Role of the Faculty Senate

Since 1959, the Faculty Senate has represented members of the Texas State faculty in the formulation of University policy on a broad range of academic and governance issues. Beginning January 2026, and in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 37, the Texas State Faculty Senate will comprise 14 faculty members, 7 elected from each of the academic colleges across campus, and 7 appointed by the University President. One member serves as chair of the Senate, another as Vice-chair and a third as the Senate Secretary. 

Elections will take place in Spring 2026 to add Senate seats that will offer proportional representation, with a result of 11 elected Senators and 7 appointed Senators for a total of 18. Each department/school not represented by a senator is represented by a Faculty Senate Liaison who is charged with communicating individual faculty and departmental concerns to the Faculty Senate.

Texas State University Faculty Senates have played an important role in providing a platform for faculty to “initiate recommendations for the promotion of the interest of the university community." This broad charge, combined with the specific constitutional obligation to consider any recommendation submitted in writing by a faculty member, has led the senate to take an interest in a very wide spectrum of academic and policy issues.  Please feel free to contact a faculty senator if you have questions or concerns regarding any policy or procedure.