Faculty Senate Fall 2026 Newsletter
Dear Colleagues,
It is hard to believe that another academic year is already upon us. This is, without question, my favorite time of year. The fall brings renewed energy across campus, a contagious excitement that you can’t help but notice! It also brings the opportunity for new goals and new pursuits for the academic year.
My primary goal for the Faculty Senate this year is to focus on communication. I believe that communication is the foundation of everything we hope to accomplish together. It is how we build trust, foster understanding, navigate disagreement, and move our work forward. It is the key to success of this body and to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to us through the Administrative Regulations. It is how we build strong relationships with our constituents and the key to ensuring that the voices of our faculty are heard, respected, and represented.
I also believe that when communication improves, collaboration will follow. And when we collaborate, we are better positioned to serve our faculty and advance the important work before us. As you read on you will see an example of Faculty Senate communication and collaboration with University administration on a new policy impacting faculty. I believe you will see how working collaboratively with administration is guiding trust and results in more effective outcomes.
I am excited for the year ahead. I look forward to learning more about you and the work that you do to support the mission of this great University. I welcome each of you to attend an upcoming Faculty Senate meeting. You can find the dates for the remaining fall meetings here. All of our Fall 2026 meetings are located in the newly renovated, very beautiful Whitehall Classroom Building, room 328! I hope to see you there!
Co Cats!
Hanna
Chair, Faculty Senate
Fall 2026 Updates
An Update on HB490
The Shared Governance Committee (SGC), led by Becky Alley, oversaw the development of the Faculty Senate Recommendations Regarding Implementation of HB 490 document. During the August 31st Faculty Senate meeting, Provost DiPaola requested a group of Faculty Senators and Administrators come together and work collaborative to develop draft policy that would be sent forward to the University. As noted in the Faculty Senate meeting minutes from September 14th, the final product shared with the University for review was a product of the input, feedback and partnership between the Faculty Senate and the Office of the Provost. You can find the memo from Associate Provost Rebecca Thomas here reviewing the process, collaborative efforts, and final approved policy by the Board of Trustees.
Continued Work on the Faculty Title Series
The Title Series Ad Hoc committee has continued to work on the Faculty Senate Advisement: Title Series Structure Review. Thank you to all of the faculty that participated in the Faculty Title Series Survey request shared last spring. The ad hoc committee received feedback on the draft report during the October 12th Faculty Senate meeting from faculty senators and their constituents. Over the next several months the ad hoc committee will continue to receive feedback from senators and Deans to develop a revised report that will be shared back for feedback. Additional steps in the process will include a financial analysis before the final recommendations are made. The ultimate goal for this advisement is to ensure collaboration and communication as the final proposal is developed.
Shared Governance Social
The Shared Governance Fall Social took place in October. Representatives from all three shared governance bodies (Student Government Association, Staff Senate and Faculty Senate) were in attendance. The event included time for informal social time and an interactive exercise lead by Emily Smith from UK Human Resources focused on sharing experiences and learning new perspectives. It was a great opportunity to come together and the Faculty Senate looks forward to more opportunities to collaborate and support our staff and student colleagues.
Communicate with the Faculty Senate
Want to meet with your Faculty Senator? We have updated our website! Please utilize the button below to find your Faculty Senator and access their email!
Are you looking for University Service? Do you want to support the work of the Faculty Senate? Committee membership is open to regular full-time faculty who are not faculty senators! You can learn more by visiting the Faculty Senate standing committees page linked below. Please reach out to the current Chair of the committee you are interested in joining.
Faculty Senate Standing Committees