How does the Senate Work?

An issue is presented to the Senate Executive Committee (SEC) by request or referral from administration, faculty, regents, or others. Upon review, the SEC may forward it to one or more committees for review and discussion, or the SEC may decide to review the issue directly.

Committees receive issues from the SEC, and may choose to take up other issues of their own accord. Committees conduct research, review policy, and gather data before making a decision on submitting a motion or resolution for consideration by the Senate body.

When a committee submits a resolution or motion, the SEC reviews the action and may provide feedback or ask the committee to consider revisions. When the review process has been completed, the SEC may put the motion or resolution on the agenda for debate and decision of the Senate.

At a Senate meeting, the chair of the committee presents the motion or resolution to the Senate body and facilitates a discussion. When complete, the Senate body votes to approve or reject the proposal. If a motion or resolution passes, it goes to the UHMFS office for transmission to the appropriate parties and entry in the Senate records.

For resolutions passed, the SEC chair and Senate Secretary sign an official transmittal, then it is sent to the Board of Regents, the President and Provost.

For motions passed, the SEC chair and Senate Secretary sign an official transmittal, then it is sent to the President, Provost and relevant stakeholders (eg. Dean, dept chair, and other affected parties).