Best Practices for Electing Senators

Strong faculty governance depends on visible, transparent, and participatory selection of representatives. These recommended practices are intended to support schools in fulfilling both the letter and the spirit of the Faculty Senate Constitution while respecting local governance traditions.

A. Constitutional Timing Requirement

Per the Senate Constitution, elections happen before Spring recess or by March 15 each year. To support compliance and consistency, the following timeline is recommended.

By December 15

• Senate leadership confirms:
  • Number of senators allocated to each school
  • Vacancies and term expirations
• Senate leadership sends deans (and deans transmit to committees, department Chairs, or others responsible for facilitating their unit's election):
  • Number of seats to be filled
  • Senate informational/promotional document
  • This Best Practices document

By January 15

• School or unit issues a Call for Nominations/Self-Nominations, including:
  • Senate informational/promotional document (including Term length, participation expectations, eligibility criteria)
  • Requirements for nomination/self-nomination: statement

By February 1

• Candidates submit:
  • Short statement (150–300 words) highlighting relevant experience and goals

By February 15

• Election conducted (secure electronic ballot recommended)
• Results communicated to:
  • School or unit faculty
  • Senate Chair
  • Dean’s office

No later than March 15

• Senate notified formally of results.

B. Election Principles

1. 1. Eligibility for election applies to those appointed to a salaried faculty position.
   2. Election facilitators publish clear deadlines and results.
   3. Candidates submit statements in advance of voting.
   4. All eligible faculty vote.
   5. Voting is conducted by secret ballot (Qualtrics or equivalent).
   6. Appointments without elections occur only
   7. in the event of mid-term vacancy, or
   8. when no nominations are received after documented outreach.

In these cases, appointments should be time-limited and followed by a regular election cycle.