The Academic Senate is the instrumentality by which the faculties of the University can express to the President of the University and the Board of Governors their considered opinion and judgment upon matters of educational policy affecting the University community.

The Senate is comprised of six members at large elected by the University academic community. In addition, all schools and colleges, the University Library System, and the Division of Academic Affairs elect their own representatives to the Senate in proportion to the number of full-time positions in these units.  The Academic Senate currently consists of 74 members.