Arguments in Support: Expanding Faculty Senate Membership

Overview

Led by UCSF Division Chair Steve Hetts, MD, the UCSF Academic Senate has proposed two Memorials to the UC Regents to expand voting rights to faculty in the Health Sciences (HS) Clinical and Adjunct series to the systemwide Academic Senate.  Per systemwide Academic Senate Bylaw 90, the voting materials for each Memorial will include 1) the Proposed Memorial; 2) an Explanation of Provisions of the Memorial; 3) an Argument in Favor of the Memorial; 4) a Rebuttal to the Argument in Favor of the Memorial; 5) an Argument Against the Memorial; and 6) a Rebuttal to the Argument Against the Memorial. 

The respective Memorial packets can be accessed via the following links:

Why Does this Matter to Proponents?

Like their peers, HS Clinical and Adjunct Faculty series are evaluated by the Committee on Academic Personnel (CAP) and play a vital role in advancing our teaching, research, clinical, and service missions.

Today, voting rights depend on faculty series — not on their contributions to our mission.

  • Who gets to vote? Faculty in Ladder Rank, Professor in Residence, and Clinical X.
  • Who is excluded? Faculty in HS Clinical and Adjunct series.
Health Science Senate and Non-Senate Chart

Despite being one of the fastest-growing faculty groups at UC, Health Sciences Clinical professors are excluded from voting and participating systemwide in Academic Senate. This exclusion means that as our health sciences programs expand across the University, academic medical faculty are underrepresented in crucial decision-making processes.

Proponents Want to Change That—Here’s Why

The Need for Inclusivity

The primary argument for expanding faculty voting rights centers on the importance of inclusivity in shared governance. All faculty members, regardless of their appointment type, contribute significantly to the mission of UC through teaching, mentoring, research, and public service. Their voices deserve representation in Academic Senate. Read the full Memorials to the Regents for formal arguments in support of this proposed change, as well as rebuttals. 

HS Clinical Memorial 

Adjunct Memorial

Key Points Supporting the Memorials to the Regents
  • Equitable Contribution and Value of Inclusion: HS Clinical and Adjunct faculty (50%-100% FTE) meet high standards for excellence in teaching, research, clinical, and public service and make essential contributions to UC’s mission. As the fastest growing series in the UC, these faculty are more often women, underrepresented groups, and younger faculty. Their exclusion from the Senate is a structural inequity that undermines our diverse intellectual community.
  • Systemwide Benefits: Including these faculty groups can enhance morale, diversity, and representation in key committees. A broader range of expertise allows the Senate to address modern challenges such as public health crises effectively.
  • Strengthening Governance: A more inclusive Senate fosters better decision-making by bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the table. This diversity can lead to creative solutions and improved governance effectiveness.
  • Combatting Burnout and Retaining Faculty: Involving all faculty in shared governance conveys institutional respect and value, which is crucial for reducing burnout and enhancing engagement. Reports indicate high turnover rates among non-Senate health sciences faculty, highlighting the urgency of this inclusion.
  • Local vs. Systemwide Representation: While local participation structures exist, the lack of systemwide voting rights limits influence over university policies. Aligning with progressive practices at other institutions can position UC as a leader in academic governance.
Advancing Equity Through Inclusion in Shared Governance
  • Empowering Faculty Voices and Service: Senate membership would grant HS Clinical and Adjunct faculty access to a robust system of shared governance, enabling them to participate meaningfully in decision-making and service.
  • A Pathway for Advocacy: This inclusion provides these faculty members with essential advocacy channels that are currently lacking.
  • Valuing Contributions: Inclusion affirms the vital research, teaching, and service that these faculty provide to the University.
  • Elevating Role Models: Inclusion enhances their status as role models for students and trainees, fostering a culture of mentorship and excellence.
  • Addressing Burnout: Having a voice in shared governance can help combat burnout by fostering a sense of belonging and institutional value among faculty.
Benefits to UC and the Academic Senate
  • Diverse Talent Pool: Expanding Senate membership allows access to a large and skilled faculty, enabling effective responses to complex UC challenges.
  • Enhanced Engagement: Increasing faculty involvement enriches our academic community and promotes active participation.
  • Informed Advocacy: Faculty working closely with health systems are best positioned to advocate for impactful changes.
  • Stronger Representation: A larger Senate can advocate more effectively with administrators and Regents, ensuring diverse voices are heard.
  • Defining Our Faculty Community: This initiative clarifies that all faculty evaluated by the Senate through CAP are included in our community of interest.
  • Competitive Edge: Aligning with peer institutions like the University of Michigan enhances UC’s ability to attract and retain top talent.
  • Commitment to DEI: Expanding membership underscores UC’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Questions?

We’ll be updating the Academic Senate website, as these Memorials move through the Academic Senate. In the meantime, if you have questions , please email  Kristie Tappan.