The University Senate provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and administrators to participate in shared governance. The primary function of the Senate is to advise the President on any matter or concern, including but not limited to, education, budget, personnel, campus-community, long range plans, facilities, and faculty, staff and student affairs" (subject to the limitations imposed by laws or mandates from the University of Maryland System Board of Regents or the Chancellor). This broad charge brings virtually all campus policy matters within the purview of the Senate. Advisory to the President, the Senate may pass recommendations on a wide range of issues, and it has the right to a prompt response from the President as to the disposition of any recommendations it makes. 

The University Senate is a unicameral legislative body composed of voting and non-voting representatives from all sectors of the campus community. Faculty senators are elected through their academic units for a three-year term. Each college may send one representative for every 17 faculty or majority fraction thereof. (Any school or college with fewer than eleven faculty may send one representative.) Each staff category; elects one representative for every 200 full-time employees. (Those with fewer than 200 may send one representative.) Undergraduate students are elected by their colleges, one representative for every 1000 full-time undergraduate majors. Graduate students elect ten representatives at large. All deans are ex officio voting members.  The President and four Vice Presidents are non-voting ex officio members. 

The Senate operates through a structured committee system. It elects from its membership the thirteen members of the Executive Committee, including the Chair and the Chair-Elect of the Senate. The chairs of committees must be senators, but non-senators may serve as members of committees. An issue or proposal is first discussed in the Senate Executive Committee, then it is usually sent to a Standing Committee for discussion, review and report.  The Standing Committee reports  their recommendations to the Executive Committee for placement on the agenda of the full Senate for debate, amendment, or approval. Standing councils and ad hoc committees such as task forces may be appointed jointly by the Senate and the administration. 

The University Senate plays a central role in the institution's decision-making process. Service in the Senate affords the opportunity for a wide range of members of the campus community to participate in and learn about the governance of College Park. Specific details about the operation of the Senate may be found in the Plan of Organization for the University of Maryland, College Park and in the Senate's Bylaws. For information about pending issues, committee chairs, the agenda for committees, how to submit a proposal, and how to become involved in campus governance, contact the Senate Office at 405-5805.