Message From the
2008-09
Faculty Senate/University Assembly Chairperson, Dr. Matthew W. Keefer
The UMSL Faculty Senate and University Assembly are designated by the Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri to exercise the functions delegated to it by the faculty as a whole. The Faculty Senate meets fours times each semester while the University Assembly will meet at least twice. The members of both the Senate and Assembly consider important issues and make decisions on behalf of the campus community, as well as provide an important advisory role for the Chancellor and other UMSL senior administrators. These two bodies collectively represent the interests of the Faculty, Students, and Staff of the University of Missouri – St Louis.
As the incoming Chair of the Faculty Senate and University Assembly it is my intention to conduct our business somewhat differently than in previous years. First, prior to each of our meetings I intend to work with the Chancellor and Provost, the Steering Committee, and other Senate and Assembly committee chairs to identify the important issues or challenges that face the campus community. Having identified a challenge or concern I will then make every effort to organize our meetings to have the appropriate administrators or other officials present and prepared for our discussions. I believe this approach will provide for an effective use of our time. I also pledge to follow up on all the concerns that we bring before our members, as well as any decisions we make in regard to them.
Another goal I hope to accomplish is to make more effective use of the various Senate and Assembly committees in preparing for our Senate and Assembly meetings. For example, this year I have requested that the chair of the University Assembly Budget and Planning Committee present the budget to the University Assembly for its approval. In addition, other committees have been and will be asked to provide specific support in guiding the deliberations of the Senate and Assembly. For example, I have asked the committee on Recruitment, Admissions, Retention, and Student Financial Aid to take the lead on a preparing us for an in depth discussion of student enrollments at UMSL. Finally, I have also encouraged all the chairs of the various committees to utilize the larger Senate or Assembly meetings whenever they feel this is necessary or appropriate.
I am looking forward to serving the entire campus community in my role as chair of the Faculty Senate and University Assembly. Together I believe we will continue to excel in our efforts to make UMSL a premier public urban research university.
Sincerely,
Matthew W. Keefer
Chair, Faculty Senate and University Assembly
If you have questions about the University Assembly or Faculty Senate, please contact us: senate@umsl.edu .