University Senate

Built on the framework for consultation and shared governance established by the Policies of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York, the Fredonia University Senate is comprised of faculty representatives from every academic department and area, professional staff/management representatives from each of the university divisions on campus, and undergraduate and graduate student representatives.

If you have an issue that you would like the Senate to address or a question about what the Senate is working on, please contact Dr. Rob Deemer, Chair of the University Senate, at deemer@fredonia.edu.  Follow us on Twitter: @FredUnivSenate.

Please see the 2024-2025 governance calendar for a full listing of University Senate, Executive Committee, and Standing Committee meetings.

All Senate meetings start at 4:00 pm in the Kelly Family Auditorium, Science Center 105, unless otherwise indicated. 

Fall 2024

  • Sept. 9: Senate Meeting
  • Oct. 7: Senate Meeting
  • Nov. 4: Senate Meeting
  • Dec. 9: Senate Meeting

Spring 2025

  • Feb. 3: Senate Meeting
  • Mar. 3: Senate Meeting
  • Apr. 7: Senate Meeting
  • May 5: Senate Meeting

  • Chairperson: Rob Deemer
  • Vice Chairperson: Jennifer Wilkins
  • University Faculty Senator: Bruce Simon
  • Governance Officer: Jennifer Wilkins
  • Secretary: Bruce Simon
  • Parliamentarian: tbd

The Executive Committee of the Fredonia University Senate


The Executive Committee is composed of the Senate's Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Governance Officer, University Senate Secretary, and University Faculty Senator.  It sets the agenda for the meetings of the Senate and acts on behalf of the Senate when the Senate is not in session.  It meets prior to each Senate meeting with the campus President and Provost.

Current Chair:  Rob Deemer, Music

Academic Affairs Committee

The Academic Affairs Committee is responsible for policy development and oversight of all academic matters on campus such as curricula and the establishment and scrutiny of procedures for course and program changes.  It recommends programs, program changes, and policies and policy changes to the University Senate.  The Academic Affairs Committee serves as the Senate's liaison to the administration on Academic matters.  The committee also serves as an advisory board for the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall be informed of all forthcoming agenda items.

Current Chair:  Reneta Barneva, Business

Contingent Faculty Affairs Committee (ConFac)

The Contingent Faculty Committee (ConFac) is responsible for recommending policy on all matters on campus relating to contingent academic and professional staff at Fredonia to the appropriate body or bodies.  The Committee gathers information, provides feedback, and plays a liaison role among contingents and Fredonia's various governing bodies and entities.  For the purposes of gathering information and informing the faculty of current policies affecting contingents and their rights and responsibilities, the Committee shall work with departments, schools, colleges, and deans.  For the purpose of participating in and improving shared governance and consultation processes at Fredonia, the Committee shall give feedback when requested and recommend actions and policy to the University Senate Executive Committee.  For the purposes of enforcing the current Agreement between UUP and the State of New York and of improving terms and conditions of employment for contingent faculty, the Committee shall recommend actions and policy to the Executive Board of the Fredonia Chapter of UUP, which has the exclusive authority to bargain collectively on behalf of its membership.  The Committee also serves as an advisory board for the President of the University.

Current Chair:  Andrew Martin Smith, Music

Faculty and Professional Affairs Committee (FPAC)

The Faculty and Professional Affairs Committee is responsible for recommending policy on all matters on campus relating to the welfare of the faculty and professional staff except for those matters which contractually are the responsibility of the union representing the faculty and professional staff.  This committee also serves as an advisory board for the President of the University.

Current Chair:  Andrea Wasiura, University Advancement

General Education Committee

The General Education Committee is responsible for the integrity of the General Education Program and its implementation.  It shall receive, consider and approve courses proposed for inclusion in the College Core Curriculum.  It shall also be responsible for recommending to the University Senate any changes to the requirements of the College Core Curriculum.  Further, this committee shall engage in and actively share in assessment of the General Education Program.

Current Chair:  Jennifer Hildebrand, Director of General Education

Graduate Council

The Graduate Council, working closely with university administration, develops policy for all post-Baccalaureate programs at Fredonia.  The Council is charged with promoting and supporting graduate programs and policies that provide robust educational experiences consistent with the graduate mission statement.  The Council's primary functions are to discuss and approve changes in the graduate curriculum, develop standards for admission, oversee matriculation and graduation standards, and recommend new and/or revised graduate programs and policies to the university administration and the Senate.  The Council advocates for research-supported development of innovative graduate programs and a supportive graduate culture that provides for sustainable faculty, professional, campus, and community resources.

Current Chair:  Vernon Huff, Music; and Karry Kazial, Biology

Planning and Budget Committee

The Planning and Budget Committee shall act as an advisory committee to the President upon matters relating to the long-range plans and budget of the University.  The Committee shall assist the President or his/her designees in preparing the annual University budget and shall be consulted regarding all major resource decisions.  The Committee shall initiate and develop goals and long-range plans for the University, as embodied in the University Mission and Vision Statements.  These shall be submitted to the University Senate for consideration.  Confidential matters shall be excluded from the minutes of the Committee.

Current Co-Chairs:  Scott Richmond, Library; and Peter Reinelt, Economics

 

University Senate

  • 280 Central Ave. State University of New York at Fredonia Fredonia, NY 14063

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