A new law passed by the Utah Legislature in 2024 has significantly changed how faculty members are involved in decision-making at the state’s higher education institutions. The University of Utah and its Academic Senate are now working to adjust their policies to comply with these changes.
University President Taylor Randall has asked campus leaders to review policies that might give faculty more authority than allowed by the new law, known as SB 192. This includes examining policies related to the president’s authority and the role of the faculty, such as Policies 2-003, 6-001, and 6-002.
The law requires the university president to approve any expansion of faculty authority beyond what is specified. It limits faculty jurisdiction mainly to academic matters like admissions, degrees, and course curriculum. Faculty can only address other issues if explicitly allowed by state lawmakers, the Utah Board of Higher Education, the Board of Trustees, or the university president.
President Randall acknowledged that this change might cause concern among faculty but emphasized his commitment to shared governance. He plans to continue seeking faculty input through the Academic Senate on important matters.
The University of Utah has a long history of academic freedom and shared governance, with its Academic Senate playing a crucial role in shaping educational policies for over a century.
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