum, course content, instructional and examination procedures, and undergraduate degree requirements, and to nominate candidates for these degrees is delegated to the various school faculties of the University.”

What is the role of the Purdue University faculty?

The members of the faculty are the creators and transmitters of knowledge, culture, and values.  These values include a respect for the endeavors of the human mind in all of its manifestations, for cultural and ethnic diversity, for the natural environment, and for human dignity, especially that of the less fortunate in the United States and around the world.  The faculty is assisted in this task by staff members and administrators.  The students of the University are active participants in this endeavor.  The Purdue University Senate takes seriously the responsibility of representing faculty, staff, and student interests.

Isn’t education just about preparing people for the workforce?

NO!  There is no doubt that a Purdue University education does make an excellent preparation for employment.  However, the belief that a Purdue University education should be preparing people for today’s jobs is absurd.  We are preparing people for the rest of their lives including employment for many years in the future.  There is undoubtedly a role for technical education, but the purpose of a Purdue University education is to facilitate the intellectual and emotional growth that leads to lifelong learning.  The University Senate stands for these principles.

What are the major objectives of the University Senate?

To ensure that students have a high-quality education, that research in all areas represented by the faculty is supported and respected, that Purdue University employment practices are a model of beneficence, that cultural and ethnic diversity be supported, and that Purdue University actions and decisions are based on science and data.

University Senate Leadership:

Chair - David A. Sanders
Vice Chair - Alberto J. Rodriguez
Secretary of Faculties - Joe Camp
Steering Committee Chair - Gerald Shively
Faculty Affairs Committee Chair - Levon Esters
University Resources Policy Committee Chair - Alan Friedman
Equity and Diversity Committee Chair - Linda Prokopy
Educational Policy Committee Chair - Ralph Kaufmann
Student Affairs Committee Chair - Russell Jones
Nominating Committee Chair - Natalie Carroll
Advisory Committee Chair - David A. Sanders
Immediate Past Chair - Kirk Alter

We look forward to an interesting and productive year.