The University of California has a strong tradition of "shared governance" in which the faculty, through the Academic Senate, participates with the administration in the governance and direction of the University on all ten campuses.

As a Standing Committee Report to a Faculty Conference in 1953 observed, "over the years, the University of California has built up a remarkable plan of faculty self-government and faculty participation in the educational administration of the University. It is not always realized that such plans are the exception rather than the rule in American universities and that the 'California Plan' may perhaps be considered the most advanced system of faculty participation in university government to be found anywhere in the United States."

The Academic Senate is a statewide organization. Each of the ten UC campuses has its own Division of the Senate (for example, the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate). The Regents have established Senate membership and delegated authority in their Standing Orders. Senate membership is automatically conferred on all ladder-rank faculty members, all lecturers and senior lecturers who have security of employment or potential security of employment, and certain administrative officers. Membership continues through advancement to emeritus status. Bylaw 2 of the Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate defines membership by academic title.

Under Standing Order 105, the Academic Senate has the broad authority to set admission standards and degree requirements, and to approve all courses and curricula, as well as manuscripts published by the University of California Press. The Senate also advises the president and chancellors on budget matters, on administration of the libraries, on appointment and promotion of faculty members, on selection of deans, chancellors, presidents, and on other significant matters.

The Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate has approximately 2,200 members. The Berkeley Division meets at least once a semester. Daily work is conducted through the Divisional Council and the Division’s standing committees (see below for a complete list of committees). The statewide Senate has a similar structure.

Members are encouraged to contact the Academic Senate office (642-4226 or acad_sen@berkeley.edu) for detailed information.

Committees of the Academic Senate, Berkeley Division
Academic Freedom studies conditions inside or outside the University that may affect the academic freedom of the University.

Academic Planning and Resource Allocation advises on annual and long-range academic and physical planning, budget, and resource allocation.

Admissions, Enrollment, and Preparatory Education considers matters involving admissions and enrollment, and exercises assigned responsibilities regarding preparatory education.

Assembly Representation represents the Division at meetings of the statewide Assembly.

Budget and Interdepartmental Relations makes recommendations to the Chancellor on appointments, promotions, salaries, and other matters related to the quality of the faculty.

Committees appoints divisional officers, standing and special committees, and representatives, members, and nominees to various campus and University bodies.

Computing and Communications advises on the utilization and integration of computers, information systems, and electronic communications facilities into academic programs.

Courses of Instruction reviews, coordinates, and takes final action on all new courses, course changes, and course withdrawals, and reviews recommendations for degrees, certificates, and honors.

Divisional Council acts on behalf of the Division on all matters except legislation, proposes legislation, and coordinates divisional committees.

Educational Policy considers matters of educational policy and makes recommendations to the Chancellor on the establishment and disestablishment of academic programs.

Faculty Awards nominates individuals to receive the Clark Kerr Award, Faculty Service Award, and various external awards.

Faculty Representative to the ASUC serves on the Student Search and Selection Committee and on the Grievance Board.

Faculty Research Lectures nominates two distinguished researchers from the Division, each to deliver a lecture upon a topic of his or her choice.

Faculty Welfare reports and recommends to the Division on matters concerning the general welfare of the faculty, such as conditions of employment, salary policy, benefits, dependent care, housing, and retirement.

Graduate Council exercises administrative and coordinating functions in the Graduate Division.

International Education advises the Chancellor and the Dean of International and Area Studies, and initiates policy regarding the Education Abroad Program.

Library advises the Chancellor regarding the administration of the Library.

Memorial Resolutions is responsible for the preparation and publication of commemorative statements about the lives and services of deceased members of the Division.

Ombudspersons hear complaints from academic personnel regarding actions by members of the Division, officers of the University, students, or staff.

Panel of Counselors provides advice and may act as mediators in cases within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Privilege and Tenure.

Privilege and Tenure addresses issues affecting the privileges or tenure of instructional officers at Berkeley.

Prizes supervises or makes recommendations about the awarding of student prizes.

Protection of Human Subject oversees the use of human subjects in research.

Research awards grants and travel grants to faculty, participates in the review of Organized Research Units, and advises on research policy.

Rules and Elections interprets and proposes changes to the Division's Bylaws and Regulations, publishes the Manual of the Berkeley Division, determines membership in the Division, and supervises divisional elections.

Status of Women and Ethnic Minorities promotes efforts to achieve equality for women and ethnic minorities.

Student Affairs acts as a forum for the exchange of views to enhance the quality of student life, addressing issues of social welfare, intellectual growth, and ethical development.

Student Diversity and Academic Development advises, aids, and reviews academic preparation and development programs, from pre-college through post-graduate levels.

Teaching helps foster, recognize, and reward teaching excellence, studies problems about teaching in the University, and nominates faculty to receive the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Undergraduate Scholarships and Honors makes recommendations on the awarding of student scholarships and determines the criteria for the award of undergraduate honors.

University-Emeriti Relations keeps records of emeriti members of the Division and concerns itself with the academic needs and well-being of emeritus faculty.

University Extension advises on the functions, programs, and policies of University Extension.

Subcommittees of the Berkeley Division
Breadth Requirement in American Cultures, a subcommittee of Educational Policy

Transportation and Parking, a subcommittee of Academic Planning and Resource Allocation

Committees of the Statewide Academic Senate
Academic Freedom
Academic Personnel
Admissions and Relations with Schools, Board of
Affirmative Action and Diversity
Committees
Editorial
Education Abroad Program
Educational Policy
Faculty Welfare
Graduate Affairs, Coordinating Committee on
Information Technology and Telecommunications Policy
Library
Planning and Budget
Preparatory Education
Privilege and Tenure
Research Policy
Rules and Jurisdiction
Student Affirmative Action
Undergraduate Scholarships, Honors, and Prizes
University Extension

last updated on 5/8/07