Oklahoma State University,
Bylaws of the Faculty Senate, Stillwater Campus
DRAFT VERSION, 10/15/26

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the Oklahoma State University Faculty Senate, hereinafter Senate.
Section 2: The purpose of the Senate is to serve as the main body in the shared governance obligations for Tenure-track, Tenured, and Career-track Faculty, hereinafter General Faculty. As stated in the Charter (Article II.1), eligibility for election to the Senate requires three or more years of service as a General Faculty member. General Faculty members holding administrative positions of assistant dean or above, whether interim or permanent, are not eligible for election to, or membership in, the Senate.
Issues, investigations, and recommendations before the Senate may be initiated by:

A. the Senate and its Committees. The Senate and its committees should, without request from any other body, initiate and review University policies, procedures, and long-range plans.
B. General Faculty Members. Members of the General Faculty who wish to make recommendations concerning University policies, procedures, and long-range plans should communicate directly with the Senate and its members.
C. Administrators. Recommendations may be brought before the Senate by the OSU President, the Provost, or their designees. The Chair shall present the recommendations to the Senate and assign the recommendations to the appropriate Senate committee if further reviews are needed.
D. Students. Recommendations initiated by students may be brought before the Senate by the President of the Student Government Association and/or the Graduate and Professional Student Government Association with the approval of their respective student associations.

Section 3: Official approval of University policies, procedures, and long-range plans. The OSU/A&M Board of Regents and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have the legal authority to approve University policies, procedures, and long-range plans proposed by the OSU President. Recommendations formulated by the Senate may, at the President’s discretion, be brought before the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. In consultation with the OSU President, the Chair of the Senate may choose to represent the General Faculty before the OSU/A&M Board of Regents on matters of importance. Concerning initiatives of significance to the General Faculty, the President is urged to bring proposals to the Senate for study and consultation before submission to the OSU/A&M Board of Regents.

Section 4: Implementation of University policies, procedures, and long-range plans. The implementation of policy or translation of policy into day-by-day operations is the responsibility of the OSU Administration. If the Office of the President or Provost creates committees with faculty participation to assist in implementing University policies, procedures, and long-range plans, the Senate Officers should advise those Offices in selecting appropriate faculty members to serve on such committees.

Section 5: Effect of Senate Action. Unless annulled by subsequent action of the General Faculty, a decision, resolution, or recommendation of the Senate shall be sent to the Provost for consideration by the Administration. Recommendations sent forward shall have the effect of representing the will of the General Faculty.

Article II: The Composition of the General Faculty

Section 1: Tenured, or Tenure-track Faculty. Individuals on the tenure-track or having tenure with the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, hereinafter TT Faculty.

Section 2: Career-track Faculty. Individuals on renewable term, non-tenure track appointments, hereinafter Career Track, or CT Faculty, assigned to support and enhance instructional, research, outreach, clinical, and/or extension programs and initiatives at Oklahoma State University.

Article III: The Composition of the Senate

Section 1: The President of the University. The President or their designee is urged to be proactive and provide information necessary or helpful to the Senate for the proper discharge of its functions, including information about any major policy changes which are to be recommended to the Board of Regents, or which any group advisory to the President may have under study. Each Senate agenda shall include the “President’s report.”

Section 2: The Provost (Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs). The Provost or their designee shall receive recommendations from the Senate and acknowledge receipt thereof by reporting at each regular Senate meeting on actions taken. The Provost shall make regular progress reports to the Senate on recommendations assigned to another group for study. Each Senate agenda shall include “Provost’s report, including Senate recommendations.”

Section 3: Staff Member. The Senate shall have one OSU staff member funded by the Office of the Provost assigned to provide support for the elected Senate, hereinafter the Senate Staffer. This individual shall work with the officers of the Senate to ensure operational continuity arising from the annual rotation of the offices of Chair, Vice Chair, and Immediate Past Chair. The Senate Staffer shall assist the Senate Secretary in the electronic composition and dissemination of the Senate monthly summary and minutes; electronic Senate nominations and elections; and other activities and issues pertinent to the functioning of the Senate.

Section 4: Elected Senate Officers. The Senate shall be charged with electing two Senators to serve as Officers, each with a term running from June 1 to May 31. The first elected officer will be that of Vice Chair. The Vice Chair shall serve a one-year term prior to promotion to the office of Chair for a one-year term, followed by the office of Immediate Past Chair, hereinafter, Past Chair, for a one-year term. The second elected officer will be the Secretary. The Secretary shall serve a three-year term beginning June 1 of the year elected and ending May 31 of the third year. Elected officers shall not serve consecutive terms. The Past Chair and Secretary shall no longer be a member of the Senate with the conclusion of their terms but may be reelected to the Senate after a one-year absence.
A. Senate Chair.
The duties of the Senate Chair shall include, but not be limited to:
1. doing what is necessary and proper to further the interests of the General Faculty.
2. serving as a voting member of the Senate, but in no event have more than one vote.
3. presiding at monthly meetings of the Senate Executive Committee.
4. selecting the place of meetings of the Senate.
5. presiding at the monthly meetings of the Senate, and at all special meetings.
6. preparing the agenda for Senate meetings in consultation with the Executive Committee.
7. meeting privately, generally monthly, with the President to discuss Senate and General Faculty issues.
8. meeting the week prior to Senate meetings with the President, Provost, Officers of the Senate, and the Senate Staff Member to review a draft of the Senate meeting’s agenda.
9. organizing the annual Fall Meeting of the General Faculty in coordination with the President and Provost.
10. appointing Special Committees with the approval of the Senate.
11. identifying and inviting university groups to present liaison reports or special reports for Senate meetings, in consultation with the Officers and the Executive Committee.
12. requiring approval by a majority of the Senate members present to consider any new business not included on the prepared agenda.
13. taking steps necessary to execute the actions of the Senate.
14. assist in coordinating and serving as a member of the University Committee.
15. reporting to the Senate during each meeting’s “Senate Chair’s report.”
16. forwarding communications made by members of the General Faculty to the appropriate committees for investigation.
17. advising when requested by the President or Provost of the University in the selection of faculty members to serve on administrative committees or working groups.
18. serving as OSU’s liaison to the Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). The term of service on the FAC shall be subject to the bylaws of the OSRHE; therefore, a Chair may continue serving on the FAC as the OSU Senate’s Past Chair, and an additional year beyond the term of office as an OSU Senate Officer if necessary to fulfill the OSRHE’s three-year term.
19. taking steps to educate and mentor the Vice Chair to undertake the responsibilities and obligations involved in the office of Chair.
20. becoming Past Chair of OSU Senate on June 1 of the calendar year.
B. Senate Vice Chair.
The duties of the Senate Vice Chair shall include, but not be limited to:
1. working with the Chair to become familiar with the duties of the Chair.
2. serving as a member of the Executive Committee.
3. serving as an ex-officio member of the Senate Budget Committee.
4. assuming the duties of the Chair in the Chair’s absence.
5. being a voting member of the Senate, but in no event have more than one vote.
6. succeeding the outgoing Chair on June 1 of the calendar year.
C. Senate Past Chair.
The duties of the Senate Past Chair shall include, but not be limited to:
1. working with and advising the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary to provide Senate continuity.
2. serving as a member of the Executive Committee.
3. serving as a voting member of the Senate, but in no event have more than one vote.
4. remaining, if necessary, as OSU’s liaison to the Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). The liaison's term of service shall be subject to the bylaws of the OSRHE.
5. stepping down as Senate officer on June 1 of the calendar year.
D. The Senate Secretary.
The duties of the Senate Secretary shall include, but not be limited to:
1. serving a three-year elected term, beginning on June 1 after spring elections, and ending on May 31 of the third year in office.
2. serving as a member of the Executive Committee
3. working with the Senate Staffer to ensure the Senate Meeting Agenda is posted to the Senate website and electronically disseminated to the General Faculty at least 72 hours before the meeting.
4. recording the names of Senators and Administrators present in person or online at each monthly Senate meeting.
5. coordinating with the Senate Staffer to prepare the Senate minutes for the Senate website and for electronic dissemination to all members of the General Faculty.
6. preparing a monthly summary highlighting presentations and discussions of the Senate meeting for electronic distribution to all members of the General Faculty within 10 days following the Senate meeting. This abbreviated summary shall be in addition to, and shall not replace, the formal minutes of the Senate proceedings prepared prior to the next Senate meeting.
7. preparing a list of Senate approved recommendations that require administrative action within 72 hours to the Provost following each Senate meeting.
8. archiving monthly updates of Senate recommendations, including the titles of the recommendations and the dates submitted to the Provost’s office, and their resolution.
9. serving as the Chair of the Rules & Nominations Committee of the Senate.
10. serving as a voting member of the Senate, but in no event have more than one vote.
11. coordinating with the Senate Staffer in sending notices of the Fall General Faculty Meeting as specified in the Charter to all members of the General Faculty. The Fall General Faculty Meeting will be held in October or November (excluding the week of Fall Break) on a day and time mutually agreed upon by the President, the Provost, and the Chair of Senate.

Section 5. The Senate Parliamentarian. An appointed position, the Senate Parliamentarian may be reappointed or replaced prior to the beginning of an academic year at the discretion of the incoming Senate Chair. The Senate Parliamentarian may be dismissed by the Chair in consultation with the Executive Committee at any time.
The Senate Parliamentarian shall:
1. be selected based on their expertise with Robert’s Rules of Order and their knowledge of the Senate Charter and Bylaws
2. assist the Senate Chair in the guiding principles of Robert's Rules of Order to ensure orderly process, democratic participation, and fair decision-making during Senate meetings.
3. attend monthly Senate Executive Committee meetings to ensure orderly process, democratic participation, and fair decision-making during meetings.
4. not vote on any matters before the Executive Committee or Senate.

Section 6. Senators. Elected Senators shall serve the University community as conscientious members of the academic profession, assigning a high priority to their responsibilities as members of the Senate, bringing to the attention of the Senate such matters as they believe are in the best interests of the University, and shall not be required to answer in another venue for their actions as Senate members.
If, in any single year of a term, a Senate member accumulates four cumulative absences from regularly scheduled Senate meetings, that member will automatically lose their Senate seat. The Secretary of the Senate will notify the Chair of the Senate to provide a replacement for the vacant position as specified in Article VI.3.A. Senators may retain their seat for a leave of absence, or a sabbatical of up to one year, and, in such a case, a vacancy shall be filled following Article VI.3.B. But a Senator shall resign from the Senate if a leave of absence exceeds one year, or if multiple leaves of absence or sabbaticals occur during a Senator’s three-year term of office. Senators may resign from the Senate without prejudice.
The duties of Senators shall include, but not be limited to:
1. participating in all monthly meetings of the Senate either in person or virtually.
2. participating in the Senate Standing Committees to which they are assigned.
3. reporting to Senate officers all written communications from members of the General Faculty in their respective constituencies regarding issues potentially needing assignment to a Standing Committee.
4. providing information to constituencies regarding activities of the Senate.
5. voting in the Senate in person or through electronic methods.

If a Senator cannot attend a monthly meeting in person or virtually, that Senator is responsible for arranging a proxy. A proxy should only be used if a Senator’s absence is unavoidable. Senators may use a proxy for a maximum of three times in an academic year. A proxy shall not count in a quorum, shall not have voting rights or make motions, but can speak on the floor.

Section 7. Senate Liaisons from College Councils, System Senates, and Student Organizations. Non-voting liaisons representing other bodies which perform advisory or supervisory functions for the colleges of OSU-Stillwater, or OSU-System Senates, including OSU-CHS, OSU-OKC, OSUIT, will be invited to share information at monthly meetings of the Senate. Liaisons from OSU-Stillwater's Student Government Association and Graduate and Professional Student Government Associations will be invited to share information as non-voting participants of the Senate. All liaisons may attend in person or virtually, to report on activities of those bodies with special importance for the General Faculty of OSU-Stillwater and the OSU-System. Liaisons from OSU-CHS, OSU-OKC, OSUIT each serve on a Standing Committee and may vote in Committee, but not on the floor of the Senate.

Article IV: Representation of the General Faculty

Section 1: Senate Constituencies. Equitable representation of colleges, departments, and divisions of the University is based on a division into ten groups following the Senate Charter, hereinafter Pillars. General Faculty members shall be assigned to no more than one Pillar for Senate membership. Nomination and election of Faculty Senators shall occur within each Pillar by the General Faculty members therein.

Senate seats are divided into three classes: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class terms are staggered with one class standing for election each year in a recurring three-year cycle. As specified in Article V.1, each Senator serves a three-year term. At the expiration of a term, the seat is filled for a new three-year term in the same class.

A. Agriculture (FCA). The departments constituting the Ferguson College of Agriculture shall be allotted nine (9) Senate seats.
Class I. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class II. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class III. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.

B. Arts and Humanities (CAS). These departments shall be allotted seven (7) Senate seats.
Class I. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class II. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class III. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.

C. Business (SSB). The departments constituting the Spears School of Business shall be allotted eight (8) Senate seats.
Class I. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class II. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class III. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.

D. Education and Human Sciences (CEHS). The departments constituting the College of Education and Human Sciences shall be allotted seven (7) Senate seats.
Class I. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class II. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class III. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.

E. Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT). The departments constituting the College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology shall be allotted eight (8) Senate seats.
Class I. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class II. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class III. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.

F. Library. The departments constituting the Edmon Low Library shall be allotted one (1) Senate seat.
Class I. One (1) Senate seat. May be either TT Faculty or CT Faculty.
G. Math and Sciences (CAS). These departments shall be allotted seven (7) Senate seats.
Class I. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class II. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class III. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.

H. OSU-Tulsa. Members of the General Faculty whose primary assignment is on the OSU-Tulsa campus shall be allotted one (1) Senate seat.
Class III. One (1) Senate seat. May be either TT Faculty or CT Faculty.

I. Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The departments constituting the College of Veterinary Medicine shall be allotted three (3) Senate seats.
Class I. One (1) Senate seat. One (1) TT Faculty.
Class II. One (1) Senate seat. One (1) TT Faculty.
Class III. One (1) Senate seat. One (1) CT Faculty.

J. Social Sciences (CAS). These departments shall be allotted seven (7) Senate seats.
Class I. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and One (1) CT Faculty.
Class II. Two (2) Senate seats. One (1) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.
Class III. Three (3) Senate seats. Two (2) TT Faculty and one (1) CT Faculty.

Section 2: CT Faculty. Within each multi-seat Pillar, a specified number of seats shall be designated Career-Track (CT) seats as set forth in Section 1, with the remaining seats designated Tenured/Tenure-track (TT) seats. Career-Track and Tenured/Tenure-track seats shall be filled through separate ballots, so that each Pillar returns its designated number of CT and TT Senators. In a Pillar allotted a single seat, the seat is not designated by track, and any eligible General Faculty member of that Pillar may be nominated. In all Pillars, all General Faculty members of the Pillar may vote on both the CT and the TT ballots.

Section 3: Equitable Representation. The Rules & Nominations Committee shall encourage equitable nominations within each Pillar. Nominees for Senate shall represent departments and units within each Pillar with minimal duplication of Senators from the same department or unit. The Rules & Nominations Committee may encourage appropriate participation of TT and CT Faculty across each Pillar by recruiting Faculty nominees.

Section 4: Census. Every 6 years the Senate shall conduct a census of the faculty to reapportion Senate seats equitably.

Article V: Nomination and Election of Senators and Officers

Section 1: Term of Elected Senators. Following Article II.2 of the Charter elected Senators shall serve three-year terms and shall be eligible for a second three-year term if they are again nominated and elected. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms. After a one-year absence an individual may be nominated and elected again. Senators assume their seats on June 1 and hold them until May 31 of their third year.

Section 2: Nomination of Senate Members for Election. No later than February 1, the Secretary shall email each voting member of the General Faculty with a description of each vacancy of direct concern to the member and a statement concerning the nomination and election procedures for Senate positions.

To be nominated for a position on the Senate, an eligible Faculty Member must file a signed statement indicating willingness to serve, if elected. These documents shall be filed with the Secretary of the Senate during the filing period of March 1 through March 10. If fewer than two candidates are nominated for a vacancy, the Rules & Nominations Committee of the Senate shall make an additional nomination or nominations to provide two candidates for each open seat at the General election. Faculty members nominated for election to the Senate shall be certified as eligible by the Rules Committee in accordance with Article II, Section 1 of the Charter.

Section 3: Election Procedures. The election shall be conducted by means of a secret electronic ballot overseen by the Secretary as Chair of the Rules & Nominations Committee. A voting period of at least one week in duration shall be set by the Secretary in consultation with the Rules & Nominations Committee and shall be completed by April 15. The electronic voting instructions shall indicate the dates of the voting period. The Rules & Nominations Committee shall count the ballots, resolve tie votes by lot, and certify the results to the Secretary of the Senate. Challenges to elections shall be presented to the Secretary of the Senate within seven days after publication of results and shall be decided by secret vote of the Senate at its next meeting. The decision of the Senate shall be final.

Section 4: Voter Eligibility. For all Senate nominations and elections, eligible voters within a Pillar are members of the General Faculty in that Pillar. Elections will be held within each Pillar with TT and CT Faculty of each pillar eligible to vote in their own Pillar elections. Elections for TT and CT senators will be held through separate ballots, but both TT and CT members may vote on both ballots. The applicable number of candidates depending on existing vacancies, are elected with the greatest number of votes.

Within each Pillar, TT seats and CT seats are filled by separate ballots. Members of both tracks may vote on both ballots. For each ballot, the candidates receiving the most votes, up to the number of seats open , are elected.

Section 5: The Nomination and Election of Officers.
A. Eligibility. Candidates must be current Senators or members of the General Faculty who have previously served as Senators. A Senator currently serving as an Officer is not eligible for nomination under the Charter, Article II.3.
B. Nomination. At its regular February meeting in Executive Session, the Senate shall select nominees for Vice Chair and, when that office is open, for Secretary, by secret ballot of the seated Senators. In accordance with Article V.2 of the Bylaws, the Senate at its regular February meeting shall nominate at least two candidates for the office of Vice Chair. If a nominee withdraws before the election, the Senator with the next-highest vote total on the nominating ballot who consents to stand shall replace them. Ties shall be resolved by lot.
C. Senators with Expiring Terms. A Senator whose term expires at the end of the current academic year may be a candidate either for Senate office or for reelection to the Senate, but not both, and shall declare which in writing to the Secretary by the close of the Senate filing period under Section X.
D. Election. At its regular March meeting in the Committee of the Whole, the Senate shall elect the Vice Chair and, when that office is open, the Secretary from among the nominees by secret ballot of the seated Senators. At the regular March meeting, nominees shall be selected by successive secret ballots of the currently seated Senators with the lowest recipient of votes eliminated in rounds until one nominee has received a majority of votes.
E. Vacated Seats. The Senate seat of a Senator elected Vice Chair or Secretary shall become vacant on June 1 and shall be filled through the appointment process in Article VI.3.B.

Article VI. Absences, Vacancies, and Removal

Section 1: Causes of a Vacancy.
A Senate seat vacancy shall exist when a Senator:

A. is elected by the Senate to the office of Vice Chair or Secretary.
B. is promoted to an administrative position as defined in the Charter X, Y; changes Pillars; changes Tracks;
C. takes a leave of absence or sabbatical as provided in Article III.6; is removed either four (4) absences as provided for in Article III.6 or removed for cause a provided for Article VI.5.
D. is terminated by the University; or dies while a member of the Senate.

Section 2: Officer Vacancies.
A. Temporary Vacancy: In the absence of the Chair for a monthly meeting due to professional or personal obligations, the duties of that office shall devolve upon the remaining officers in the order of Vice Chair, Past Chair, and Secretary. In the unlikely event all officers are absent for the same meeting, the Chair of the Faculty Affairs committee shall convene the other chairs of the Executive Committee to organize the meeting.
B. Officer Leaves/Sabbaticals: Officers taking a one-year leave of absence or sabbatical are encouraged to resign from the Senate.
C. Chair. If a vacancy in the office of Chair occurs between January 1 and May 31, the vacancy shall be filled by the Vice Chair. In this case, the Past Chair will fulfill the duties of the Vice Chair until a new Vice Chair is elected during the regular election process. If a vacancy in the office of Chair occurs between June 1 and December 31, the current Past Chair will resume their office as Chair until January 1, then fulfill the duties of the Vice Chair for the remainder of the term. The Vice Chair will serve as Chair from January 1 until the end of May, and the Vice Chair will begin their one-year term as Chair for the following year. The Past Chair will then continue as Past Chair for the remainder of the term. If the Past Chair cannot fulfill these duties, the Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee shall.
D. Vice Chair. A vacancy in the office of Vice Chair shall be filled by an election of the Senate following Article V.5. The person elected Vice Chair in a special election shall serve out the term of the incumbent and shall succeed as Chair. A vacancy shall be filled within 30 days unless it occurs outside the 9-month academic calendar. In such a case, the vacancy shall be filled within 30 days after the start of the fall term of the year in which the vacancy occurs.
E. Secretary. A vacancy in the office of the Secretary shall be filled by an election of the Faculty Senate following Article V.5. The person elected Secretary in a special election will complete the term of the incumbent. A vacancy shall be filled within 30 days unless it occurs outside the 9-month academic calendar. In such a case, the vacancy shall be filled within 30 days after the start of the fall term of the year in which the vacancy occurs.
F. Past Chair. Should a vacancy occur in the office of the Past Chair, the Chair shall appoint an earlier Past Chair whose service on Faculty Senate has ended, but who has not retired, nor has been promoted to administration. If an earlier Past Chair is not available, the Chair may seek a past Secretary with the same restrictions governing their appointment.

Section 3: Senate Seat Vacancies.
A. Temporary Vacancies: Senators taking a leave of absence or sabbatical may decide whether to resign from the Senate or consult with the Chair to identify an interim General Faculty member from the same Pillar and track. Elected Faculty Senators shall only be permitted one vacancy during their elected term of office; a second vacancy shall require their resignation from the Senate, and the Chair’s identification of a replacement.
B. Permanent Vacancies: When a Senate vacancy occurs, the Chair of the Senate in consultation with the Senators or the General Faculty of the Pillar concerned shall make interim appointments effective until the next annual election. At the next annual election, an appropriate General Faculty member in the same Pillar and of the same track as the vacated seat shall be elected to complete an unexpired term. Appointees shall have the same voting rights as elected Senators and be eligible to run for a full term in the Senate.

Section 4: Special Elections. Special Elections to fill vacancies shall be conducted within 30 days when (1) more than six vacancies exist simultaneously in the membership of the Senate; or (2) a prior election has been voided by the Senate. Special elections shall follow, as far as possible, the same nomination and election procedures used for the annual election. If the vacancies occur outside the 9-month academic calendar or after April 15, the vacancies shall be filled within 30 days after the start of the fall term of the year in which the vacancies occur.

Section 5: Removal for Cause. A Senator or Officer may be removed for cause, including but not limited to malfeasance, neglect of duties, or conduct that materially impairs the functioning or integrity of the Senate. Removal requires a written statement following a two-thirds vote in favor of removal by the Executive Committee at least one week before the next Senate meeting, notice to sent to the member, an opportunity for the member to respond on the floor of the of the Senate, and a two-thirds vote of elected Senators in favor of removal. A member subject to removal proceedings shall not vote on their own removal. This provision is separate from, and in addition to, the automatic loss of a seat for absences under Article III.6.

Article VII: Committees

Section 1: Standing Committees. Standing Committees are permanent, operative units of the Senate. They shall meet monthly to review issues relevant to their charge and formulate and recommend actions and policies for approval by the Senate. Standing Committees shall be available to consult with and advise administrators and other members of the University community on matters related to their area of concern in the shared governance of the University. Members of the Rules & Nominations Committee will annually appoint Senators as members, or as the Chair, to each of the Standing Committees. Standing Committees may be established, abolished, or renamed by a majority vote of the Senate following Executive Committee approval.

A. Procedures and Membership. Standing Committees shall adopt their own rules of procedure. If a committee member believes the committee’s rules of procedure violate the bylaws of the Senate, they may appeal to the Officers of the Senate for resolution. Standing Committees are encouraged to gather information from the OSU administration or individuals with expertise in the committee’s areas of interest and should meet regularly with administration officials as outlined in each standing committee’s charge. Standing committees may create subcommittees composed of the members of the Standing Committee by a majority vote of its members. However, subcommittee members shall not include Senators recruited from other Standing Committees; unelected General Faculty members; or members of the OSU Staff or Administration, without prior notification of the Senate Executive Committee and a majority vote of the Senate. Senators may serve up to three years of their term on the same committee subject to annual approval by the Rules & Nominations Committee.
B. Standing Committee Chairs. The Rules & Nominations Committee shall annually appoint, or reappoint, a Senator to serve as Chair of each Standing Committee. Only elected Senators and the Secretary are eligible for selection as Chair. Considerations for selection may include a Senator’s professional specialization, past committee service, and performance. Additionally, a candidate’s departmental affiliation and other qualifications may be considered by the Rules & Nominations Committee to ensure equitable distribution of Chairs across the Senate’s Pillars.
The duties and responsibility of Chairs include, but are not limited to:
1. scheduling and conducting committee meetings (in-person and/or virtual) once per month. Meetings should occur each month of the academic year when the Senate meets.
2. designating a committee member to keep Standing Committee minutes of the monthly meetings. Minutes should be maintained by the Chair of the Standing Committee before submission to the Senate Staffer for archiving at the end of the academic year.
3. inviting relevant administrative personnel to attend and discuss matters of interest to the committee.
4. consulting with Senate Officers and reviewing the minutes and final report of the previous year’s committee in the development of the committee’s new agenda. Ideas, goals, and fact-finding by the Standing Committee should be established by the first fall meeting of the Senate with the objective of pursuing them during the academic year.
5. responding to General Faculty, Students, or Administration for inquiries or requests regarding issues pertinent to the Standing Committee. Events or developments during the academic year may necessitate unanticipated attention by the Standing Committee.
6. attending monthly Executive Committee meetings and discussing matters of the committee with the Executive Committee.
7. presenting recommendations or resolutions that develop from the work of the Standing Committee for consideration by the Faculty Senate.
8. preparation and presentation of an annual report for the Fall General Faculty meeting.
9. submission of a final report of the Standing Committee’s activities in May at the end of the academic year.
C. Standing Committees and Charges.
1. Budget. Shall review the University and the College budgets. Shall consult with, advise, and make recommendations regarding the budget to the University’s Senior Vice President of Finance pertaining to academic affairs. The committee shall conduct an annual review of faculty salaries to recommend changes to the Administration, and to report on the budget and salaries in a spring semester Senate meeting.
2. Campus Facilities & Safety. Shall review and formulate recommendations to revise policies pertaining to campus facilities and safety. Shall consult with, advise, and make recommendations to the OSU Chief of Police, the Chief Facilities Officer, and other University officials charged with the safety of students, staff, and faculty on campus, and on field excursions.
3. Faculty Affairs. Shall review and recommend policies concerning reappointment, promotion and tenure, faculty workloads, working conditions, and other concerns and issues affecting the General Faculty. The chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee shall also be charged with establishing faculty grievance and termination committees following the regulations and stipulations set forth by the Office of Academic Affairs.
4. Health & Wellness. Shall review and recommend policies and programs that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Shall consult with and advise the Head of Human Resources, and other members of Administration involved in health and wellness.
5. Information Technology. Shall monitor the role, structure, and planning for University Information Technology. Shall consult with the Chief Information Officer and the Director of the Institute for Teaching & Learning Excellence in the use of technology in the classroom and campus-wide technology for faculty research.
6. Research. Shall consult regularly with the Vice President of Research in reviewing, revising, and formulating Senate recommendations to the Administration regarding faculty research, grants, and other academic matters.
7. Retirement & Benefits. Shall formulate, revise, and recommend policies concerning retirement and benefits. Committee members will consult and work closely with the Head of Human Resources on these and related matters of significance to the General Faculty.
8. Rules & Nominations. Shall be Chaired by the Secretary of the Senate and composed of the Officers of the Senate. The Officers of the Senate shall select an experienced Faculty Senator to serve as an additional Rules & Nominations committee member. The committee shall recruit General Faculty nominees and encourage General Faculty participation in the Senate; shall appoint elected Faculty Senators to membership on Standing Committees; shall appoint the Chair of each Standing Committee; and shall assist Standing Committees in developing a plan for the academic year. The committee shall oversee Senate elections and review election outcomes, including the announcement of newly elected Senators with the vote totals announced. If a committee member is standing for election, that member must recuse themselves from overseeing and reviewing elections. The committee shall review and make recommendations on changes to the Charter or Bylaws of the Senate subject to the two-thirds approval by the Executive Committee and the Full Senate.
9. Student Affairs & Learning Resources. Shall review, advise, and formulate recommendations in partnership with the Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs on policies, practices, and initiatives that shape the student experience, student learning, and co-curricular engagement. The Committee serves as a liaison between academic and student affairs units in promoting student success, well-being, and equitable learning environments across the institution.
10. Undergraduate Curriculum. Shall work with administration to review and recommend policies, proposals, and program changes related to the undergraduate curriculum and programs of Oklahoma State University. Shall monitor and ensure academic quality, coherence, and alignment with institutional mission, accreditation standards, and student learning outcomes.
11. University System. Shall involve the Chair of the OSU-Stillwater Faculty Senate initiating coordination with the Chairs of other OSU-System Senates, including OSU-CHS, OSU-OKC, and OSUIT. The University System Committee will foster communication and collaboration among the system-wide academic institutions and campuses that constitute Oklahoma State University. The Chair shall coordinate with OSU-System Chairs to develop annual meetings, ideally involving regular rotations in the Chair of the University System Committee to include Chairs from other campuses, and a rotation of sponsorship and location for the annual meetings.

Section 2: Special Committees. Special committees may be created by the Chair of the Senate to consider issues, initiatives, or investigations outside the normal purview of any Standing Committee, or where the work of the committee exceeds the workload expected of a Standing Committee. The creation of a Special Committee shall be approved by a majority vote of the Senate Members. Such committees shall direct their reports to the Senate Chair and shall report their findings to the Senate body. The term of the Special Committee shall expire when its final report is accepted by the Senate.

Section 3: Committee of the Whole. Following the formal adjournment of a Senate meeting, including the dismissal of administrators and non-General Faculty observers, a Senate Officer or a Chair of a Standing Committee may make a motion to initiate a Committee of the Whole. Following a successful vote on the motion, the Chair shall designate a Senator to preside over the committee in an informal discussion of issues pertaining to the General Faculty. The committee shall adjourn through a successful motion made by a Senator. No record or recording of the committee's proceedings shall be made. Except to adjourn, no formal motions, votes, recommendations, or amendments shall be permitted. Senators may speak on a question more than once, while giving priority to Senators or General Faculty who have not already spoken. Issues or ideas arising from the committee may be referred by the Chair for further deliberation to a Standing Committee.

Section 4: Dispute Resolution Committees. Faculty members who feel that they have sustained a grievance which can be resolved only by a hearing before a dispute resolution committee may apply to the Senate for formation of a Dispute Resolution Committee as detailed in Appendix E. Dispute Resolution Procedure of the “Policy Statement to Govern Appointments, Tenure, Promotions, and Related Matters of the Faculty of Oklahoma State University.”

Section 5: Termination Hearing Committee. Upon receipt of notice concerning a General Faculty termination, the Chair of the Senate will form a hearing committee composed of five voting members: four selected by lot from the Termination Hearing Board and one appointed by the Provost as detailed in Appendix C. Termination Procedures of the “Policy Statement to Govern Appointments, Tenure, Promotions, and Related Matters of the Faculty of Oklahoma State University.”

Article VIII: Operation of the Senate

Section 1. Meetings of the Senate: Regular meetings of the Senate shall be held on the second Tuesday of each month except during the months of June and July. However, meetings may be rescheduled when the scheduled date conflicts with the University Academic Calendar and University Holidays. The Chair of the Senate shall designate the meeting place and format (in-person and/or virtual) and shall electronically notify the members of the Senate and the General Faculty. Any change to the date or time of a regular meeting requires the consent of a majority of the Senate Members. This consent may be obtained when the meeting is called to order. All members of the General Faculty shall receive an electronic copy of the Meeting Agenda and the prior month’s Minutes at least 72 hours prior to the Senate meeting.
Section 2. Quorum: A quorum for the conduct of business at any regular or special meeting of the Senate shall consist of a majority of the currently elected or appointed Senators and Officers. Senators attending in person and Senators attending virtually including serving when a vacancy had arisen shall both be counted toward the quorum. A proxy shall not be counted toward a quorum. No vote or other action taken in the absence of a quorum shall be valid, except that a meeting lacking a quorum may adjourn.
Section 3. Executive Committee:
A. Meetings. The Chair shall convene and preside over monthly meetings of a quorum the Executive Committee the week prior to monthly Senate meetings. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers of the Senate, the Chairs of the Standing Committees, and the Staff Member assigned to the Senate as a non-voting member. The Chair may invite the Chair of a Special Committee to attend or other Senators if they are invited.
B. Voting on Recommendations. The Executive Committee shall deliberate and vote on recommendations brought by Chairs of Committees and recommendations must be received by the Chair at least 5 days in advance of the meeting. Recommendations passed by a two-thirds majority of the Executive Committee shall advance to the Senate for deliberation and voting. Recommendations receiving a two-thirds vote against passage are considered defeated, while those receiving less than a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee against passage, shall be sent back to the Standing Committee for further deliberation and revision.

Section 4. Special meetings of the Senate.
A special meeting of the Senate may be called by the Chair, by a majority of Senators and Officers, or by written petition of ten percent (10%) of the General Faculty as provided in the Charter. Senate members shall be electronically notified in writing of the date, place, and format (in-person and/or virtual) not less than 72 hours in advance. In case of emergency, a meeting may be called through electronic notification disseminated in sufficient time to establish a quorum of Senators.

Section 4. Monthly Agenda.
The agenda shall include all unfinished business and such new business as determined by the Executive Committee in consultation with the General Faculty, the President, the Provost, and the Board of Regents through the President. The agenda shall be approved by the Senate. The order of business may be changed thereafter only with the approval of the Senate. Meetings of Senate shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
The order of business order shall include the following:
1. Roll call
2. Approval of minutes
3. Approval of agenda
4. Special reports
5. President’s report and comments
6. Provost’s report, including Senate recommendations
7. Invitation for Vice Presidents’ reports and comments
8. Senate Chair’s report
9. Reports of liaison representatives
10. Reports of standing committees and special committees
11. Unfinished business
12. New business
13. Adjournment

Section 5. Voting.
The use of a written and/or electronic ballot shall be mandatory in the following cases where secrecy is to protect the validity of the process including:
1. the Chair determines a divided Senate regarding an issue under consideration.
2. a final vote tally is requested by an elected member of the Senate.
3. Senate personnel issues are involved.

Section 6. Senate Recommendations.
Deliberations of a Standing, or Special Committee may result in a formal recommendation. Only recommendations approved by a majority vote of the Senate shall be regarded as officially representing the will of the General Faculty and be presented to the Provost.

Article IX: Bylaws

Section 1: Amendment of Bylaws: Proposed amendments to the Senate Bylaws may be considered at any regular Senate meeting so long as they have been considered and approved by the Executive Committee and announced in the Faculty Senate Agenda at least 72 hours before the Senate Meeting. Amendments to the Senate Bylaws shall be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of both the Executive Committee and the full Senate.
Section 2: History of Bylaws: The first meeting of the Oklahoma A&M College (OAMC) Faculty Council was held on November 17, 1953. The first bylaws of the Faculty Council were proposed, presented, and adopted at the March 30, 1953, meeting. Those interested in exploring the history of faculty governance at OAMC/OSU have several options. An overview of issues and actions prior to 1992 can be found in the Centennial Series, History of Governance at Oklahoma State University. The University Archives at the Edmon Low Library has a large collection of minutes and documents for research use. For more recent information see the Oklahoma State University Faculty Senate website (https://academicaffairs.okstate.edu/faculty-council), or contact the Oklahoma State University Archives reference staff libscua@okstate.edu.

Appendix A
Tabular Representation of Pillars, Classes, and Senate Seats

This Appendix summarizes the seat allotments established in Article IV, Section 1. In the event of any discrepancy between this Appendix and the text of Article IV, the text of Article IV shall control.

TT 34/CT 22
+2 Seats TT or CT = 58 Seats

1. Departments of Art, Graphic Design, and Art History; English; History; Languages and Literatures; Greenwood School of Music; Philosophy; Theatre.
2. Departments of Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Boone Pickens School of Geology; Mathematics; Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Physics; Statistics.
3. Departments of Aerospace Studies; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Geography; School of Media and Strategic Communications; Military Science; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology.

Appendix B
Guidelines for Senate Chair Compensation and/or Release Time

Section 1: Guidelines. The academic unit of the elected leader for the Faculty Senate of Oklahoma State University will receive the cost equivalent each semester to support one course release during fall and one course release during spring semester. If the Faculty Senate Chair does not have a teaching appointment, or when it is not feasible for the unit to grant one or both course releases, the Senate Chair will receive compensation for each semester a course release is not granted. The faculty member may negotiate with the unit head and dean’s office to receive this compensation in the form of professional development funds and/or summer salary. The faculty member may negotiate with the unit head to use the funds to alleviate some of the faculty member’s responsibilities. The funds will be provided to the department by the Office of the Provost.
Section 2: Rationale. As outlined above in the Bylaws of the Faculty Senate, Article III, Section 4 (A), the Faculty Senate Chair serves as the voice of the General Faculty and is charged with coordinating and leading the Faculty Senate at Oklahoma State University. As a national norm, Senate Chairs receive release time from teaching to compensate for the diverse duties and heavy burden associated with this service position. During their one-year elected office, if the Chair of the Faculty Senate has too many other responsibilities, the voice of the General Faculty is diminished. To ensure the General Faculty of Oklahoma State University has a strong partnership with administration, the Chair of the Faculty Senate should be supported during their year of service.

Review/Approval:
Approved: February 9, 2016, by the Faculty Council, Rec 16-02-01-FAC
Approved: March 10, 2016, by the Council of Deans, including Faculty Council’s
amendment to include the Vice Chair of the Graduate Council.