If you missed the Feb. 3 Academic Senate meeting or need a refresher, keep reading for the highlights from the meeting. For more information on the Academic Senate, click here.
Subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, the “university faculty shall have authority ... to legislate on matters of educational policy. ... The faculty has a right to a meaningful role in the governance of the University; ... it has a right to participate in decisions relating to the general academic operations of the university including budget decisions and administrative appointments.”
“The legislative power of the University faculty collectively will normally be exercised by the faculty through their representatives in the Academic Senate and the college and Graduate and Undergraduate councils ...”
See Academic Policies 6-001-III-B-3, 6-002 and 6-300 to read the policies in full.
Executive Committee Report
Three new programs
Three new program proposals were approved by electronic vote of the senate on Jan. 21, as requested by the Executive Committee on Jan. 13, to meet the deadline for the Fall 2025 Course Catalog. The proposals were reviewed in detail by the Executive Committee and full materials, including a summary of the discussion in the senate, were shared with the e-vote materials. In the Executive Committee Report, Senate President-Elect Richard Preiss thanked the senate for the high voting turnout and for its adaptability, flexibility and efficiency in helping the university remain nimble and responsive to the emerging demands of the marketplace. The approved proposals included:
- M.A. in Financial Planning and Counseling Online
- B.A. in Architectural Studies
- M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
Click here to learn more about the Executive Committee's role and membership.
Reports
During the Report from Administration, President Taylor Randall discussed challenges and opportunities for the university during a time of rapid change.
Vice President for Government Relations Jason Perry gave an update on the current Utah Legislative Session. He encouraged senators to provide input on pending bills. To collect that feedback, Senate President Harriet Hopf will create a shared document where senators can post information and examples.
Vice President for Research Erin Rothwell gave an update on federal funding, celebrating an increase in grant proposal submission across the campus, the status of shared datasets and online resources for staying up to date with guidance.
The senate also received the Associated Students of the University of Utah Report from ASUU President Joe Boyden, and the University of Utah Staff Council Report from Staff Council President Marie Wintriss.
Debate Calendar
Grade Deadline Changes
Status: Approved
The Office of the Registrar requested Academic Senate approval to change the grade deadline from the current 10-12 days to five calendar days, effective Fall 2025. This aligns with USHE, Big 12 and AAU deadlines and advances student success. The proposal effectively incorporated student, faculty and staff feedback and needs, which will continue to be addressed through new collaborations developed during the process.
Program Restructure: M.S. in Pharmacology & Toxicology
Status: Approved
The program co-directors of the M.S. Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Misty Smith, Ph.D., and Farzana Alam, Ph.D., presented a proposal from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology for key modifications to its M.S. program to enhance career preparation for industry, government and academia. Changes include introducing thesis (research) and capstone tracks, updating required courses and maintaining a one-year, 30-credit-hour structure. Direct admission to the department will streamline enrollment and attract top candidates. The thesis track (research) focuses on bench research for students pursuing doctoral studies, and careers in industrial or government agencies; while the capstone track, emphasizes applied learning based on literature reviews. These updates align with workforce needs, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse careers.
Information and Recommendations Calendar
Nominations & Elections
Ken Monson, SPEC chair, gave the first in a series of presentations on the annual process for populating committees, electing senators and senate leadership.
Announcements
Academic Senate Personnel & Elections Committee (SPEC) 2025-26 Nominations Open
Nominate yourself to serve on university committees and/or senate committees addressing myriad issues such as academic policy, academic freedom, teaching awards, athletics, conflicts of interest and others. Please complete the Faculty Interest Survey to get involved.
Senate Leadership AY2026 Positions Openings
Consider running for the Executive Committee or the president-elect.
Information & Reports
Emphasis Restructure: Design B.S.
The proposal establishes structured emphases in Design that will allow more students to complete the major. Given that the College of Fine Arts has a Graphic Design major, the deans of the Colleges of Architecture and Planning and Fine Arts have written a joint letter of support that is included at the start of the proposal.
The proposal was approved by the Executive Committee, per policy.
College Charter Updates
- Architecture + Planning
- Marriott Library
The updates were approved by the Executive Committee, per policy, as required by H.B. 261.
When does the Academic Senate meet?
Academic Senate meetings for the 2024-25 academic year are at 3 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, with some exceptions. The meetings are open to the public, and agenda packets are available online approximately one week prior.
Academic Senate meetings are held on Zoom until further notice. To attend a meeting, email Jane Laird, the Academic Senate secretary, no later than five business days prior to each meeting, to receive a secure meeting link. Location changes will be posted in advance.
Click here for the schedule.
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