The SUNY University Faculty Senate (UFS) is the official governance body representing academic and professional faculty at SUNY’s state-operated and statutory campuses. Established by the SUNY Board of Trustees, the UFS plays a key role in shaping academic policy, promoting shared governance on our campuses and across the system, and advising system leadership.
Senators are elected from each campus and organized into sectors reflecting the diversity of SUNY institutions. Through regular meetings, committee work, and collaboration with the Chancellor, Provost, and other stakeholders, the Senate provides faculty insight on university-wide initiatives and advocates for policies that support academic quality, equity, and effective governance across the SUNY system.
Our Officers
The University Faculty Senate is led by a President and a Vice President/Secretary, each elected from among the senators. The President sets the strategic direction of the Senate, represents faculty in system-wide governance, and serves as a non-voting member of the SUNY Board of Trustees. The Vice President/Secretary coordinates Senate operations, maintains official records, and supports communication across the Senate and its committees. Immediate Past Officers also contribute by offering continuity and guidance.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee advises and assists the President and Vice President/Secretary in coordinating Senate activities. It helps shape the agenda for plenary meetings, works closely with committees and sectors on resolutions, and may act on behalf of the full Senate between sessions.
Sectors
Senators are grouped into sectors based on campus type—such as University Centers, Comprehensive Colleges, or Colleges of Technology. Sector meetings provide a space for senators to share campus news, discuss emerging trends, and bring collective concerns to SUNY leadership.
Standing Committees
Senate standing committees investigate key issues in areas such as academic programs, research, student life, governance, and diversity. They prepare reports, develop policy recommendations, and propose resolutions for Senate consideration.
Campus Governance Leaders
Elected leaders of campus governance bodies meet as a group during plenary sessions to discuss local shared governance issues, develop questions for SUNY leadership, and support implementation of Senate initiatives on their home campuses.