Like other forms of government within different entities, New Mexico State has many moving parts that come together to form a unique version of an executive, judicial, and legislative branches, respectively. These branches include what is known as the Faculty Senate.  Although the work and achievements of the university’s faculty senate has proved efficient, much of this work goes unnoticed.

Essentially, the faculty senate is a group of 60 senators representing each academic college of the university and overall representing all faculty at NMSU through the promotion of shared governance.  Although as a whole, the faculty senate’s main goal has been to find a new chancellor for the university, the Senate also focuses on further promoting their voice as faculty members.

“Shared governance is a model for running the university that sees faculty, staff, students, and the Central Administration all working together to help the university meet our shared goals.  The Senate should work to advance shared governance through any venue available,” said faculty senate chair Dr. Christopher Brown.

Unknown to many, the faculty senate of NMSU guides all issues relating to the curriculum at the university.  Yet there are different roles within the Senate itself, which all web together to form an efficient entity of professional individuals.  The senate chair, for example, is essentially the voice and messenger between the Board of Regents and the Faculty Senate.   This crucial relationship between the faculty senate and the Board of Regents, is part of the foundations of what holds together the government of NMSU.

The senators representing each of their respective academic colleges of the university are expected to, as explained by Dr. Brown, engage in issues relating to faculty concerns, develop needed bills, work on committees, and attend all Senate meetings.  There are five different committees, including a scholastic affairs committee and a university affairs committee.  While there is, in fact, a faculty affairs committee, the senators and the chair and vice-chair of the faculty senate ensure that there is an event amount of attention given to each committee and its respective goals.

The faculty senate at NMSU has many long-term goals that it hopes to fulfill in the future, including establishing a seat in the Board of Regents for a voting faculty member.  This action would strengthen the relationship already established between the Senate and the Board of Regents, but would also provide opportunities for furthering shared governance.

Students are encouraged to learn more about the faculty senate and its agenda for faculty and students at NMSU; their futures are in the Senate’s hands.

The Round Up will additionally be covering future faculty senate meetings as part of their expanded coverage of government this school year. Be sure to check back for recaps and analysis after these meetings.