About the Senate
The Systemwide Academic Senate and the ten Divisional Senates provide the organizational framework that enables the faculty to exercise its right to participate in the University's governance. The faculty voice is formed through a deliberative process that includes the Standing Committees of the Senate, the Academic Council, the Assembly of the Academic Senate, and their Divisional counterparts. Consultation with the senior administration occurs in a parallel structure: at the systemwide level between the Academic Council Chair and the President; and on the campus level between the Divisional Senate Chairs and the Chancellors.
Graphical overview of Shared Governance and the Organization of the Academic Senate
With some exceptions and as defined by Regents Bylaw 40, Senate membership is granted to individuals who have a ladder-rank or other selected academic appointment at the University. The Code of the Academic Senate comprises the Manual of the Academic Senate and the manuals of its Divisions. Each manual is divided into two sections – the (1) Bylaws that set forth the membership, authority and organization of the Senate, and the (2) Regulations that codify the requirements for admission, degrees, and courses and curricula.
In accordance with the tenets of shared governance, the Senate's responsibilities include authorizing, approving, and supervising all courses and determining the conditions for admissions, certificates, and degrees. In other areas of University life, the Senate exercises an active advisory role. It has specific authority from the Regents to advise the President and Chancellors on budget matters and on the administration of the libraries. Campus and systemwide officials regularly seek advice and review from the Senate on a wide variety of issues affecting faculty welfare and the academic environment. The Senate participates in searches for deans, chancellors and the president.
The Senate has influence over career advancement and the quality of UC's faculty through its recommendations to the chancellors, deans, and chairs on appointments and promotions. In addition, it protects the professional environment for faculty members with committees devoted to preserving academic freedom and assuring due process in personnel matters.
Systemwide Academic Senate Office
Mission Statement
The systemwide Academic Senate staff provides strategic advice and analytical support on the broad reach of Academic Senate interests; facilitates faculty and administrative participation in the shared governance process; and fosters communication and collaboration across ten campuses, the intersegmental Academic Senates, and the UC Office of the President.
We practice the highest standards of professionalism and service to help achieve Senate goals that strengthen the University of California, advance its academic and public mission, and ensure the excellence of its educational and research programs.
