The Faculty Senate at Case Western Reserve University serves as the principal body for faculty governance, with clearly defined roles for voting members, non-voting members, and individuals who have the privilege of attendance. These roles are governed by the Faculty Handbook and the ByLaws of the Faculty Senate. The distinction among these categories ensures an effective balance of decision-making and inclusive consultation across the university’s constituencies and with administration.
Voting Members
Voting members of the Faculty Senate include all elected faculty representatives, apportioned among the constituent faculties as outlined in the Faculty Senate By-Laws. The President of the University, the Provost (or a designee of the President), and the Secretary of the Faculty Senate are also voting members. Each standing and ad hoc committee of the Faculty Senate is represented by its chair, who holds voting rights during their term of service. In addition to faculty and administrative leaders, one undergraduate student, one graduate student, and one post-doctoral fellow or scholar also serve as voting members, having been duly selected by their respective constituencies. Voting members have the right to introduce motions, participate in debate, and vote on all matters that come before the Senate.
Non-Voting Members
Non-voting members of the Faculty Senate are those individuals who may be regularly involved in Senate business but do not have the right to vote on motions or resolutions. This group includes, most notably, the Chair of the Emeriti Academy Executive Committee, who may participate in discussions and provide perspective from the emeriti faculty. In addition, certain invited guests or university officials may be designated as non-voting participants on an ongoing or temporary basis, depending on the relevance of their role to specific agenda items or institutional priorities.
Privilege of Attendance
Individuals with the privilege of attendance at Faculty Senate meetings may observe proceedings and, when recognized by the Chair, participate in discussions relevant to their expertise or responsibilities. These individuals include members of the Board of Trustees, vice presidents, deans, and other academic officers of equivalent rank. In addition, student or faculty members who serve on Faculty Senate committees, but are not elected senators themselves, are granted the privilege of attendance when matters pertaining to their committee’s work are on the agenda. With approval from the Senate Chair, other members of the university community may attend specific meetings and contribute to deliberations as appropriate, but without voting rights. Please contact the Secretary of the Faculty Senate to be added to meeting notifications.
2025–2026 Case Western Reserve University Faculty Senate Members
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